Singapore’s hawker scene is no stranger to heated debates—chicken rice, laksa, and lor mee all inspire loyal followings. But ask any fan what defines a great bowl of lor mee, and the answer usually starts with the gravy. Thick, savory, spiced with five-spice powder, and balanced by vinegar, garlic, and chili, lor mee is a complex dance of textures and flavors. Some stalls master this art with deep-fried fish, others with crisp meatballs or heritage recipes passed down through generations.
Here’s a curated list of lor mee stalls that stand out for flavor, consistency, and strong local followings.
1. Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee
Location: Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Rd, #01-116, Singapore 390051
Facebook: xinmeixianglormee
- Signature element: Shredded deep-fried Batang fish
- Why it stands out: The sauce is intensely flavored, thick, and slightly sweet, clinging perfectly to the springy noodles.
- Don’t miss: Their combination of braised pork belly, egg, and the crisp, golden fish topping.
- Tip: Get there early or be prepared to queue.
2. Lorong Ah Soo Lor Mee
Location: Hougang Hainanese Village Centre, 105 Hougang Ave 1, #02-51, Singapore 530105
- Signature element: Shredded duck meat
- Why it stands out: The gravy leans saltier with an umami-rich depth. Garlic and vinegar aren’t optional here—they’re key players.
- Don’t miss: The pairing of ngoh hiang and duck creates a rare and savory combination.
3. Yew Tee Feng Zhen Lor Mee
Location: 787B Choa Chu Kang Dr, Singapore 682787
Facebook: yewteefengzhen
- Signature element: Crispy fried pork balls
- Why it stands out: Balanced gravy—not too thick, not bland. Every bite is consistent in flavor.
- Don’t miss: The meatballs are fried till crisp on the outside and tender inside.
- Fun fact: Also linked to the same family behind Ah Ma Lor Mee.
4. Yuan Chun Famous Lor Mee
Location: Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd, #02-79/80, Singapore 069111
- Signature element: Heritage gravy dating back to the 1950s
- Why it stands out: A bowl steeped in tradition, this stall attracts office workers seeking that nostalgic taste.
- Don’t miss: Their take is classic—no frills, just a rich, meaty gravy and solid toppings.
5. Lor Mee 178
Location: Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Rd, #02-23, Singapore 168898
- Signature element: Crispy shark meat fritters
- Why it stands out: Their shark meat is fried with precision, offering a delicate crunch without toughness.
- Don’t miss: The Michelin Plate recognition isn’t just for show—the textures are layered and thoughtful.
- Note: The gravy is less starchy, which lets the individual toppings shine.
6. Hui Wei Lor Mee & Prawn Noodle
Location: Mei Ling Market & Food Centre, 159 Mei Chin Rd, #02-14, Singapore 140159
- Signature element: Large, crisp fried fish chunks
- Why it stands out: Each bowl carries a generous serving of protein with a punchy, garlic-forward gravy.
- Don’t miss: Go heavy on the vinegar to cut through the fried components.
7. Fu Hui Wanton Mee & Lor Mee
Location: 150A Bishan Street 11, Singapore 571150
Facebook: Fuhuinoodles
- Signature element: Exceptionally crispy battered fish
- Why it stands out: The batter holds up even after being soaked in gravy.
- Don’t miss: Their fish is consistently crunchy and flavorful, making this a favorite among those in the know.
8. Tiong Bahru Lor Mee
Location: Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Rd, #02-80, Singapore 168898
- Signature element: Shark meat and long-standing recipes
- Why it stands out: This isn’t the same as Lor Mee 178. These stalls hold their own with heritage techniques and strong flavor balance.
- Don’t miss: The Old Airport Road version avoids MSG-heavy shortcuts, delivering a clean-tasting gravy that doesn’t overpower.
9. Zhi Xiang Special Lor Mee
Location: Toa Payoh Palm Spring Market, Blk 93 Lor 4 Toa Payoh, #01-49, Singapore 310093
- Signature element: Deep-fried yam fritters
- Why it stands out: The yam fritters offer a contrast in both texture and sweetness, absorbing the gravy while holding their structure.
- Don’t miss: A rare find that appeals to those looking for something beyond meat and egg toppings.
10. Feng Zhen Lor Mee
Location: Taman Jurong Market & Food Centre, 3 Yung Sheng Rd, #03-146, Singapore 618499
Instagram: fengzhenlormee
- Signature element: Traditional, old-school lor mee with generous toppings
- Why it stands out: Feng Zhen Lor Mee is a third-generation stall established in 1988, with a reputation built on consistency and bold flavors.
- Don’t miss: Their bowls come fully loaded—fishcake, fried meatballs, braised egg, fried fish, and pork belly—all coated in a thick, dark gravy that clings to every bite.
- Note: The original Taman Jurong outlet is often cited as the benchmark for traditional lor mee lovers.
Honorable Mentions
- Soon Lee Lor Mee (Circuit Road Food Centre): Old-school flavors with a following that swears by its consistency.
- Bukit Purmei Lor Mee: Rich, dark gravy with bold five-spice notes.
- Keng Heng Whampoa Teo Chew Lor Mee (Golden Mile Food Centre): Clean-tasting, slightly lighter version.
- Shi Ji Noodle Stall (Seah Im Food Centre): Balanced flavor profile and generous portions.
What Makes a Great Lor Mee?
- Gravy: Thickness should coat the noodles without congealing. A good balance between savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic spices is key.
- Noodles: Thick yellow flat noodles that are springy and chewy, never soggy.
- Toppings: Variety matters—braised pork, ngoh hiang, eggs, and fried elements add richness and crunch.
- Condiments: Vinegar cuts the richness, raw garlic sharpens it, chili deepens the flavor.
The best lor mee is more than gravy—it’s the entire bowl in harmony. Whether it’s deep-fried fish, hand-shaped meatballs, or yam fritters, each stall brings its own voice to this Hokkien classic. The only way to find your favorite? Grab a spoon, add vinegar and garlic, and start tasting.
