From soggy renditions to drier versions, here's our guide to the best Hokkien mee stalls in Singapore.
There’s just something about Hokkien mee that we love – which is why we always end up queuing (no matter how long) at hawker centres for a plate of slurp-worthy noodles. The exact origins of this local dish are uncertain, but it’s believed that Hokkien sailors who worked in the noodle factories of post-war Singapore gathered at Rochor Road in the evenings to fry excess products from the factories over charcoal stoves. A standard plate of Hokkien mee is made up of stir-fried egg and rice noodles in fragrant prawn stock, topped with the likes of prawns, fishcake, bean sprouts and lard. So. Good. Here are our fave Hokkien mee picks in Singapore.
Best Hokkien mee stalls in Singapore
1. Swee Guan Hokkien Mee
What does it take to try a tasty plate? Well, head down to the dark underbelly of Singapore, aka Geylang, and join the snaking queue at this renowned stall. It’s worth mentioning that it’s slightly pricier than other places, but hey, #supportlocalhawkers, right? Plus, the combination of smoky flavours from its charcoal pot and briny prawn stock makes the price and wait worth it. A definite must-try if you like the ‘wet’ style of Hokkien noodles.
Swee Guan Hokkien Mee, Sing Lian Eating House, 549 Geylang Lorong 29, Singapore 389504
2. Geylang Lor 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee
Don’t let the name fool you into thinking it’s located in Geylang. It’s a hint to the location of Swee Guan Hokkien Mee since both owners are brothers. Raved by many, the noodles are cooked over charcoal and topped with pork belly slices, prawns, squid and nuggets of crisp lard. The result? A comforting meal that’s totally worth the calories.
Geylang Lor 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee, 396 East Coast Road, Singapore 428994
3. Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee
Those who prefer the drier variation, make your way to the food maze that is Old Airport Road Food Centre. This decades-old food centre is home to Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee. Having been in the business since 1960, the uncle possesses superior wok skills combined with excellent stock that he fries the noodles with. (*chef’s kiss*) Just be prepared to brave the queue during lunchtime.
Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee, #01-32, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
4. Hainan Hokkien Mee
Another legendary Hokkien mee stall, this one has the stamp of approval from popular foodies and Makansutra, the OG food guide in Singapore. Don’t expect your plate to be swimming in gravy. Instead, you get a plate of noodles that are fried till they’ve absorbed all the superb stock, ensuring every mouthful is packed with wok hei flavour.
Hainan Hokkien Mee, #B1-34, Golden Mile Food Centre, 505 Beach Road, Singapore 199583
5. Come Daily Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee
If you like your Hokkien mee’s prawn-noodle ratio skewed towards the latter, Come Daily Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee is the place to be. Don’t expect a large serving of prawns and squid, though. The full-flavoured, gooey and satisfying noodles are the star. Total carb bliss!
Come Daily Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee, #02-27, Blk 127 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310127
6. Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Noodles
Awarded the Michelin Plate, this stall is a must-visit. Located in Serangoon Gardens at Chomp Chomp Food Centre, its price point is pretty affordable, starting from only $3. It might be on the drier side, but the noodles are scrumptious. You can also request less oil and more veggies if you’re “trying” to stick to a healthy diet. But we say, just relish the rich flavours.
Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Noodles, Chomp Chomp Food Centre Stall 27, 20 Kensington Park Road, Singapore 557269
7. Yi Ji Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee
Spice things up with this stall’s rendition – the chilli packs a punch! Stir it all up with the smooth aromatic noodles and you’ll see what we’re talking about. Also, don’t be surprised if you find slices of abalone on your plate. There are a couple of branches on the island but the Syed Alwi stall stays open till 3am. So if you ever have midnight cravings for Hokkien mee, you know where to go!
Yi Ji Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee, multiple locations including Upper Serangoon Road and Hougang
Bookmark this list for scrumptious Hokkien mee in every corner of Singapore.
