For those whom have been following the local food scene; and especially so for that of the hawker scene in particular, Shu Heng Bi Tai Mak 數興老鼠粉 might be one name that is particularly familiar-sounding. It wouldn’t be wrong for one to feel this way, considering how Shu Heng Bi Tai Mak does have a presence amongst those whom known about it. Having established as a hawker stall in Ang Mo Kio at Kebun Baru Market and Food Centre, these folks have been known to attract large crowds during its operating hours and closing fairly early; sometimes even before lunch hours. It seems that these folks have opened a new location that is more centralised, expanding their business further with a second outlet that is located at the first level of Hong Lim Complex Food Centre. Shu Heng Bi Tai Mak at Hong Lim Complex Food Centre sports the same exact signboard as their location at at Kebun Baru Market and Food Centre, making it rather easy to identify; the stall is also located at the same stretch of stalls where one can also find Zheng Ming Cha Shi 正明茶室 and Dong Fang Hong Sotong Ball Seafood Soup 东方红墨鱼丸什锦汤 — in fact, Shu Heng Bi Tai Mak at Hong Lim Complex Food Centre is located right beside The Legend Roasted Meat Rice & Noodle 小龙传奇（炭火）烧腊饭 · 面. All of the items that they offer at their Kebun Baru Market & Food Centre location are still offered at their Hong Lim Complex Food Centre outlet, though there seems to be a new Shu Heng Abalone Bi Tai Mak (Dry) offered exclusively at their Hong Lim Complex Food Centre based on images that we can find and compare with via Google.

Shu Heng Bi Tai Mak does not describe the elements that goes into their Shu Heng Abalone Bi Tai Mak; it is also noted that the Shu Heng Abalone Bi Tai Mak also comes in two different formats; a dry version and a soup version. What we can observe from the bowl of Shu Heng Abalone Bi Tai Mak (Dry) that was served to us was that it consists of elements such as abalone, fish cake slices, fishballs, meatballs, crispy pork lard, braised mushrooms, minced pork and lettuce leaf alongside with the Bi Tai Mak noodles. Patrons can of course opt for the item to come with chili or not based on their preferences — something that we did also opt for. The order was actually prepared rather quickly; giving the entire bowl of noodles a toss, we excitedly went for the Bi Tai Mak. For those whom are unfamiliar with Bi Tai Mak, they are short rice noodles they are also nicknamed “Mouse Tail Noodles” due to their likeness in shape with a mouse’s tail.

Going for the noodles, we really like how the texture of the Bi Tai Mak was; the Bi Tai Mak was not only smooth and slurpy, but it also did not feel dense or mushy with any aftertaste. Considering how the minced meat sauce is laced all around the Bi Tai Mak, the minced meat sauce provides a bit of a meaty bite; all that whilst carrying a bright, savoury and tangy note that is not too spicy — something that one can manage if they are able to tolerate moderate levels of spiciness. The other elements are good to have; namely the meatballs, fishballs and fish cake that are more of a generic nature — that being said, the abalone that they had gone for came with a firm bite without being too rubbery and definitely more premium as opposed to the darker-coloured baby abalone that some establishments are more inclined to serve up with their dishes. The pork lard is also well-fried, carrying a crisp texture and a savoury flavour dimension that adds-on further to the entire bowl. While we have never tried Shu Heng Bi Tai Mak at their Kebun Baru Market and Food Centre location considering how they always seem to have an excessive queue whenever we pass by on a weekend, we are probably not the ones to comment if the quality of the dishes are consistent at their Hong Lim Complex Food Centre location. That being said, we do understand what the queue is all about now having tried them at the Hong Lim Complex Food Centre outlet; this is not to mention that they do seem to be reasonably priced since prices range from an affordable $4 for most of its basic offerings, with the most expensive item being the Shu Heng Abalone Bi Tai Mak (Soup) at $8.80. Needless to say, we are already itching to return back here again to give their Johor Bi Tai Mak a try some day; an item which seems to be a highlight of theirs that is only available in soup format.