EATZ: Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon, arguably The Best in Singapore

Apart from the fancy restaurants at the bustling Holland Village, there is a not too eye-catching gem stashed away in a small corner of the precint, along Holland Drive. Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon has been around for a long time and has been serving an arguably "The Best XO Fish Head Bee Hoon in Singapore". Though located near my office, I hardly visit them, simply because during lunch hours, the coffee shop is always packed and there just isn't much room to stand around to wait. The quality of the food is proven by their years of popularity.

Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon
Blk 46, Holland Drive, #01-359
Tel: 6778 3691
Opening hours: 12– 2.30 pm, 5– 11 pm daily
XO Fish Meat Bee Hoon
S$10 (2 persons portion)
Thick slabs of fish meat, some cabbage and thick bee hoon drowned in a huge bowl of milky soup. The fish soup with evaporated milk is flavoured with cognac to give it a unique twist to its already rich taste. The succulent fish meat is fresh and carries a slight taste of the alcohol from the soup.

Verdict
After so many years in the business, the chef at Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon should have made the dish more exciting, but they did not do that, simply because they have already perfected their dish and that is a winning strategy for them. At the meantime, other operators in the same coffeeshop strive to survive in this Holland Drive precint, where there are two other coffeeshops and a food centre, by banking on the success of Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon as they attract waves of diners.
The soup is fabulous! After taking a sip, I could not resist following with a few spoonfuls before I began savouring this dish. Taking a bite on the thick fish meat, I could taste the freshness of the fish along with a slight tinge of alcohol from the soup. I would usually watch out for fish scales on the skin, but I was slurping down the fish skin. In this dish, the thick bee hoon and cabbage are just considered side dishes. The price is reasonable for something this good. I have earlier recommended "Xin Yuan Ji" Sliced Fish Soup which comes close in terms of taste though yet trumped this dish.
Sadly, with fame comes pride, and with pride comes arrogance. Over the years, I have noticed and heard that the owner of Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon started taking his success for granted. He does not smile or interact with his customers anymore. But who cares, as long as they continue to serve us such a good "XO fish bee hoon"! Other dishes worth trying is the "三捞河粉" which is also much adored by diners at Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon.
You must try it! Don't worry, it will not get you drunk!

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