REVIEW: Good Ban Mian in Singapore: Xiao Mei Ban Mian 小妹板面 in Woodlands, Admiralty and Yishun, Singapore

Xiao Mei Ban Mian 小妹板面 was established by a former Software Engineer and has expanded to three outlets situated in Woodlands, Admiralty, and Yishun. 

Address: 892C Woodlands Drive 50, Singapore 732892

Opening Hours: 9am - 9pm

Address: Blk 691 Woodlands Drive 73, Singapore 730691

Opening Hours: 9am - 8.45pm

Address: 504 Yishun St 51, Singapore 760454

Opening Hours: 8.30am - 8.30pm

Curiosity led me to their Woodlands outlet, where a particular item on their menu, the Pork Belly Ban Mian Soup, beckoned me to take a closer look. What caught my attention immediately was the use of premium shabu shabu pork belly, a surprising inclusion considering the incredibly modest price tag of $4.90 for a bowl of this flavorful delight.

Upon first glance, one might notice the moderate portion of pork belly; however, the bowl boasted an array of supplementary ingredients. Alongside the tender pork belly, there was a harmonious blend of cabbage, egg, ikan bilis, fried shallots, and meatballs, collectively creating a vibrant ensemble of flavors and textures.

But what truly set this dish apart was not just its ingredients but the meticulously crafted broth. While it may seem like a conventional addition, this broth had been simmering for a remarkable three hours. This extensive duration allowed for the extraction of flavors from a medley of ingredients—pork bones, ikan bilis, and onions—resulting in a depth of taste that pleasantly surprised my palate.