Traditional dishes are getting harder to find these days. People enjoy eating them not only because it tastes good, but the memories that are tied to them as well. Just one bite of these foods can simply transport us back to the good old days. However, some of these dishes are slowly disappearing in Singapore. One rare gem that is still around is Mei Zhen Hakka Delicacies. Serving traditional yam abacus, this is a nostalgic dish that you hardly see nowadays.
Mei Zhen Hakka Delicacies: Serving Traditional Dishes
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Yam abacus is a traditional Hakka dish made with yam that is usually eaten during festivals, signifying wealth. Also known as Suan Pan Zi, it is a dish usually associated with Chinese New Year. As the yam is made into abacus seeds, it got its name as it resembled the beads on the Abacus, which some of us might have used in math class. Feeling nostalgic yet anyone?
For those who have never tried yam abacus before, it is basically yam and tapioca flour cooked with mushrooms. Additionally, it is topped off with crunchy shallots. Some might refer to this as the Chinese version of Gnocchi, a classic Italian potato dish.
A Rare Gem: Traditional Yam Abacus
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Mei Zhen’s yam abacus is full of flavour and has a pleasant chew to it. Mixed with the shallots, hae bi and mushrooms, an explosion of umami is guaranteed in every bite. Additionally, the black fungus and onions gives the dish an aromatic fragrance. For those who love their spice, do ask for more chilli as it elevates the flavour of the dish!
There are three prices for the yam abacus which are $4, $6.80, and $8.80. For those who may find it a bit pricey, do note that this dish is very time consuming and labour intensive. It requires a special handmade dough to make it and the proportions of the ingredients are crucial to achieving the desired texture. The yam must be mashed and steamed, and then kneaded with rice flour. Additionally, a time-consuming process is then needed to form just enough gluten to give the dough its signature bite. Sounds like a lot of work doesn’t it? That’s because you’re right!
Array Of Other Hakka Delights
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Find Mei Zhen Hakka Delicacies At Shunfu Road
Besides Yam Abacus, Mei Zhen has a plethora of other Hakka dishes. Some of the dishes include Yam Cake ($2), Soon Kueh ($1.20 min 2 pcs), and Glutinous Rice ($2.20). Do note that they close at 1pm so head down early before they sell out! With a dish this rare to find nowadays, Mei Zhen Hakka Delicacies is a stall you simply can’t miss out on! Hurry down and try it now!
For more articles on traditional dishes, do check out Kelly’s Sweet Treats!
Address: 320 Shunfu Rd, Singapore 570320
Opening hours: Wed to Sun, 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cover Photo: @joong_seng (Instagram), @_travelrat_ (Instagram)
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