Celebrities Flock To S$5 Prawn Noodles: The Tanjong Pagar Sensation

Spotting Stars at Tanjong Pagar

It's just another weekday lunch at Tanjong Pagar Plaza Market & Food Centre, but one stall stands out for more than just its food. Celebrities Big Prawn Noodle doesn't just serve up delicious bowls of noodles – it boasts a storefront adorned with pictures of famous faces.

Back in the early 2000s, before Netflix took over our screens, local TV was the go-to for evening entertainment. Shows like Holland V and The Little Nyonya defined a generation. Now, those same stars line the walls of this noodle stall, bringing a wave of nostalgia.

Celebrity Endorsements

Curious about which stars grace the photo wall? You'll spot a young JJ Lin, Li Nanxing, and Wang Lei, among others. Even Hong Kong and Taiwanese stars like Joe Ma and Jeff Wang make an appearance.

The secret behind these celebrity endorsements? One of the stall's partners, David Cai, has a history in the entertainment industry, having run performing arts schools in Singapore and Shanghai. With such connections, it's no surprise that when the stall opened in February 2022, it had a star-studded backing.

“Even though most photos are from the past, the support from celebrities adds a special flair to the stall,” a regular customer noted.

The Noodle Experience

Celebrities Big Prawn Noodle offers a simple menu with just three items, each available in dry and soup versions. I started with the Pork Ribs Big Prawn Mee (S$5/S$8), choosing the dry option.

The prawns, though served with shells, were easy to handle, revealing fresh, succulent meat. The accompanying soup was a delightful surprise – rich, smoky, and full-bodied, with a perfect balance of saltiness and sweetness.

Flavors That Wow

Even the dry noodles didn't need extra spice. Their peppery kick and the fragrance of dried shrimp, shallots, and chili were spot on. Each bite was an umami explosion, though I wished for more than just one piece of tender pork rib.

Next, I tried the Big Prawn Mee in its soup form. The broth was lighter yet retained that savory punch. It's the kind of dish that's perfect for a rainy day – warm, hearty, and comforting.

Final Thoughts

With or without the celebrity allure, Celebrities Big Prawn Noodle is a hit. The robust soup and well-prepared noodles justify the long queues. At just S$5, it's a steal for a dish that's both satisfying and flavorful.

Would I go back? Absolutely, especially when craving something with a spicy, salty kick that leaves you saying, "Wah, shiok!"