Having lived in Ang Mo Kio for almost (if not all) my whole life, I had only discovered this hidden gem 3-4 years back. Most famous for its claypot crab beehoon, the restaurant which is located at the void deck of Blk 232 Ang Mo Kio probably draws customers from all over Singapore. I’m not kidding but this restaurant is FULL HOUSE every single night (at least whenever I’m there). Sometimes the queue can get as long as an hour or so, and then waiting time for food will be another 30-45 minutes so be prepared to wait, and wait. After all, good things in life are indeed worth a wait.
Steamed bamboo clams with garlic
Probably the freshest bamboo clams I’ve ever tried in Singapore. The fresh garlic actually brought out the sweetness of the clams. They were a match in heaven. The clams had a slightly chewy texture but it wasn’t hard at all. Besides crabs, this would be a must-order dish.
Butter crab (with extra sauce)
I had thought the butter crab would be all buttery and oily but the creamy sauce was very well done. Just like how I usually like my pasta prepared in carbonara or alfredo sauce, I do have a soft spot for this butter-fragrant crab. The crab was a good size. Extremely fresh and meaty. Do order some man tous (fried buns) to go with the sauce. You’d be in heaven! Forget about the cholesterol.
Claypot crab beehoon
The must-order dish of the restaurant. Thick beehoon was used here and cooked to perfection, neither soggy nor hard. The soup was slightly buttery and milky which made it very tasty. The crab was so fresh and meaty – we never had enough of it! You can add extra beehoon or soup at a small price of course.
Tip: Order the female crabs if you love roe, which comes in huge pieces, not bits. Not for the overly health-conscious of course.
Mellben Seafood Pte Ltd
Blk 232 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3
Tel: 6285 6762
Opens: 4.30pm to 11.30pm daily