A group of 20 artists -Urban Sketchers Singapore, formed in 2008 got together last month to draw the Margaret Drive Hawker Centre before it's torn down for redevelopment at the end of this month.
Keeping Margaret Drive hawker centre alive - through sketches
Similarly, I've made a couple of visits to this hawker centre this last month to revisit some my old familiar favourite hawker food stalls. It's been years since I last step into Margaret Drive Hawker Centre. Also to take some pictures for remembrance.
My all time favourite is the Chicken Rice stall Sin Kee on the 2nd level. I was a chicken rice fanatic (still like it very much but not fanatical anymore) and I would say this is one of the better chicken rice around. When it comes to food I reckon a simple test to see how good it is would be literally eat more than you can stomach it. I'll usually finish off at least two plates of rice. For me good chicken has to have all the components right. The Chicken should be tender and smooth flavoured with a well blended sauce - salty, sweet with the fragrant smell of sesame oil . I like my Rice not too oily and more fluffy. It's frustrating and disappointing whenever I go to a Zhih Char stall that serves great food but provides rice that are not fully cooked or are too dry. The Chilly needs to be at least 'hot' enough and not too liquefied. And not forgetting the Garlic paste. I don't remember the thick Black Sauce being part of the package in the old days but I've come to like it. Sin Kee got it all right!
I like the Fried Kway Teow, the Teochew Fish Ball Noodle and the Western Food. The Fried Kway Teow stall was one of those that usually have a long queue. I used to order Ox Tail Soup with my main dish at the Western Food stall. As for the Teochew Fish Ball Noodle stall, the soup is so clear that you may not think it can taste special but it taste good. According to Mrs Kuak her husband worked as a hawker assistant since 13 year old. They operated this stall at Margaret Drive for more than 40 years. They'll relocate to Blk 159 Mei Chin Road. I understand the last day of operation is 27th February 2011 so if you'd like to pay one last visit to the hawkers there please do so.
Yes. This place and the nearby cinemas and the Tah Chung Emporium holds many memories for me.
ReplyDeletei was told that sin kee was orignally from chinatown. i think there are at least 2 sin kee chicken rice stalls; one is at mei chin and the other is at a nearby building, near the ntuc outlet at margaret drive. i have always liked the sin kee's chicken rice at margaret drive. started eating there in the late 70s.
ReplyDeleteAt one time, I used to go to the POSB there. They opened till 4 pm or so on Saturdays, hence very convenient. Also there was a restaurant at the the other end on the second floor. But did not last for long I think.
ReplyDeleteThe other day, Victor brought me and John Harper to have lunch at the Mei Chin place. First time for me. We had chicken rice which he said was from Margaret Dr. I seldom pay attention to names of such stalls.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of environment, this place definitely better. Spacious airy.
Hi Chun See, the restaurant was there for a long time. I have attended many dinners there. Usually it's for weddings and functions which have the whole place booked.
ReplyDeleteThere was a Bowling alley at the Cinema building wasn't there?
yg, I have tried Sin Kee at Mei Chin St. I think the are related to Sin Kee Margaret Drive. Tasted alike and just as good.
A NEW Margaret Drive Hawker Centre opened on 1 August 2022. Video tour of the new two storey food centre.
ReplyDeleteNew Margaret Drive Hawker Centre