Ooodles of noodles at NOW Noodles

There will be days when we just want a bowl of noodles.

I have many go-to choices: Bak Chor Mee (minced pork noodles), Wanton Noodles and Mee Soto.

After eating at NOW Noodles (new at Square 2), I may have a few more to add to the list.

Only noodles, a handful of (forgettable) sides and desserts are available here. Noodles are all at $9.80.

Skip the sides and go for desserts. The kaya malasada (Portuguese mini-donuts, $3.80) is delicious. However, give the churros ($3.80) a miss.

Obviously when compared to food courts and hawker centres, the price for the noodle dishes is steep.

But you'll have to factor in the freshness of the ingredients. The prawns that I tasted in all the bowls were fresh and firm. The pastes are made in-house, which elevates the taste.

I didn't think I would take to the Heng Hwa Noodle Soup but I did. The gingery broth - slightly spicy, aromatic and warm - is made from an old family recipe, and the mee sua noodles induce a sense of familiarity. I love lily flowers in small doses, and the amount was just right with this dish. The chicken is large. Perhaps it would be better for eating if it were in pieces, but it would be less Instagram-worthy.

I like that there is a vegetarian option but I'm not a fan of the Vegetarian Mee Goreng because I found it too sweet. The egg noodles could have been less dense. But if you're a big eater, the cubes of potatoes should fill you.

The social media darling of the restaurant is the Fried Mee Tai Mak. I must say when I heard about the diced century egg, I thought it was gimmicky. But it does add to the mellowness of the dish. It is tasty and interesting, but there are better dishes to eat here.

I love the Dry Laksa. The rempah (with dried shrimps and spices) is amazing, and coats the rice noodles with the right amount of spiciness. It's perfect for those who want the old-fashioned taste of laksa.

As much as I like a good bee hoon dish, the Dried Mee Siam didn't thrill. It hit the right notes in terms of spices and texture, but it just lacked oomph.

What: NOW Noodles

Where: Square 2, #02-65,

When: Monday to Sunday: 11am-9pm

Call: 62510177

weeteck@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on October 12, 2016.
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