There’s a dilemma I face every day. It’s not about work or school, in fact, it’s a simple yet unendingly difficult question to answer: What should I eat today? In a place like Singapore, there’s all types of food everywhere! However, there is always a particular comfort in indulging in local fare. Whether it’s the classic sweet-and-savoury combo of Kaya Butter Toast or a full lunch of hearty Beef Rendang, you can find it all and more at Mdm Ang KK by Old Seng Choong!
I’ve always been one for sitting down and enjoying what I order – be it a drink, a dessert or a snack. With its recently launched third outlet in Parkway Parade, you can do just that! The only outlet with a sit-in concept, grab a bite and pull up a chair in the traditional red and black seating area of the store. Located right by the main entrance of the mall, the store is there to greet you the moment you step in.
Take A Bite Out Of Local Favourites
Cosy dining area aside, this outlet presents more than the usual 16 flavours of ang ku kueh. Since it was after lunchtime when I had all of these, the portions for the main dishes showcased are adorably sample-sized with tiny utensils to match! With mains that we all know and love, how is it from a flavour standpoint? After all, nostalgia can only sell so much. So let’s dive in and find out!
Classic, simple and comforting, the Nasi Lemak is presented with a cone of rice, surrounded by ikan bilis, peanuts, chilli and cucumbers. Fragrant yet subtle, the rice is a perfect complement to the more savoury sides that the store offers. However, if you enjoy the dish on its own, each component coupled with the rice presents a different flavour profile, so you’ll never tire of eating it. In fact, before I even noticed, my plate was already empty! Well-loved and familiar, this is something that can’t go wrong.
Another main I had was the Dry Mee Siam, served with the same chilli as the one accompanying the nasi lemak. Of the two, this was definitely my favourite. The dry mee siam not only prevents any soup stains but also ensures that each and every strand of the noodle has been coated with its mouthwatering aroma. Tangy with a slight kick, the dry mee siam is infused with the scent of the kaffir lime. On its own, the noodles have a light but full-bodied punch of flavour. But eating it with the chilli is definitely the way to go.
The chilli is unlike any other – where a sambal paste is usually used, this chilli is thinner with pieces of veggie peeking out. If you’re not a spice head, no worries as this chilli leans more into the savoury aspect, kicking any dish it’s paired with to a whole new level of flavour!
Next up is a series of sides that pair perfectly with the mains offered, available exclusively at the Parkway Parade outlet! The Curry Chicken was a vibrant orange, comforting and easy to eat. Served on a little cardboard plate, the wing was tender and coated with a generous douse of curry, its creamy and spice-filled aroma encompassing the entire wing. A taste that’s well-loved and well-known, the Curry Chicken does not disappoint!
If you favour something with a stronger taste profile, dig into the Beef Rendang! Each and every piece of beef has a complex and deep flavour, its spices cranked up to the max – unsurprising, with how many herbs its recipe calls for. With how the beef is slow-cooked with its medley of spices, every bite is guaranteed to be an explosion of flavour with a rollercoaster to complete the ride.
My only gripe is the lack of heat it packs. While they definitely have the savoury side of things checked, adding a bit more chilli can’t do any harm. Pair this with the milder rice from the Nasi Lemak and you’re set for a hearty meal that’ll have you coming back for more!
If you have a preference for seafood, these next ones are for you. The Fish Otah may look ordinary and unassuming, but it presents a taste that melds harmoniously with the other sides and mains. Made with mackerel specially sourced and imported from Muar, Malaysia, the Fish Otah is versatile and balances well with any dish. Whether it’s cutting through the stronger flavours of the Beef Rendang or drawing attention to itself with the help of the Nasi Lemak, this is agreeable with nearly anything!
Finally, the best for last: the Sambal Prawn Petai! Admittedly, I was pretty apprehensive when I heard this was going to be served. I’ve never been a fan of petai, but the sambal prawn aspect of this dish definitely cancelled out my hesitation. The prawns were succulent and coated with a thick sweet-and-savoury sambal – every bite was a delight! I’ve always been picky about how my prawns are cooked but biting down on this? The springy prawns coupled with the thick sambal that envelopes all your tastebuds… truly my favourite side of the four!
End your meal on a sweet note with the Red Date Cake! This little dessert was light on the palate, with a mild sweetness to tie everything together beautifully. Resembling the texture and bite of nyonya kuehs – albeit less sticky – this cake clears your palate after a savoury lunch. Sprinkled with desiccated coconut, you’ll definitely be met with a little crunch when sinking your teeth into this one.
I was initially reluctant to try the cake due to the coconut – after all, I’ve never liked coconut. However, I was surprised to find that the coconut flakes blended nicely with the cake without making its presence overly loud – so definitely give this a try!
To be completely honest, I didn’t expect much – it is just kaya butter toast, after all. The second this was placed in front of me, my mouth already started watering! The aroma of the kaya wafted through the air, tempting me to take a piece. The croissant was soft and flaky under my fingers and with each bite, butter oozed out from the sides… now I’m craving this again. A generous slab of butter stuck out from the cut croissant, kaya slathered thickly between the pastry. Perfectly crisp and fragrant, the croissant absorbed a little bit of the kaya and butter, rounding out each bite.
While I am usually not in favour of sweet-and-savoury foods, this is one of the few exceptions. Familiar and nostalgic, the combination has never gone wrong. While kaya butter toast is a usual fare in the mornings, this has got to be one of the best I’ve ever had. I even took some home to save for later. Available in the usual toast form, as well as a croissant and a bun, if you visit the outlet and try one thing, let it be this!
Mdm Ang KK by Old Seng Choong
There’s no doubt that their ang ku kuehs are delicious – after all, I had some myself! With 16 delicious flavours, there’s bound to be one to your liking – whether you’re more inclined to savoury foods or a sweet tooth!
However, beyond just those, the local fare they serve should not be underestimated either. While I have my clear favourites, be sure to head down to the store and check them out yourself. Keep up with Mdm Ang KK by Old Seng Choong and its various outlets through their Instagram account as well!
📍Location: 80 Marine Parade Road #01-K1, #01-K41 &, 449269
⏰Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm daily
Photos by Grace Lee of the DANAMIC Team
