The Place We can never keep up with the dining updates in Raffles City Singapore, couldn’t we? The newest dining concept to open in this buzzing shopping mall in Cityhall is Spicy Noodles 大師兄销魂面铺, known as Xiao Hun Mian in Chinese, originally from Taiwan. This popular brand from Taiwan opened back in 2017 and often has long queues back home even though there are 18 outlets across Taiwan. Located at the basement of Raffles City, this is also the brand’s first Singapore outlet.

The name 销魂 (xiao hun) literally translates to “sell one’s soul”, where the idea is meant to be the noodles so good, they might just steal your soul. That is quite a hyperbole, but let’s see. 

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The restaurant took over what used to be MOS Burger, where the space of Spicy Noodles 销魂面铺 is casual and is not that big and sits 48 pax. The tables are ideal for small groups or couples.  

The Food Noodles is the star here and the secret of their namesake Soul Stirring Noodles lies in their Soul Chilli Oil, which is made entirely without preservatives, and crafted by chilli artisans who stir-fry the mixture wholly by hand for a laborious 8 hours each day.

At Spicy Noodle’s Singapore outpost, expect a similar menu as its Taiwan outlets, with a choice of clear broth or spicy mala made from pure beef bone simmered for at least 6 hours. These are all paired with their signature chewy handmade Xiao Hun Noodles. I understand from the team that the noodles are prepared in Taiwan and air-flown to Singapore.  

Choose from various set menus where standout sets include the Spicy Beef Soup (Sliced US Beef, Tendon, Soft Boiled Eggs) + Xiao Hun Noodles (S$24.8), if you are a fan of the gelatinous and collagen-rich beef tendon.

The noodle itself spots a chewy texture and is very flavourful, handmade from a patented recipe paired with comforting beef broth, enlivened by just an ultra-concentrated drop of Soul Chilli Oil. The story is that regulars coined it as “the Hermès of chili oil” as only 10% of this 8-hour labour of love is retained eventually. 

The spicy beef soup is not too spicy, mild enough to drink it on its own.  

Alternatively, there is also the Mild Mix Meat & Vegetables (Sliced US Beef, Braised Tofu Pouch, Soft Boiled Eggs) + Xiao Hun Noodles (S$18.8).

This is a lighter soup without any spiciness, a good option, nonetheless. The beef slices itself is expectedly tender.  

Sides to go along with the noodles include Fried Dough Fritters (S$4.5), Spicy Braised Tofu Skin and Spicy Golden Fish Balls (S$4) and more. 

Rants It is a pity the menu only goes by set, instead of an ala carte approach. Also, no reservations are taken.

Will I Return Again? Another good dining option in Raffles City. Spicy Noodles will appeal to the taste buds of most Singaporeans as noodles is such a staple in our diet. Throw in some chilli element and this should be a fiery new entrant to the casual dining scene. And yes, I love anything Taiwanese too.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 3/5
Overall Experience: 4/5 

Spicy Noodles 大師兄销魂面铺  
Raffles City, 252 North Bridge Road 
#B1-38  
Singapore 179103  

Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 11am to 10pm

Ranted by The Ranter