Best Curry Noodles in Singapore

A guide to curry noodles in Singapore

Curry noodles in Singapore are a hawker centre staple. Most stalls call the dish curry chicken noodles, or curry mee. It is a big, warming bowl that does not cost much. This guide explains what is in it, how to order and where to try it.

What are curry noodles?

The base is a curry gravy made with spices, chilli and coconut milk. It is rich and a little oily, with medium heat. Noodles go in the bowl first, and the gravy is poured over the top.

Typical toppings

• Chicken: poached or braised chicken, sometimes on the bone.
• Potato: soft chunks cooked in the curry.
• Tau pok: puffs of fried bean curd that soak up the gravy.
• Extras: some stalls add fish cake, long beans, bean sprouts or a boiled egg.

Curry noodles or laksa?

The two look alike, but they taste different. Laksa uses a broth made with dried shrimp and is often topped with prawns and cockles. Curry noodles taste more of curry spices. If you like one, try the other on our Laksa page.

How to order curry noodles

Most stalls ask which noodles you want. Here are the words you will hear:

• Mee: yellow egg noodles, thick and springy.
• Bee hoon: thin rice noodles that soak up the gravy.
• Bee hoon mee: a mix of both, which many locals choose.
• Kway teow: flat rice noodles, offered at some stalls.

You may also be asked for a size, such as small or large. Say if you want less chilli or no chicken skin. Pay at the stall, then carry your bowl to a table. If this is your first hawker meal, read How to Order at Hawker Stalls in Singapore.

Where to eat curry noodles

Curry noodle stalls are found in hawker centres and coffee shops all over the island. Some open mainly for breakfast and lunch, and close when they sell out.

Ah Heng Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee is a hawker favourite in the Marina Bay & CBD area. Its name tells you the main order: curry chicken with bee hoon and mee. Office workers fill this part of town on weekdays, so lunch can be busy.

Other hawker centres in the city centre include Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, Amoy Street Food Centre and Maxwell Food Centre. Each has dozens of stalls, so you can pair your curry with other dishes. See more on our Marina Bay & CBD restaurant page.

Tips for first-timers

• Rough cost: a bowl costs around S$5 to S$8 at most stalls. Prices change, so check the menu board.
• Spice level: the gravy has some heat, but it is milder than many sambal dishes. Ask for less chilli if needed.
• Wear dark colours: the orange gravy splashes and can stain. Eat slowly and lean over the bowl.
• Bring tissues: most hawker centres do not hand out napkins. See What to Bring to a Hawker Centre for a short checklist.
• Diet notes: the gravy usually contains coconut milk and may contain shrimp paste. Ask the stall if you have an allergy.

FAQs about curry noodles

Are curry noodles very spicy?

They have a medium heat. Most visitors who like a mild curry find them fine. Many stalls offer extra chilli on the side.

What is the difference between curry mee and laksa?

Both use coconut milk. Laksa has a broth flavoured with dried shrimp and often includes cockles. Curry mee tastes more of curry spices and usually comes with chicken and potato.

When is the best time to eat curry noodles?

Locals eat them at breakfast and lunch. Some stalls close by mid-afternoon or when they sell out, so going earlier is safer.

How much do curry noodles cost?

Most bowls cost around S$5 to S$8 at hawker stalls. Bigger portions and extra chicken cost more. Prices change over time, so check the board.