PUBLISHED July 3rd, 2014 02:18 am | UPDATED May 22nd, 2017 02:42 pm
There are many dishes that Singapore is known for, with Hokkien Mee being an all-time favourite. Locals love this succulent and flavourful noodle dish which is firmly rooted in Singaporean hawker tradition and a gastronomic treasure that has won the hearts of many.
While the dish is popular in Southeast Asia, it actually has its Hokkien orgins in the Fujian province in China. Whilst Malaysia sports a fried, dark-colored Hokkien Mee with pork slices – widely known as the KL (Kuala Lumpur) Hokkien Mee; here in Singapore, the Hokkien Mee is also known as Hokkien Prawn Mee, because it is always cooked with pieces of prawns and squid with pork lard.
The Hokkien Mee found in Singapore is unlike its cousin in Malaysia – no dark sauce has been added, and the type of noodles used are also different. While the Malaysians use thick yellow noodles, Singaporeans mostly use thin yellow noodles with thick or thin bee hoon.
While we love this dish, we love it even more when it’s done right. Therefore, we have dutifully put together 5 places that do it the best. Be warned that you may get very hungry by the time you’ve finished reading this!
1. Ah Hock Hokkien Mee
20 Kensington Park Road, Chomp Chomp Food Centre, 01-27, Singapore, 557269
This eatery in Chomp Chomp Food Centre is one of the frontrunners for the dish. What sets this one apart from the rest is that the dish is fried with thin bee hoon noodles instead of the usual thick ones and served with cut red chillies. It’s packed with flavour from the pork stock which is reduced into a thick gravy, which is soaked up by the noodles. With a horde of loyal customers, Ah Hock Hokkien Mee never falls short in standard and is guaranteed to deliver only the best with each plate.
2. Geylang Lorong 29 Hokkien Mee
396 East Coast Road, Food R Us Coffeeshop, Singapore, 466402
If you want something traditional, this stall is one to check out. It is probably the most famous stall out of the few that still prepare the dish over fire and charcoal, which gives the dish extra oomph thanks to the smokey fragrance and taste. They are also very generous with ingredients serving plates that feature big, juicy prawns and perfectly cooked squid rings. If you are looking for a truly local and traditional experience, this is one not to be missed.
3. Tian Tian Lai Hokkien Mee
127 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, Toa Payoh West Market and Food Court, 02-27, Singapore, 310127
“Tian Tian Lai” translates to “Come Everyday” in Mandarin. And there are people who actually go to this stall everyday (except for Mondays, because they’re closed…) it’s that good. If you ask any local for a good plate of Hokkien Mee, this would be right up there. Using prawn stock, the noodles are left to soak up all the flavour before being served, giving it an addictive fragrant and savoury flavour. This is one gooey, succulent concoction that will have you salivating at a mere whiff.
4. Hainan Hokkien Mee
505 Beach Road, Golden Mile Food Centre, B1-34, Singapore, 199583
This Hainanese Hokkien Mee serves an absolutely delicious dry Hokkien Mee featuring thin bee hoon noodles which are perfect for soaking up flavour from the stock. The dry version of this dish may not be everyone’s favourite, but we just love the intense flavour it delivers thanks to the gravy having been reduced down to form a mouthwatering coating to the bee hoon.
5. Soon Kee Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle
155 Bukit Batok, Street 11, 01-324, Singapore, 650155
Humbly tucked away in the West, this stall serves up plates of Hokkien Mee featuring big, fresh prawns and sliced squid. Look out for their sambal belachan, which is usually served on the side to mix in with the noodles as you eat. The two go unbelievably well together, especially with the noodles soaking up the thick, fragrant gravy. The best thing about this stall is that they serve the most well-balanced dish – not too dry or too wet. If you want to explore the heartlands of Singapore, this is one hidden gem worth digging up!
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Written by Lady G&T
Read more about Singapore’s yummy local cuisine at YourSingapore.com
Check out more local grub at 5 rising Chicken Rice masters you have to try in Singapore and Top 5 Fish Head Curry in Singapore