Shoppers at Funan can now savour authentic Yunnan Xiao Guo Mi Xian, or “small pot rice noodles”, with the opening of Miss Tang’s Rice Noodles’ newest outlet at Funan (#02-37/38). This speciality dish gets its name from the way it is cooked ala minute in a small, copper pot over open fire, drawing out the best aromas and flavours. Another signature is the Guo Qiao Mi Xian, or “crossing bridge rice noodle”, a time-honoured dish that has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage in China.
Now, Miss Tang’s Rice Noodles brings the heritage and bold flavours of true-blue Yunnan cuisine to the heart of the Lion City. The new Funan restaurant offers over 14 types of rice noodles starting from a wallet-friendly $7.90. There are also DIY mix-and-match sets from $8.90 where diners can select their soup base and array of toppings. To your comforting main, add-on some fried skewers, another Chinese delight, with over 20 options to choose from.
A Love Story Rooted in Yunnan
Miss Tang’s Rice Noodles was born out of founder Helen’s passion for adventure and love of food. The cycling enthusiast once embarked on an unforgettable and serendipitous month-long journey from Chengdu to Tibet – where she met her life partner, Fang Jiao, during a mountain climb. The couple then continued on to Mengzi in Yunnan where they both fell in love again – this time with Crossing Bridge Rice Noodles, which originated in the city.
Sharing a strong bond through their travels and food, Helen and Fang Jiao got married. While searching for an ideal country to raise their twins in, they happened to visit their friends in Singapore and immediately knew what they wanted to do. Inspired to bring the unique and authentic Crossing Bridge Rice Noodles to Singapore while nurturing her family, Helen dedicated a month to learning the art of cooking techniques in Mengzi, to ensure that every bowl reflects the heritage and authenticity of this beloved Yunnan dish.
An Array of Authentic Yunnan Flavours
A highlight of Yunnan cuisine is the ability to draw out the natural flavours of ingredients through simple yet special cooking techniques. At Miss Tang’s Rice Noodles, every bowl of mixian is cooked in a small copper pot, which ensures that each bowl stays true to tradition, drawing out unique and authentic flavours, and the best aromas. They all begin with the same base broth, a mix of pork and chicken bones that is simmered for 8 hours without any additives, with genuine, high-quality ingredients, for pure yet profound goodness. Committed to protecting Yunnan’s intangible cultural heritage, Helen has also included Yunnan’s famous Crossing Bridge Noodles on the menu.
A must-try at Miss Tang’s Rice Noodles is definitely its eponymous dish, the Rice Noodles, which are priced from $7.90, an affordable option in Singapore’s city centre. Go for the piquant Spicy Pickled Cabbage Rice Noodles ($7.90), sure to perk up any appetite, or go for the comforting Wild Mushroom Chicken Soup Rice Noodles ($18.80). There is also a hearty Braised Beef Noodles ($12.90) with well-marinated tender meat, and Signature Rice Noodles ($15.90) – the renowned Crossing Bridge Noodles where ingredients are served in an aesthetic partitioned box, alongside rice noodles and a big bowl of steaming hot broth to cook the ingredients in.
For those who want a touch of customisation, be sure to order the DIY Rice Noodles (from $8.90) where you can choose your own soup base (Pork Ribs Soup, Spicy Pickled Cabbage Soup, Mala Soup Tomato Soup), staples (Rice Noodles, Noodles or Glass Noodles), and choice of toppings (vegetables, meat and seafood).
Prefer a Rice & Mini Hot Pot instead? Ideal for sweater weather, options include Spicy Boiled Pork Slices Pot ($13.50) sure to fire up your day (in a good way), the umami-laden Braised Chicken Pot ($9.90) with tender pieces of poultry, and Pork Stomach Chicken Pot ($13.50), brimming with the chewy yet soft offal that is indeed a labour of love due to its arduous preparation.
To your meal, add on some Fried Skewers ($3.80/bundle, 3 sticks/bundle) for even more enjoyment. Favourites include collagen-rich Chicken Feet, Mini Mantou that’s perfect for soaking up all the bountiful broth, and other choices that include Chicken Wings, King Mushroom, Potato Slices and Pork Belly.