Singapore Chow Mei Fun Noodles (2024)

These Singapore chow mei fun noodles are savory, smoky, earthy, and nutty. The curry powder adds a unique boost of flavor that no other stir fried noodles possess. And they are topped with meaty shrimp and charsiu pork to boot! This is my go-to noodle stir fry whenever I am craving Hong Kong style street food.

So many years have gone by since I lived in Hong Kong. But one thing that still stands out, two decades later, is how spectacular the food was. It was there that I discovered what good pungent flavors tasted like and where I first tasted these stir fried noodles. While the name would have you believe otherwise, Singapore noodles didn’t originate in Singapore. They are of Cantonese origin – Hong Kong to be exact – and are actually quite similar to a Filipino bihon pancit from an ingredients standpoint! It’s a simple noodle stir fry cooked with vegetables and meats, but what makes it different is the use of curry powder.

Beside loving the flavors, what I also like about this Cantonese dish is it doesn’t require me to go to the Asian supermarket to pick up ingredients I don’t already have in my pantry. These chow mei fun noodles can be made with ingredients that are easy to find for both you and I. The only 5 Asian ingredients needed are: soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, dried red chilis, and maifun noodles (thin rice noodles).

Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe.

• Protein: Shrimp and charsiu pork are the traditional proteins used in a Singapore chow mei fun. But I like to swap the pork for turkey bacon because let’s face it – finding charsiu pork can sometimes be a challenging endeavour. I like the subtle flavors of turkey bacon and find that it doesn’t overpower the dish like regular bacon does.
• Vegetables: A mix of sliced cabbage, carrot, and onion. Feel free to add sliced bell peppers and mushrooms to up your intake of veggies!
• Dried red chili peppers: These small chili peppers impart so much flavor to the dish! Only 2 is needed to add plenty of smokiness and a medium level heat.
• Scallions: Scallions and Chinese food are the perfect marriage which is why it’s included in 90% of their dishes. They add a little sweetness and a refreshing crunch.
• Curry powder: The main flavor of this dish come from the earthy and aromatic curry powder. The powder is what makes the dish a vibrant yellow and adds plenty of warmth to it.
• Maifun noodles (dried rice noodles): Used in Asian cuisine – from Mainland China and Hong Kong – to Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore – and most parts in between, maifun noodles, sometimes referred to as rice stick noodles, are thin rice vermicelli noodles.
• Seasoning: A mixture of salt, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce.
• White ground pepper: Dusting a little white ground pepper on top of the dish right before serving gives it a slight floral aroma element.

How To Make These Chow Mei Fun Noodles

1. The first step to making Singapore chow mei fun is to soak the noodles. While directions will vary from brand to brand, maifun noodles usually require no actual boiling. Place them in hot water for a few minutes and they should be good to go. Drain them well afterward and let them dry.
2. Cook the shrimp and charsiu pork, or turkey bacon, in a large deep skillet. After 30 seconds or so, add the cabbage, carrot, red onion, dried red chili peppers and half of the scallions. Stir fry for 4 minutes.
3. Add the curry powder and keep tossing the ingredients.
4. Add the rice noodles, salt, rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil and soy sauce. Toss everything gently to prevent the noodles from breaking and turn the heat off.
5. Serve the noodles on a plate with the remaining scallions and a little ground white pepper. Enjoy!

What To Serve With This Dish

This dish is considered casual street food in many parts of Asia, so it’s only fitting that it should be served with other quick stir fries and easy to make dishes. So fire up the wok and, instead of delivery, make an eat-in feast of all your Asian favorites at home!

Here are some of my top picks:

• Honey sriracha tofu
• Sweet and sour tofu
• Chinese green beans with garlic sauce
• Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce
• Chicken egg foo young
• Korean sticky chicken

And if you are in the mood for more stir fried noodles dishes, you might be interested to try this quick vegetable chow mein, tofu chow fun noodles, pan fried noodles with chili crisp, or easy fried noodles with soy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did you like this recipe? Are there changes you made that you would like to share? Share your tips and recommendations in the comments section below!

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