Be warned, the grande dames of all things noodly treat the eatery as the Forbidden Palace. Don't mess with them if you're not familiar with the ordering and seating protocol.

If you're clueless like my dining buddies and I were, wait to be seated and also wait for your orders to be taken. We messed up. Twice.

We were left unattended and we decided to walk over to the counter to place our orders. We were barked at to return to our seats. Came here expecting lunch and we were served double appetisers of attitude even before we placed our orders. Sorry ma'ams.

We nearly left there and they, but we were brought out of the Cold Palace by the sudden change in attitude in the dowagers. They must have been really busy earlier, but we're forgiving people (as long as the food is good).

Got myself a bowl of Mee Pok with chilli. It arrived in half the time it took for us to get a seat and place our orders, which was a rather pleasant surprise. The portions of both noodles and ingredients were pretty generous. These are remarkably well cooked, and will probably be some of the best noodles you'll ever taste. The chilli was just enough to leave every mouthful satisfied, and the soup carried enough flavour to be stand on its own.

In short, come here if you want perfectly cooked noodles and some marvellously meaty goodness. Don't come here if you don't want a side of snark with your lunch.