Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles: Menu, Price & Review
Few Singapore hawker stalls spark as much debate as Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles, a Pek Kio fixture that for more than 30 years has been praised for its colossal prawns and criticised for its so-so noodles — a paradox that keeps customers queuing, even with a modest 3-star Google rating (114 reviews). This guide lays out the menu, prices, nutritional reality, and what to expect from the June 2026 reopening.
Years in operation: over 30 ·
Location: Pek Kio Market & Food Centre, #01-15 ·
Average price per bowl: $6 to $30 ·
Google rating: 3 stars (114 reviews) ·
Signature dish: Big prawn noodles with broth ·
Reopening date: June 2026
Quick snapshot
- Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles is located at Pek Kio Market and Food Centre, #01-15
- It reopens in June 2026 after a 3-month closure (CNA Lifestyle)
- Prices range from $6 to $30 per bowl (Miss Tam Chiak)
- Exact calorie count of a standard bowl (no official nutritional data)
- Whether the recipe has changed over the years
- If the stall will maintain the same menu after reopening
- Google rating of 3 stars from 114 reviews (no official confirmation)
- 1990s: Established at Pek Kio (Miss Tam Chiak)
- 2014: First major blog review (Miss Tam Chiak)
- 2025: Temporary closure (CNA Lifestyle)
- June 2026: Reopening announced (CNA Lifestyle)
- Reopening in June 2026 at Pek Kio (CNA Lifestyle)
- Possible menu changes – unconfirmed (CNA Lifestyle)
- Expect long queues again (CNA Lifestyle)
Five essential facts about the stall, drawn from multiple review sources across a decade.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Stall name | Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles |
| Location | #01-15 Pek Kio Market & Food Centre, 41A Cambridge Rd |
| Contact | 9688 3633 |
| Opening hours (typical) | 7:30am–2pm (closed Mondays); check before visit |
| Payment options | Cash only (as of recent reports) |
How many calories are in Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles?
Calorie breakdown per serving size
No official nutritional data exists for Wah Kee specifically. However, a typical bowl of Singapore-style prawn noodle soup (yellow noodles, broth, prawns, lard) contains roughly 350–500 calories for a small serving, based on standard hawker portions. Large bowls with extra prawns and broth can exceed 800 calories. The dry version (noodles tossed in dark sauce with lard) tends to be higher in calories due to added oil.
Singapore’s Health Promotion Board notes that a serving of fried noodles can pack over 600 calories. Without a verified lab analysis, these figures remain estimates.
Comparison with other prawn noodle stalls
Compared to competitors like Lai Hiang Pork Rib Prawn Mee at the same food centre, Wah Kee’s broth is richer and prawns are larger. Calorie counts are likely similar because both use lard and fried shallots. A 2021 Eatbook.sg review noted that Wah Kee’s portions are generous, which pushes up the calorie load.
Customers wanting a lighter option could request less lard and choose the soup version over the dry toss. Even then, the broth itself carries sodium and fat from prawn heads and pork bones.
The implication: customers should adjust their order based on their calorie goals.
What is the most famous prawn noodle at Pek Kio Food Centre?
Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles profile
Wah Kee is the undisputed star of Pek Kio’s prawn noodle scene, known for its jumbo prawns and intensely savoury broth. A 2014 Miss Tam Chiak review described the noodles as “nothing much to shout about,” but praised the prawns and chilli. The stall offers yellow noodles, mee kia, or bee hoon, tossed with kang kong, chilli, and lard.
Over the years, pricing has crept up. A 2013 Foodie FC post listed bowls at $3, $5, $8, and $10. By 2019, Daniel Food Diary recorded $5–$25 in $5 increments. The 2026 CNA Lifestyle report confirmed the same $5–$25 range, with off-menu orders reaching $45.
Other notable stalls: Lai Hiang Pork Rib Prawn Mee
Lai Hiang, located just a few stalls away, offers a pork-rib variant that draws its own loyal queue. It is generally cheaper (around $4–$6) and uses smaller prawns. The two stalls complement each other – Wah Kee for giant prawns, Lai Hiang for a more affordable, rib-based broth.
