There are two types of bak chor mee or minced meat noodles. The first is the dry version that has noodles tossed in vinegar and accompanied by minced meat and topping such as pork slices and liver. The other type is the soupy kind, which has noodles sitting in an umami-rich broth and topped usually with meatballs. But whether you’re team dry or team soup, here are the 10 best places to get the much beloved bak chor mee in Singapore.
Tai Hwa is probably the bak chor mee everyone has heard of since the hawker stall has been awarded one Michelin star honour yearly since 2016. The family-owned brand has been around since 1932 in Hill Street and its long lines are instantly recognisable. Prices start from $6.
466 Crawford Ln, #01-12 Tai Hwa Eating House, Singapore 190466
Fu Yuan is a favourite among the residents of the Tampines and the neighbouring Loyang area. Occupying half a stall, the owner of Fu Yuan was said to have trained at Tai Hwa before starting his humble stall. Perhaps, this explains why many remain loyal fans and are willing to wait patiently. The dish is priced at $4.
201C Tampines St 21, Singapore 523201
Housed in the food heaven that is the Bedok 85 Market, Xing Ji is known for its soupy bak chor mee that combines springy noodles with a hearty broth. The stall has been around since 1968 and has multiple competitors in the same market, including Seng Hiang which is right beside it. Prices start at $3.50.
85 Bedok North Rd, #01-07 Bedok 85 Market, 460085
Tai Wah is another established bak chor mee stall that has gotten the Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition. But in case you didn’t know, Tai Wah is affiliated with the Hill Street Tai Hwa label as the two owners are brothers that have inherited the same recipe from their father. Tai Wah is now helmed by third-generation hawkers Gerald Tang and Tang Chai Chye. Prices start at $6.
Tai Wah Pork Noodle has multiple locations in Singapore
As evidenced by its name, Famous Eunos Bak Chor Mee is well, rather famous. the hawker began in 1923 when the founder sold the noodles from his bamboo pole while playing Kampong Chai Chee. Now, the business is headed by fifth-generation owner Ler Jie Wei and the brand is most known for its soupy take on bak chor mee. The dish is priced at $3.50.
Famous Eunos Bak Chor Mee has multiple locations in Singapore
For those who feel peckish at night and need a little supper pick-me-up, head to Seng Huat. The stall is open till 12am from Sundays to Tuesdays and 24 hours on the other days. Its central location also makes it a good spot for revellers who want to mop up the alcohol with some dry bak chor mee. The dish is priced at $4.
492 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 188737
Jin Xi Lai or Mui Siong has been serving up bak chor mee since 1970, with many devotees queueing for half an hour just to get a bowl. The hawker stall is especially known for its pig liver so if you love that organ, do order more. The Veerasamy Road branch is the OG while the others are likely franchises or owned by other family members from the original Mui Siong lineage. Prices start from $4.
638 Veerasamy Rd, Yi He Eating House, Singapore 200638
Run by a third-generation owner, 58 Minced Meat Mee is another place to get your fix of the soupy bak chor mee. The meaty broth with springy noodles is also accented with homemade meat dumplings, making them slightly different from the pork meatball offering that other stalls do. Prices start from $2.50.
58 New Upper Changi Rd, #01-151 The Marketplace @ 58, Singapore 461058
Fans of soupy bak chor mee need not travel all the way to the east to have a bowl, espeically if you live in the central or north of Singapore. Soon Heng has two outlets in Ang Mo Kio and Neil Road and the family-owned business helmed by a mother and son serves up hearty bowls of noodles slurp up. Prices start from $4.80.
Blk 728 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, Singapore 560728 and 120 Neil Rd, Singapore 088855
Lai Heng made news when the ageing owner Lee Hwee Peng was looking to part ways with his secret recipe for half a million before retiring as their family members aren’t willing to take over. The price tag is evidence of the brand’s establishment and taste, which easily commands long queues. Prices start from $5.
Lor 4 Toa Payoh, #01-611 Block 73, Singapore 310073
This article was originally published on Singapore Women’s Weekly.