“Old Beef Noodle Taste now in Orchard”
Dating back to 1911, Hock Lam Beef brings its rich cultural history and traditional roots right smack into the heart of our busy, vibrant city, in ION Orchard itself.
Personally a huge fan of the humble establishment itself at China Street, I was delighted to find that Hock Lam has since come so far from its hey days, holding a small storefront in Chinatown to grow into the accomplished establishment we see in ION shopping mall today.
To be honest, when I first heard that Hock Lam Beef had managed to open its shores in ION Orchard, I grew slightly skeptical. One might be worried that in the current trend of increasing mass commercialisation, such traditional fare we Singaporeans hold dear in our hearts may start to deteriorate in quality and diminish in portion size.
But fret not, for at Hock Lam Beef noodles, their age old heritage is still being preserved despite increasing demands for their yummy, signature beef noodles.
Their Sliced Beef Noodles -Dry ( $9.90). With generous portions of tender beef slices imported from the likes of Brazil and Australia, one can say $9.90 is definitely a value for money price when it comes to this quality cuisine.
The thick and starchy paste as base enhances the full-bodied flavour of the beef noodles. Hock Lam is uncompromising on their standards, resulting in a consistent taste dating back to the good old days. We found that the beef slices were sufficient, such that there were still some to go around upon nearing the bottom of the beef bowl. The last thing you’d want is running out of beef while still having a chunk of noodles left to consume alone.
The Mixed Beef Noodles – Soup ($9.90), was also pleasantly delectable, with a rich, comforting aroma coupled with a herbal-infused base with different distinct robust layers of taste. Consisting of other beef parts such as beef innards, beef balls, tendon and such, the mixed beef soup proved to be a hearty affair, as a homely comfort food for the soul.
Only found at the Ion Orchard branch, the Angus Beef ($12.90) was a plate of fatty goodness by itself. Much like the braised pork we often see as chinese delicacies in Singapore, the fat from the Angus beef is soft and juicy, and offers to tantalise your tastebuds with that melt-in-the-mouth goodness. Pair it with the accompanying vegetables to counteract the rich fattiness of the Angus beef.
Hock Lam Beef is a definite must try as a local delight, being part of the traditional hawker scene in Singapore. Having storefronts in Far East Square and Alexandra Retail Centre, it has come a long way from its original predecessors in China Street, to bring to us locals a rich part of Singapore’s heritage at convenient locations islandwide.
Expected Damage: $12 – $22/pax