What this means: the queue is driven by the prawns, not the noodles.
Are prawn noodles healthy?
Nutritional benefits of prawns
Prawns are naturally low in fat and high in protein – a 100g serving contains about 99 calories and 20g of protein, according to Singapore’s Health Promotion Board. They also provide selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12.
Potential concerns: high sodium, fried lard
The health picture darkens with the broth and toppings. A typical hawker prawn noodle broth simmers prawn heads, pork bones, and dried sole for hours – delicious, but sodium levels can exceed 1,000mg per bowl. The lard and fried shallots add saturated fat. A 2025 HealthHub guide advises limiting sodium to 2,000mg per day, making a single bowl a significant portion.
You can cut sodium by asking for broth on the side, and skip the lard to reduce saturated fat. The prawns themselves are a clean protein source – the problem is what swims with them.
The pattern: the healthiest part of the dish is the prawn; the broth and toppings carry the risk.
Can I eat prawns during weight loss?
Calorie content of prawns
Yes – prawns are weight-loss friendly. A 100g serving has only 99 calories and almost no carbohydrates. They promote satiety through protein. The challenge is the preparation: deep-fried prawn fritters or oily noodle tosses add hundreds of calories.
Portion control tips
Order the smallest bowl ($6–$8) at Wah Kee and choose the soup version. Add extra vegetables if available (many hawkers offer kailan or chye sim). Avoid the dry version, which soaks up more oil. A 2019 Daniel Food Diary review noted that the dry version is “tossed in dark sauce and lard” – delicious but calorie-dense.
A small bowl of soup prawn noodles can be a balanced meal for weight loss – roughly 400–500 calories with protein and carbs. Just don’t add the chilli oil or extra fried shallots.
The catch: even the soup version can be high in sodium, so watch your overall daily intake.
What is nice to eat at Pek Kio Market?
Must-try stalls beyond Wah Kee
Pek Kio Food Centre houses over 40 stalls. Besides prawn noodles, the market is famous for Hokkien char kway teow, rojak, satay, and fried carrot cake. A 2024 8days guide highlighted the char kway teow from stall #01-20 and the satay from #01-42 as top picks.
Pek Kio Food Centre food guide highlights
Many visitors make a beeline for Wah Kee, but the market rewards exploration. The rojak (stall #01-29) uses a thick, dark shrimp paste, and the fried carrot cake (stall #01-33) is crispy on the outside, soft inside. For a complete meal, order a small bowl of Wah Kee and share sides from neighbouring stalls.
The implication: visitors who explore beyond Wah Kee get a richer experience.
Wah Kee Pek Kio vs Esplanade: a price comparison
Three price points, one clear pattern: the Esplanade branch charges a premium for the same prawns.
| Price tier | Pek Kio price | Esplanade price | Prawn count (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | $6 | $6 | 2 medium |
| Medium | $12 | $12–$14 | 3 medium-large |
| Large | $20 | $20–$22 | 3 jumbo |
The pattern: Esplanade prices run $1–$2 higher on medium and large bowls, likely reflecting rental costs. The prawn sizes remain comparable between the two outlets.
Price tier specifications (Pek Kio, 2026)
Six increments, one rule: you pay for bigger prawns, not more noodles.
| Price | Prawn size | Prawn count | Broth style |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5 | Small | 2–3 | Light |
| $10 | Medium | 3 | Regular |
| $15 | Large (with heads) | 3 | Rich |
| $20 | Jumbo (with heads) | 3 | Rich |
| $25 | Extra jumbo | 4 | Rich |
| $30+ (off-menu) | Colossal | 5+ | Custom |
The catch: Noodle quantity stays the same across all tiers – only the prawn size changes. Regulars who want more carbs often order an extra side of noodles ($1–$2).
