Thaksin Beef Noodles @ Clementi, Singapore
I was in Clementi running errands when I chanced upon a Thai Beef Noodle stall with an interesting name. Check out the name printed on the bowl (pic below)! Yes, its named after the previous Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. I don't know why it was named after him but if you do, I'd love to hear from you.
Thai Beef Noodles (Gway Tio Nuea Nam)
I love Thai Beef Noodles for the strong flavour of herbs and spices in the broth. During my visits to Bangkok, I would always eat Thai Beef Noodles at street stalls or food courts. The street stall at Sukhumvit Road (located in front of Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit) and at Mahboonkrong's famous food court are 2 of my favourite haunts. Thai-style beef noodles' broth is darker in colour and has a stronger flavour of spices (like star anise) than Vietnamese Pho's broth which is clearer and whilst its essentially seasoned with the similar spices, it tends to taste a little "cleaner" (read: a more delicately seasoned broth). I loved the topping of Thai Basil, Coriander and crisp browned garlic.
Here's a picture of a spoonful of rice noodles (kway teow aka gway tio) topped with a small slice of beef, basil leaf and chili sauce. The flavour of the broth is authentic and tastes like the ones that I had in Bangkok. This has to be the closest to Bangkok that I've had in Singapore. I've tried some others where the broth was so bland that it was unappetizing. Incidentally, "nuea" (or words with similar spelling in Thai translations) means "beef" and "nam" means "water" but is taken to mean "soup" in this instance. This is a Must-Try!
Here's a pic of the curious proprietor, Jaesen Ng, who wanted to know why I was snapping pictures of the noodles. Sheesh! I got spotted even though my camera is a small point & shoot. I told him that I had a crazy hobby (ie. I keep an online photo diary of what I eat).
Thaksin Beef Noodles
1) Block 449 Clementi Ave 3 (close to the Polyclinic & NTUC)
#01-211
Singapore 120449
2) Seah Im Food Centre (opposite Harbourfront)
#01-44
* As advised by a reader, this outlet in Tampines is now defunct
3) Block 506 Tampines Central 1,
#01-361 S11 Foodcourt,
Singapore 520506
4) Changi Airport Terminal 1,
Basement, Staff Canteen, Stall # 4
Jaesen Ng
Mobile: +65 9666-1234
Email: jaesenng@yahoo.com.sg