Food Review: 1980 Hokkien Prawn Noodle.Laksa stall at #01-23 Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184

I don't usually review hawker food, because there are too many hawker stalls in Singapore to cover and the price of a dish is usually not too high that people would be doing research before choosing a stall. However, a next gen hawker invited me to try his relatively new Penang-style Prawn Noodles and Laksa at Maxwell Centre, and I was intrigued. That's because I know how much work goes into making those dishes and I've had my fair share of prawn noodles and laksa as well so I wanted to find out if the stall manages to match the standards set by the previous gen. So much so I visited the 1980 Hokkien Prawn Noodle.Laksa stall recently on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

For those of you wondering, in Singapore we have Hokkien Mee, which is basically the dryish mixed noodles with seafood. However, I found out that Hokkien Prawn Noodles, especially in Penang, refer to the broth version with prawns and pork ribs (optional). Typically they are simply called prawn noodles in Singapore. Here is the menu where there are only two items available - variations of the Hokkien Prawn Noodles, and laksa. Unfortunately, the latter was sold out (my fault, since i arrived around 1.40pm!).

I ordered my noodles and paid with card via the self-ordering kiosk, which was very cool. Technology! In there, other than choice of noodle type and toppings, I could also choose between non-spicy and spicy, and I opted for non-spicy. However, I realised later (and clarified in case it was a mistake), the broth was still MILDLY spicy, just like the authentic prawn noodles. So if you cannot take spice at all.. go have the chicken rice or something. 

Here's my bowl being prepared with that umami rich broth. Perfect for a rainy day.

And here's the signature Prawn & Pork Ribs Noodles in soup form (S$7). For the price, I was pleasantly surprised to find 3 huge de-shelled whole prawns, none of that sliced into half nonsense and a tender pork rib in the bowl. I think I asked for less noodles, because I am having a low-carb life. Regardless, this was the perfect amount for lunch. 

Everyone who loves prawn noodles know that the verdict lies in the prawn broth. In this case, the prawn broth was rich, sweet and full of umami flavour with a tiny spicy kick to awaken (and not shock) your tastebuds. I love it. The prawn flavour was full on and the thick beehoon + yellow noodles were the perfect combo to have with the soup. The pork ribs were melt-off-bone tender and the prawns were fresh. 

To me, this was not mind-blowing or off the charts, but it's just a classic, well-cooked delicious bowl of prawn noodles in the most authentic style possible, and that deserves a try. There are many "innovative" or famous prawn noodles out there, but I know where to go if I want just a solid bowl of prawn noodles. And I'll be back to try their laksa!

🙅 Thank you, next 
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1980 Hokkien Prawn Noodle.Laksa

1 Kadayanallur St, #01-23 Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184

Mondays to Saturdays 9AM to 3.30PM

Closed on Sundays

Thank you Bryan for the invite!