Fishball noodles hold a special place in Singapore’s food culture. The bouncy texture of handmade fishballs, the balance of chili and vinegar, and the choice of noodles make this dish an irresistible comfort food. For those seeking the best, here is a curated list of hawker stalls that consistently deliver outstanding bowls of fishball noodles.
1. Song Kee Fishball Noodle
Location: 100 Yio Chu Kang Rd, Singapore 545576
Facebook: songkee.eatinghouse
Song Kee has been serving handmade fishballs since 1966. Their signature her giao, or fish dumplings, stand out with savory minced pork filling enriched with dried sole fish, wrapped in a chewy fish paste skin. Mee pok tossed in fiery house-made chili and lard oil gives a robust flavor. Long queues are common, a testament to their consistent quality.
2. LiXin Teochew Fishball Noodles
Location: Various outlets
Website: lixinfishball.com
Started as a pushcart in 1968, LiXin now boasts multiple outlets and a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Fishballs are made daily from 100% yellowtail fish with no fillers, giving a firm and springy bite. The noodles are tossed in a fragrant chili sauce, and the signature option comes with handmade fish dumplings for added richness.
3. Ah Ter Teochew Fishball Noodles
Location: Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd, #01-14, Singapore 069112
Instagram: ahterfishballnoodle
Located at Amoy Street Food Centre, this third-generation stall is known for generous portions and a complex pork-based soup. Gilbert, who took over from his father, serves noodles with bouncy fishballs, tender pork liver, fresh prawns, and minced meat. The sauce blends lard, vinegar, dried shrimp, and prawn paste for a bold taste.
4. Thye Hong Handmade Fishball Noodle
Location: Ghim Moh Road Market & Food Centre, 20 Ghim Moh Road, #01-36, Singapore 270020
Mr. Wee Pong Sai runs this one-man operation at Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre. Starting his day at 2 a.m., he prepares fishballs and fishcakes from scratch. Soft and naturally sweet fishballs, tangy noodles with crispy pork lard, and decades of dedication make this a favorite for many.
5. Ming Fa Fishball Noodles
Location: Various outlets
Website: www.mingfafishball.com
Ming Fa began in 1946 as a pushcart and now operates multiple outlets, including franchises overseas. Their fishballs are made fresh daily from 100% yellowtail fish paste without preservatives. The stall also offers Bak Chor Mee and Fuzhou fishballs with minced pork filling, making it a versatile stop for noodle lovers.
6. Hock Lee Fishball Noodles
Location: Albert Centre Market and Food Centre, 270 Queen St, #01-102, Singapore 180270
At Albert Centre, Hock Lee is a popular breakfast choice. The stall sells out early, sometimes before 11 a.m. Fishballs are handmade from yellowtail fish, giving a distinct, clean flavor. Noodles are served with a special chili sauce, although some prefer the non-chili version to savor the natural taste.
7. Ru Ji Kitchen
Location: Holland Drive Market & Food Centre, 44 Holland Drive, #02-28/29, Singapore 270044
Facebook: Ru Ji Kitchen
This Michelin Bib Gourmand stall at Holland Drive Market & Food Centre serves irregularly shaped handmade fishballs made with pure fish meat and no flour. Their mee pok is al dente, tossed in savory chili sauce and crispy pork lard. A clear, light soup complements the flavorful noodles. They also run a neighboring stall selling Bak Chor Mee.
8. Fishball Story
Location: Circuit Road Hawker Centre, 79A Circuit Road, #01-85, Singapore 371079
Douglas Ng brings a youthful energy to traditional fishball noodles with his stall, which earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2016. Inspired by his grandmother’s recipe, Douglas makes fishballs from 100% yellowtail fish with no flour, creating a dense and bouncy texture. His sambal chili, fried with dried shrimp, gives the noodles a fragrant kick.
9. Xin Lu Teochew Fishball Noodle
Location: Mei Ling Market & Food Centre, 159 Mei Ling Street, #02-05, Singapore 140159
With over 50 years of history, Xin Lu at Mei Ling Market & Food Centre offers an old-school Teochew-style bowl. Fishballs are made from a mix of wolf herring and yellowtail fish, producing a fresh and firm bite. The simple menu focuses on delivering consistent quality with a light soup to highlight the fishball’s natural sweetness.
10. Song Heng Fishball Noodle
Location: Ang Mo Kio 628 Market, 628 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4, #01-75, Singapore 560628
Located in Ang Mo Kio, Song Heng is known for generous portions and an early morning crowd. The noodles are tossed in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, sambal, lard, and vinegar. Fresh pork slices and a clear, sweet soup complement the bouncy fishballs. Friendly service adds to its charm.
Why These Stalls Stand Out
- Handmade fishballs crafted daily from pure fish meat remain the common thread.
- Rich and balanced sauces add depth, with many stalls using house-made chili and lard oil.
- Generational heritage preserves traditional techniques, ensuring authentic flavors.
- Fresh ingredients highlight the natural sweetness of fish and create a clean taste.
Each stall presents a different take on this iconic dish, making them worthy of a dedicated food trip across Singapore.
