Hello everyone, this is Mido from Mad Piggy channel! 😊 Today, we visited KOK SEN (国星), a hidden gem tucked away in the back alleys of Singapore's Chinatown. We had heard so many good things about it and were really looking forward to trying it. Especially the Big Prawn Hor Fun, which was rumored to be amazing, made me wonder if it would be the Hor Fun I imagined. Surprisingly, the back alleys of this neighborhood were incredibly charming and fun to walk through! There were so many pretty spots, perfect for taking photos, and knowing it was a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient only heightened our anticipation.
KOK SEN: First Impressions and Menu Exploration 🤔
We were lucky enough to be seated right away without any wait. As we stepped inside, a unique aroma filled the air – a scent that could be quite appealing to some, but perhaps a bit ambiguous to others. Browse the menu, we found a wide array of dishes, and we decided to try some of their signature items.
| Menu Item | Description | Price (SGD) | Mido's Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claypot Yong Tau Foo | Vegetables stuffed with minced paste, then fried | $18 | Like eating fishcakes, an interesting flavor |
| Prawn Paste Chicken | Chicken marinated and fried with prawn paste | $15 | Divisive taste (my wife disliked it) |
| Big Prawn Hor Fun | Stir-fried flat rice noodles with large prawns | $20 | Similar to chili crab sauce, subtly salty |
| Lime Juice | Refreshing lime beverage | $2.5 | Refreshing and delicious, remove the preserved plums! |
Make sure to remove the preserved plums from the lime juice! They can leave a bitter aftertaste.
In-depth Dish Analysis: How Was the Taste? 🍜
We started with the Big Prawn Hor Fun, which had garnered the most anticipation. The prawns were truly substantial! Visually, it was quite impressive, almost resembling chili crab. The Hor Fun itself didn't have a strong "wok hei" (smoky flavor) that I typically associate with it; instead, it tasted more like a variation of chili crab sauce. It wasn't overly salty, but had a subtle saltiness that I found quite pleasant. Although it did get a bit saltier over time, it was definitely delicious enough. Even with my sensitivity to salt, I could manage it! However, if you're looking for that distinct smoky flavor, the Big Prawn Noodles elsewhere offers a much better "wok hei" and aroma, so keep that in mind.
📝 Hor Fun Flavor Formula Analysis
KOK SEN Hor Fun Flavor = (Typical Hor Fun Flavor - Wok Hei) + Chili Crab Sauce Variation
Next up was the Prawn Paste Chicken! This dish had a very strong "kong kong kong kong" (a strong, distinctive prawn paste aroma) flavor that I imagine would be quite polarizing. My wife absolutely disliked it. For me, it was something I'd eat if it was there, but not something I'd actively seek out. I actually think it might have been better if it was just regular fried chicken without the prawn paste.
Yong Tau Foo and Overall Impression 🐸
The Claypot Yong Tau Foo is a dish where vegetables are stuffed with minced paste and then fried. Honestly, while I wouldn't say it was exceptionally delicious, it certainly had an interesting flavor. Some pieces, particularly those with whole prawns, were chewy and quite good, but others tasted more like regular fishcakes. Typically, Yong Tau Foo comes in a clear broth, but this version had a slightly spicy kick, which was unique. We also saw frog dishes on the menu, which someone else had apparently tried, but we didn't dare to venture there! 😅
Case Study: KOK SEN Visit Experience
- Reason for Visit: Michelin Bib Gourmand selection, Big Prawn Hor Fun reputation
- Pros: No wait to be seated, substantial prawns in Hor Fun with subtle saltiness, refreshing lime juice
Overall Assessment & Improvements
1) KOK SEN's Hor Fun leans more towards a chili crab sauce flavor than smoky "wok hei", which might not appeal to everyone.
2) Prawn Paste Chicken and Yong Tau Foo's satisfaction may vary depending on personal preference.
Willingness to Revisit
- It's worth a visit if you're in Singapore's Chinatown.
- We would consider having the Big Prawn Hor Fun again.
Overall, I think KOK SEN is worth a visit, especially given its popularity. The Big Prawn Hor Fun, in particular, was truly delicious. The neighborhood itself is surprisingly charming, making it a great place to explore and take photos before or after your meal. We even stumbled upon a 'COACH' store, which was a bit unexpected, and it was our first time exploring these back alleys of Chinatown, which turned out to be very atmospheric. A sudden sunshower caught us off guard, but it added a unique charm to our experience.
Conclusion: The Joys of Singaporean Culinary Exploration 📝
Today at KOK SEN, we enjoyed a delicious meal and had a great time exploring, discovering another charm of Singapore. 😊 Singapore is truly a city brimming with amazing food and sights. We'll be sure to find more hidden gems and introduce them to you next time! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask in the comments! This was Mad Piggy! 🐷
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