Discovering the Unique Taste of Fried Oyster Omelette in Hougang, Singapore

Introduction to Fried Oyster Omelette

Over a year ago, I had the chance to try the underrated fried oyster omelette in Singapore. This sparked my excitement as I finally got to experience what Google rates as the best fried oyster omelette. This noteworthy spot is Hougang Oyster Omelette & Fried Kway Teow, located at 435A Hougang Avenue 8, boasting a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars from nearly 1,000 reviews.

Just a week before my visit, a local radio station awarded this eatery the title of "Best Fried Oyster Omelette" in a poll. I couldn't shake off my concerns about long queues, so I arrived at 11:15 AM, just 15 minutes after opening. At that time, there were only about five people ahead of me.

The Origin and History of the Eatery

This establishment has been in operation for 34 years, run by the Ong couple. They started from a temporary stall at Singapore Expo and a pasar malam booth. Over the years, they taught themselves how to fry this dish without formal training, honing their skills through countless trials and errors.

While Mr. Ong focuses on frying the oysters at the front, Mrs. Ong takes care of the kway teow at the back. The couple has developed their own communication codes, making their work both fun and charming. Mr. Ong's focused gaze while cooking reflects his dedication and passion for the dish he serves.

Tasting the Fried Oyster Omelette

When you visit Hougang Oyster Omelette & Fried Kway Teow, you can’t miss trying the Fried Oyster Omelette (Nghêu Chiên Tôm). There are two sizes available: S$6 for the small portion and S$7 for the large. I decided to go for the large right away.

Before tasting, the dish impresses with its vibrant colors: perfectly golden-brown clusters of fried eggs, adorned with five or six fresh Korean oysters and a sprinkle of coriander. The first bite was delightful—crispy, fragrant, and rich with a hint of chewiness from the starchy components.

However, a few bites later were a bit doughy and not as crispy as I expected. Perhaps Mr. Ong was in a bit of a rush, and the dish hadn’t reached its peak perfection. Overall, though, it was still a very good fried oyster omelette and not overly greasy.

Ingredients and Flavor

The oysters, imported from Korea, did not disappoint—they were fresh, savory, and juicy. Combined with the fried eggs and crispy starch, this is truly a fantastic combination. A touch of coriander added at the end before serving enhanced the fresh and delicious flavors of the dish.

Don’t forget to try their homemade chili sauce; it brings a perfect balance of spiciness and richness to the meal.

How to Get to Hougang Oyster Omelette & Fried Kway Teow?

If you prefer not to walk about 10 minutes under the hot sun from Hougang bus station, you can take a bus to nearby stops like Blk 436, Blk 434, and Bet Blks 544/546. You can easily spot Punggol Primary School right next door.

Final Thoughts

While I think a 4.3-star rating might be slightly high and I would give it 4 stars, Hougang Oyster Omelette & Fried Kway Teow is definitely one of the places I would recommend. If all the clusters of fried eggs were perfectly crispy, I might have rated it even higher.

Before visiting, be sure to check their Facebook page for updated opening hours, as they frequently post information.

Article referenced and edited from: Seth Lui Food