In the humble Mei Ling Market & Food Centre, you will find that one of the more unassuming looking stalls now has a Singapore Michelin Guide recommendation to its name.
It is none other than Hup Kee Teochew Fishball Noodles (previously from the defunct Margaret Drive Food Centre) that has received the honour.
(Also read: 10 Must-Try FISHBALL MEEPOK In Singapore)
In the same food centre, there is another stall selling the same dish, being the 50-plus years old Xin Lu Teochew Fishball Noodle.
Both stalls have their respective fans. You may find Xin Lu’s queue slightly longer, also because it was featured in television documentaries and food blogs.
But Hup Kee is the stall to make the list.
Compared to Xin Lu’s, this also includes slices of fishcake, meatball, and fish dumplings.
Offerings include Teochew Fishball Meatball Mee, Teochew Fishball Mee, Teochew Meatball Mee, and Meatball Soup.
Each bowl is priced at $4.50, $5.50 or $6.50.
It seems that the dish is becoming more and more popular, although it is a comfort food to many of us.
It has an old-school exterior and a signboard that is straightforward. Watch the humble and friendly owner toil behind the counter, boiling the noodles and cooking the toppings, before expertly putting them together.
There is a cash-collecting machine on the side, in which customers just have to insert their notes (or coins) and appropriate change would be given.
I first had the Teochew Fishball Noodles in dry meepok. The noodles were tossed in a sweet and savoury sauce on its own, with a bowl of fishballs, fishcake, and fish dumplings to pair with.
That to me, was a pretty generous portion.
Their fishballs were the star in its own right, softer and juicier than the usual ones out there, and you can just appreciate that springy texture as you take the bite.
Harder to find good fishballs like this nowadays. The fishcakes were more normal though.
I would recommend ordering the Teochew Fishball Meatball Mee if you like some variety, with the meatball providing a denser texture and savoury taste.
The noodles were cooked to quite al dente style (think some customers may prefer something softer, but I enjoyed the bite).
Tossed with the sauces like ketchup, the chilli had a good punch. Would be great if there was some crunchy pork lard too.
Do note that Hup Kee is closed on Fridays and Saturdays, and often closed by late lunch.
Hup Kee Teochew Fishball Noodles
Mei Ling Market & Food Centre #02-38, 159 Mei Chin Road, Singapore 140159
Opening Hours: 6:45am – 2pm (Sun – Thurs), Closed Fri, Sat
Other Related Entries
Xin Lu Teo Chew Fishball Noodle 新路 (Mei Ling Food Centre)
Hui Ji Fishball Noodles & Yong Tau Foo (Tiong Bahru Food Centre)
Xiang Xiang Fishball Noodles (Chong Pang)
LiXin Teochew Fishball Noodles (Toa Payoh Lor 7)
Tom’s Cityzoom Mee Pok Tar (Ghim Moh Food Centre)
* Written by Daniel Ang and Dean Ang. Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
