Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Noodle: Hokkien Mee With Strong Wok Hei Is Certainly Worthy Of Its Michelin Bib Gourmand Awards In 2016 & 2017
In June 2017, the second edition of Michelin Bib Gourmand Awards announced a total of 38 eateries that made the list, of which included Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee for both 2016 and 2017.
We finally paid this stall in Tiong Bahru Market a visit to find out what was all the hype about.
Chef Manfred is a humble 40-something-year-old who seemed a bit shy. I figured it was because he was really focused on frying the noodles well instead of getting distracted by me.
Manfred shared that he had taken over the business from his mother at 27 years old, after quitting his job as an engineer. Since he had helped out at the stall from young, Manfred joked that he “did not really have to learn all over again”.
Plates of cooked prawns, squid and fishcake are placed at the side, which will be cooked together with the noodles whenever a new order comes in. There was almost a constant queue during lunch hour, but customers do not have to wait long as the queue moves rather quickly.
We ordered a plate of the Fried Sotong Prawn Mee ($5), the largest size offered. For smaller eaters, you can choose from $3 or $4 portions.
The broth was definitely the highlight, I loved how the al dente noodles soaked up the hearty prawn broth. And, I could taste the wok hei flavour in the noodles too.
The prawns were cooked well, but my gripe would be that they were rather small in size. Then again, we had four of them, which was a decent amount. Worthy of a mention was the squid, which was incredibly soft and tender.
I would definitely recommend squeezing the lime over the noodles before digging in. The zesty flavour would amp up your noodles, allowing the flavour to be cut through.
The chilli was not too spicy, and strangely addictive as I kept mixing it in with the noodles. All in all a great dish, and quite affordable at $3 a plate too.
If you find yourself in Tiong Bahru, skip the cafes for a turn and try out the hokkien mee at Tiong Bahru Market instead — this plate of noodles may have been one of the best I have ever tasted. Give it a try and do tell us what you think.
Expected damage: $3 – $5
Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee: Tiong Bahru Market, #02-01, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898 | Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (closed on Mondays)
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