Our local prawn mee tends to be overshadowed by other popular dishes (think: chicken rice and chilli crab). Tell a frequent visitor to our country about our hae mee, they’ll tilt their head and ask, “I beg your pardon? What’s this alien language you’re talking about?”
It’s not their fault. I reckon it’s not too late to show our love for the underrated dish. Here are 7 great stalls every prawn mee connoisseur must visit!
1. Geylang Prawn Noodle
When it comes to the best prawn mee in Singapore, you won’t forget about Geylang Prawn Noodle. At around $5 – $6, you get these medium sized freshwater prawns at superb quality. The eatery even hands out paper-made bowls for prawn shells. How’s that for recycling and cleanliness?
Judging from the usual crowd, it can be a pain in the butt to have your lunch here. If this is your first visit, consider heading down early!
Geylang Prawn Noodle
Address: 325 Upper Paya Lebar Road Quemoy Building
Contact: 9721 1571
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 8pm, Sunday 8am to 5pm
2. 545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles
545 Whampoa has quite a history — the stall is helmed by a third generation hawker. Young and talented, it goes without saying that Ruifang, the boss, is a master chef. The pork meat and prawns are sensational, and the broth is the food for Gods.
One thing’s for sure, Ruifang has done her family proud.
545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles
Address: 665 Buffalo Road, Tekka Centre, #01-326
Opening hours: Monday & Tuesday 6.30am to 2pm, Thursday & Friday 6.30am to 2pm, Sunday 6.30am to 1pm
Price: $4+
3. Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee
Just the name alone gives the impression that this prawn mee is made for the king. A common dish done uncommonly well, Jalan Sultan is one of the few stalls that gives free soup re-fills. A bowl of prawn mee costs $5, while the local favourite king prawn pork rib soup can set you back around $8.
Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee
Address: 2 Jalan Ayer
Opening hours: Monday 8am to 3.30pm, Wednesday to Sunday, 8am to 3.30pm
Contact: 6748 2488
4. Albert Street Prawn Noodles
See this hearty bowl of prawn noodles? Packed with flavour and a generous portion of yellow noodles (you may have it mixed with bee hoon), this stall is one of the main highlights of the Old Airport Road Food Centre.
Albert Street Prawn Noodles
Address: #01-10, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 6.30am to 4.30pm & 6pm to 4.30am
Contact: 9852 0881
Price: $5+
5. Beach Road Prawn Noodles
It only takes one look for your stomach to grumble for these magnificent prawns — this crunchy delicacy is begging to be eaten. Beach Road’s hae mee may be more expensive than other stalls, but judging by the crowd, it doesn’t look like anyone’s complaining.
Beach Road Prawn Noodles
Address: 370 East Coast Road
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday 9am to 4pm
Contact: 6345 7196
Price: $7+
6. Noo Cheng Adam Road Prawn Noodle
The big prawns are naturally tender and flavourful. And for good reason, because they’re freshly caught from the sea. The soup is appetising, to boot. A bowl of this prawn mee costs around $5-$6. Rumour has it that the dry version tastes better.
Noo Cheng Adam Road Prawn Noodle
Address: #01-27, Adam Road Food Centre, 2 Adam Road
Contact: 9693 7961
Opening hours: Daily 9.30am to 4pm, 6.30pm to 2am
7. Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles
There are four types of prawn mee to choose from at Wah Kee and they echo the five-multiplication table: $5, $10, $15, and $20. The $10 version is arguably the best choice of the lot.
Certainly more affordable than $15 and $20, and the portion is just right for a full meal. The garlicky soup has a tinge of spice, while the prawns are fresh and perfectly cooked. You can’t miss the prawn noodles at Wah Kee — that is, if you don’t mind queuing for at least an hour. True story.
Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles
Address: #01-15, Pek Kio Market And Food Centre, 41A Cambridge Road
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 7.30am to 2pm
Contact: 9688 3633
Getting the hunger pangs? Me too. Consider visiting these food stalls and let us know your experience on Facebook. We promise we’ll love it.
(Header image: Foodie FC)