Super Efficient System

The ordering process is very straightforward. You place your order, make payment and receive a number tag. Keep an eye on the digital screen on top and collect your food when your number flashes. No fuss at all.

What’s impressive is how quickly they churn out orders. Even during peak hours, you won’t have to wait long. I guess it’s because they cook their Hokkien mee and carrot cake in large batches, thus allowing them to serve multiple customers quickly.

The Hokkien Mee ($5/$8/$10) – Not What You Might Expect

This isn’t your typical wet, saucy Hokkien mee. The noodles have soaked up most of the broth, making them really flavourful, but definitely on the drier side. Was hoping for a bit more wok hei. That smoky charred goodness that makes your taste buds dance. It was there, but just whispering rather than singing.

And get this – they use thin bee hoon instead of the thick kind. Bit of a curveball, right? I was actually missing that slippery, slurpable texture you get with thicker bee hoon. It’s what makes eating Hokkien mee so satisfying! Don’t get me wrong, it’s an interesting twist that sets their version apart from others across Singapore. But if you’re craving that classic wet Hokkien mee experience where you can happily slurp away, you might find yourself a tad disappointed.

For five bucks, you’ll get three decent-sized prawns and a handful of sotong pieces. Not too bad. When ordering, they’ll ask if you want chilli. They actually give you two different types and while neither will set your mouth on fire, they add that little kick that brings everything together.

Honestly, this feels more like braised noodles than traditional Hokkien mee. Not a bad thing, just different.

Ask for the Crispy Pork Lard!

Remember to request for extra pork lard! Those crispy little nuggets add the perfect crunch to contrast with the noodles. Seriously, it makes a world of difference.

One thing to note though – since they’ve got several outlets dotted around Singapore, the quality can be a bit hit or miss. Some days it’s absolutely spot on, other days it’s just… meh. Guess it depends on who’s manning the wok that day. It’s a bit of a lucky draw!

Carrot Cake ($3/$5) – Nothing to Shout About

Their carrot cake comes served like little pancakes, with the chopped carrot cake all smothered in egg. Sounds promising, right? But somehow, despite all that egg, it was surprisingly bland. Even their chilli couldn’t really save it.

I’ve definitely had much better carrot cake elsewhere. This one’s pretty ordinary, to be honest. If you’re a carrot cake aficionado, you might want to give this a miss and save your appetite for the Hokkien mee instead.

Wallet-Friendly Eats

Original Simon Road Hokkien Mee maintains reasonable prices in an era of inflating hawker costs. A bonus for savvy diners: using the NTUC app for payment grants a 10% discount on all items except the $3 carrot cake.

Neither dish exhibits excessive oiliness or saltiness—a positive attribute in hawker fare. The portions adequately satisfy hunger without being overly generous. It’s honest food at honest prices.

Final Thoughts

The Original Simon Road Hokkien Mee at Anchorvale Village delivers a decent meal experience without extraordinary highlights. Their unique take on Hokkien mee—more akin to braised noodles than the traditional wet version—might appeal to those seeking something different from the usual hawker offerings.

Their efficiency and reasonable pricing make this stall a convenient option for residents in the area. However, if you’re travelling specifically for exceptional Hokkien mee or carrot cake, other establishments might better satisfy your cravings.

The Verdict

Food: 6.5/10 – Decent but not exceptional

Value: 7.5/10 – Fair prices with potential discounts

Efficiency: 9/10 – Impressively quick service even during peak hours

Overall: 7/10 – A reliable option for Anchorvale residents