From signboard to dishes, both restaurants look the same. The pricing is almost the same. But when it comes to taste, they stand apart.
I ordered the same two signature dishes in both outlets: The sliced fish hor fun and the prawn paste chicken.
Sliced Fish Hor Fun
The difference was evident. Block 158's version was subtle, to the point of being bland. I preferred the full-flavoured one at Block 151. The execution at 158 was more refined, though - the fish was sliced more evenly and the noodles were cooked evenly.
But the slices were thin and dry. And it could have done with a pinch of salt. At 151, I had a few clumps of noodles, indicating sloppy stir-frying. But it was flavoursome.
Prawn Paste Chicken
It seemed that 151 prefers to be stronghanded with flavours. Its prawn paste chicken had a robust skin. I could actually taste the prawn paste. But at $10, it costs $1 more than at 158.
At 158, the chicken pieces were a golden brown but tasted flat. The dipping chilli, though, scored, with its blend of spicy and sour.
What: Hong Kong Street Zhen Ji
Where: Block 151 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5; Block 158 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5
This article was first published on July 03, 2014.
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