What is it?: For over 60 years, this place has been serving up the finest guay tiew kua gai (charcoal-fired chicken stir-fried noodles) – so good, they've earned a spot in the Michelin Guide for three years running.
Why we love it: At a junction in a quiet back alley, this stall lures you in with the mouth-watering smell of chicken sizzling over a blazing charcoal flame. The open-kitchen concept lets you watch as the auntie expertly tosses rice noodles and chicken, infusing the dish with smoky wok hei. The setting is clean, bright and casual. The noodles are large, aromatic and delightfully chewy. The real star, however, is the thick, marinated chicken thighs – rich in flavour and seasoned to perfection. On the seafood side, the squid is fresh, crispy and up to standard. The dish’s seasoning is subtly mild, letting the natural aromas and textures shine, though you can always tweak the flavours with sugar, chilli powder, chilli sauce and vinegar to your liking.
Time Out tip: Be aware, the other well-known shop serving similar dishes is Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai, placed along the main road with an actual shopfront. Ironically, Suanmali is hiding right behind it, in a back alley like it’s trying to be the neighbourhood’s secret menu item.