ส้มตำอร่อยที่ร้านอาหารน้ำเงี้ยวเมืองเชียงราย

Said awesome spicy som tam at Nam Ngew Chiangrai.

I'm very fond of heading to Golden Mile Complex for a fix of Thai food and spices. In fact, I've found one of the best som tam around at Nam Ngew Chiangrai (น้ำ เงี้ยว  เมืองเชียงราย). There're many good som tam at the little stalls in the building, but this one is a particular favorite. Or at least the woman who makes it is always there when I hop in. By 'best', I totally mean super-pungent and super-spicy. So good to use the long beans and large pieces of cabbage to mop up the gravy.

Nam Ngew Chiangrai (น้ำ เงี้ยว  เมืองเชียงราย) is a tiny little shop with just three tables. It's located right on the second floor at the side where the huge staircase leads to the mini foodcourt, at the entrance to the supermarket. Next to the little set-up that doles out fried balls of tapioca, sweet potato and banana.

The name of the shop simply means 'noodle soup or curry from Chiangrai'. Nam ngew/nam ngiew (น้ำเงี้ยว) refers to noodles in a clear broth or curry which is the staple of the ethnic minorities in Mae Hong Son, and upwards towards Myanmar and also southwest Yunnan. Familiar right? I love how the noodles come with plenty of raw beansprouts and shredded cabbage at the side. I don't mind the noodles, but often I'm not in the mood for pork or beef. Would need the friends around so that I could shift the meat into their bowls. The shop's got a little grill going on for ummm....sausages and mystery meats. Kinda fun, though I'm here strictly for som tam!

The stall doesn't do 'Thai boat noodles' (kuay teow ruea ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ), which are those with the thicker dark brown gravy, and often contains uhh coagulated pig or cow's blood. (Dunno if Singapore still allows animal blood to be sold like that.) Nam Ngew Chiangrai does the clear type of broth and noodles with beef or pork. It's not the best, but it will do for a light lunch. If you like lard, each bowl's got plenty. Between the lard and salt, I can't tell how much MSG each bowl of soup contains. :P

Nam Ngew Chiangrai (น้ำ เงี้ยว  เมืองเชียงราย)
5001 Beach Road,
Golden Mile Complex #02-64
Singapore 199588