In December 2020, hawkers were officially recognised as Singapore’s intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. To us locals who have long celebrated it as an integral part of our daily lives, this news came as no surprise. Especially amidst Singapore’s rapidly evolving landscape, their consistent prices and familiar dishes have served as a comforting constant we can rely on.
As a cornerstone of local culture, many hawkers have quietly preserved generational recipes that have stood the test of time. While many of us grew up enjoying their fare, few truly realise the history and significance behind each plate.
A stall rooted in heritage
Xin Sheng Ngoh Hiong Prawn Cracker is one example. The stall started as a humble street food stand in the 1950s, selling its food out of a simple wooden cart. Today, the family business has passed on to its 3rd generation. Their two stalls are now manned by 2nd-generation owner Anthony Low, who runs the store in Boon Lay, and 3rd-generation owner Matthew Liu, who runs the store in Taman Jurong.
To this family, their food serves as a connection to the older generation of Singaporeans, many of whose childhoods were shaped by these traditional, crispy golden snacks. Even now, as the culinary scene evolves to accommodate new trends and dietary fads, they take pride in sharing their traditional roots while embracing change to stay relevant.
Fresh from the wok
The Ngoh Hiong store draws customers in with an appealing display that includes Prawn Crackers, Taiwanese Sausages, Chicken Wings, and, of course, Ngoh Hiong—a Hokkien or Teochew dish made with minced pork or prawn, wrapped in tofu skin and deep-fried.
Customers can grab a pair of tongs and pile their plates with their favourites. The selection is then deep-fried in a massive wok, cut into bite-sized pieces, and served piping hot with a side of chilli and sweet sauce. To complement the fritters, the store sells Bee-Hoon, whose mellow flavour and soft texture perfectly balance out the flavourful fried bites.
Signature picks
If you visit, some must-try dishes include the signature Ngoh Hiong, which has a juicy, meaty centre that explodes with flavour behind a crisp exterior. Their Crispy Prawn Cracker offers a satisfying crunch along with a delightful briny taste. The Spring Rolls and Yam Rolls offer a delightful contrast with their light, crisp exterior and soft, flavourful inside. While deep-fried, they still maintain an airiness and don’t feel too greasy.
In a culinary scene where food trends come and go, stalls like Xin Sheng Ngoh Hiong Prawn Cracker carry decades of tradition and history. If you’re looking to experience an authentic old-school hawker experience, this stall is definitely worth visiting.
Xin Sheng Ngoh Hiong Prawn Cracker
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📍 Various locations
🕜 Various timings
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Photos by Edna Low
