National Dish Singapore: Hae Mee Soup (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Hae Mee Soup, one of Singapore’s most cherished bowls of comfort! This fragrant prawn noodle soup brings together the sweet flavours of the sea and a soothing, aromatic broth lifted with fresh herbs and spices. Tender rice noodles and plump prawns turn a handful of simple ingredients into something that feels genuinely luxurious. With very little effort you can bring a taste of a Singapore hawker stall straight into your own kitchen.
About Hae Mee Soup
Hae Mee Soup is not only a much-loved dish in Singapore but also a wonderful expression of Asia’s rich and varied culinary culture. This aromatic prawn soup marries the finest flavours of the sea with a hearty broth, refined with fresh spices and herbs. At its core sit tender noodles and a selection of fresh seafood, which together deliver a truly indulgent eating experience. With just a few ingredients, the soup comes together quickly and brings a touch of Asia to your table.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g prawns, peeled
- 100 g rice noodles
- 500 ml chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish
- A few spring onions, sliced into rings
- Chilli, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To make the best Hae Mee Soup, buy your ingredients as fresh as possible to guarantee the finest flavour. Fresh prawns are the key to an aromatic broth and can be found in many Asian supermarkets or at the fishmonger. The choice of noodles can vary, but rice noodles are ideal as they soak up the flavours of the soup beautifully. Be sure to choose a good-quality stock, too, as it forms the very foundation of the dish. This bowl is a lovely introduction to Singaporean cuisine.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin, it helps to prepare all your ingredients so the cooking goes smoothly. Rinse the prawns thoroughly, then place them in a bowl and season with a splash of soy sauce. Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to the packet instructions and set them aside. Chop the onion and garlic neatly to build a good base of flavour in the broth.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the sesame oil in a large pot and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the stock and bring it to the boil.
- Add the marinated prawns to the broth and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until they turn pink.
- Stir in the cooked rice noodles and combine everything well.
- Garnish the soup with chilli and fresh coriander and serve piping hot.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For anyone with a gluten or lactose intolerance, Hae Mee Soup is easy to adapt. Instead of ordinary soy sauce, use a gluten-free soy sauce, which is widely available in most supermarkets. When choosing your stock, take care to pick a gluten-free version as well. Lactose-free products are also generally simple to find, so you can enjoy this delicious dish without missing out on any of its special flavours.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Hae Mee Soup is easily turned into a vegan version by simply swapping the prawns for tofu or a selection of fresh vegetables. A plant-based stock and vegan soy sauce ensure that every ingredient meets the standards of a fully vegan kitchen. For the same rich flavour, add seaweed or mushrooms to boost the umami note. Steamed broccoli or leafy greens also make excellent additions.
More tips and tricks
To make preparing Hae Mee Soup even easier, you can make the broth and the spice mix in advance and keep them in the fridge. This saves time when you fancy a quick meal. The other ingredients can also be washed and prepped ahead, so everything comes together in moments. Experiment with different herbs and spices to bring your own personal touch to the recipe.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The beauty of Hae Mee Soup is how easily it adapts to individual tastes. You can vary the heat by using more or less chilli, or add other spices you happen to enjoy. Extra vegetables such as carrots or peppers can also go in to make the dish even more varied. Give your creativity free rein and craft a version that is entirely your own.
Ingredient substitutions
If you have no prawns to hand or simply don’t fancy them, you can try other seafood such as crab or squid, much as you would in a bowl of Crab Bee Hoon. Different noodle types like egg noodles work well too, and are a natural fit for Prawn Mee. Instead of chicken stock, a vegetable stock makes the dish lighter and fresher. Your choice of ingredients can also change with the seasons, so you always use the freshest options.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of light drinks pairs beautifully with a bowl of Hae Mee Soup, complementing its delicate flavours. A refreshing Asian beer or a fruity spiced-tea blend are ideal companions. For something a little more unusual, cocktails built on coconut water or fresh fruit juices work wonderfully alongside the soup. The interplay of flavour and colour can turn your meal into something quite special.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays an important part in making Hae Mee Soup especially inviting. Consider using clear soup bowls that let the colours of the ingredients shine. Fresh herbs and chilli make a lovely garnish, adding a welcome splash of colour. A small dish of lime juice and a homemade garlic-chilli oil can also be set out on the table, so everyone can season the soup to their own taste.
A bit of history
Hae Mee Soup has its origins in Singapore and reflects the many cultural influences of the region. Traditionally it was served at humble street stalls and hawker kitchens, where it was passed down from generation to generation. Over time the soup has adapted to different tastes and ingredients, yet the heart of the recipe remains unchanged. It is a firm fixture of Singaporean celebrations and a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Hae Mee Soup
Hae Mee Soup is far more than a simple bowl of broth — it is a symbol of everything Asian cooking has to offer. With fresh ingredients, a hearty broth and satisfying noodles, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves Asian cuisine. Whether as a quick meal or a festive dinner, the soup is versatile and endlessly adaptable. Enjoy the making and the variety — a little piece of Singapore in your very own kitchen!
