Hokkien prawn noodles originated in China’s Fujian region and arrived in Singapore in the 1880s and they have been a part of local cuisine ever since. Prawn noodles (or hae mee) may not be as well-known as the other popular noodle dish, bak chor mee, but it nevertheless has an unique place in the hearts of many Singaporeans.
One Prawn Noodle
A group of hawkers were inspired by Penang prawn noodles and the broth from Japanese ramen which inspired them to make their own bowl of prawn noodles, blending traditional flavours with modern cooking techniques. Gwyneth Ang, who has worked in prestigious kitchens such as Burnt Ends and Tong Le Private Dining, is in charge of the stand.
Though contemporary, tradition still shows in One Prawn Noodle’s broth, which has a murky crimson colour that quickly reminds your eyes what your tongue will soon taste, a thick, flavorful, and umami-rich mouthful. The famous prawn noodle costs $5 and may be customised with abalone, shabu shabu pork, and prawn balls if you are willing to part with a few dollars more.
Location: 505 Golden Mile Food Centre, #01-93, 199583
Opening Hours: 11.00am – 8.00pm (Tue – Sun)
Albert Street Prawn Noodles
Image Credits: Albert Street Prawn Noodle, BurppleOld Airport Road Food Centre serves some of Singapore’s greatest hawker fares, including some of the best prawn mee. Despite tough competition from Whitley Road Big Prawn Noodle and Kallang Cantonese Live Prawn Noodle, Albert Street Prawn Noodles stands out from the others. The deep red broth ($5.50) is rich and flavourful, and while the prawns are the main attraction, it’s the delicate, meaty pork ribs ($3-$8) that steal the show.
Location: 51 Old Airport Rd, #01-10, Singapore 390051
Opening Hours: 9.00am – 10.00pm (Thu – Tue)
Curious Palette
Image Credits: Curious Palette, SethluiCurious Palette is a café nestled away on Prinsep Street’s famous row of shophouses. Here, they don’t serve your regular bowl of prawn mee, but a wacky modern take on it instead. Try their Mentaiko and Belachan pasta ($18.90), consisting of pasta tossed in a prawn and shallot oil with, butter and fermented shrimp paste. Add some grilled tiger prawns, dollops of mentaiko, and a sprinkling of chilli powder rounds off this sumptuous platter of noodles. We just wish it came with a handful of crunchy fried shallots as well.
Location: 64 Prinsep St, Singapore 188667
Opening Hours: 9.00am – 10.00pm (Mon – Sun)
Deanna’s Kitchen
Image Credits: Deanna’s Kitchen, Miss Tam ChiakDeanna’s Kitchen is the place to go if you’re looking for a halal alternative. Steaming bowls of umami-packed soup prepared from prawn shells and anchovies are served at this stand. The standard prawn mee ($4) is sufficient for one person, but if you’re hungry, go for the giant prawns and clams mee ($9), which has succulent prawns and sweet lala. You can also go for the seafood plate ($39) which is loaded with clams, prawns, crayfish, and a whole lobster, making it an excellent choice for families.
Locations: Toa Payoh | Chai Chee | Jurong
Opening Hours: 9.00am – 3.00pm (Tue – Sun) Tao Payoh | 10.00am – 9.00pm (Tue – Sun) Chai Chee | 11.00am – 9.00pm (Tue – Sun) Jurong
Blanco Court Prawn Mee
Image Credits: Blanco Court Prawn Mee, Eat and Travel With UsThe original Blanco Court Prawn Mee was founded by Lee Pi Duan in the late 1920s and 1930s and finally passed down to his eldest son Lee Seng Hoon. Other well-known prawn mee stalls owned by this family include Beach Road Prawn Noodle House, Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee, and Joo Chiat Prawn Mee. It’s debatable which is the finest, but Blanco Court’s bowl of prawn mee does not disappoint. For a filling dinner, join the never-ending lines and get a bowl of jumbo prawn and pork rib noodle ($10.90) and a plate of ngoh hiang.
Location: 243 Beach Rd, #01-01, Singapore 189754
Opening Hours: 7.00am – 4.00pm (Wed – Mon)
Whether you call it hae mee or prawn noodles, everyone still agrees that this dish is arguably the best when slowly savoured during a chill night. So grab a buddy and head on down to one of these stores now.
