Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee: Guide to Singapore’s Legendary Bowl
There’s a reason why queues snake around the corner at certain hawker stalls in Singapore, and Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee is one of them. This legendary stall has been serving its thick, sticky gravy over noodles since 1973 at Old Airport Road. Whether you’re chasing that perfect bowl or wondering if the wait is worth it, here is the breakdown of menu, prices, outlets, and what actually goes into the dish.
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – sold out ·
Average waiting time: 30–60 minutes ·
Recognition: One of the best lor mee in Singapore ·
Location: Blk 51 Old Airport Road, #01-116
Quick snapshot
- Queues are long and common (30–60 minutes at peak) (Miss Tam Chiak (popular food blog); Eatbook (Singapore food guide))
- Priced S$4–S$6 at Old Airport Road, S$6–S$10 at Balestier, S$4.50–S$6 at Holland Drive (Eatbook (Singapore food guide))
- Gravy is thick, starchy, dark brown; toppings include fried fish floss, braised pork, egg, beansprouts (Eatbook (Singapore food guide))
- Exact price by bowl size varies by outlet (Small vs Large not standardised across locations)
- Halal certification status – no official confirmation found
- History of the stall founding (exact year 1973 is commonly cited but not independently verified)
- Original outlet opening hours: Miss Tam Chiak reports 6am–2pm (closed Thu), but some sources list 7am–2:30pm + evening hours
- 1973: Original stall opens at Old Airport Road Food Centre (Eatbook (Singapore food guide))
- 2021: Balestier branch launches (9am–4pm daily; buzzer system) (The Ranting Panda (food review blog))
- 2023: Holland Drive outlet opens (7:30am–5:30pm daily) (Eatbook (Singapore food guide))
- Continued queue culture – each new outlet draws long lines; expansion to more locations is plausible
- Possible menu diversification? Currently no vegetarian or gluten-free options announced
Four outlets, four price points, one signature bowl. Here’s how the numbers stack up.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Known for | Thick, savoury gravy and crispy fried fish |
| Award | Michelin Plate (per Eatbook (Singapore food guide)) |
| Average wait | 30–60 minutes |
| Price (Old Airport) | S$4 – S$6 per bowl (Eatbook (Singapore food guide)) |
| Price (Balestier) | S$6 – S$10 per bowl (Eatbook (Singapore food guide); The Ranting Panda (food review blog)) |
| Price (Holland Drive) | S$4.50 (Small) – S$6 (Large) (Eatbook (Singapore food guide)) |
| Noodle choices | Flat Hokkien noodles, yellow egg noodles, bee hoon, kway teow (Eatbook (Singapore food guide)) |
| Toppings | Fried fish flakes, braised pork, hard-boiled egg, beansprouts, coriander, garlic (Eatbook (Singapore food guide)) |
What is Xin Mei Xiang lor mee known for?
Notable features
- Thick, starchy gravy that clings to every noodle – the defining characteristic (Eatbook (Singapore food guide))
- Crispy fried fish flakes add texture and umami (Eatbook (Singapore food guide))
- Choice of four noodle types: Hokkien, egg noodles, bee hoon, kway teow (Eatbook (Singapore food guide))
Awards and recognition
- Michelin Plate award, as reported by Eatbook (Singapore food guide)
- Consistently named among the best lor mee in Singapore by multiple food blogs and reviewers
Customer reviews
- Feedback highlights the balance of sweet and savoury gravy, generous portions, and the iconic queue as part of the experience (The Ranting Panda (food review blog))
- Some diners note that prices are higher at Balestier branch but portions are larger
Xin Mei Xiang’s fame rests squarely on its gravy – thick enough to coat a spoon, dark from soy and starch. For first-timers, the queue is part of the ritual; those who skip it risk missing the freshest batch.
The implication: Xin Mei Xiang’s gravy is its defining feature, and the queue ensures you get it fresh.
What is lor mee in Chinese?
Translation and meaning
- Lor mee ( ) literally means “braised noodles” in Hokkien and Teochew. “Lor” refers to the thick, starchy gravy used in the dish.
- The character implies a soy-based braising liquid, which matches the dark colour of the gravy.
Regional variations
- In Singapore and Malaysia, lor mee is a Hokkien/Teochew noodle dish with a distinct thick gravy. Different stalls add their own twist – some include sambal, others vinegar and chilli (Eatbook (Singapore food guide) notes vinegar and chilli paste as standard condiments)
- Xin Mei Xiang follows the traditional Singapore-style lor mee: gravy-based, served with fish and pork, and always with a side of pickled green chilli.
Understanding the name tells you what to expect: a braised, saucy noodle dish, not a dry one. If you order expecting soup, you’ll be surprised.
The pattern: lor mee is a saucy dish, and Xin Mei Xiang stays true to that tradition.
How much does a bowl of lor mee cost?
Price range at Xin Mei Xiang
Prices differ by outlet. The original stall at Old Airport Road charges S$4–S$6 per bowl (Eatbook (Singapore food guide)). Balestier charges S$6 (Normal) to S$8 (Large) per The Ranting Panda (food review blog). Holland Drive offers Small at S$4.50 and Large at S$6 (Eatbook (Singapore food guide)).
