Image credit: @fongpapachef
As of 2017, the life expectancy of an average Singaporean citizen was 83.1 years. Original Hock Lam Street Beef Kway Teow has outlived that mark by a good 25 years, serving up its beloved Teochew beef noodle recipe since 1911. But on 11 July 2019, the shutters will go down for the last time at their final outlet in Alexandra Retail Centre.
In those 108 years, they grew from a tiny hawker stall to a full-fledged restaurant chain with six outlets. Countless Singaporeans, spanning numerous generations, have tasted their signature recipe. Alas, all good things must come to an end.
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This historic eatery’s success has been built on putting effort into every component of the bowl for four generations. Each piece of beef, whether in their noodles or side dishes, is sliced by hand. Their soup base is prepared by simmering beef bones for an entire day to extract maximum flavour.
Unfortunately, it’s this commitment that is leading to their closure. Singapore’s rising labour costs mean it’s no longer possible for them to sustain these methods while turning a profit.
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Before their doors close for the final time, head down to get a taste of their signature Sliced Beef Kway Teow Dry ($8.80). The gloopy gravy is packed with intense beef flavour. It’s backed up by gentle herbal notes that highlight rather than overwhelm the beef.
Their efforts to slice the beef by hand come to fruition here, as the lean strips remain tender and juicy.
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Don’t miss out on the Sliced Beef Kway Teow Soup ($8.80) either. The comforting broth feels like a warm hug on a rainy day while still bringing that potent meaty flavour.
There’s still more than two months left until they close, so find some time in your schedule to make your way down and pay tribute to four generations and 108 years of beef noodle goodness. While their rival Authentic Hock Lam Street Popular Beef Kway Teow still lives on, they supposedly bear no relation to this OG restaurant and their recipes.
To satisfy your beef noodle cravings after Original Hock Lam bids goodbye, check out our lists of 10 dry beef noodles stalls and 10 beef noodle soup stalls, as well as our reviews of Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles and Niu Zou La Mian.
Address: 460 Alexandra Road, #02-24, Alexandra Retail Centre, Singapore 119963
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9pm
Tel: 6272 9945
Website