Cheng Ji Chao Xia Mian Hao Jian 成記炒蝦麺蠔煎 @ Seah Im Food Centre

While researching about Seah Im Food Centre, I learned about this notorious Hokkien Mee stall who had, for reasons unknown, set some weird house-rules for its customers.

According to the accounts of several past customers, the owners do not allow them to take more than one pair of chopsticks. Those unaware of the 'law' ended up being chided for doing so. This has caused much distress among the 'victims' but the owners seem adamant about it.

This really piqued my interest hence I decided to pay this stall a visit. However, I have no plans to use myself as a bait to prove if the rumor is indeed true!

The stall in question is called Cheng Ji Chao Xia Mian Hao Jian (成記炒蝦麺蠔煎) and located just a few units away from Shi Ji Noodle Stall. Cheng Ji sells mainly chao xia mian (Fried Prawn Noodle aka Hokkien Mee) and hao jian (Oyster Omelette).

When I finally make my way to the stall, it was already past the lunch hour. The owners seemed to be in a jovial mood as they were sharing a good laugh with a lady standing in front of their stall who make a move as soon as she saw me coming up behind her. She does not seem like a customer as she left empty-handed.

The happy smiles that were on the owners' faces just moments ago disappeared without a trace as the lady boss went back to work at the back of the stall while the boss took my order.

As I waited for my order, I saw this piece of A4 paper staring back at me.

The stall uses thick bee hoon (rice vermicelli) and round yellow noodles. I wished the noodles were simmered for a little longer though as they still have not fully absorbed the flavors of the broth but it tasted ok, I guess. However, all is good with their sambal mixed in. No wonder they wanted to charge 50¢ if you wanted more of it.

I counted five pieces of small prawns, bits of squid, chives and eggs. Unfortunately, the seafood were overcooked and had lost the 'crunch'.


Although I did not have any unpleasant encounter with either of the owners, I still hope they can try to be a bit more cordial. I know it's a backbreaking job being a hawker but it does not hurt to be on good terms with your customers. After all, customers are more likely to return if they receive a good service from you.

Does anyone know the story behind this stall? Did something happened before that make the stall owners come up with the "one plate for one person" and no extra chopsticks/plate rule?

Seah Im Food Centre is opposite Habourfront Centre and the nearest MRT Station is Habourfront. Just follow the signs to Exit A and walk about 2 minutes to the food centre.


CHENG JI CHAO XIA MIAN HAO JIAN 成記炒蝦麺蠔煎