There are days when lunch is just lunch, and then there are days when lunch becomes something worth sharing. For today’s lunch, I went to Upper Boon Keng to check out a prawn noodle stall that my friend recommended to me. The stall is called Shi Dai Prawn Noodle, and I was told that they serve a really nice bowl of prawn and pork ribs noodles.
Upper Boon Keng has that calm neighborhood charm that I really enjoy. It is not too busy in an overwhelming way, but at the same time, there is still a lot of life happening around the market and food centre. You can see people buying groceries, having their usual meals, and moving through their day in a simple and familiar rhythm. I always like visiting places like this because the food somehow feels more comforting. It feels like the kind of place where good food is cooked not to impress, but to satisfy.
The signage of Shi Dai Prawn Noodle caught my attention because it has that nostalgic, old-school appeal. It is not trying too hard to look modern or trendy. It is simple, straightforward, and focused on what matters most, which is the food. I actually like stalls like this because they give me the feeling that they have been around long enough to know what they are doing. Sometimes, the simpler the stall looks, the more exciting the food becomes hahaha.
I ordered the Prawn and Pork Ribs Noodles, and for SGD 6.00, I already felt that it was a good and satisfying choice. I really like this combination because it gives the dish two different kinds of richness. The prawns bring that seafood sweetness, while the pork ribs add a deeper and heartier flavor. Together, they make the bowl feel more complete.
I requested for the non-chilli version, and it came with soy sauce and tomato sauce. Some people might find that combination a little unique, but for me, it tasted very nostalgic. There is something about the savory taste of soy sauce mixed with the light sweetness of tomato sauce that reminds me of old-school noodle dishes. It is not fancy, but it is comforting in a very familiar way.
The noodles were nicely coated with the sauce, and every bite had that simple but satisfying flavor. I also liked that the prawns were already de-shelled and de-veined. That small detail actually makes a big difference because it shows the effort they put into preparing the dish. It also makes eating more enjoyable because I can focus on the taste instead of struggling with the shells.
The pork ribs were tender enough and gave the dish that meaty satisfaction. I also enjoyed the fish cake slices and crispy toppings, which added more texture to the bowl. Every mouthful had something different, from the chewy noodles to the crunchy bits, the sweet prawns, and the comforting pork ribs.
Of course, the soup deserves a mention too. It was mild, warm, and well balanced. The prawn flavor was there, but it was not too strong or overpowering. I liked sipping the soup in between bites of noodles because it refreshed the taste and made the whole meal feel even more comforting.
Overall, my lunch at Shi Dai Prawn Noodle was a very pleasant one. It was simple, nostalgic, and satisfying. For SGD 6.00, this bowl gave me exactly what I was hoping for: good flavor, generous ingredients, and that comforting hawker food feeling that makes me want to come back again.
