Ming Fa Fishball is a legendary third-generation family business that has been serving handmade fishballs and noodles since 1946, starting from humble beginnings as a pushcart in Chinatown's alleyways. Founded by Lim Chye Kang and now operated by third-generation owner Jerome Lim since 2012, this establishment has grown from a single pushcart to thirteen outlets islandwide plus international franchises. Located at Chinatown Complex #02-49, the stall maintains its commitment to quality by making fishballs 100% from fresh fish meat and serving them on the spot with springy noodles in savory chilli sauce. Their menu features mini-wok noodles with fresh ingredients including sliced fish cakes, minced meat, pork slices, pig livers, and their signature fishballs, complemented by popular side dishes like ngoh hiang and deep fried wontons. Operating from 8am to 4:30pm, Ming Fa represents over 75 years of Singaporean hawker heritage, having earned recognition as one of Singapore's best fishball noodle establishments. The stall continues to serve generations of customers with the same traditional recipes and handmade approach that made them a Chinatown institution.
This fish ball stall, established in 1946, has truly stood the test of time. I finally had the chance to try it today, and all I can say is that it absolutely lives up to its reputation. The prices are also very reasonable!
Mabby san
Classic local flavours done right! The fishballs are fresh and springy, and the meatball soup is full of flavour. Affordable prices and fast service. Great spot for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ang chin yuan (大叔)
One of the famous fishball noodle at Singapore! Famous with the fishball which made handmade daily by the chef! Chewy and yummy 😋 must try if you craving with fish ball noodle
Jeremy Han
I recently dropped by Ming Fa Fishball Noodles at 335 Smith Street in Chinatown. Founded in 1946, they’ve been around for 78 years and now boast 10 outlets across Singapore. Despite being a hawker stall, the quality here really impressed me. Their fishballs are made fresh daily using 100% pure fish meat—no starch or preservatives—sourced from yellowtail fish, giving them a naturally springy bite and a mild, pleasant aroma.
They offer four signature dishes—Fishball Noodles, Minced Meat Noodles, Xiao Guo Mian, and Laksa—and you can pick from eight types of noodles, all produced in-house. Even their chili sauce and vinegar are homemade, adding an extra zing. The stall is clean, air-conditioned, and very wallet-friendly. I’ll definitely be back to enjoy that classic local flavor again!
Oli Long
Must-Try Fishball Noodles in Chinatown!
If you're in Singapore, local food is a must! Ming Fa Fishball Noodles, a family-run gem since 1946, is hidden on the 2nd floor of Chinatown Complex Food Centre. Look for the line – it’s worth it!
The handmade fishballs are incredibly bouncy, juicy, and filled with fragrant yellowtail fish and tender meat. Pair them with the dry noodles, which are packed with flavor – simply divine!
Affordable prices (just $5–$10 SGD) and a perfect spot near Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple. Pro tip: Avoid peak lunch hours to skip the long queue. Totally worth the wait!