Quan Xing Oyster & Intestine Vermicelli

Review

Quan Xing Oyster & Intestine Vermicelli sits at No. 300, Section 1, Mingzhi Road in Taishan, not far from Taishan Station on the Airport MRT, and is known locally as a vermicelli stall worth queuing for. It is a small stall with few seats and no air conditioning, yet people wait outside year-round, and several food blogs list it as a must-eat in Taishan.

The signature is the oyster and intestine vermicelli, with combo and plain versions too. The draw is the toppings: the oysters are large and fresh, the intestines are cleaned well with no off smell and a bouncy chew, and the pork thick-soup pieces are firm with a touch of sweetness. Bloggers generally feel the toppings outshine the noodles, and the bowl comes nearly overflowing. The other key is the house chili sauce, properly hot without numbing; a dash of vinegar and garlic makes it even fuller.

Fans praise the generous, honest ingredients and the plump oysters, and say the strong flavour will please anyone who likes a rich bowl. Critics find the noodles themselves ordinary and the price a little high, and some mention that staff are rushed and not very warm at peak times, or that the fame outruns the taste.

Hours are roughly 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Mondays; check before going. You take a number on arrival, and one blogger waited about twenty minutes, longer at mealtimes. It is cash only, seating is tight and crowded, and many people take their bowl away. Parking nearby is difficult, so taking the Airport MRT to Taishan Station and walking is easiest.

Good for anyone who likes a loaded, strongly flavoured vermicelli as a hearty snack. First-timers should order the oyster and intestine vermicelli and add chili, black vinegar and garlic to taste; if you skip offal, choose the combo or plain bowl. Come around mid-afternoon to avoid the lunchtime wait.