Beef noodle fans will surely know of Hwa Heng Beef Noodle, a stall that spent over 30 years on Orchard Road, including a longstanding stall at Scotts Square’s Picnic Food Court, and ION Orchard’s Food Opera. They’ve since quietly made a comeback at Jalan Besar‘s Earnest Restaurant, a 24/7 kopitiam located next to the Jalan Besar Sports Centre.
Image credit: @4050st
Hwa Heng Beef Noodle is something of a foodie legend. The stall has been operating since 1948, and with its origins as a street hawker stall selling Hainanese beef noodles next to the old Odeon Theatre. Three generations of the founding family have taken over the reins at Hwa Heng, but their signature recipes still remain the same.
Image credit: Malcom David
At the Jalan Besar outlet, you can get your beef noodles either dry or with soup. A bowl starts at $6 for sliced beef, or with just beef balls. If you’d like both beef balls and slices, a bowl will set you back $9. If you’re ideal bowl comes with tendon, then be prepared to fork out $12. Beef stomach is also available as an add-on.
Image credit: @evirobiex
Diners can choose between thick bee hoon or kway teow noodles too.
The soup version comes with a flavourful, slow-cooked beef stock that has a distinct pepperiness. It is also used to blanch the beef slices a la minute, so these remain tender when you’re ready to dig in, unlike many stalls where beef slices are pre-cooked and often dry.
Image credit: @evirobiex
The dry option comes with a silken, starchy gravy, as well as a heaping serve of beansprouts for texture. Definitely enjoy this with a squeeze of lime, and their house-made chinchalok and chilli combo.
Image credit: @scrambleggg
Many fans claim the noodles here transport them back to their childhoods, thanks to their nostalgic flavour.
Another final bonus: they’re open till 2am daily, so you can swing by for supper!
Note that there is another stall with the Hwa Heng name in Bendemeer Food Centre, known as Toa Payoh Hwa Heng Beef Noodles.
Check out our guide to the best beef noodles in Singapore for more slurp-worthy renditions. Otherwise, there’s our Jalan Besar food guide for other eats in the ‘hood.
Address: 290 Jalan Besar, Earnest Coffeeshop, Singapore 208953
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 2am
Tel: 9691 6776
Featured image adapted from Malcom David and @4050st