Singapore’s vibrant food scene is a crossroad of delightful flavors which often seems like a gastronomic paradise for food connoisseurs. Among the diverse culinary offerings, one palate-pleasing dish that remains a timeless classic is the Hokkien Mee.
Originating from China’s Fujian province, Hokkien Mee has etched its own identity in Singapore’s expansive food landscape. It’s a heartwarming spread of yellow wheat noodles and rice vermicelli simmereed with a lavish mix of prawns, squid, and pork strips – all bound together by the humble bean sprouts. Adding the finishing touch to this tantalizing blend are the star elements – a robust, flavor-rich prawn broth, mellow undertones of soy and oyster sauce, culminating into a dish that’s an extraordinary play of umami.
A plate of Hokkien Mee is more than just food; it’s a story of Singapore’s rich cultural heritage, narrated through the language of food. It’s no wonder that the Lion City houses numerous eateries serving this local favorite, each with its own unique rendition. And now, it’s time to embark on a culinary expedition to discover the top 10 spots in Singapore that have masterfully curated their own versions of Hokkien Mee.
From the bustling hawker centers that have been serving soulful plates of Hokkien Mee for generations, to innovative food joints reinventing the traditional, preparing for an enthralling food adventure. Whether you’re a local seeking comfort in the familiar taste, or an explorer hungry for the authenticity of Singaporean cuisine, this journey promises a rich taste of culture, tradition, and innovation.
So gear up to uncover, relish, and celebrate Singapore’s best Hokkien Mee spots; each a culinary hotspot that stands as a testament to the city’s gastronomic brilliance!
The 10 Best Hokkien Mee in Singapore
1. Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Noodles
Located at 20 Kensington Park Road, Chomp Chomp Food Centre, Stall 27, Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Noodles is a favourite among regular customers at this bustling food centre. A plate of Hokkien Mee here ranges between S$3-5. Please note, their hours of operation are from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, and they are closed on Mondays.
2. Geylang Lorong 29 Fried Hokkien Mee
Situated at 396 East Coast Road, this stop is catered by the original stall’s brother from Lorong 29. Expect traditional charcoal fried Hokkien Mee served generously with seafood between the price bracket of S$6-20. Closed on Mondays, they serve up hot and fresh meals between 11:30 am to 8:30 pm.
3. Kim Keat Hokkien Mee
Kim Keat Hokkien Mee is famed for their unique blend, especially their lip-smacking claypot hokkien mee. Located at Blk 92 Toa Payoh Lorong 4, #01-264, the price per portion is S$10. Operational hours are from Thursday to Monday, 11 am to 8 pm.
4. Come Daily Hokkien Mee
The Come Daily Hokkien Mee not only serves generous lard and pork belly portions but has also made its way to the Michelin Guide’s list of top Hokkien Mee in Singapore. Located at Blk 127 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #02-27, prices start at S$5. Operating hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, 8 am to 2:30 pm.
5. Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee
Nam Sing has reserved glories since 1963. Known for only using thin bee hoon in their Hokkien Mee (starting from $5), this is an address you simply can’t miss: Blk 51 Old Airport Road, #01-32, Old Airport Road Food Centre. Operated between Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm.
6. Hainan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee
Servings by Hainan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee have a standard modus operandi of S$3 portion. The stall is located at 505 Beach Road, Golden Mile Food Centre, #B1-34. Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday, the stall operates between 10 am to 5 pm.
7. Havelock Rd Blk50 Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee
You can find Havelock Rd Blk50 Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee selling S$4/S$5/S$6 worth scrumptious Hokkien Prawn Mee at 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, #01-100. Its regular operational hours are from Wednesday to Monday, 8 am – 2.30pm.
8. Xiao Di Fried Prawn Noodle
Known for its wet Hokkien Mee, Xiao Di Fried Prawn Noodle is located at Blk 153 Serangoon North Avenue 1, Guan Hock Tiong Eating House. Prices start at S$4. Operational from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm.
9. YouFu Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee
A young chef Andre, who started frying Hokkien Mee at the age of 14, offers YouFu Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee. Serving either thin or thick bee hoon, you can visit at 505 Beach Road, #01-57, Golden Mile Food Centre, opened between 11:30 am and 8:30 pm.
10. Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee
Located at 30 Seng Poh Road, #02-01, the Fried Sotong Prawn Mee served here ranges between S$4-6. You can visit the stall from Tuesday to Saturday between 11 am – 3 pm & 4.30 pm – 7.30 pm.
What is Hokkien Mee?
