When Summit just won’t cut it, fret not! Canopy is located just 5 minutes away by foot (even less if you dare cut through the professors’ lounge!!!) and offers a wide array of delectable dishes that would satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.
My stall of choice is Noodle House, a stall selling ban mian. The Chinese term ‘ban mian’ means board or block noodles. It originated from the Hakka method of cutting noodles into straight strands using a wooden block. I have always loved ban mian and have travelled far and wide trying out the best ban mians in Singapore (hmu if you want recommendations, I’ve travelled as far as Jurong, from Tampines, for ban mian!). While the Canopy ban mian may not be the best of the best, it most definitely satisfies the soul after a trying tutorial or a long day of mad mugging.
Traditional ban mian ($3.80) and spicy mala ban mian ($3.80)
I personally love the traditional ban mian, served with al dente noodles, generous amounts of vegetal (!) and minced meat, and lots of crispy ikan bilis and shallots on top. A very basic but filling bowl of noodles. However, for the more adventurous eaters out there, do try the spicy mala ban mian. It’s not the traditional mala, but rather, just a bowl of really, really, REALLY spicy dry ban mian. The cook places a generous heap of potent chili sauce on the side of the dish and it is recommended that you stir ALL of it into your noodles for the full effect.
The biggest fan of mala ban mian is Yash Nair (Law Camp Chairperson, Deanslist etc. etc.), who eats this dish exclusively whenever he’s at Canopy. Also spotted having the exact same mala ban mian dish was Zachery Tan. His only complaints were that the portion was way too small and a tad bit too salty. Despite this, he proceeded to then order ANOTHER bowl of noodles.
Beef noodles ($5.00), Zachery’s second order
Long lunch queues are another testament to the popularity of this stall. However, waiting times can soar to around 20 minutes during lunch time (as I experienced first-hand!) as there is only one cook preparing all the orders. Head down to Canopy around 11.30am for the optimal ban mian experience (don’t say bojio!). By beating the lunch crowd, you avoid the long, treacherous queues and having to fight for a table, allowing you to truly enjoy your ban mian in peace. Trust me, it’s well worth it!
So if you’re looking for a little escape from BTC, check out the banmian stall for a bowl of soul-soothing, sinus-clearing, scrumptious noodles!
