I take no greater pleasure than roaming around obscure HDB neighbourhoods, rummaging around to see what shops and stalls are lurking in the void deck area. Beano, created by ex-banker Alan Yoon in 2004, was once of those places I bumped into on one of my meaningless voyages. Since its conception, it has developed a die-hard cult fan base in Singapore, especially for its infamous durian pudding and fresh soy milk. Presently, there is only one outlet in Singapore - Perhaps the franchise might expand in the future.
Beano
Location: Blk 6, Everton Park, #01-16
Contact: 98527900
Opening Hours: Daily 8.00am - 8.30pm
The shop itself is incredibly small, with the majority of the foods being stocked in a fridge. Also on sale are random items, such as steamed bao, kueh lapis and curry puff. Almost everything (except perhaps the curry puff) is vegetarian. However, vegans beware some of the puddings (such as bandung) contain milk. Price wise, everything is pretty reasonable, with pretty much nothing costing over $1.50.
Pictured is the bounty that I extracted from Beano. Without question, the highlight was the
D24 Durian Pudding, which was rich and thick, and had a strong and aromatic durian flavour. Of course, if you're not on the durian bandwagon, then this will not appeal to you. But personally (as a durian addict), this was incredibly delicious for me. The
Beano Beancurd and
Beano Soymilk were both very smooth and had a nice rich soya flavour.
Durian Pudding $1.00. 9/10
Soy Milk $1.10. 7/10
Original Beancurd $1.50. 7/10
Conclusion - It is small family run shops, hidden in dilapidated HDB's, that still are a lasting reminder that Singapore does have some culture remaining. I always have a lingering regret, that I never lived in Singapore 30-40 years ago, when the way of life was much slower, the amount of people lesser, and the country had much more of an identity. Therefore, visiting places like Beano, give me that satisfaction of seeing somewhere that wouldn't be out of place in 1970's Singapore. Of course, this is supported by delicious food - Best of which is definitely the durian pudding.
Overall Rating
Food - 8/10
Ambiance- 7/10
Service - 7/10
Value - 7/10
Were you born in the 1960s? You look younger than that though! I don't know about the 1970s, but even in the 1990s, life was pretty awesome in Singapore! Not as crowded as now; people were friendly to each other. But I like it now too for it being more exciting and vibrant! There was a time when it was really boring in Singapore. You had no idea where to go and the shopping was awfully dull as well.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried Beano before, but heard of it. My favourite beancurd pudding is still from 51 Soya Bean! :)
Hey anonymous,
DeleteHaha, no I was not born in the 1960's, I was born in the late 1980's. So it would be impossible for me to see Singapore 40 years ago, nevertheless, I still wish I could. :)
I guess capitalism has some benefits. Speaking for my personal preference though, a laid-back 'boring' lifestyle would suit me just fine!
Please visit Beano and tell me what you think! :)
Luke
Oh! Sorry!!!
DeleteWell, I guess human beings are like that. When you are living in an exciting city, you would think a 'boring' lifestyle would be great! When the city you live in is really boring, you would think why can't it be as exciting as another city. Haha! Ok, that's just me. :)
I heard about Beano's durian flavour too and am a little bit curious. I'll try it if I happen to be around that area! Thanks for the introduction! :)
Are all beancurd suitable for vegetarians? Some have gelatin added..
ReplyDeleteMost that I know don't add gelatin. Beano, for example, has no gelatin in any of their desserts.
DeleteLuke
Good to know you found your way here. The first time I came to work in Tanjong Pagar, I was taken here with a promise of a 'religious experience'. I didn't see any heavenly angels, but it was rather amazing bean curd that brought back scenes of an idyllic childhood.
ReplyDeleteHey Div,
DeleteHaha, I agree that the beancurd is exceptional. Especially the durian pudding, I really couldn't get enough of that!
Luke
Hello,
ReplyDeleteHave u tried the QQ soyabean in sengkang interchange? Wonder if it has gelatin thou? Thats the best beancurd i ever tried esp since i never liked beancurd b4. Now i'm a beancurd convert thanks to QQ :)
VAl
Hey VAl,
DeleteI have not tried QQ before (ironic considering I live just above this place), mainly cause I've heard that the beancurd is very watery with little flavour. Also (as you mentioned) I do suspect that gelatin is used, so I have always stayed clear of it. Perhaps I will check if gelatin is used or not sometime soon.
Thanks for the comment!
Luke