Prepare to embark on a delicious journey! The Alexandra Village Food Centre may be temporarily closed for renovations, but before it shuttered, we explored a famous prawn noodle stall with a rich heritage that dates back to 1943.

Starting our adventure at Buona Vista Access Point 2 near Holland Drive Market carpark, we meandered through vibrant graffiti, lush parks, and futuristic architecture, covering a scenic 3km stretch. Each step echoed the rich railway history of Singapore, leading us to a culinary gem—The Old Stall Hokkien Street Famous Prawn Mee.

Although the original stall is currently closed until June 2025, you can still savor their signature dish at their Hong Lim Food Centre outlet. Founded as a humble pushcart in Hokkien Street by Stan Tan’s great-grandparents, this stall is the pride of a fourth-generation hawker who carries on a legacy of taste.

Stan Tan, now 52, reflects on his family's history with passion. He grew up immersed in the business, from washing bowls as a child to mastering recipes in his National Service days. His love for the craft, combined with a commitment to freshness—no MSG here—has earned both locations a loyal following.

"We use fresh prawns daily," Tan emphasizes, revealing that cooking the noodles is an art that comes with practice. The star dish? Their dry-style pork rib noodles with prawn—a dazzling duo of robust flavors and textures.

What makes their broth a standout? Every morning at 3 a.m., fresh prawns, pork bones, pigtails, and pig skin simmer for hours, creating a savory soup bursting with natural flavors. No MSG here; it’s all about the depth from garlic and collagen-rich offcuts that give the broth silky notes.

But it’s the seasoning that’s truly legendary. Their signature fried chilli powder, crafted since 1945, combines dried shrimp for a fiery twist. Sprinkling this onto the dish ignites a sensory explosion that complements the prawn noodles perfectly.

Tan’s family approach to cooking extends beyond taste—utter devotion shines through every dish. His wife and daughters pitch in, making it a heartwarming family affair. "It’s not an easy job," he laughs, pondering if his daughters will carry on their culinary tradition.

The Old Stall may not be the loudest name in Singapore, but its devotion to quality and tradition speaks volumes. So while their iconic stall awaits renovations, visit their Hong Lim outlet to experience flavors shaped by time.

Find The Old Stall Hokkien Street Prawn Mee at Alexandra Village Food Centre, set to reopen mid-2025, but until then, don’t miss their other outlet at Hong Lim Food Centre. This is more than just a meal; it’s a walk through history.