Review of Ma Bo Lor Mee 孖宝麻坡卤面

Block 6, Jalan Bukit Merah, ABC Brickworks Food Centre, #01-139

Nearest Mass Transit Rapid Station: Redhill MRT

Buses to ABC Brickworks Food Centre: 14, 123, 147, 153, 196, 197, 198

Opening Hours: 08:00 to 21:00 (Daily)

Queue: 1 to 3 people (Waiting Time: Less than 5 minutes)

Service: Fast but rude

Environment: Clean but crowded hawker centre

Reputation: Traditional Singapore Lor Mee

Thoughts after eating: Average

Value for money: 65/100

Will I come back again in 6 months' time? No, there are better alternatives

My opinion:

Ma Bo specializes in traditional Singapore lor mee. This food business is very famous in Bugis and Redhill. For this 2014 food review, I visited their branch stall at ABC Brickworks Food Centre and see whether the food was worth the hype. The female helper was quick to provide service but made some rude comments when she knew that I was ordering the small takeaway portion with no additional food items.

I was given half a marinated egg, 3 pieces of fried fishes and moderate amount of noodles. Compared to 137 Lor Mee, customers would be given a full marinated egg and more than 6 pieces of fried fish for the same price. The gravy was so sticky that it looked like black sesame paste. Noodles were average tasting and did not combine well with the gravy.

There was still something good out of this poor food adventure. The owners allowed me the self service to add chili and garlic (customers can adjust the food's spiciness levels according to their tastes). The chili was hot, robust and sticky, perfect for noodle meals. Besides a few minor plus points, I will loathe to try their lor mee ever again.

Ways for the owners to improve their food ratings:

First, be polite to all customers. Second, check the gravy's preparation and production processes.