Hadi Santoso
One of the Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded food stalls at Food Opera in ION Orchard Mall, renowned for their legendary fish ball noodles. As a fan of good food, I was excited to try this place, especially considering its prestigious recognition. Upon arriving, I was greeted with a long queue, which I took as a promising sign of the food’s quality. The anticipation built as I patiently waited, and I could smell the fragrant broth wafting through the air, making my mouth water in excitement. Finally, after what felt like forever, I reached the front of the line and was ready to place my order. While the food did not disappoint—each bowl of fish ball noodles was deliciously comforting, be it dry or soup ones, with the fish balls being delightfully springy and bursting with flavor—the experience was marred by the attitude of the woman at the cashier. Unfortunately, she was extremely rude, displaying a dismissive demeanor that contrasted sharply with the overall warm atmosphere of the bustling food court. When me and my wife approached to give our order, she presented a rather frightening expression and a tone that felt less than welcoming. It was discouraging, as her attitude overshadowed what was supposed to be an enjoyable dining experience. It’s unfortunate that a single individual can greatly affect one’s impression of a place, especially when the food is as remarkable as it is. Despite the negative interaction, I must say that the fish ball noodles were worth the wait and made up for the distressing moment at the register. I’d recommend the dish to anyone craving a hearty meal, but I hope that management addresses the customer service aspect to ensure that future diners leave with a more positive experience.