A dish to be proud of

Mee kuah is a Southeast Asian Indian-Muslim noodle dish that came out of a desperate need to create dishes that the masses would have liked back in the day.

It's a bowl (or plate, at times) of noodles sitting in a thick, rich, usually mutton broth, enriched with spices and masala.

While it is not a mainstream street dish (many among the younger generation are clueless about this dish), it is one which we can be proud of because it has its roots here.

I note at least two versions here that are unique to us. There are also renditions that you can find even in Penang.

Here are three to try:

MAMU'S KITCHEN

The boss created this version because he caters to a large group of youngsters who are increasingly staying away from "complicated spicy dishes".

So he does a lamb and seafood stock version with a wistful touch of spices, topped with lamb or beef, prawns, egg, tomatoes, greens and green chillies.

The tangy yet meaty seafood stock is moreish and not complex.

It costs $5 to $8 for the "whole works" version, but he serves it up in a folded boat-shaped opeh leaf (betel nut palm).

DEEN 17

Not related to M A Deen Biasa, this corner stall has been around for a few years.

It draws many Muslim regulars.

I find the kuah similar to the Penang or Kuala Lumpur version.

It comes savoury and spicy (much like sup kambing with added rempah and masala).

If you ask for a half-cooked egg as a topping ($4), they crack a raw egg over and let the heat of the noodle dish slowly do the job.

M A DEEN BIASA

About a decade ago, Deen - "everyone calls me Deen" - left his stall in Golden Mile Food Centre and bought this two-storey shophouse.

His place draws crowds every night with lovely al fresco side-lane seats, associated with such "mamak" stalls.

His reddish mee kuah is unique to Singapore, as he uses a soupy version of the sup tulang merah sauce (a unique Singaporean Indian-Muslim dish too).

Their all-important kuah (sauce) is sweet, spicy, salty, savoury and lightly gamey.

It comes with a half-done egg, all ready to ooze its yolk to further enrich and smoothen the sauce.

The hearty portion comes at $5.

Makansutra, founded by KF Seetoh, is a company that celebrates Asian food culture and lifestyle. It publishes food guides in and around the region, produces a food series, develops interactive mobile content and services, operates foodcourts and eateries, organises food tours and events, and consults on culinary concepts.

Mamu's Kitchen

1, Bedok Road, Bedok Corner Food Centre, Stall #25

Opens: 1.30pm to 9pm daily (Thursdays to Sundays)

Deen 17

B1-17, Golden Mile Food Centre

Opens: 12.30pm to 11pm, closed on alternate Tuesdays

M A Deen Biasa

95, Jalan Sultan

Opens: 5pm to 2am daily