Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon Restaurant – Location, Menu, Prices & Reviews

Among Singapore’s zi char institutions, few dishes command the devotion that XO Fish Head Bee Hoon does. Originally launched by a couple in the Holland Village area—then known as Holland Drive—the stall has since moved to Dover, yet diners still flock by the hundreds for its signature broth. The dish layers thick bee hoon with deep-fried fish head chunks in a milky, XO-infused soup that food writers repeatedly describe as nourishing and bold.

What sets this stall apart is the broth itself. Built on fish bones, white pepper, XO brandy, and rice wine, it achieves a creamy consistency without relying on dairy. Add to that generous portions—large bowls designed for sharing—and it is easy to see why the stall ranks among the conversations when Singaporeans debate the best fish head noodles. Whether you are a Holland Village regular or a first-time visitor to the Dover Coffee Hub, the XO Fish Head Bee Hoon warrants a spot on your dining itinerary.

Where is XO Fish Head Bee Hoon Located?

The stall today operates from Blk 19A Dover Rise, #01-05 Dover Coffee Hub, Singapore 131019—the same location sometimes listed as 19A Dover Crescent. While the name still references Holland Village, the actual premises sit within an HDB-area coffee shop that has been home to the stall since approximately 2010. Visitors approaching from other parts of the island will find the venue tucked into a residential neighbourhood, not along the busy Holland Village stretch itself.

Location at a Glance

What is on the Menu and What are the Prices?

The menu centres on traditional zi char offerings with a strong emphasis on fish-based dishes. The most celebrated item—XO Fish Head Bee Hoon—is priced per portion and scales according to group size. At the lower end, individual servings cost between S$6 and S$7, while larger sharing portions range up to S$30 for groups. A version without XO sauce is available for S$6, giving budget-conscious diners an entry point. The broth consistently earns praise for its richness, described across multiple reviews as creamy, mildly cloudy, and nourishing.

Key Menu Items and Pricing

• XO Fish Head Bee Hoon – S$6–7 per person (S$6 without XO); S$8–S$30 depending on portion size for groups
• San Lao Hor Fun – S$6 (small, designed for sharing between two)
• Har Cheong Gai (shrimp paste fried chicken wings) – S$9
• Sambal Kangkong – S$10
• Black Pepper Crab, Teochew Pomfret, Butter Prawns, Chilli Crab – priced by weight or market rate
• Pork Rib Deluxe, Chicken with Prawn Paste Sauce, Prawn Roll, XO Sauce Beancurd, Hong Kong Kailan – available as side dishes or sharing portions

Prices reflect older reviews predating 2026, and visitors should anticipate adjustments. The stall has announced it is selling its secret recipe and stall name for S$300,000 (negotiable), which may affect future pricing and operations. Those planning a visit would benefit from confirming current rates directly with the stall before arrival.

What are the Operating Hours and Contact Details?

The stall operates daily across two service windows. Lunch runs from 11:30am to 2pm, while dinner service begins at 5pm and extends until 10pm or 11pm depending on the source consulted. This six-day-a-week cadence (seven days, split into two sessions) is typical for zi char establishments that depend on weekend dinner crowds and weekday lunch workers.

Contact Information

• Phone: +65 6778 3691 or +65 9833 1003
• Reservation Policy: Walk-in only; no advance booking system is documented

Those wishing to confirm hours or inquire about specific dishes can reach the stall by phone. Given the high demand during peak lunch periods—roughly noon to 1pm—arriving early improves the chances of securing a table without delay. The stall does not appear to maintain a formal reservation system, consistent with most hawker and zi char operations across Singapore.

What Do Customer Reviews Say?

The XO Fish Head Bee Hoon stall enjoys a loyal following built on consistent quality and generous portions. Reviewers frequently highlight the rich, creamy broth as the defining feature, with many noting that the large bowls easily feed two people. The wok hei—the distinct charred aroma from high-heat cooking—also earns mention, particularly in the San Lao Hor Fun, where flat rice noodles are tossed with sliced fish, beansprouts, garlic, and a fish broth sauce.

On TripAdvisor, the stall holds a rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 29 reviews, placing it at roughly position 2,873 among 11,675 restaurants in Singapore. While not a top-ranked fine-dining destination, the rating reflects strong performance within the zi char and seafood casual dining categories. Some reviewers describe the experience as a “must-try” for visitors to the area, while others simply note it as a reliable neighbourhood favourite.

