Old Airport Road Hawker Centre is a treasure trove of iconic local food, offering everything from Lor Mee to Fish Soup. It’s also home to two renowned Char Kway Teow (CKT) stalls: Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow and Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow. Both are known for their delicious plates of CKT, but unfortunately, Dong Ji was closed on the day I visited—so I opted for Lao Fu Zi.
I arrived early, having heard countless reports of the long queues Lao Fu Zi attracts. Despite that, I still waited about 15 minutes for my plate.
I ordered the large portion without chilli, which cost $8. That felt a bit pricey for CKT, but when I saw the generous amount of ingredients, it made sense. The plate was packed with lap cheong (Chinese sausage), fresh green vegetables, eggs, and hum (blood cockles).
It’s no exaggeration to say this might be one of the best—if not the best—CKT I’ve had so far (though that could change). The dish was beautifully balanced: not too oily, not too dry, despite its reputation for being on the drier side. Each bite had a satisfying amount of wok hei (that smoky, charred aroma from high-heat cooking), which really whet my appetite.
As for the ingredients, I enjoyed the crunchiness of the vegetables—they tasted fresh and vibrant. The lap cheong was sweet and flavorful, and the hum were impressively large and juicy—perhaps the biggest I’ve seen in a CKT dish.
My one criticism: a few bites had bits of eggshell, which I had to pick out. It was unpleasant having to pause and check each bite, and it slightly took away from the overall enjoyment.
Still, aside from the eggshell issue, the CKT was excellent. Though it’s on the pricey side, the rich wok hei, generous portions, and depth of flavor justify the cost—and the long queues. I can see why Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand. It absolutely deserves it!
Ratings:
Noodles: 8/10
Savouriness: 8.5/10
Taste: 10/10
Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow
51 Old Airport Rd, #01-12 Food Centre, Singapore 390051
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 11.45am – 10pm; Closed on Wednesday and Saturday
