A Prawn Noodle Experience Like No Other
Zhup Zhup by One Prawn Co is located at 458 MacPherson Road, Zhup Zhup by One Prawn Co is a must go to destination that promises to elevate your prawn noodle experience. With a Bib Gourmand nod from the Michelin Guide Singapore 2022, this eatery has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
The restaurant is renowned for its thick, silky prawn broth inspired by Penang prawn noodles and Japanese ramen. But does it live up to the hype? We decided to find out.
The Ambience: A Homely Vibe with a Professional Touch
Upon entering Zhup Zhup, the first thing that strikes you is the simple yet efficient setup. The kitchen is the heart of the establishment, where you can see the chefs hard at work, surrounded by stacks of bowls and bubbling pots of broth. This transparency adds to the charm, giving diners a sense of being part of the culinary process. The atmosphere is casual, yet there’s a clear focus on quality and precision, reflecting the passion of the young chefs behind this venture.
The Star of the Show: Supreme Prawn Noodles
The menu at Zhup Zhup features a variety of dishes, but the Supreme Prawn Noodles ($20.00) is undoubtedly the star attraction. This dish is the culmination of hours of meticulous preparation. The broth, which requires boiling 18 kilograms of prawn heads and 30 kilograms of pork bones, is simmered for up to 23 hours to achieve its rich, umami-packed flavour.
The prawn heads themselves take 4 hours to clean, prepare, blend, and fry before they are added to the stock, ensuring that every drop of broth is infused with intense prawn essence.
Served either dry or as a soup, the prawn noodles come with generous portions of fresh prawns, tender pork slices, and perfectly cooked noodles. The dry version offers a more concentrated flavour, with the noodles coated in a savoury sauce that pairs beautifully with the broth served on the side.
The soup version, on the other hand, provides a comforting bowl of goodness, where the noodles soak up the rich flavours of the broth. Both options are equally satisfying, depending on your preference.
Menu Options at Zhup Zhup by One Prawn Co
Zhup Zhup by One Prawn Co offers a variety of prawn noodle dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of their menu options along with prices:
Step 1: Main Dish
- Five Fortune Big Prawns Claypot – S$30.00
A luxurious choice featuring big prawns served in a rich claypot broth. - One Prawn & Co Big Prawns – S$22.00
A hearty dish with succulent big prawns, perfect for prawn lovers. - Tobiko Prawn Ball & Big Prawns – S$22.00
This dish combines the richness of tobiko prawn balls with the freshness of big prawns. - Lala & Big Prawns – S$22.00
A delightful mix of lala clams and big prawns for seafood enthusiasts. - Shabu Sliced Pork & Big Prawns – S$22.00
Thinly sliced pork adds a savoury depth to the already flavourful prawn noodles. - Braised Pork Ribs & Big Prawns – S$22.00
A combination of tender braised pork ribs and big prawns, offering a rich and satisfying meal. - Supreme Prawn Noodles – S$20.00
A signature dish with a silky, thick prawn broth that is the hallmark of One Prawn & Co. - One Prawn & Co Prawn Noodles – S$14.00
A classic option featuring prawns in a rich broth, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. - Tobiko Prawn Ball & Prawns – S$14.00
A more affordable option featuring both tobiko prawn balls and regular prawns. - Lala & Prawns – S$14.00
Combines lala clams with prawns, providing a lighter seafood dish. - Shabu Sliced Pork & Prawns – S$14.00
Adds sliced pork to the traditional prawn noodle dish for a bit of variety. - Braised Pork Ribs & Prawns – S$14.00
A combination of pork ribs and prawns for a filling and flavourful dish.
Step 2: Spicy or Not
Customers can choose whether they want their prawn noodles spicy or non-spicy, catering to different spice tolerance levels.
Step 3: Preparation Method
- Dry
Enjoy the prawn noodles without broth, where the flavours are more concentrated. - Soup
The classic option with a rich, flavourful broth.
Step 4: Noodle Type
Choose your preferred type of noodles:
- Yellow Noodles
- Kway Tiao
- Thin Bee Hoon
- Thick Bee Hoon
Step 5: Add-Ons (Optional)
- Pork Ribs – S$4.00
Add some extra meat to your noodles with tender pork ribs. - Shabu Shabu Sliced Pork – S$4.00
Thinly sliced pork to enhance your prawn noodle dish. - Tobiko Prawn Ball – S$4.00
A unique addition with a burst of tobiko flavour. - Lala – S$4.00
Add more clams for a seafood-rich experience. - Beancurd Roll (1pc) – S$1.80
A crispy addition for extra texture. - A Bowl of Noodles Dry/Soup – S$4.00
Extra noodles for those who want a more filling meal. - Pork Lard – S$1.50
Enhance the richness of your noodles with crispy pork lard. - Fried Shallot – S$1.00
Adds a crunchy, aromatic topping to your dish.
This well-curated menu allows customers to customise their prawn noodle experience, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a rich, indulgent meal or a lighter, more traditional dish.
A Closer Look: The Supporting Cast
While the Supreme Prawn Noodles take centre stage, Zhup Zhup’s menu includes a selection of side dishes that complement the main event.
Ngo Hiang with Crispy Rice Cracker: This dish features slices of Ngo Hiang, a traditional five-spice pork roll, topped with a crispy rice cracker. The Ngo Hiang is savoury and flavourful on the inside, contrasting nicely with the crunch of the cracker. It’s served with cucumber slices, adding a refreshing element to the dish. The cracker is particularly impressive, offering a satisfying crunch that elevates the overall experience of the Ngo Hiang.
Fried Chicken Wings: A classic side dish, the fried chicken wings at Zhup Zhup are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They are well-seasoned and fried to perfection, making them an ideal accompaniment to the prawn noodles. The wings are served with a side of cucumber, which helps to balance out the richness of the dish.
The Verdict: Is Zhup Zhup Worth the Visit?
Zhup Zhup by One Prawn Co offers a prawn noodle experience that is both unique and memorable. The attention to detail in the preparation of the broth, combined with the quality of the ingredients, sets it apart from other prawn noodle joints in Singapore. The price point of $20.00 for the Supreme Prawn Noodles may seem steep compared to other local eateries, but considering the effort and care that goes into each bowl, it’s a price worth paying for true prawn noodle enthusiasts.
The sides, though not the main focus, are well-executed and add to the overall dining experience. Whether you opt for the fried beancurd or the chicken wings, you’re unlikely to be disappointed.
In conclusion, Zhup Zhup by One Prawn Co is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in high-quality prawn noodles. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when young chefs with a passion for local cuisine push the boundaries of traditional dishes, creating something that feels both familiar and innovative. If you’re in the MacPherson area, make sure to drop by and experience it for yourself.
