Imperfect perfection – mo peng(moon skin) fishball
Smooth and radiant skin is a must in showbiz, but it’s the opposite for fishballs. That uneven, pothole-like surface is the true sign of a handmade fishball – as rare as pulling a Charizard card. Today, I visited one of the oldest fishball noodle stalls in Hong Lim. A no-frills, long-queue stall, and as we all know, long queues are the best testament to food standards in Singapore.
Their mee pok has that traditional savoury soy-sauce-with-spiciness taste, but what sets it apart is the subtle shallot-oil-infused noodles, adding a familiar nostalgic fragrance. With that addition of lard pork (lapok), it gives off the familiar post-independence mee pok flavour.
Their handmade meatball has a slew of secret ingredients that create a surprising crunch. Both their handmade fishballs are the kind that seem mild on the first bite, but as you salivate, the flavour slowly releases — the kind you grow to like once you get used to that handmade taste.
All in all, this is one of those classic heritage stalls worth trying. Usually sold out by 1 pm.
Rating: can eat on the spot
Hong Xing Handmade Fishball Meatball Noodle
Hong Lim Food Centre, 02 -30, 531A Upper Cross Street, Singapore 051531
Hours: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm (closed on Wednesday)
If you're a fan of authentic Singaporean hawker fare, Hong Xing's handmade fishball and meatball noodles stand out for their rich heritage and distinctive taste. What I love most is how the imperfect, pothole-textured fishballs reveal their handmade nature—each bite offering a subtle explosion of flavor that grows on you. Beyond the fishballs, the mee pok noodles are enhanced with a fragrant shallot oil, creating a deliciously savory and slightly spicy profile. The addition of lard pork adds that nostalgic post-independence Singapore flavor, which many older generations cherish. To fully enjoy this experience, I recommend arriving early since the stall often sells out by 1 pm. Hong Lim Food Centre is an iconic destination, so be prepared for a queue, which is a good indicator of quality here. If you love exploring traditional hawker dishes that balance texture, flavor, and heritage, Hong Xing's fishball noodles are a delightful journey into Singapore's culinary past. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this place offers a taste of authentic handmade goodness that's worth the visit.
