If you are a big fan of prawn noodles, then you mustn’t miss out on this noodle cafe called Fei Lou Fatt that specializes in prawn noodles. They are formally known as ‘Sembawang Prawn Noodles’ which was started by the founder of White Restaurant, Mr Tay King Huak.
Background
This humble food concept came about when he noticed that his restaurant was running out of space to keep the bags of fresh prawn heads from White Restaurant’s daily operation. Instead of throwing them away, he decided to make prawn noodle soup using the often-discarded prawn heads. He went on to develop his own recipe of prawn noodles and serve them to his family and staff. The noodles were so well-received that he eventually decided to start ‘Sembawang Prawn Noodles’ in October 2011.
His prawn noodles would usually be sold out before lunchtime at the existing White Restaurant outlet at 22 Jalan Tampang. But this business took a backseat as Mr Tay’s family has decided to focus on the main restaurant’s expansion plans back then in 2014. Due to popular demand, the family decided to bring back their popular Sembawang Prawn Noodles. It is now available at their new cafe along the row of shophouses near Springleaf MRT station. This new 68-seater noodle cafe was named after Mr Tay’s nickname ‘Fei Lou Fatt’ which means ‘prosperous old man’ in Cantonese.
Other than their signature prawn noodles, they also offer other dishes like ‘Prawn-zuke’ and a variety of Lok Lok. We tried their Signature prawn noodles as well as the Prawn-zuke and Lok Lok.
Big Prawn-zuke (SGD 16)
This dish is inspired by a traditional Japanese dish called Ochazuke. It is made by pouring green tea or dashi broth over cooked rice. Over here at Fei Lou Fatt, you will be pouring their piping hot prawn broth over their fragrant fluffy Japanese rice. It is served with succulent Ang Kar prawns and crispy homemade fried rice cracker. The broth is served separately in a small metal pot.
It’s a great alternative to the prawn noodles if you feel like having rice that day. The smaller version, Prawn-zuke, which costs SDG 8, comes with Vannamei prawns instead.
The prawn broth is undeniably rich, flavourful and savoury. But we actually prefer their prawn noodles over this dish.
Signature Fei Lou Fatt Noodles (SGD 20)
This is their luxurious version of the traditional prawn noodles where the noodles are presented with abalones and braised pork ribs. This elevated dish is very tasty with their mixing sauce for the noodles which evenly coats each noodle strand.
And if you are still feeling peckish after a bowl of noodles, you can try out their Lok Lok.
Lok Lok
Interestingly, Fei Lou Fatt also serves Lok Lok where you can have them as a side with a bowl of their prawn noodles. There are over 20 types of Lok Lok to choose from. Once you have chosen your Lok Lok at the counter, you just need to pass it over to their staff. The Lok Lok will either skewered or lightly-battered before deep-fried for that extra crisp.
You can even choose to seasoned your Lok Lok with Sze Chuan Mala, Seaweed, BBQ, or Furikake seasonings. Pair them along with Mayo, Thai Sweet Chilli, or Thai Seafood Green Chilli for that ultimate Lok Lok experience! The crowd favourite is definitely the Sze Chuan Mala seasoning.
Verdict
Their prawn noodles are no doubt delicious. The prawns are fresh and the broth packs a punch. I love the savoury intensity of the prawn and the sauces added to the noodles were delicious. However, competition is stiff as there are also many other places offering delicious prawn noodles. So I guess it is only worth a visit if you are craving prawn noodles and happen to be in that area.
And if they happen to open till midnight, it might be a great supper spot.
Fei Lou Fatt
Address: 928 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 787121
Tel: 6252 3400
Operating Hours: 8 am to 10 pm daily (Last order at 9.30 pm)
Nearest MRT: Springleaf MRT Station
