Da Dong Prawn Noodles is quite arguably one of the most popular Prawn Noodles Stalls in Singapore. Located at Joo Chiat, a heritage-rich part of Singapore, Da Dong Prawn Noodles may seem like any other stall in a coffee shop, but it sees long queues daily.

Its popularity has seen people from all over Singapore flocking over for a comforting bowl of prawn noodles, and even though parking is scarce in the area, it does not deter diners.

Is it that great, you’d wonder?

Be early or be disappointed. Da Dong Prawn Noodles typically sells out by lunch time, sometimes closing as early as 1pm. We were disappointed a few times because we aren’t early birds, so we’d say go earlier – shortly before the lunch crowd hits at 12pm.

Their famous big prawn noodles are available three sizes: S$13, S$15 and S$20. All three sizes come in either dry or soup.

Alternatively, you can also go for the regular Prawn Noodles, Pork Rib Prawn Noodles, or Pork Tail Soup. Prices range from S$5 to S$10 for the regular bowls.

The main difference lies in the prawn size and amount of pork ribs, so if it’s within your comfort zone, just go for the middle or the most expensive, because the prawns for the smallest size are really very small and not ‘shiok’.

We ordered both dry and soup versions. Well, both were pretty good, but we thought the dry version was slightly better. The big prawns for both versions were super fresh and juicy; totally worth the splurge!

The dry version was flavourful, with a well-mixed sauce that coated every strand of noodle well, making every mouthful gratifying.

The soup version, on the other hand, lacked something. The broth wasn’t as full-bodied as we had hoped it would be, and after a few sips, came across as bland in fact.

One gripe we had was the amount of soup. The portion was pretty little, and there was not enough soup to last us until the last bite of noodle. While we acknowledge the rising food costs and challenges faced by hawkers, we understand the lessened portions (everywhere, for the matter) but wish there was an option for diners to top up for more soup. We would be more than happy to pay for another bowl or two, to make our meal more gratifying.

That said, Da Dong Prawn Noodles is still worth trying for sure. It is definitely one of the better prawn noodles in Singapore, and a comforting bowl that we’d gladly have any time of the day.

Da Dong Prawn Noodles
354 Joo Chiat Rd
Singapore 427600
Wed to Mon: 7.30am – 2pm

Talk about hidden gems and what do you think of? Somewhere inaccessible, somewhere inconspicuous, or somewhere secretive that is not known to many?

The Naked Finn might just be all of that. This beautiful restaurant in Singapore has been around for a while, and we thought you might want to know they dish out awesome lobster rolls, prawn noodles and other seafood dishes.

Sitting within Gillman Barracks at Alexandra Road, getting there might be a challenge; doesn’t help that they do not have a visible signboard too. But take that drive, look out for a glass unit of sort that is covered with cascading vines, and there you have it—The Naked Finn. Not so naked, after all.

Go for lunch, because it is prettier by day, and has a friendlier menu. And Lobster Roll. It is only available during lunch, and at S$35, you get a decent serving of the American Classic Lobster which features 90g of lobster meat with homemade mayonnaise/crème fraîche, and straight cut fries.

They are also popular for their Hae Mee Tng (S$25). You might still be shocked by the price tag, but trust that it is prepared with premium ingredients for an elevated taste. Prawn noodles are usually overly rich and salty, but not in the case of The Naked Finn’s rendition.

They do not add MSG, and the result is a balanced and delicious stock. The prawns were fresh, but it was the fork tender berkshire (kurobuta) pork belly that stole the show.

Granted, not everyone will be willing to spend so much on a bowl of prawn noodles, but if you can look beyond the fact that this is not your ordinary hae mee, you would appreciate that this is a dish which has the potential to represent Singapore cuisine if someone were to open a Singapore restaurant in cities such as New York or London.

We will be back to try the dinner set for 2 (S$138) which includes Kang Kong, Wild-caught Baby Squid, Wild-caught New Zealand Littleneck, Giant Pacific Sea Scallop, Locally-Farmed Barramundi and Farmed Tiger Prawns.

The Naked Finn
39 Malan Road
Tel: +65 6694 0807
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Labrador Park