Located at the Southern End of Bedok, Bedok Food Centre looks like your typical hawker centre. In fact, it highly reminds me of East Coast Hawker Centre, which I presume could be modeled after the former. It's fairly stuffy, due to the stalls arranged around the outskirts of the Food Centre with the sitting arrangements in the middle, leaving fairly little room for breezes and air. On the other hand, this location could probably hold off some zombies at bay due to the venue. That is, if you are nearby to begin with.
Above is the Stall Ye Lai Xiang. Being a fan of Cuttlefish Kang Kong (thanks to the delightful one at Bedok South, but I'll do that post another day.) I am deeply attracted to any stall that sells them, especially famous ones. Apparently this stall has been around for quite some time, and so Alex has kindly drove me there to savour the delightful meal. Located conveniently near the carpark (which unfortunately is rather small), you wont miss the two stalls sitting side by side of each other.
And of course, first up, Cuttlefish Kang Kong! They come in prices of $5, $10 and $15 for a "special" plate. Sadly, I did not manage to inquire why the $15 plate was so special, but for the $10 plate (above), it comes sliced cabbage, cool (and in Chinese Medicine, has the effect to remove heatiness from our body) cucumbers, juicy pineapple chunks, and of course your two main ingredients: Cuttlefish and Kang Kong! The cuttlefish even comes in two types: large springy slices and smaller (softer) and chewy tentacles. Partially soaked in the sauce and topped with large chunky chopped peanuts, this is a dish you wouldn't miss!
I am a sucker for chunky peanuts, especially large ones compared to those powder-like peanuts that they typically put over Rojak, this was already a huge bonus for me. The ultimate blend of two different cuttlefish taste just swirls around in your mouth. The kang kong, cabbage and cucumber provides a delightful yet healthy crunch as a finish. From extremely crunchy peanuts, to pretty crunchy vegetables, to juicy pineapple chunks and to soft chewy cuttlefish, this is a dish that will leave a lingering sensation on your tastebuds, while exercising your jaws. Don't give this a miss!
Food: 4.5 / 5
Presentation: 3.5 / 5
Waiting Time: ~ 2 minutes.
Almost non-existent waiting time except for preparation of food.
The other delightful treat that Ye Lai Xiang has to offer is their Cheng Tng, a light refreshing soup that can be served hot or cold. Being a warm day and being cooped up in the hawker centre (I am claustrophobic, so the way the hawker centre was arranged didn't help.) I decided to go for an Icy Cheng Tng. I don't usually eat Cheng Tng, but as a typical Singaporean, the queue persuaded me otherwise and I decided to give it a shot. And what do you know? It's pretty nice! I love the sweetness of the soup, it doesn't come across as too flavourful nor loaded with sugar. And for those who feel guilty sinning with dessert, this dessert has a good mix of dried longan, ginger, red dates among other things, all of which are known to have a healthy herbal effect on heaty Singaporeans like us. It's definitely a healthier option for dessert when you decide on it. Best part? It's only for $2! Unfortunately, this doesnt make me a fan of Cheng Tng right away.
Food: 3.5 / 5
Presentation: 3 / 5
Waiting Time: 5 - 10 minutes depending on crowd.
Waiting Time: 5 - 10 minutes depending on crowd.
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