We were actually tipped off the opening of Mee Abang Utara — these folks do seem like a recent addition to the sleepy Sims Place neighbourhood. Located at Blk 53 Sims Place, Mee Abang Utara can be found occupying a shop unit that is located across the road from Sims Vista Market & Food Centre — they are located in the same block in which one can also find other dining establishments such as Teahouse 1973 as well. Mee Abang Utara can be easily spotted by its large signage and its pastel green store facade that faces Sims Place. The namesake of the store actually translates from Bahasa Melayu to English as “Northern Brother’s Noodles” — we were told by the owners of the store that they serve up Malaysian-style Malay cuisine that originates from Malaysian states such as Kedah and Penang. With this in mind, the menu at Mee Abang Utara is split into sections dedicated to Breakfast and Main Menu with latter being the one that features the various rice and noodle dishes as well as that of a Pasembur Utara offering (i.e. Penang-style Indian Rojak) which is a rare find in Singapore.

We found ourselves gravitating to the Mee Goreng Utara which we were told by the folks whom were operating the store that the dish was served in the Penang style. Mee Abang Utara does not describe the elements that came with the dish included that of yellow noodles, spring onions, chili padi, firm tofu, Cucur Udang (prawn fritters) and cuttlefish. Squeezing a bit of the lime zest from the wedge of lime that came the dish and giving it a good toss, it does seem that the Mee Goreng Utara that is served up by Mee Abang Utara does differ from that of the Mee Goreng that we are used to seeing from the various mamak-style establishments all over the island. For one, the yellow noodles do seem to be tossed in a sauce that comes with the natural sweetness of potatoes — something not too dissimilar to that of Mee Jawa but also features a slight tanginess of tomatoes; a refreshing change that felt less “artificial” than that of the typical red sauce that mamak-style establishments tend to go with for their rendition of Mee Goreng. Whilst at it, the Mee Goreng Utara also does come with quite a kick of spice; one that is slightly peppery at the front but also carries a more piquant hint of spiciness typical to that of chili padi that tickles the tastebuds even for those whom are tolerable to moderate amounts of spiciness. One can also find traces of cuttlefish that gives a soft, almost jelly-like texture, while the prawn fritters does add a a floury bite and some crunch on certain parts that gives the dish a textural contrast — there is also a chunk of potato stewed to a soft consistency that further enhances the flavours of the dish with its earthy notes as well.