Hua Ji XO Fish Head Bee Hoon 华记XO鱼头米粉 : A Must-Try Dish at Old Airport Road Food Centre

When you step into the bustling Old Airport Road Food Centre, a world of culinary delights awaits. With a myriad of stalls offering tantalizing dishes, it’s no wonder you might find yourself spoiled for choice. However, on my recent visit, one stall in particular caught my attention – Hua Ji XO Fish Head Bee Hoon. The queue was a testament to its popularity, and the bright yellow signage was hard to miss. Almost everyone left with a brimming bowl of their signature fish head noodle soup.

Fish Head Bee Hoon Soup 

Upon receiving my order, I couldn’t help but marvel at the generous portion. The milky soup seemed to overflow from the large bowl, crowned with a tower of crispy fried fish. The fish was not only visually appealing but also incredibly fresh and devoid of excessive greasiness.

The secret to their remarkable broth lies in the hours spent boiling fish bones, extracting the essence of sweetness to create a natural fish soup base. To elevate the flavor, a touch of XO, a brandy known for enhancing the intensity of the base, is added. The result is a thick, milky, and slightly sinful broth that’s nothing short of addictive.

One distinguishing feature here is the use of fried ginger slices. Unlike the usual fresh ginger, Hua Ji XO Fish Head Bee Hoon takes it up a notch by frying the ginger to a crisp brown, infusing a delightful spicy bite that complements the bold flavors of the soup.

Sliced Fish Hor Fun

Intrigued by their famed fish head noodle soup, I decided to give their runner-up dish a try. The Sliced Fish Hor Fun appeared plain and slightly underwhelming in comparison. The egg gravy was smooth and well-balanced, but the heavy application of soy sauce on the flat noodles overwhelmed the overall flavor profile. While the thick fillet slices were generous and pleasant in texture, the dish, overall, failed to stand out as it was overshadowed by its renowned counterpart.

Hua Ji XO Fish Head Bee Hoon 华记XO鱼头米粉

Hua Ji XO Fish Head Bee Hoon undoubtedly shines with its signature fish head noodle soup. The broth, simmered for hours with fish bones and a touch of XO, is irresistible. The fried ginger slices add a spicy kick, making every sip a delight. While their other dishes may not be as remarkable, a visit to Old Airport Road Food Centre would be incomplete without savoring a bowl of this heavenly soup.