We Found $7 XL Hokkien Mee and CKT In Hougang—Worth The Hype?

Sing Hi Fry in Hougang has wok-tossed dishes in Hougang

Sing Hi Fry, a nondescript stall in Hougang, has been making waves on social media recently, with some diners claiming that it offers a decent alternative to established hokkien mee heavyweights such as Neighbourwok and Come Daily Fried Hokkien Mee. Naturally, as a self-professed hokkien mee enthusiast, I was more than willing to make the trip deep inside Hougang to see if it could join my list of favourite hokkien mee haunts.

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Food at Sing Hi Fry

I must admit that I was initially a little skeptical when I saw the signboard packed with an extensive array of options, dominated by various fried rice dishes that you can customise with a plethora of topping options. However, we were here for their stir-fried noodle dishes—the Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodles ($5/$7) and Ipoh Fried Kway Teow ($5/$7)—so we ordered the large portion for both. 

Those doubts, however, were quickly quelled when my eyes caught sight of the giant plate of hokkien mee laid before me. Most basic portions at other hokkien mee stalls hover around the $6 mark, but this was far from a basic serving even at $7. Right off the bat, we were impressed by the generous amount of seafood strewn across the plate. Size was clearly a key factor here—the pork belly, prawns, sotong pieces, and even the pork lard chunks were noticeably bigger than what you’d typically find elsewhere.

But size aside, taste was still the biggest differentiating factor. The silky noodles were heavily soaked in the broth beneath, each strand coated in a thick, glistening layer of gravy that made them satisfying to slurp. 

However, the flavour was slightly lacking in depth. The seafood notes did not stand out as prominently as expected, while the smokiness from the wok hei could have been stronger as well. Consequently, the hokkien mee leaned towards the lighter side and did not quite deliver the punch that many would expect. 

The toppings were not all size and no substance, and the standout element had to be the pork belly, which was noticeably plumper than the average thin slices typically found in hokkien mee. Each piece carried a rich, buttery mouthfeel, with the rendered fat melting nicely on the tongue. It was also quite juicy, adding an extra layer of richness that complemented the noodles beautifully.

Likewise, the prawns were impressive with their size and freshness. Each one was plump and juicy, and having five quality prawns on a $7 plate of hokkien mee must be a record, at least in my experience. The sotong was equally commendable, remaining tender and clean-tasting without any of the undesirable rubberiness. 

The punch the dish was lacking eventually came from the sambal belacan, which looked every bit as fiery as its vivid red hue suggested. It may be a little too spicy for those with a lower heat tolerance, but it proved to be an excellent accompaniment nonetheless, with its bold kick adding significant intensity to the noodles. 

We also had to try their Ipoh Fried Kway Teow, which delivered the smoky wok hei flavours we were expecting. You could taste a good balance of sweetness and savouriness from the sauce it was tossed in, which brought out a pleasant depth of umami without overwhelming the dish. 

The flat rice noodles here were slightly smaller than usual, but that didn’t really matter as the overall portion was still quite generous. They were also soft and pleasantly chewy, making them enjoyable to eat. 

Just like their hokkien mee, the prawns did not disappoint, served alongside the usual suspects—fishcake, beansprouts, and chunks of egg—ensuring each bite carried a good variety of textures and flavours. 

Ambience at Sing Hi Fry

Image credit: Jimmy Quek via Google Maps

Tucked away in the Hougang heartlands, Sing Hi Fry is located within Yen Fei Lai Eating House, a neighbourhood coffee shop. Getting there may not be the most convenient, especially for those who do not live in the north-east region.

The eatery is about a 13-minute walk from Hougang MRT Station or roughly a 20-minute bus ride from Hougang Bus Interchange. 

Sing Hi Fry — Eatbook review

Overall, Sing Hi Fry does get the job done well enough with its hearty stir-fries and generous portions—one serving is easily enough for two diners, or one seriously hungry person. While we appreciated the quality and abundance of the toppings, the hokkien mee itself leans a little subdued in its umami depth, leaving some room for it to match up against more reputable names. It’s still worth a try if you’re in the area, though there are stronger and more accessible options elsewhere in the country. That said, it still could hit the spot nicely if you’re simply after a very filling meal. 

If you’re looking for other Hokkien mee options, check out our list of the best Hokkien mee spots in town, or our ranked laksa guide if you are in the mood for another noodle dish.

Address: Blk 322 Hougang Avenue 5, Yen Fei Lai Eating House, Singapore 530322
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 8pm
Tel: 9373 7378
Sing Hi Fry is not halal-certified. 

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Photos taken by Heather Ng.
This was an independent review by Eatbook.sg.