Xiang Ji Lor Mee: Almost as good as Xin Mei Xiang but without the queues!

Started up by ex-staff from Xin Mei Xiang Zheng Zong Lor Mee almost a decade ago, Xiang Ji gets the least crowd of the three lor mee stalls at Old Airport Road Food centre but their rendition is still extremely well done by general lor mee standards.

Run by a prc couple, the gravy here is slightly lighter in flavour, less savoury though you can still taste cinnamon and star anise with every spoonful.

Mix the gritty chilli and vinegar in and the overall sensation is more spicy and sour with nice garlic notes. No sweetness to speak of. Hold back on the black vinegar and chilli for a little more of a savoury taste.

The ingredients are generous here for the money ($3/4/5/6) with more than the usual amounts of fried fish flakes, braised egg and decent pork belly slices.

They throw in ngoh hiang but they are not a highlight as they taste floury and factory made.

The stall also serves Zha Jiang Mian (fried sauce noodles) but the lor mee is better.