Singapore - I usually fast by skipping breakfast and give my digestive system a longer rest. By the time I headed out for lunch, I had fasted for more than 12 hours and was definitely looking forward to a hearty meal.
My destination was Ang Mo Kio, one of Singapore's most established heartland towns. As I wandered through AMK Hub looking for something satisfying, I came across Koo Kee Yong Tow Foo Mee, a brand that has been serving Singaporeans since 1954. Despite being familiar with Yong Tau Foo for most of my life, I realised that I had never actually tried Koo Kee before.
Given its long history and loyal following, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to finally experience what has made this brand a local favourite for more than seventy years.
Without much hesitation, I ordered their most popular offering — the Koo Kee Set Meal.
The set consisted of three components: a bowl of Yong Tau Foo with five pieces of stuffed ingredients served in a rich soup, a bowl of specialty egg noodles topped with fragrant minced chicken, and a plate of kang kong drizzled with fermented bean curd sauce.
The meal arrived looking simple yet comforting, representing the type of food that generations of Singaporeans have grown up eating.
I started with the Yong Tau Foo soup. The broth was intensely flavourful, made from a combination of soya beans and ikan bilis. It had a natural sweetness and depth that immediately stood out. The five pieces of Yong Tau Foo followed the traditional style that Koo Kee has maintained since its early days. Each piece was fresh and complemented the soup perfectly.
Next came the specialty egg noodles. The noodles were springy and well-cooked, while the minced chicken topping added a savoury richness that paired beautifully with the noodles. There was something nostalgic about the dish, reminding me of the simple yet satisfying hawker meals that have become an important part of Singapore's food culture.
The kang kong provided a refreshing balance to the meal. The fermented bean curd sauce added a unique savoury flavour that elevated what could otherwise have been an ordinary vegetable dish.
Overall, the set meal was filling, delicious, and well-balanced. It was easy to understand why this combination remains Koo Kee's signature dish and why the brand continues to attract customers from all walks of life.
After enjoying such a satisfying brunch, I decided to burn off some calories by exploring AMK Hub. I spent some time walking through the six levels of the shopping mall, browsing the various shops and enjoying the weekend atmosphere.
After my AMK Hub stroll, I walked across the coffee shop and stumbled upon a food stall selling handmade buns. The display immediately caught my attention. They offered various meat fillings.
Unable to resist, I bought a set of four buns (chives, mushroom and prawns) for just $4.50.
Freshly prepared and still warm, the buns were surprisingly delicious. with a slight crispy underside. The fillings were generous and flavourful, while the soft dough provided the perfect texture. The chive filling was aromatic, the mushroom filling earthy and savoury, and the prawn filling added a delightful seafood sweetness.
By the end of the afternoon, I had enjoyed not one but two satisfying food discoveries. From finally trying the iconic Koo Kee Yong Tow Foo Mee to stumbling upon tasty handmade buns at AMK Hub, the outing reminded me that some of Singapore's best food experiences can still be found in our neighbourhood malls and heartland centres.
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