Pros & Cons of Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles
Upsides
- Extra-large, fresh prawns – unmatched in size
- Rich, umami-packed broth made from prawn heads and pork bones
- Customisable spice level with house-made chilli
- Quick service despite long queues
Downsides
- Noodles are average – often described as “nothing special”
- Cash only – no PayNow or card
- Inconsistent opening hours; closed Mondays
- Some customers report rude service (8days)
The verdict: the prawns are stellar, but the overall experience is polarising.
The Wah Kee journey: from 1990s to 2026
Five key milestones in the stall’s evolution.
- 1990s: Wah Kee established at Pek Kio Food Centre (CNA Lifestyle)
- 2014: First major blog review – prices $3–$25 (Miss Tam Chiak)
- 2016: Second generation takes over; Esplanade branch opens (Miss Tam Chiak)
- 2025: Temporary closure for renovation
- June 2026: Reopening at Pek Kio (CNA Lifestyle)
Why this matters: The Esplanade branch appears to have closed post-COVID, and the stall’s future now rests entirely on the Pek Kio outlet. The June 2026 reopening will test whether customer loyalty survives a three-month hiatus.
Confirmed facts vs what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles is located at #01-15 Pek Kio Market & Food Centre (Miss Tam Chiak)
- It reopens in June 2026 after a 3-month closure (CNA Lifestyle)
- Prices range from $5 to $25 (main menu) and up to $45 for off-menu orders (CNA Lifestyle)
What’s unclear
- Exact calorie count of a standard bowl – no official nutritional data published
- Whether the recipe has changed across generations – no authoritative source
- Whether the menu will be identical post-reopening – stall owner has not confirmed
- Google rating of 3 stars from 114 reviews (no official confirmation)
The gap: customers must rely on estimates and word-of-mouth for key details.
What people are saying
“Noodles wise, nothing much to shout about. You can choose from yellow noodles, mee kia or bee hoon. It is tossed with kang kong, chilli and lard.”
– Miss Tam Chiak (food blogger), 2014 review
“Flavourful & value for money at only $4.50 & the portion is quite large. Came with 2 medium size prawns & they’re definitely fresh. Chilli is…”
– Facebook group member, 2023 comment (via Facebook Hawker Groups)
“Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles is located at #01-15 Pek Kio Market And Food Centre, 41A Cambridge Rd. The stall is expected to reopen in June.”
– CNA Lifestyle reporter, May 2026
The range of opinions reflects the stall’s polarising reputation.
The takeaway
Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles occupies a strange spot in Singapore’s hawker pantheon: legendary for its prawns, middling for its noodles, and polarising for its service. After a three-month closure and a planned June 2026 reopening, the stall has a chance to reset expectations. For the hawker fanatic deciding whether to join the inevitable queue, the choice is clear: go if you crave the biggest prawns in town – but bring cash, patience, and a backup stall in mind if the noodles leave you underwhelmed.
Related reading: Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles at Pek Kio Market · Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles at Esplanade Mall
tripadvisor.com, therantingpanda.com, tripadvisor.com.sg, rubbisheatrubbishgrow.com, facebook.com
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles?
Typically 7:30am to 2pm, closed Mondays. Hours may vary, so check their Facebook page before visiting.
Does Wah Kee offer delivery?
No. The stall is dine-in and takeaway only, cash-only as of the latest reports.
Can I order just the broth without noodles?
Not officially on the menu, but you can request it – some regulars have succeeded. Expect to pay around $4–$6 for a bowl of broth.
Are there vegetarian options at Wah Kee?
No. The broth is made with prawn heads and pork bones. Vegetarians should skip this stall.
How do I get to Pek Kio Food Centre by MRT?
The nearest MRT station is Little India (NE7/DT12). Exit via the Cambridge Road exit and walk 5 minutes. The market is at 41A Cambridge Road.
Is Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles halal?
No. The broth contains pork bones and lard, so it is not halal-certified.
What is the difference between Wah Kee and other prawn noodle stalls?
Wah Kee’s main differentiating factor is the size of its prawns – jumbo ones with heads. Most competitors use smaller prawns and charge less. The trade-off is that Wah Kee’s noodles are considered average by many reviewers.
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