Southeast Asia is a gastronomical delight for all food lovers, especially for those who love noodles. Noodle dishes have been an essential part of Southeast Asian cuisine for centuries and it is no surprise that many popular noodle dishes are enjoyed across the region today.
In this blog post, we will explore three of the best noodle dishes in Southeast Asia: Hokkien Mee in Phuket, Mee Goreng in Malaysia, and Bee Hoon in Singapore.
Table of Contents
Hokkien Mee in Phuket
Hokkien Mee is a popular noodle dish in Phuket, a province in southern Thailand known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and fantastic street food. Hokkien Mee is made with egg noodles, seafood, and a rich, savory broth. It is a simple but delicious dish that has become a staple in Phuket’s street food scene.
The noodles used in Hokkien Mee are made from wheat flour and are yellow in color, making them distinct from other types of noodles. The broth is made by boiling seafood, such as shrimp and squid, along with soy sauce and other seasonings. The broth is then poured over the noodles and topped with seafood, green onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
The best place to try Hokkien Mee in Phuket is at the street food stalls in Phuket town. One of the most famous stalls is Baan Suan or Mee Thong Poo which has been serving the dish for over 20 years. Another great option is the outdoor food market near the Phuket Old Town, where you can sample Hokkien Mee and many other delicious street foods. Or if you are in the North of Phuket you got to try it Hom Cafe in Thalang District, Phuket.
Thai food is known for being spicy, yet they are plenty other dishes which are creamy, sweet, and just enough of spice to get by. Check out the guide of the best ranked dish in the world of 2022 name Panang Curry and how to cook it at home.
Mee Goreng, Malaysia
Mee Goreng is a popular dish in Malaysia, made with fried noodles and a variety of seasonings and toppings. The dish is considered Malaysia’s national dish and is widely enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The dish is simple to make, and the recipe can be easily adapted to suit different tastes. Best region to try Mee Goreng in Malaysia is at Penang. Amazing char fried noodles with whatever toppings you can put. Mee Goreng is very simple, easy, to make and cook at home. With the ingredients and instruction here, you can even subsitute noodles with rice and make Mee Goreng.
As here in Salaryman Cooking we like our fusion cooking where we can substitute many ingredients to create a beautiful and delicious meal at home.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, and red pepper, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Push the mixture to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center.
- Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through.
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir to combine with the eggs and vegetables.
- Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, and sesame oil, and stir to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with your choice of ingredients.
If you do not want to cook, well in Malaysia the best place to try Mee Goreng in Malaysia is at a local hawker center or food court, where you can sample a variety of different dishes at affordable prices. Some of the best hawker centers in Malaysia include the Petaling Jaya Hawker Center, the Kuchai Lama Food Court, and the Kuala Lumpur Central Market.
For more spicy noodles dishes, check out our guide on how to make Sichuan noodles at home.
Bee Hoon, Singapore
Bee Hoon, also known as rice vermicelli, is a popular dish in Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia. Traditionally, it is made from rice flour and usually served as a dry dish with a variety of ingredients. It is usually cooked in a light sauce, with vegetables, meat, seafood, and other condiments. It is a great dish for sharing due to its light and fragrant taste, and it is usually served with a few side dishes such as a hot chili sauce and some pickles.
Why Singapore is famous for Bee Hoon
Singapore is known for its diverse and unique cuisine. Bee Hoon is one of the dishes that is particularly famous in Singapore. The dish has a unique flavor that is different than other versions of the dish found in other parts of Southeast Asia. The ingredients used are fresh and the cooking method adds a certain depth and richness to the flavor.
Singapore is also famous for its hawker centers, which are food courts with a variety of stalls that serve traditional dishes. Bee Hoon is one of the dishes that is commonly found in hawker centers and it is usually very affordable.
Where to try the best Bee Hoon in Singapore
One of the best places to try Bee Hoon in Singapore is the Lau Pa Sat hawker center. This hawker center is an open-air food court with a wide variety of stalls that serve delicious food. The Bee Hoon here is made with fresh and high-quality ingredients and the sauces used are flavorful and fragrant.
Another great place to try Bee Hoon in Singapore is the Maxwell Road Hawker Center. Here, you can find two popular stalls that specialize in Bee Hoon. The Bee Hoon here is made with a variety of ingredients and is usually served with a variety of condiments such as pickles and chili sauce and cheese tofu. A good recommendation if you are towards the south and western part of Singapore is at Holland Village. Next to the MRT station in Holland Village provides amazing Bee Hoon noodles especially in the morning with a cup of Teh Tarik, or basically milk tea. You can have coffee as well too, but the combination with tea is amazing.
For coffee guides, check out what kind of coffee goes well with Asian cuisine here.
Finally, the Changi Village Hawker Center is another great place to try Bee Hoon in Singapore. The Bee Hoon here is known for its light and fragrant taste, and the ingredients used are always fresh and flavorful.
Noodles Fun Fact
- One story claims that Hokkien Mee was originally referred to as Rochor mee since Rochor Road was where it was first offered for sale. This meal was developed in the 1930s by a Hokkien ex-seaman and was offered for sale at his stand on Rochor Road. Source
- SING CHOW MEI FUN - is the original name of Bee Hon Noodle. Source
Final Thought
Final though is that most of the noodles dish are influence by so many cultures. Hokkien Mee got it's influence by Chinese traditions and flavor. Similar to Bee Hoon noodles which are warm and comfy feel to it while eating. Plus in Singapore you can add a variety of toppings to the noodles. Mee Goreng in Malaysai have a feeling for amazing taste of spice similar to India and Indonesia. Especially when the dish comes with Sambal chili sauce. The chili sauce is a must-try for food lovers and anyone who loves spices.
In conclusion, the best noodle dishes in Southeast Asia are a testament to the diversity and richness of the region’s culinary culture. From the timeless Hokkien Mee of Phuket to the savory and spiciness of Mee Goreng. To the hearty and warm Bee Hoon noodles in Singapore. There is a noodle dish to suit any taste. And with so many delicious options available, it’s hard to go wrong. So why not try them all? Bon appétit!
Check out the top 9 noodles dishes in Southeast Asia.
