Swee Choon Dim Sum

I had a enormous craving for Dim Sum when my family was driving around Toa Payoh and the first place I thought of was this Dim Sum place. For me, this isn't Singapore's best Dim Sum but it is definitely one of the better places for Dim Sum after sunset. 

Since 1962

This place is located along Jalan Besar (parking can be a problem) and is near the famous Curry Vegetable Rice stall near Kitchener Road. When my family and I reached there, the place was quite crowed and we had to wait awhile for out tables. The wait for our table turned out to be our shortest wait as the food came in fast and furious shortly after we ordered - A for service.

The Crowd in Swee Choon at 10 p.m.

Within a short time, I decided to order a few of their signature dishes and some all time favorites. After sampling all of these dishes, here are the dishes that stood out.

Firstly, their signature dish "Mee Suah Kuay" is a definite must try. It is not commonly found elsewhere and it is easy to see why this is one of the many reasons why people keep coming back to this place. This dish is very similar to the chinese carrot cake but uses mee suah (thin wheat floor noodles) instead of the usual radish cake. It is a very fresh change from the typical carrot or cam and very easy on the palate. This dish is easy to like and isn't as filling as its similar counterparts.

Mee Suah Kuey

Their next signature is their La Mian, worth a try even if you are here only for Dim Sum. We ordered the "Zha Jian Mian" and it was delicious. They have a pretty generous portion (especially if you compare it to places like Crystal Jade and Ding Tai Feng) and the sauce is thick and tasty. For those who don't eat spicy food, do not be put off by the spicy sign on the menu as I can assure you that this dish is really not spicy at all.

Zha Jian Mian

We also ordered several all time favorites including "Siew Mai", "Har Kow", Char Siew Pau" and many others. These dishes were pretty average and nothing really stood out. Some of the dishes that are nicer than average are their egg tarts, "liu shai pau" (which is basically salted egg custard bun which flows out once you bite into the pau) and pig trotters. Their "Har Kow" and "Siew Mai" can be quite disappointing and the portions a little stingy (2 to a plate instead of the usual 3). Desserts was less than average and not really worth trying.

Portugese Egg Tarts - Best among the rest

Liu Shai Pau

Salted egg custard inside the Pau

Pig's Trotter

Xiao Long Pau

Disappointing Har Kow

Siew Mai

Chilli Wan Tan

Forgettable Desserts

Overall this place is good for its "Mee Sua Kuay", "La Mian", Egg Tarts and Liu Shai Pau. The other dishes that we tried were pretty much around the average standards but still worth a try. It was an enjoyable experience and we all left the place happy and smiling. The service here is lightning quick and there is a short waiting time despite the crowd. I would recommend this place for a quick Dim Sum fix at night that will surely leave you satisfied.

Yummy Yum Yum

Name: Swee Choon Dim Sum Cafe

Address: 187 / 191 Jalan Besar

Opening Hours: 6 p.m. - 10 a.m. (Weekdays) 6 p.m. - 12 p.m. (Weekends)

Cost: $$ (Affordable for even students)

Ratings

Food Quality: 70/100 

Service: 75/100

Value for Money: 70/100

Overall: 71.7/100

Must try dishes: Mee Sua Kuay, Zha Jian Mian, Egg Tarts & Liu Shai Pau