Lao Zhong Zhong's Ngoh Hiang, prawn fritters, and other deep-fried snacks are so good that generations of Singaporeans either grew up or grew old enjoying their gratifying flavours. And despite the popularity of this traditional hawker fare, prices remained pretty affordable over the years, making it a true gem to foodies indeed.
In Singapore's hawker food scene, deep-fried food has a certain standing in the hearts of Singaporeans through the generations. One of the most iconic deep-fried hawker food, I'd say, would be the five-spice prawn fritters, or 五香虾饼.
For the uninitiated, "five-spice" here doesn't imply that the prawn fritters are seasoned with five-spice powder — a popular seasoning powder commonly used in Chinese cooking — nor does it refer to the seasoning powder itself. Instead, it refers to what we usually call "Ngoh Hiang" (or Chinese five-spice meat rolls) in Singapore, although the five-spice powder does go into making this delicious snack.
And the term "five-spice prawn fritters" is actually used as a collective term to refer to a cornucopia of fried delectables that includes the Ngoh Hiang and prawn fritters — which take the centre stage — but it doesn't just stop there.
If you're a fan of this hawker fare, you may know that among the famed five-spice prawn fritters sellers in Singapore, Lao Zhong Zhong Fine Spice Stall is one that has stood the test of time (and the picky palates of several generations of Singaporeans) for around 70 years and counting.
It is, in fact, also my favourite five-spice prawn fritters stall, and that of my dad.
As crispy as a prawn fritter can get
Above: Expect the crispiest prawn fritters at Lao Zhong Zhong. Their best friend: their classic sweet and tangy sauce
It's either their signature batter or that they fly off the shelves too quickly after they're made, the prawn fritters here are easily the crispiest I've ever had.
With their super-prawny flavours combined with the stall's classic sweet and tangy sauce, these fritters can really be quite addictive!
My top favourite: the Ngoh Hiang
Above: The perfect combination of finely minced fresh pork well seasoned with five-spice powder and mashed yam is what makes their Ngoh Hiang so good
Although the prawn fritters are addictive, the Ngoh Hiang is absolutely my top favourite!
Wrapped with a crispy beancurd skin on the outside and comes with a soft delicious filling made with well-seasoned finely minced pork and mashed yam on the inside, you won't stop at just one for sure.
Above: Made by hand on the spot, I'm just happily waiting for my batch of fresh Ngoh Hiang to be made and laid onto the shelves for my selection
Some of you would know that I'm a sucker for handmade food. And this Ngoh Hiang is exactly what that is. From the preparation of the filling to the rolling of the meat rolls, every step of the process is done by the aunties by hand, on the spot, right before the Ngoh Hiang get to their hot oil bath.
Other favourites
Above: The Water Chestnut Cake has an intense eggy flavour, while the fish balls are super-fresh and springy
The Water Chestnut Cake is a usual suspect in any five-spice prawn fritters platter. Those who are eating this for the first time would surely wonder where the water chestnut is. Interestingly, however, water chestnuts aren't exactly the protagonist in this dish.
The first thing you'd realise is that the Water Chestnut Cake smells and tastes so eggy. That's because it is a combination of lots of eggs, pork lard, flour, and some chopped water chestnuts. Given the complex flavours from these ingredients, it's unlikely that you'll taste the water chestnuts in this dish, except that you may bite into some bits of the fruit from time to time. And that's why I always thought that the name is sort of a misnomer, as it actually packs a lot more flavours than that of the water chestnut.
And who could resist adding a few fresh, bouncy, and umami deep-fried fish balls to make the platter even more exciting?
Affordably delicious
Despite inflation being the talk of the town in the past few years and until this day, prices at the stall remains fairly consistent and affordable. For the platter of food I got, the damage was only less then $5, which I think is pretty affordable compared to the other sellers.
That's unimaginable in Singapore today, where a simple plate of economy rice with small portions of vegetables and meat can easily chalk up a bill of around $10.
Above: The platter above costs less than $5, which I personally think is unusually affordable
So, if you ask me, there's every reason to pop over for some comfort food this good and cheap. It's the best deal ever, both in terms of taste and price!
Locate it
Address:
Lao Zhong Zhong Fine Spice Stall
29 Tai Thong Cres
Lao Zhong Zhong Eating House
Singapore 347858
Operating Hours:
Opens daily except Mondays, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
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