Hokkien Mee, a noodle preparation that is treasured by food lovers from all over Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, has a deep-seated connection to China, precisely the Fujian or ‘Hokkien’ province. This aromatic dish has been skillfully reimagined to fit the gastronomical preferences of the Southeast Asian populace. Let’s focus our attention on the well-loved versions of this dish namely, the Hokkien hae mee and the equally cherished Hokkien char mee. Tying the heartstrings of foodies in Singapore and Malaysia, Hokkien hae mee presents an extravagant blend of yellow and rice noodles, stir-fried harmoniously with eggs, squid, and pork. Adding to this scrumptious concoction are fresh, vividly colored vegetables, bits of crispy lard, a hint of sambal sauce, and a spritz of zesty lime. The star performer, without a doubt, despite not being in the spotlight, is the delightful gravy. Made by frying prawn shells and boiling them, this sumptuous broth brings a tidal wave of umami and a concentrated essence of the sea to the dish. Moving our culinary journey to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, we encounter the equally alluring Hokkien char mee.
This variant stars thick yellow noodles that are skilfully braised and stir-fried in a generous glug of dark soy sauce, together with succulent pork, squid, and fresh cabbage. The result is an appealing dish, wrapped in a rich dark hue, thanks to the soy sauce. You can amp up the flavors with a side of sambal chili and lime, a perfect buddy for this dish.
Each mouthful of Hokkien Mee will introduce you to the much-coveted smoky taste, an outcome of high flame cooking. This truly enhances the ‘wok hei’ or the ‘breath of the wok’, adding a new dimension to the dish. Just a little heads up! Make sure to check if the Hokkien Mee you’re about to relish is halal-certified, as not all eateries might follow these norms. For all those abiding by a halal diet, doing a quick check beforehand is a good idea. Now, go on and discover your favorite version of this iconic noodle dish. Delight in every slurp and savor the taste of tradition. Happy eating!
Hokkien Mee: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly is Hokkien Mee?
Hokkien Mee is a much-loved noodle dish with roots in China’s Fujian (or ‘Hokkien’) province. This dish has won the hearts of gourmets in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with its own distinctive adaptations to the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia.
2. Are there different types of Hokkien Mee?
Yes, there are! The two prominent variants of Hokkien Mee are Hokkien hae mee and Hokkien char mee. Hokkien hae mee, a favourite in Singapore and Malaysia, boasts a blend of yellow and rice noodles stir-fried in harmony with eggs, squid, and pork. On the other hand, Hokkien char mee, which originated in Malaysia, features thick yellow noodles stir-fried in dark soy sauce with pork, squid, and cabbage.
3. How is the distinct flavour of Hokkien Mee achieved?
The unique flavour profile of Hokkien Mee arises from the high-heat cooking process, which imparts a smoky char known as wok hei or the ‘breath of the wok’. The tasty undernotes come from an assortment of ingredients like sambal sauce, lime, a broth made from prawn shells, and soy sauce.
4. Is all Hokkien Mee halal?
Not every Hokkien Mee dish is halal. Some preparations incorporate pork or may be cooked in places that aren’t halal certified. If you follow a halal diet, it is recommended that you check the halal status of the dish prior to ordering.
5. What makes the broth of Hokkien hae mee so special?
The broth of Hokkien hae mee truly sets it apart! Made by frying and then boiling prawn shells, this spectacular broth infuses the dish with a rich, savory, and distinctively seafood flavour, elevating the entire dining experience.
6. How does Hokkien char mee stand out from the other versions?
Hokkien char mee delights gourmets with its dark, luxuriant hues from the soy sauce and the thick yellow noodles braised and stir-fried to perfection. Accompanying these are generous helpings of pork, squid, and cabbage, making for an utterly satisfying meal.
7. What contributes to the ‘wok hei’ flavour in Hokkien Mee?
The ‘wok hei’ or ‘breath of the wok’ is a cherished smoky flavour that’s achieved by stir-frying the noodles at a high heat. This technique lends a unique finish to the dish, making Hokkien Mee a feast for not just your taste buds, but also your senses!
In Conclusion
Embarking on a flavorful journey to find the best Hokkien Mee in Singapore will take you to different corners of this vibrant city. From the thin white bee hoon of Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Noodles at Chomp Chomp Food Centre to the famous charcoal-fired rendition by Geylang Lorong 29 Fried Hokkien Mee, and from the highly praised offerings of Kim Keat Hokkien Mee to the Michelin-recognized Come Daily Hokkien Mee, you’re bound to find your perfect plate.
Each of these places has its own unique flair that brings charisma and authenticity to the quintessential dish that is Hokkien Mee. The heritage of Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee and the ambitious, edgy flavor profiles at spots such as YouFu Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee and Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee adds layers to the flavorful journey. The city is home to an abundance and variety of Hokkien Mee stalls, so cultural explorers and food enthusiasts alike will find something unique at each stop. Ultimately, the best Hokkien Mee is all about personal preference, so no two rankings will be alike.