Meijing Sabah Pork Noodles Review: Authentic Sandakan Heritage

Hidden among the bustling stalls of Hong Lim Food Centre, Meijing Sabah Sandakan Fried Pork Noodle represents an authentic taste of Sabahan heritage. This family-run stall traces its roots back to 1972, when the owner's grandfather first started the business in Sandakan, Sabah, making it a genuine custodian of traditional Malaysian Sabahan cuisine.

Founded by Max, a native Sabahan, the stall pays homage to his family's culinary heritage, particularly his aunt's recipes. What makes this establishment particularly noteworthy is its commitment to authenticity. Max So, alongside his wife Victoria Wong, ensures that their offerings do "justice to the original taste" and are "as close as to what you expect in Sabah".

The Signature Dish: Pork Trio Noodle ($5.80)

The Pork Trio Noodle comes with fried pork belly, braised pork belly, and pork ribs, all sitting on top of a heap of thin, springy egg noodles. What immediately stands out is the quality and distinctiveness of each component.

The Star: Fermented Fried Pork

The fried pork is marinated with fermented beancurd, giving it this slight fermented funk in the best possible way. The crust is crispy but thin, so it doesn't overpower the meat. The inside is juicy and tender, with no unpleasant porky smell and no unnecessary grease. The deep-fried pork belly is marinated for 1 to 2 days before frying, ensuring a crispy yet tender bite.

The Noodles: Authentically Sabahan

The stall stands out for its authentic Sandakan-style noodles, which are thicker than typical mee kia and coated in a rich, savoury sauce. The noodles soak up all that dark, savoury, slightly sweet braising sauce, making them flavourful. Some people may find the noodles thicker and slightly softer than usual.

Address: Hong Lim Food Centre #02-33, 531A Upper Cross Street, Singapore 051531

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 7:30am – 2:30pm

• Saturday: 7:30am – 1:30pm

• Closed Sunday