The Place There are many coffeeshops and eateries in Singapore where you can go to for your local ‘Zi Char’ fix, but not many register a lasting impression for us. JB Ah Meng is an exception. Located in a back alley coffeeshop in the heart of Geylang, JB Ah Meng has long been a foodie’s favourite when they think of having local ‘Zi Char’. The eatery has recently been awarded Bib Gourmand in the latest Michelin Guide Singapore 2016 (read more about the Michelin Guide Singapore 2016 here), and we are not surprised at all after trying the food here twice.

*Editor’s update: JB Ah Meng has shifted to 534 Geylang Road, Singapore 389490 since early 2017.

The Food There are some must try signatures at JB Ah Meng, such as the JB San Luo Meehoon (S$5/small) which is also one of our favourite items here. Think of it as charred Bee Hoon with so much ‘wok hei’, this rendition is probably one of the best we have had. The Bee Hoon is fried to such perfect crisp, yet retaining the moisture without coming across as too dry on the palate.

If you come in a big group, I will highly recommend ordering the White Pepper Crab (Seasonal price).  While you can get this dish at some places as well, this version has that level of spiciness which was “shiok” enough. Needless to say, the crab meat was sweet and tasted even better with the white pepper sauce.

For salted egg fans, the Salted Egg Prawn Ball (S$18/small) is another must try item. It would have been an ordinary salted egg prawn dish if not for the corn fritters, which is also coated with salted egg sauce and fried to a nice crispness. It was almost right for me to say that I enjoyed having the corn more than the prawn.

Other side dishes we had and enjoyed were the Deep Fried Fish Skin (S$10/small) and the Snake Beans with Lotus Root (S$10/small).

Rants If you are looking for a comfortable dining spot, JB AH Meng is not the ideal place. The sweltering heat is potentially quite devastating if you can’t keep your cool well.

Will I return again? There are not many Zi Char establishments which I will return for again. JB Ah Meng is definitely an exception, and may I add that this is easily the top three best Zi Char in Singapore.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 3.5/5
Ambience: 2/5
Overall Experience: 4/5 

JB Ah Meng
534 Geylang Road
Singapore 389490
Tel: +65 6741 2418

Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 5.30pm to 2.30am

Ranted by The Ranter