Ian-Tau Ban Seng Sarawak Laksa

Caught wind of the news that Ian-Tau Ban Seng Sarawak Laksa & Kolo Mee had recently made its return to the local F&B scene via their social media accounts. Being formerly located at Johnson Eatery at Blk 125 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh (their previous stall within the coffeeshop has since been taken over by Yummy Times 小食光, which used to occupy a shop unit at the HDB block in the vicinity) which is within walking distance from Caldecott MRT Station, they have since returned to the local F&B scene after a hiatus since moving out from the stall in December 2022 — they are now located within Downtown MRT Station, situated beside the outlet of Fun Toast there. The interior is decked rather simply; the interior design of the space being more on the functional side with plastic stools and simple wooden tables that are covered with a layer of soft protective plastic for easy maintaining. The eatery seems to be a tie-up between two brands, being Ian-Tau Ban Seng Sarawak Laksa & Kolo Mee and 64 Dirgahayu — the former serving up their signature Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee offerings, while the latter seems to be serving up the beverages here, which includes local Kopi & Teh, as well as a small variety of syrup-based beverages such as Bandung and Blueberry; just to name a few. Ian-Tau Ban Seng Sarawak Laksa & Kolo Mee’s menu features no pork and no lard; this also means that their Kolo Mee offerings featuring Char Sio would only feature chicken minced meat and Chicken Char Sio. Orders can be made at the counter, though it would be recommended for patrons to place their orders directly from the self-service kiosks beside the entrance — patrons will be called by the staff to collect their orders when the food is ready to be served.

We had always been wanting to give Ian-Tau Ban Seng Sarawak Laksa & Kolo Mee’s Sarawak Laksa a try when they were still located at Johnson’s Eatery at Toa Payoh — we found ourselves opting for the Laksa Q Mee which turns out to be the best of both worlds here. The Laksa Q Mee is described to be an “authentic Sarawak Laksa served with springy Q mee”, which is a “special Mee type that is curvy and springy” — we found this to be the same Mee that is likely to be used in their Kolo Mee offerings as well. The Laksa Q Mee also features other elements, such as that of beansprouts, shredded chicken, two (2) prawns, shredded omelette and a bit of coriander. Since this was our very first time giving Sarawak Laksa a go, we would not be able to comment on the authenticity of the Laksa — that being said, we did feel that the Sarawak Laksa here came pretty savoury. The flavours were somewhat close to what we would have expected out of the Singaporean Laksa that we grew up with, just that it falls short of coming with the coconut milk that would give the Singaporean Laksa its rich and creamy note whilst also being inherently spicy in away that should do fine for those who has a low tolerance to spiciness. This also meant that the Sarawak Laksa here was less jelat; an item which we found to be easier to eat in general. Since we opted for the Q Noodles for our order, the noodles here does carry that springiness and chewiness that one would often associate with Kolo Mee; we also liked how the noodles did not turn too soft or soggy even when it is soaked in the broth for an extended period of time. The other elements all helped to add a variance of textures of the Sarawak Laksa — think a bit of crunch from the beansprouts, alongside the fluffy omelette and the fibrous shredded chicken; the prawns adding a good bite whilst being fresh as well. Additional sambal is provided on the side for those who wish for a more savoury and punchier note of spiciness with their Sarawak Laksa, while one can also squeeze a bit of the lime that would provide for a zing to cut through the savouriness of the entire bowl.

Ian-Tau Ban Seng Sarawak Laksa & Kolo Mee / 64 Dirgahayu does seem like quite a good addition to the part of the Central Business District that it is located in — there seems to be a general lack of Malaysian food options within the vicinity with the exception of Malaysia Boleh! which is situated in the basement of Marina One; definitely the sort of establishment that would appeal to those whom are working in the area. That being said, the location of which Ian-Tau Ban Seng Sarawak Laksa & Kolo Mee / 64 Dirgahayu is being situated at within Downtown MRT Station is rather obscure; an area with a rather low footfall considering there is not much of a need to pass through the passageway where they are located. Whilst we had not tried Ian-Tau Ban Seng Sarawak Laksa & Kolo Mee previously when they were still located in Johnson Eatery at Blk 125 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, it does seem that the Sarawak Laksa at Ian-Tau Ban Seng Sarawak Laksa & Kolo Mee / 64 Dirgahayu is or quite a good quality — definitely a dish that went well with our tastebuds. Prices of the food at Ian-Tau Ban Seng Sarawak Laksa & Kolo Mee / 64 Dirgahayu are actually pretty reasonable given the area that they are situated at — their Sarawak Laksa ranges between $6.90 to $8.90; the most expensive option being the Laksa Special Te’k Pia’t which comes with more prawns (four pieces instead of the usual two), while their Kolo Mee offerings are priced in the range of $5.90 to $7.90. Whilst the location might pose itself to be a little challenging, it does seem that Ian-Tau Ban Seng Sarawak Laksa & Kolo Mee / 64 Dirgahayu has the potential of being a haunt for office workers in the Central Business District for some satisfying Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee in time to come.

Aromatic and tasty Sarawak laksa ($5.90)! Have not had the original before so can’t attest to its authenticity.

The beehoon they use is slightly thicker than our usual thin beehoon and slightly thinner than our usual thick beehoon 😅 cooked to al dente so there’s a bite to it.

The soup is thick with spices that is brightened by a splash of lime juice, the perfect sour kick. I can’t take spice so I like that it’s not too spicy (didn’t add the extra chilli paste) I would say I’m a small to average eater and the portion was just nice for me.

There are three variations : Jumbo Prawn, Special and Normal. They are all built with the same soup base and beehoon.

Read more: https://www.misstamchiak.com/ian-tau-sarawak-laksa/