Mee Ton Poe is an old name specializing in noodle and rice dishes. But it’s their signature Hokkien Mee that packs in the hungry crowd everyday at this squeezy, stuffy coffee shop!

We’ve been here twice this week. First time we were here during the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival, our orders were entirely vegan. I have never tasted a vegetarian Fried Hokkien Mee …it wasn’t too bad. The noodles had a good wok-charred flavor and taste. Generous heap of mixed vegetables and fragrant ground nuts made up for the absence of meat.

But since we’re such meat lovers, couldn’t possibly miss trying their original meat version, could we! So we returned. The al dente yellow noodles arrived steaming hot with a raw egg cracked over it. Like the vegetarian one, it had good heat (wok hei) and good portions of tender pork, shrimps and vegetables. Mix it all up, coating the silky noodles in runny egg and dig in while its hot!

Side plates of raw shallots and crispy pork lard accompany the dish. Top at your own risk! I usually pick out the pork lard in my food but this was simply irresistible! Here, they are super huge, super crunchy, and super yummy! No funky oily aftertaste. And they add a wonderful bite to the noodles.

Tip- We dumped both packs of crispy lard in the noodles… one would have sufficed! Some locals add a splash of vinegar to the noodles, which we didn’t, but next time, I think I will give it a shot!

If you’re thinking of grabbing a quick lunch at Mee Ton Poe, think again! This place is PACKED during lunch hour. So unless you’re prepared to stand around waiting in Phuket’s unforgiving heat for a bowl of noodles, I suggest you visit at odd hours. And when you do, it’d be worth it. It’d still be warm as hell but at least you will get a table and your food way quicker! Start with a Lemon Shake to beat the heat!