Lai Hiang Pork Rib Prawn Mee at Pek Kio Hawker Centre is run by an elderly couple who have built up a loyal following over the years. During peak hours, it is common to see a long queue of customers patiently waiting for their turn. Some are regulars who have been coming back for years, while others are attracted by the incredibly affordable prices. Curious to see what the hype was about, I joined the queue myself.
With the cost of living in Singapore steadily increasing, finding a delicious and filling meal at an affordable price has become more challenging than ever. That is why stalls like Lai Hiang Pork Rib Prawn Mee deserves special recognition. While many hawker stalls have raised their prices over the years, Lai Hiang continues to serve bowls of prawn mee starting from just $2.50 to $3.00. It honestly makes me wonder how they manage to absorb the rising costs of ingredients and operations while keeping their prices so reasonable.
Budget-Friendly Lai Hiang Pork Rib Prawn Mee
On this visit, I decided to try both the soup and dry versions of the prawn mee from Lai Hiang Pork Rib Prawn Mee, opting not to include the pork ribs. Even after ordering three bowls in total, the bill came to less than SGD$10.
For the soup version, I ordered a larger serving. I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portion and the amount of ingredients included. The prawns were fresh and nicely cooked, while the fried shallots added an extra layer of fragrance to the broth.
The soup complemented the noodles well without feeling overly rich. I have sprinked the seasoning powder added an extra layer of savoury flavour and a gentle hint of spice, making the soup even more enjoyable without overpowering its light and refreshing taste.
I also ordered the most affordable dry version, priced at only $2.50. Despite being the cheapest option on the menu, the portion of noodles was surprisingly generous. It came with sliced pork, fish cake, and one prawn that had been cut into half.
The first mouthful instantly brought back memories of the prawn noodles I enjoyed growing up. The sauce coated the noodles evenly, creating a simple yet comforting old-school flavour that is becoming increasingly difficult to find these days.
The soup itself was light and refreshing rather than being heavily concentrated with prawn flavour.
Between the two, I personally preferred the dry version of Lai Hiang Pork Rib Prawn Mee. The combination of savoury sauce, noodles, and accompanying ingredients worked wonderfully together, making every bite satisfying. The nostalgic taste reminded me of the traditional hawker-style prawn mee that many Singaporeans would have enjoyed during their childhood.
Things To Note
If you enjoy old-school hawker food or are simply looking for a satisfying meal that will not hurt your wallet, Lai Hiang Pork Rib Prawn Mee is definitely worth making the trip to Pek Kio Hawker Centre. Just remember to plan your visit carefully as they operate only four days a week and are closed every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. It is also advisable to arrive before 12:30 pm, as the stall can get busy and items may sell out early.
If you’re visiting Pek Kio Market & Food Centre, you may also want to stop by Pin Wei Chee Cheong Fun. Known for its silky-smooth rice rolls and generous fillings, it’s another popular stall in the hawker centre that’s worth trying if you’re exploring the local food scene.
Of course, if you’re expecting a rich, intensely flavoured prawn broth packed with deep seafood umami, Lai Hiang Pork Rib Prawn Mee may not be the place for you. However, if that’s the style you’re after, you might want to check out Blanco Court Prawn Noodle or Hoe Nam Prawn Noodles, both of which are well known for their fuller-bodied and more robust prawn broths. On the other hand, Lai Hiang offers a lighter, old-school interpretation that focuses on simplicity, affordability, and comforting flavours. You can also follow Crazyfoodgia on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram for updates.
Location:
41A Cambridge Rd, #01-41, Singapore 211041
You can find directions here.
Operating Hours:
Sat to Tue
6:00AM - 1:00PM
