#4: THE STUDENT'S GUIDE TO THE ACS SAC

The name ‘canteen’ is a name that resonates within all students. It is the place where students seek refuge from the tiresome classes and unending assignments. While the name ‘canteen’ is ubiquitously known as such, ACS(I) has a different name for this place, and a rather fitting one at that: the SAC, or Student Activity Centre. However, this article is not about the SAC, but the treasures that can be found within. Ever stepped into the SAC only to be bewildered by the hustle and bustle of students and immense selection of food choices? Whether you’re a new student entering the SAC for the first time, or a veteran just thinking of something to eat, this article will lead you on the right track to finding the top 7 must-have dishes of ACS(I). (Do note that this guide lists the food in no particular order.)

1) Fishball Noodles from Just for Mee

Just for Mee’s fishball noodles - the one and only pride of the ACS(I) SAC. The fishball noodles from the Just for Mee stall is one of the most iconic and well-liked dishes in ACS(I). The auntie in charge of the stall is a familiar face known to all ACSians, having served generations of scholars and gentlemen with this delectable dish. Her service is of such a high standard that she remembers the faces and orders of her regular customers, even those who have already left the school! Generations of ACSians have enjoyed this dish during their school day recesses, and many have returned to the campus just to relive their days as a student and relish this treasure of a dish. The dish is a simple one, and yet it has been perfected so masterfully that generations upon generations of ACSians have been entranced by it. You will find no shortage of a queue at the stall no matter the time of the day. There’s something special about the dish that just hits the spot. Is it the springy texture of the noodles that just bounces in your mouth as you chew? Or the sublime blend of sauces that just embrace the dish and dances on your tongue with each bite? Or maybe it’s the secret chili sauce that the adventurous ones love to ladle on their noodles unceasingly? Well, don’t take our word for it. Go and savour it for yourself and maybe you’ll learn the secret of how this quaint little dish has enthralled all our ACSians.

2) Chicken Cutlet Noodles from Noodle Delight

I’m sure all ACSians will agree that Wednesdays are the days that we all look forward to, apart from Fridays of course. In addition to the extra hour of sleep to be gained on week B Wednesdays, there’s also the eponymous ‘Fried Food Day’. As all ACSians will come to learn, Wednesdays are the days when all SAC stalls sell fried food! One of the most popular dishes, second only to the fishball noodles from Just for Mee, is the chicken cutlet noodles from Noodle Delight. Despite the naming conventions of the stalls being rather similar, Just for Mee and Noodle Delight sell very different types of noodle dishes. The chicken cutlet noodles from Noodle Delight are an immensely popular dish, with queues at the stall on Wednesdays rivalling that of Just for Mee’s. The dish is also a rather simply done one. However, the uncle in charge of the stall must have used some kind of magical pixie dust in his noodles, because this dish is to die for. The succulent lightly-battered chicken cutlet coupled with the tender noodles tossed in a sesame oil sauce just makes this dish one that is not to be missed. And if you were ever wondering: Yes, the queue is definitely worth it.

3) Nasi Goreng/Maggie Goreng from Mr Prata

The prata stall’s name almost betrays itself, as one tends to (naturally) associate it with just prata. However, there is a wide variety of Indian-Muslim dishes available to satisfy almost any cravings. Two of these dishes that are generally well-liked are the nasi goreng and maggie goreng. The nasi goreng is a fried rice dish. However, it can be ordered together with chicken, mutton, beef (a personal favorite) or fish! The owners of the stall use a special family recipe that many ACSians have come to love and remember fondly in their hearts. If you’re perhaps not interested in having rice (blasphemy!), you could opt for the maggie goreng, which is a delicious option as well.

4) Oyako Don from Mamma Mia

The oyako don from ACS(I)’s Japanese stall Mamma Mia is a crowd favourite. A bowl of steaming hot rice piled with heaps of teriyaki chicken, scrambled eggs and teriyaki sauce is guaranteed to fill you up on any day. While the dish is only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you’ll be sure to find many ACSians queuing up for it on those days. The perfect marriage of luscious chicken and melt-in-your-mouth eggs just turns the simple and homely dish into something even Mr Hodge would be proud to have in this school.

Note: This article has not been endorsed by Mr Hodge or the school in any way, and all claims are subject to opinion.

5) Fried Prawn Mee from Wantan-a-Merah

The fried prawn mee from wantan-a-merah is an exquisite find, especially for those who enjoy the hokkien mees and seafood noodles from hawker centres outside the school. The dish utilises a fresh selection of seafoods and two types of noodles, similarly to that of hokkien mee, to create a budget-friendly student’s version of the well-loved hawker favourite. While not as popular as the other noodle dishes in the SAC, this well-known dish still holds its own and is sure to strike a chord with that inner Singaporean foodie spirit.

6) Ban Mian from Noodle Delight

The ban mian from Noodle Delight is a humble dish. The absolute simpleness of the dish - noodles, minced meat, vegetables and soup - may not turn many heads. However, once you take a swig of the luxurious and velvety soup, you’ll realise the true meaning of the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover”. The simple and humble appearance of the dish masks a magical experience; from the tender handmade noodles, the rich and velvety soup, to the simple yet delightful minced meat and vegetables, the ban mian is the perfect dish to warm yourself up on a rainy day or perhaps just unwind after an exhausting day in school.

7) Murtabak from Mr. Prata

While prata is always a mainstay of the prata stall menu, a lesser known gem and personal favorite is the Murtabak. Generously stuffed with mutton or chicken, the murtabak has a size that is nothing to sneeze at. You could share it with a friend, or even have it all by yourself if you’re feeling particularly hungry. While the pratas are divine, the murtabak is a welcome alternative. To add on, not opting for prata will instantly increase your hipster factor and garner respect from the people around you.

BONUS: DESSERT

Laoban Beancurd from The Bean Thing

On an incredibly hot day (which is essentially every day), you don’t need to look farther than the laoban from the bean thing to sate any cravings to cool yourself down. This beancurd brand that’s well-known for its unique flavours and velvety beancurd even outside of the school has made its way to the school’s favourite drinks stall (Sorry, Oasis). The silky smooth beancurd coupled with a myriad of possible flavours is the perfect way to end your recess on a sweet note.

#LewJingYuan #AaronJeyaraj