Eh, wait? Ah Zhong Mian Xian 阿中面线. Not quite the same.
Singapore has experienced quite a number of Taiwanese restaurants opening up. I mean, we even have a full scale Taiwanese foodcourt in the heart of town (which opened to mixed review though).
Tucked away on South Bridge Road, a stone’s throw from the renowned Maxwell Food Centre, is Ah Zhong Mian Xian 阿中面线.
On first glance, one could easily mistake it for its more renowned name Ay Chung Rice Noodles 阿宗麵線 from Taipei.
But upon inquiry, they are not related at all. However, different servers did reveal that the chef at Ah Zhong once honed his skills at Ay Chung, an exciting prospect for someone familiar with the latter’s reputation.
Walking into the Taiwanese eatery, I was met with a basic, casual interior that echoed the no-frills ambiance.
The team behind this establishment is also the culinary force behind Feng Food in Northpoint City, adding another layer of credibility to their venture.
The menu boasts an extensive array of options, ranging from rice and noodles to vegetable dishes, soupy delights, and tantalizing Taiwanese snacks and beverages.
If you are seeking guidance, some of the dishes proudly sport a double thumbs-up on the menu.
Of these, the Taiwanese Signature Mee Sua ($8.80), Deep-Fried Specialty Marinated Pork Chop ($9.20), Moon Shape Prawn Cake ($12.40), and the Salt & Pepper Green Beans ($5.20) caught my eye.
The true showstopper of my meal was undoubtedly the Signature Mee Sua ($8.80). A Taiwanese classic, this Mee Sua also came with shrimps and combination options.
It boasted a thick, gooey base, complemented by tender intestines.
To be honest, it did carry nuances reminiscent of Ay Chung, transporting me momentarily to the bustling streets of Taiwan.
The only main hiccup, in my opinion, was the vermicelli’s texture; a touch softer would have achieved perfection.
My gastronomic journey continued with the Sunrise Braised Meat Rice ($10.10) – essentially Taiwanese Lu Rou Fan crowned with a perfectly cooked sunny-side up.
While the authentic braised sauce pleased my palate, I found myself yearning for a bit more fragrance and generosity in the meat portion. Still an above average rendition.
Another commendable dish was the Signature Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodles ($12.20), prepared in the traditional ‘hong-shao’ style.
The la mian noodles were thin and chewy, absorbing the rich and flavourful broth they were bathed in, and the beef slices were lean yet tender.
Ah Zhong Mian Xian 阿中面线 can be a visit if you find yourself wandering through Chinatown with Taiwanese cravings tugging at your taste buds. It was indeed more authentic-tasting than some of the others.
Ah Zhong Mian Xian
283 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058832
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Fri), 10:45am – 9:30pm (Sat – Sun)
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