Do you remember the times when the devilish prefects in your school were tasked to conduct a spot-check on your hair, clothes, shoes and bags? That's how I felt (almost) when Mum and Aunt decided to visit Singapore during last year's Christmas week.
As I'll be picking her up at the bus station after work, I had my office attire ironed well (really well), my shoes cleaned and my facial hair trimmed. A small flaw and I'll get it from her. "Who in the world would employ a sloppy guy like you", "I'm having headache looking at your untidy outfit", "Please trim you goatee, you look older than me!". Ok, perhaps I'm exaggerating, but please do not underestimate the capability of your Mum. Afterall, Mum knows best.
At last, the evening came. And complained, she did. Not on my appearance though. It seemed that there were some entry issues with some of the passengers on her bus. A sigh of relief, let me tell you.
After a frenzy shopping spree at OG (the girls loved that place!), we went to Newton Circus Food Centre despite knowing how touristy the place has become. For old times sake.
At 10.30 pm on a public holiday eve, the foodcourt was as noisy and crowded as it could get. Not a bad thing though. We managed to secure a table with the help of a waiter from one of the stalls. Now, I wouldn't call that thoughtful, would I?
We had Char Kway Teow or fried flat broad rice noodles (S$6.00-medium) from Thye Hong (Stall No. 58). For the price, the portion was humongous! The noodles were firm and coated with a generous amount of sweet dark soya sauce. Other ingredients included squid, prawns, beansprouts and cockles. The seafood were all well-cooked. A dollop of chili paste added a touch of spiciness to the noodles. Overall, there was nothing spectacular about it. I've tasted better ones The one at Zion Road Food Centre, for example. Have yet to try out Margaret Drive and Old Airport Road Food Centre's though.
One will not leave Newton Circus without trying the Oyster Omelette. I just picked the nearest stall and ordered a medium-sized serving (S$6.00, if I recall correctly). I forgot the name of the stall but it has a "Homemade" word to it. Couldn't remember the stall number either. Well, the omelette had a crispy skin and was quite aromatic. I wished it was less oily though. Oysters were aplenty, mostly placed on top of the egg. I enjoyed the tender and smooth texture of the morsels. Take that with the garnishing cilantro leaves for added freshness.
Where has the popiah stall gone? This is one of the popiah stalls that I fell for as it included shrimps in the filling, not forgetting the juice too.
Everytime I bring my overseas friends to Newton Circus, I tell myself it will be my last visit. And yet, it's always included in the itinerary somehow when there are other options like Lau Pat Sat and Hong Lim (personal favourite). Another unsolved mystery.
As I contemplated on this rather silly thought, the girls were already fast asleep in the cab.
Newton Circus Food Centre
500, Clemenceau Avenue North
Singapore 229495
(Just across the Newton MRT Station - use the overhead bridge)
