Singapore boasts a culinary scene as diverse as its population, and among the myriad of hawker delights, Hokkien Prawn Mee holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. One hawker stall that frequently pops up in conversations is Come Daily Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee 天天来炒福建虾面. Tucked away on the second floor of Toa Payoh West Market, this stall has been churning out plates of this beloved dish from 8:30 AM until 2 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. Today, we dive into whether this popular dish lives up to its reputation.
The Ambience and Accessibility
Before we talk about the food, let’s set the scene. Located in the bustling Toa Payoh West Market, Come Daily offers a typical hawker centre environment that’s vibrant and unpretentious. It’s a place where the clatter of dishes and the chatter of diners blend into a symphony of everyday Singapore life. Accessibility is straightforward, making it an easy venture for anyone craving local flavours.
Portion and Price: A Wallet-Friendly Delight?
The dish comes in three sizes – $5, $8, and $10 – catering to different appetites and budgets. We opted for the $5 portion, which was ample for a single diner. At first glance, the quantity seemed generous for the price, setting high hopes for the uninitiated.
The Culinary Experience: Hits and Misses
Come Daily serves the wet variety of Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee, characterised by a visible layer of gravy that eagerly promises robust flavours. However, the reality was a tad underwhelming. The dish was noticeably heavy on the lye alkaline water, overshadowing the much-anticipated umami sweetness of the prawn broth. For those in search of a flavour that tickles the senses, this might not be the stop.
The ingredients, though integral to any Hokkien Mee, did not do much to lift the overall profile. With just two tiny, overcooked prawns and a scarce three slices of squid, the promise of seafood indulgence was left unfulfilled. Furthermore, the egg, which typically lends a rich fragrance to the dish, was notably absent in aroma, though present in sight.
However, not all was lost. The accompanying chilli sauce was a highlight – spicy, deep in flavour, and a perfect complement to the noodles. It added the necessary kick that the main dish itself was somewhat lacking.
Overall Impression: Overrated or Worth the Hype?
Despite the shortcomings, Come Daily Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee still offers a decent meal for a weekday lunch, especially if you’re in the area and craving something local. It might not blow you away, but it delivers a straightforward, no-frills hawker experience that’s adequately satisfying.
Conclusion: To Try or Not to Try?
In conclusion, while Come Daily Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee 天天来炒福建虾面 may not live up to the hype for seasoned foodies, it still stands as a solid option for those looking to delve into the world of Singapore hawker food. It’s a dish that offers a glimpse into local culinary traditions, albeit with a few misses that might leave the discerning palate wanting more.
Come Daily Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee 天天来炒福建虾面 Opening Hours and Location
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | Closed |
Wednesday(Labour Day) | 8:30 am – 2 pm |
Thursday | 8:30 am – 2 pm |
Friday | 8:30 am – 2 pm |
Saturday | 8:30 am – 2 pm |
Sunday | 8:30 am – 2 pm |
Address: 127 Lor 1 Toa Payoh, #02-27, Singapore 310127