Comparison to other stalls
Most other lor mee stalls in Singapore charge S$3–S$5 for a standard bowl. Xin Mei Xiang’s premium pricing reflects its reputation and queue length. For the same price at a coffee shop, you might get a bigger portion elsewhere – but not the same gravy.
The trade-off: Xin Mei Xiang is not the cheapest lor mee in Singapore, but its consistent quality keeps customers coming back despite the wait.
What is Lor Mee made of?
Main components
- Noodles (choose from Hokkien, egg noodles, bee hoon, kway teow) (Eatbook (Singapore food guide))
- Thick gravy (starch-thickened, dark soy-based) (Eatbook (Singapore food guide))
- Toppings: fried fish flakes, braised pork slices, hard-boiled egg, beansprouts, coriander, minced garlic (Eatbook (Singapore food guide))
Gravy preparation
The gravy is the star. Cornstarch or tapioca starch is added to a broth of soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes pork stock, then simmered until it reaches a thick, glossy consistency. Vinegar and chilli paste are added at the table (Eatbook (Singapore food guide)).
Variations
- Some stalls use only fish, only pork. Xin Mei Xiang uses both.
- Vegetarian lor mee substitutes mushrooms and tofu for meat, though Xin Mei Xiang does not offer a meatless version.
Lor mee is a high-sodium, high-carb dish. The gravy alone can contain 1,000–1,500 mg of sodium per bowl. For those watching their blood pressure, it’s a weekend treat, not a daily staple.
What this means: the very qualities that make the gravy addictive also make it a once-in-a-while indulgence.
Is fried carrot cake unhealthy?
Nutritional content
- Fried carrot cake (chai tow kway) is made from radish flour cake stir-fried with eggs, preserved radish, and often a generous amount of oil.
- A typical serving contains around 400–500 calories, with 20–30 g of fat (mostly from frying oil).
- Sodium content is high due to soy sauce and preserved radish.
Comparison to lor mee
Both are indulgent hawker dishes. Lor mee tends to be higher in calories (approx. 500–600 per bowl) and sodium due to the gravy. Fried carrot cake is lower in protein but similar in fat content. Neither qualifies as health food, but both are enjoyed in moderation as local comfort food.
Health tips
- Share a portion to reduce intake.
- Opt for less gravy at lor mee stalls if available.
- Pair with a side of vegetables or fresh fruit.
Confirmed facts
- Xin Mei Xiang has operated since 1973 at Old Airport Road (Eatbook (Singapore food guide))
- Average wait time is 30–60 minutes (Miss Tam Chiak (popular food blog))
- Three outlets: Old Airport, Balestier, Holland Drive
- Price range S$4–S$10 depending on outlet and size
What’s unclear
- Halal certification status – not confirmed
- Exact founding year beyond 1973 (no primary source)
- Whether gluten-free noodle options exist (gravy contains wheat starch)
- Opening hours vary by outlet and source – confirm before visit
The catch: both dishes are indulgent treats, not daily staples for health-conscious diners.
“This is one of the most famous lor mee stalls in Singapore. The gravy is thick and flavourful, and the queue is always long.”
“The minimum wait is at least 30 minutes, but the bowl is worth it. The fish flakes are exceptionally crispy.”
– TripAdvisor reviewer
“At Balestier they use a buzzer system – you order, take a seat, and wait for your number. Much more comfortable than standing in line.”
– The Ranting Panda (food review blog)
For anyone who has queued 40 minutes for a bowl, the payoff is that first spoonful of gravy – dark, starchy, and packed with five-spice and soy. But the same qualities that make it addictive also make it a once-in-a-while indulgence. For the health-conscious diner in Singapore, the choice is clear: enjoy it when you’re ready to commit to the wait and the calories, or skip it and grab a lighter hawker option like a bowl of fish soup.
Frequently asked questions
Does Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee have halal certification?
No official halal certification has been publicly listed for any Xin Mei Xiang outlet. The stall uses pork and lard in its gravy, so it is not halal.
What is the best time to visit to avoid queues?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening (7am at Old Airport Road) have the shortest queues. Peak lunch hours (12pm–1pm) and weekends see 30–60 minute waits.
Are there vegetarian options at Xin Mei Xiang?
No. The lor mee contains pork and fish. No vegetarian or vegan options are available on the menu.
How does Xin Mei Xiang compare to other lor mee stalls?
It is consistently rated among the top lor mee in Singapore, especially for its thick, balanced gravy and crispy fish. Other well-rated stalls include 328 Katong Lor Mee and Janggut Laksa’s version, but Xin Mei Xiang’s queue and brand recognition are unmatched.
Can I order takeaway from Xin Mei Xiang?
Yes, takeaway is available at all outlets. However, the gravy may thicken as it cools, so best consumed immediately.
Is the gravy gluten-free?
No. The gravy is thickened with wheat starch and contains soy sauce (wheat). Those with gluten sensitivity should avoid.
What payment methods are accepted?
Cash only at the Old Airport Road outlet. Balestier and Holland Drive accept cash and some e-payment options (check before ordering).
How many outlets does Xin Mei Xiang have?
Three: Old Airport Road Food Centre (#01-116), Balestier (at 199 Balestier Road), and Holland Drive (Blk 43 #01-75).
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