Soon Heng Fishball Noodle (顺兴鱼圆面) @ West Coast Market Square - Bouncy Fishballs Amidst Mixed Noodle Experience

I finally decided to brave the snaking queue at West Coast Market Square to try out the renowned Soon Heng Fishball Noodle (顺兴鱼圆面). Despite living in the neighbourhood for over 8 years, the popularity of this stall has always kept me away. This time, I managed to arrive early enough and got my hands on the $4 portion of their famed fishball noodle.

One of this dish's standout features is the handmade fishballs' peculiar shape. These bouncy delights immediately caught my attention. Unlike the commercial variants, Soon Heng's fishballs retain a pronounced fish flavour, proving that no shortcuts were taken in their preparation.

Fish Ball Noodle 3/5

For my noodle choice, I opted for mee kia. However, I found myself disappointed with the noodles, as they had a lingering alkaline taste that didn't quite sit well with me. The chilli sauce tossed with the noodle didn't complement the noodle's taste profile, making the overall combination less appealing.

Despite the noodle's shortcomings, I cannot deny the allure of Soon Heng's fishballs. Their authentic taste and springy texture showcase the artistry of their handmade creation, setting them apart from the mass-produced alternatives.

Though my experience with the noodle may have been less satisfying, I've heard their soup version is worth trying. Perhaps my next visit will be dedicated to exploring this aspect of their menu, hoping to find a better balance that complements the star attraction - the scrumptious fishballs.


Soon Heng Fishball Noodle (顺兴鱼圆面)
West Coast Market Square
Blk 726 Clementi West Street 2
#01-152
Singapore 120726
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5am - 930am
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Hainan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee (海南福建炒虾麵) @ Golden Mile Food Centre - A Dry-style Fried Hokkien Mee That Received Varying Reviews Despite Its Popularity

If you ask anyone about their favourite Fried Hokkien Mee spot, you're bound to get different answers. At Golden Mile Food Centre, two popular stalls offer this delightful dish, one downstairs and the other upstairs. During my recent visit, I decided to try out Hainan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee (海南福建炒虾麵), which has been a fixture at the hawker centre for over 30 years. Despite the long queues I've witnessed on previous visits, I never had the chance to taste their offering until now.

Fried Hokkien Mee 3.8/5

At Hainan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee, they serve the dry version of this classic dish, combining a mix of yellow noodles and beehoon, both cut into short strands. Visually, the dish may seem simple, but once you dig into the plate of noodles, you'll discover a delightful assortment of ingredients, including succulent slices of pork, fresh prawns, egg, and tender sotong (squid). Additionally, they provide two types of chilli, sambal chilli and cut chilli, to add some extra kick to the dish. However, I found the sambal chilli to be quite spicy and not an ideal match for the noodles.

Despite its popularity and varying reviews, I must admit that Hainan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee didn't quite meet my expectations. It lacked the coveted "wok hei" flavour that I usually look forward to in this dish. Furthermore, the prawn stock used for the noodles didn't have a strong and distinct presence. As a result, the overall taste leaned more towards a plate of fried noodles rather than the flavorful Hokkien Mee I was hoping for. It's possible that different palates may appreciate it more, but unfortunately, it didn't fully satisfy my craving on this occasion.


Hainan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee (海南福建炒虾麵)
Golden Mile Food Centre
505 Beach Road
#B1-34
Singapore 199583
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 10am - 3pm
Tue, Thu-Sun: 10am - 5pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and cross over to Beach Road. Walk down Beach Road along the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]