River South (Hoe Nam) Prawn Noodle & Lao Zhong Zhong Ngoh Hiang: Modern Day Romeo and Juliet

Once upon a time, Jackson Food Centre housed 2 hawker stalls that were a match made in heaven. The food marriage of bowl of spicy prawn noodles and a plate of wu xiang lived in harmony under one roof. Then tragedy struck and the food centre was demolished, making way for new residential and commercial buildings. The 2 hawkers relocated into different coffee shops facing each other, separated by a road, neither together nor apart..

  

Ok once you are done drying up your tears from my touching analogy and outstanding story telling skills, let's move on with the actual food review.

River South Prawn Mee has been around for a long time and is considered one of the more well known establishments serving prawn noodles, which is why their noodles are pricier than your average kopitiam noodle stall. You may choose from various different toppings (even baby abalone for those feeling rich), resulting in unique combinations for your next ten visits.

Pork Ribs with Small Prawns Kway Teow $6

I have always preferred their bak kut over their prawns. The meat is super tender and slides off the bone with ease, compared to the prawns which seem to have lost their essence to the broth. Your choice of noodles is nicely coated with a spicy sauce that is doused with a little soup for that extra prawny flavour. A jar of chili powder is also present on each table, for you to impress your fellow diners how well you can tolerate a burning asshole. The soup is so so sweet from all the prawn heads, pork bones and msg, you will definitely feel your lips drying up after slurping the last drip. Do take note that their operating hours have recently changed to only start at 6pm, no longer serving the lunch crowd.

6.5 / 10

Nearest MRT: Potong Pasir NE10

Address: 31 Tai Thong Cres, Singapore 347859

Contact: 62819293

Opening Hours: 6:00pm - 2:00am, Closed on Mondays

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Onto the best ngoh hiang stall i've tasted so far, purely because they are so consistent in their quality. Lao Zhong Zhong is another legendary stall that comes to mind whenever the words "wu xiang" are mentioned.

While other stalls have only 1 or 2 good types, almost all of LZZ's wu xiang are must gets, ensuring that you'll end up with a plate of goodies that satisfies on every bite.

It's not the cheapest ngoh hiang around, but what you pay for is what you get. And let's be real here, who actually calculates the price as you choose? Normal people will just kiap kiap and accept whatever price the auntie quotes.

Be sure to ask for the tau kwa from the auntie with the du lan bin. Don't worry, she's just angry about half of her watermelon going missing.

Assorted Ngoh Hiang $12

Everything is so beautiful i don't know where to begin. The prawn dough fritters stuffed with egg, the fragrant deep fried prawn roll, lup cheong with different layers of texture or the beancurd with crispy skin on the outside, yet soft and smooth on the inside. Not to forget the chilli sauce that complements each item so well. It's so good that you will be fighting over the last remaining piece.

8 / 10

Even though they are now situated at opposite kopitiams, the tradition of dabao-ing ngoh hiang over to the prawn mee still lives on. So feel free order a takeaway of wu xiang and enjoy both dishes together as they should be. The owners will give their blessings and thank you for reuniting the lovers once again.

Nearest MRT: Potong Pasir NE10

Address: 29 Tai Thong Cres, Singapore 347858

Contact: 96932103

Opening Hours: 11:00am to 11:00pm, Closed on Mondays

(DON'T BELIEVE THEIR LIES, OPENING HOURS HAVE CHANGED)