Hock Lam Beef

I have always like Hock Lam beef noodles ever since I tried my first bowl in Far East Square outlet. It recently opened at ION Orchard and keeping in line with the premium shopping mall, Hock Lam Beef is pricier than before. To justify the higher prices (at least $ 9.90 for a bowl of beef noodles), it serves ribeye beef slices and an option for Angus beef.
I had the dry version with kway teow and ribeye beef slices and beef balls. It came in a big bowl (only the bowl was big as the noodle barely covered half of it) and was topped with chopped peanuts and a sprinkling of salted vegetables. I missed the old coffee shop where you ordered like in a food court and you got to add your own condiments.
At this restaurant setting, you ordered via the tablet. The food would be served to you. The chili portion was little and you would need to ask for more if you loved chili, likewise if you liked lime. I found this to be a hassle, especially if the place was busy.
Being a new outlet, the owner was actually at the restaurant, cooking the noodles. I saw her doing the same at the Upper Serangoon outlet when it first opened. She was showing the staff the rope of cooking the beef to perfection.
The ribeye beef slices were very tender and the beef balls were really good. It looked handmade and the taste reminded me of American/​Italian meatballs (not the texture, just the taste). The soup was herbal and would be better without the lime.
I am glad that this is one of the few hawker stalls which is still around since 1911 and has innovated itself to keep up with the times. This will be one of my go-​to places for lunch in Orchard area.