If you’re a fan of Singaporean hawker food, you’ve likely had countless bowls of prawn noodles. But have you tried Traditional Joo Chiat Prawn Mee? Nestled in the vibrant Joo Chiat neighbourhood, this humble stall has earned a reputation for serving one of the most authentic old school tasting bowls of prawn mee in the city. There are more popular prawn noodle options around the area, but this is something lighter and reminiscent of what I had in primary school.
The Star of the Show: The Prawn Mee
The Broth:
The soup base is the soul of any prawn mee, and this one delivers depth. Simmered with prawn heads, pork bones, and spices, it strikes a balance between sweet and savoury.
The Noodles:
The stall offers a choice of yellow noodles, bee hoon (rice vermicelli), or a mix of both. The noodles were cooked to perfection—springy and firm, with just the right amount of bite. They soaked up the broth beautifully, ensuring every mouthful was packed with flavor.
The Toppings:
The prawns were fresh, generously portioned and were de-shelled so you don’t have the unenviable task of peeling them. They were cooked just right, retaining their natural sweetness and tender texture. The dish came with thin slices of lean pork, which were tender and added a nice contrast to the seafood. A sprinkle of fried shallots lent a fragrant crunch, elevating the dish further.
The Chili:
No prawn mee is complete without a good chili sauce, and Traditional Joo Chiat Prawn Mee delivered on this front. Their homemade chili was spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet, complementing the broth without overpowering it. A dollop of this chili mixed into the noodles added the perfect kick that’s sure to satisfy spice lovers.
What Could Be Better?
While the dish is delicious, some might find the broth and chili for the dry noodle version slightly less intense compared to other famous prawn mee stalls. However, the balance of flavours makes up for it.
Overall Experience:
The prawn mee is prepared consistently as it was my third visit there. The service was quick and efficient, typical of a well-run hawker stall. While the stall can get busy during peak hours, the wait wasn’t long and was well worth it. The ambiance is no-frills, but that’s part of the charm-it’s all about the food here.
Final Verdict:
Traditional Joo Chiat Prawn Mee is a shining example of why Singapore’s hawker culture is so beloved. It’s a dish that’s steeped in tradition, crafted with care, and bursting with flavour. This bowl of prawn noodles is great for those who want to experience the traditional old school taste, which is simple and lighter in flavour and this bowl of prawn noodles in my humble opinion is exactly it.
If you’re in Joo Chiat, this stall is worth the visit—whether you’re a local or a tourist craving authentic Singaporean hawker fare!
Rating: 4 / 5
Traditional Joo Chiat Prawn Mee
59 Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore 427783
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gjDB1jsKfc8CUrKv6
