Jia Xiang Kolo Mee: Looks Like Instant, Only Way Better!

I don't quite get it when I see people ordering instant noodles outside, especially in HK cafes. 8 dollars plus for Nissin noodles with two slices of luncheon meat and a egg? Pay me half the price and I can give you double the volume while still making a profit, seriously. So when I first heard of Jia Xiang Kolo Mee selling noodles of instant noodles texture, I thought I will never visit the place. Man, I was so so wrong!



First of all, my huge misconception that if it tastes like instant noodles means it is instant noodles. In fact, the famous dish from Sarawak (Kuching City) consists of full-egg noodles that is flash-boiled before serving. The Jia Xiang brand has been rather popular in Singapore in the recent years, adopting a fuss-free concept where diners order at the counters and wait for it to be delivered to your table. I heard that the noodles are delivered fresh from Sarawak daily!


Sambal Chilli

I did a little research and found that the original Sarawak kolo mee is not served with sambal chilli. While adapting to Singaporeans' tastebud, they didn't do a shabby job as it was quite fragrant and spicy on the tongue.


Jia Xiang Noodles ($6.40)

What first struck me was their very good blend of sauce. The mixture of soy sauce and lard was delightfully smooth and savoury, coating the noodles really well. It was further topped with generous slices of char siew, minced pork and very stuffed prawn dumplings. Not forgetting about the sinful lard bits that distinguished awesome noodles from good ones!

If you have noticed, there are two types of kolo mee. One is the thin, round type (ala instant look-alike) and the other is a flat type that resembles mee pok. Having tried both, I still prefer the former for its springy texture and firmer bite as the latter tend to be more easily overcooked.


Gold Jia Xiang Noodles ($9.50)

Thanks to Groupon (1 for 1 deal!), I finally tried the deluxe version that came with slices of abalone. Well, unless you are a die-hard fan of the sea snails, I really don't see a need to fork out additional 3 bucks for these.


Fish Fillet Noodles ($6.40)

As the girlfriend loves her fish, this became her standard order at Jia Xiang. While it is just your usual mass produced, frozen-packed stuff, the fish fillets are always deep-fried upon order, served hot and crispy without oil oozling from within.

I have never been to Sarawak so there's no way I could tell Jia Xiang's authenticity, neither have I tried other brands (are there any?) of kolo mee in Singapore for a comparison. But Jia Xiang's version suits me just fine, a comfort bowl of lard-drizzled, filling noodles in the comfort of air con. A regular haunt for me now!

Jia Xiang Sarawak Kuching Kolo Mee
Outlets Islandwide

Taken with Nikon D70