National Dish Singapore: Hae Mee (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Hae Mee, a fragrant prawn noodle soup that captures the soul of Singapore’s hawker culture in a single bowl. Rich, savoury and brimming with fresh seafood, it brings together plump prawns, springy noodles and a deeply aromatic broth. Simple to put together yet endlessly satisfying, this is the perfect way to bring the distinctive flavours of Singapore straight to your own kitchen table.
About Hae Mee
Hae Mee is a traditional dish from Singapore, celebrated for its rich, hearty flavours. This delicious prawn noodle soup brings together fresh seafood and savoury seasonings that complement one another beautifully. It is often served with an array of accompaniments that heighten the taste of the dish even further. If you are after a fuss-free way to experience the unmistakable flavour of Singapore, then Hae Mee is exactly what you are looking for.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g prawns, peeled
- 150 g noodles (such as egg noodles)
- 1 litre chicken or fish stock
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Fresh vegetables (such as pak choi or broccoli)
- Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish
- Chilli, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To make the perfect Hae Mee, it is worth buying your ingredients as fresh as possible. Visit your local Asian grocery or a farmers’ market to find the best produce. When choosing prawns, make sure they are fresh and of good quality, as they are the star ingredient of this dish. For the broth, you can either use a ready-made stock or prepare your own from scratch to deepen the flavour.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Hae Mee could not be simpler. Begin by peeling the prawns and removing the dark vein that runs along the back. While you do this, chop the garlic and onion so they are ready to sauté gently in the pan. It is also a good idea to wash the vegetables beforehand and cut them into bite-sized pieces. With everything to hand, the cooking process runs along smoothly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a pan and add a little oil.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and fry until golden brown.
- Pour the stock into the pan and bring it to the boil.
- Add the prawns and noodles and cook according to the packet instructions.
- Season with soy sauce and fish sauce, then add the vegetables.
- Serve the soup piping hot in bowls, garnished with fresh coriander and chilli.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free noodles, which make an excellent alternative. Just take care to check that the sauces you use are gluten-free too. For a lactose-free version, you need not worry at all, as this soup contains no dairy to begin with. That way Hae Mee stays every bit as enjoyable while suiting a wide range of diets.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of Hae Mee, simply swap the prawns for tofu or mushrooms, which offer a wonderful texture. Use vegetable stock in place of the chicken or fish stock to keep the whole dish plant-based. Be sure to choose seasonings such as soy sauce or a vegan fish-sauce alternative that suit a plant-based diet. These simple swaps mean that vegans and vegetarians can enjoy this delicious dish too.
More tips and tricks
One key trick for a perfect Hae Mee is choosing the right broth — the better the stock, the more intense the flavour of the soup. Experiment with extra aromatics such as ginger or lemongrass, which lend the soup a character all of its own. And remember that fresh vegetables not only enrich the flavour but also give the finished bowl a wonderfully appealing look.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to flavour. Adjust the seasonings to make the soup exactly to your liking. For more heat, add fresh chillies or a spoonful of chilli paste; if you prefer things milder, simply leave the spicy ingredients out. This flexibility makes Hae Mee an easy dish to tailor to any palate. If you love a good bowl of noodles, you might also enjoy a comforting Wonton Noodle Soup.
Ingredient substitutions
If you are not keen on prawns, try chicken breast or tofu instead as protein-rich alternatives. In place of the egg noodles you could use rice noodles, or even courgette noodles for a lighter dish, much as you might in a bowl of Prawn Mee. You can also add different vegetables, such as carrots or peppers, to create extra colour and texture. That way the dish stays interesting and inviting at every mealtime, a little like the fresh flavours of Yong Tau Foo.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off the flavours of Hae Mee, Asian beers are an excellent choice. A crisp lager offers a refreshing contrast to the savoury soup. Alternatively, an ice-cold green tea works perfectly to cleanse the palate. And if you have a sweet tooth, a fruity cocktail made with tropical fruits can set just the right mood for the meal.
Serving and presentation ideas
The way you present your Hae Mee can lift the whole dining experience. Serve the soup in colourful bowls that echo its vibrant flavours. A scattering of fresh coriander leaves on top, along with a little chilli or a few lime wedges, makes the dish look truly enticing. Arranging crisp, crunchy vegetables adds lovely colour and texture that is sure to impress as you bring the bowls to the table.
A bit of history
Hae Mee has its roots in Malaysian cuisine and, over the years, has become a much-loved favourite in Singapore. The combination of aromatic seasonings and fresh seafood reflects the cultural diversity of the country. It is not only a comforting dish but also a symbol of the region’s food culture, one that brings people together. Many local eateries take pride in creating their own unique Hae Mee, and there are countless variations that reflect treasured family recipes — a true hallmark of Singaporean cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Hae Mee
Hae Mee is more than just a soup; it is a culinary experience that unites the flavours and traditions of Singapore. With the right preparation and fresh ingredients, you can easily recreate this dish at home. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, the steps for making Hae Mee are clear and achievable. Enjoy this delicious dish and let the flavours of Singapore work their magic.
