Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles: A Delicious Hawker Centre Favourite
This family-owned and operated stall has been serving up their signature dish for over 60 years, and has become a beloved institution in the local culinary scene.
At Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles, you'll find a simple yet flavourful menu that focuses on their namesake dish.
Their prawn noodles are made with fresh, succulent prawns and a rich, savoury broth that is simmered for hours to develop its depth of flavour.
Each bowl is served with a generous helping of noodles, vegetables, and of course, prawns, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Despite its popularity, Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles has faced its fair share of challenges over the years.
From competition with other hawker stalls to rising costs and changing tastes, the stall has had to adapt and innovate to stay relevant.
Nonetheless, their commitment to quality and tradition has allowed them to endure and thrive, and they remain a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Singaporean cuisine.
Key Takeaways
- Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles is a family-owned hawker stall in Singapore that has been serving up their signature dish for over 60 years.
- Their prawn noodles are made with fresh, succulent prawns and a rich, savoury broth that is simmered for hours to develop its depth of flavour.
- Despite facing challenges over the years, Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles has remained a beloved institution in the local culinary scene thanks to their commitment to quality and tradition.
The Culinary Journey of Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles
Historical Background
Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles is a heritage hawker story that started as a pushcart in the 1960s.
The founder, Ah Hui, was a prawn noodle hawker who sold his noodles in a pushcart along Hougang Street 21.
In the 1970s, Ah Hui moved his business to Longhouse Food Court at Upper Thomson, where it gained a loyal following.
Today, the second-generation owner, Mary Quek, continues to carry on the legacy of her father's prawn noodle recipe.
Signature Dishes and Ingredients
The signature dish at Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles is the Big Prawn Noodle, which is made with fresh tiger prawns, pork ribs, and noodles in a flavourful soup.
The Prawn Noodle, which comes in both small and large sizes, is another popular dish.
The soup is made with prawn heads, garlic, and prawn noodle paste, and is topped with fried shallots, lard cubes, and chilli sauce.
The Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle is another must-try dish that is perfect for meat lovers.
Cooking Techniques and Recipes
At Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles, the prawns are cooked using a live station, where they are cooked to perfection and added to the soup.
The soup is prepared using a secret recipe that has been passed down from Ah Hui himself.
The cooking process involves boiling the prawn heads and shells with garlic and other ingredients to create a rich and flavourful broth.
Locations and Accessibility
Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles is located at Balestier Market, which is easily accessible by public transport.
The nearest bus stations are located within walking distance, and the MRT is a short bus ride away.
The hawker stall is situated in a bustling market, which adds to the dining experience.
Dining Experience
The dining experience at Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles is unique and authentic, with the hawker stall being a live station that offers a la carte dishes as well as festive lunch buffets.
The prawn noodles are served piping hot and are bursting with flavour.
The hawker food restaurant has a niche appeal and is a must-visit for lovers of special prawn noodles.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles has a reputation for serving some of the best prawn noodles in Singapore.
The hawker stall has received numerous positive reviews from customers, who praise the freshness of the prawns and the flavourful soup.
The hawker stall has become a favourite among locals and tourists alike, and is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic hawker food experience.
Challenges and Triumphs
Economic and Operational Hurdles
Running a hawker stall is not an easy feat, and Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles faced its fair share of challenges.
The rising rental rates and shortage of manpower were some of the biggest hurdles that the stall had to overcome.
The chronic pain that Tan Ah Hui, the founder of the stall, suffered from also made it difficult to keep up with the demands of the business.
Despite these challenges, the stall continued to operate for over 60 years, a testament to its resilience and determination.
Personal Stories and Succession
Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles is a family-run business, with Mary Quek taking over the reins from her mother, who in turn inherited the business from her father, Tan Ah Hui.
The succession plan was not without its challenges, as Mary had to balance her responsibilities as a mother and wife with those of a business owner.
However, with the support of her family and the dedication of her staff, she managed to keep the business running smoothly.
Innovations and Adaptations
To stay relevant in the competitive F&B industry, Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles had to constantly innovate and adapt.
The stall introduced new dishes such as prawn cake and pork lard to cater to changing tastes.
It also experimented with different cooking styles, such as bak kut teh and crispy lard cubes, to keep customers coming back for more.
The stall even offered customised orders and DIY kits for customers who wanted to recreate the dish at home.
The Future of Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles
Despite the closure of its original location at Balestier Market, Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles is far from over.
The stall has since opened a pop-up at the Fullerton Hotel, where it continues to serve its signature dishes in a buffet-style setting.
The stall has also embraced technology, offering online ordering and delivery services.
With the support of its loyal customers and the dedication of its staff, Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles is poised to continue its legacy for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's on the menu at Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles?
Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles is known for its signature dish, the Big Prawn Noodle.
The noodles are cooked in a rich and flavorful broth made with prawns, pork, and vegetables.
In addition to the Big Prawn Noodle, you can also try the Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle or the regular Prawn Noodle. They also serve other dishes like Fried Fish Skin and Fried Wanton.
How do the prices compare at Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles?
The prices at Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles are reasonable, and the portions are generous.
The Big Prawn Noodle costs around S$12, while the Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle and regular Prawn Noodle cost around S$5.50. Fried Fish Skin and Fried Wanton cost around S$6.
Can I find any reviews for Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles?
Yes, you can find reviews for Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles on various food blogs and review sites like Seth Lui and Miss Tam Chiak.
Where exactly is Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles located in Balestier Market?
Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles is located in Balestier Market at 411 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329930. It is beside Boon Tong Kee.
Which prawn noodle spot is considered the best in Singapore?
Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles is one of the most popular prawn noodle spots in Singapore.
However, there are many other great prawn noodle spots in Singapore that are worth trying, like Beach Road Prawn Mee, Blanco Prawn Noodle House, and Whitley Road Big Prawn Mee.
Are there any other notable Hokkien mee spots near Balestier Market?
If you are looking for other Hokkien mee spots near Balestier Market, you can try Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee, which is located at Old Airport Road Food Centre. Another option is Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Noodles, which is located at Chomp Chomp Food Centre.