58 Minced Meat Noodles in Bedok South

Every now and again I come across a dish which rewrites my impressions of what it used to be. Mee Pok Tar, or Bak Chor Mee and its variants are a unique dish to Singapore. And indeed there are many variants. I enjoy them all, from the Jalan Tua Kong styled ones, to the traditional Teochew styled ones and the Tai Hwa variants. But the subject of today's review, 58 Minced Meat Noodles, changes the game altogether.

I realise this is not a new stall, but only one which I discovered personally recently. I have gone back to taste the dish several times, and each time, consistently it is superb.

Everything is right about this bowl of noodles...safe the long-ish waiting time. 

First the stock is superb, a bit thick, almost a light gelatin texture, very similar to the soup of a great ramen. And liberally sprinkled with the gorgrous minced meat with delicious pork lard crisps and dried flounder. The soup is power packed with umami, and extremely satisfying to drink up. I crave this every once a while, but its a 20km ride or drive to get to Bedok South from where I live. Cest la vie.

Next the noodles are done just right. In Italian terms, it would be just a little soft of el dente. But this is not an Italian dish, and just soft of el dente is just right. Brilliant springy noodles. 

The wanton is a work of art on its own. The large portion, only $3 (and they call Singapore the most expensive city in the world), comes with 4 wantons. Each with a tender, soft skin, wrapping a precious cargo of minced meat, and dried flounder. Each bite delivers a jolt of umami, and intense taste which triggers off all the pleasure centers in the brain. Superb. 

Maybe its just the way I am wired, but this is hands down the best bak chor mee (literally minced meat noodle) I have eaten...not the most elegant, certainly, nor the with the best ingredients, but most satisfying. Bar none. 

58 Minced Meat Noodles
#01-151,  58 New Upper Changi Road