• Generous portion sizes that impress even seasoned diners
• Distinct wok hei flavour in noodle dishes
• Rich, creamy broth in the signature fish head bee hoon
• Value for money in sharing portions
• Occasional gaps in recent review coverage, as noted by food writers

Is XO Fish Head Bee Hoon Halal?

The stall is not halal-certified. This conclusion follows from multiple indicators across reviewed sources: the menu features pork-based dishes such as Pork Rib Deluxe, and the signature broth incorporates XO brandy as a key ingredient. No halal certification is mentioned in any available documentation, and the presence of alcohol in the cooking process further disqualifies the establishment for Muslim diners seeking halal-certified options.

How Has the Stall Evolved Over Time?

The origins of this zi char institution trace back to Holland Village—specifically the area formerly known as Holland Drive—where a husband-and-wife team first introduced the XO Fish Head Bee Hoon to the public. The dish quickly gained traction among locals who appreciated its combination of affordable zi char and upscale-style broth.

Around 2010, the couple relocated to the Dover Coffee Hub, a move that shifted the stall’s geographic centre while preserving its brand identity. The transition from Holland Village’s nightlife-oriented commercial strip to a quieter HDB residential neighbourhood proved beneficial, attracting steady lunch crowds from nearby offices and returning dinner guests who valued the hidden-gem atmosphere.

1. Early days: Opened in the Holland Drive area of Holland Village as a neighbourhood zi char stall.
2. Circa 2010: Relocated to Dover Coffee Hub at Dover Rise/Crescent, Singapore 131019.
3. 2020s: Continued operation through the pandemic, maintaining its signature dishes and loyal customer base.
4. Early 2026: Announced the sale of the secret recipe and stall name for S$300,000, signalling a potential ownership transition.

The recent announcement regarding the sale of the recipe and stall name introduces uncertainty about the future of the business. Whether the new owner will continue the same recipes and operational standards remains to be seen. Visitors interested in experiencing the original version should verify current status before planning a trip.

What We Know for Certain — and What We Do Not

Several details about the stall are well-established through multiple independent sources. The address at Dover Coffee Hub, the signature dish’s composition (thick bee hoon, deep-fried fish head, milky XO-infused broth), and the phone numbers are consistent across documentation. The stall’s non-halal status is equally clear, supported by the presence of pork dishes and alcohol in the broth.

Other details carry greater uncertainty. Current menu prices reflect older reviews across multiple food publications, and price increases since 2026 cannot be ruled out given inflation and the announced sale. Operating hours show minor discrepancies between sources, with dinner closing at either 10pm or 11pm. The precise post-sale status of the stall—whether under new ownership, operating under a different name, or closed—has not been confirmed in publicly available reports.

Why This Dish Stands Out in Singapore’s Food Scene

Singapore’s zi char landscape is crowded with fish head noodle options, from hawker centre staples to restaurant-tier establishments. What distinguishes the XO Fish Head Bee Hoon is the deliberate use of XO brandy in the broth—a flambé-style addition that elevates the dish beyond ordinary fish soup. The sauce contributes a subtle sweetness and depth that pairs with the natural savouriness of fish bones and white pepper.

The dish’s structure also sets it apart. Thick bee hoon—rather than the thin rice vermicelli common in many fish head noodle stalls—provides chew and substance. Deep-frying the fish head before adding it to the broth creates textural contrast: crispy edges against tender flesh, all bathed in a broth that reviewers repeatedly call creamy without containing dairy. This combination has earned the dish comparisons to top sliced fish soup establishments across the island, though the XO twist remains the stall’s defining signature.

What Reviewers Are Saying

“The portions are impressive—you get more than your money’s worth, and the broth is rich enough to be a meal on its own.”

“The wok hei in the San Lao Hor Fun is distinct and memorable. You can tell the stall maintains consistent high heat in their wok.”

These testimonials, drawn from published food reviews, capture the sentiment that drives repeat visits. The emphasis on portion size—particularly the “large bowls” that can feed two—resonates with value-conscious Singapore diners accustomed to zi char’s communal dining style. Meanwhile, the wok hei observation speaks to the technical skill required in flat rice noodle preparation, where inconsistent heat results in uneven char and texture.

Plan Your Visit

For those ready to experience what many consider one of Singapore’s finest XO fish head noodle spots, planning ahead improves the odds of a smooth visit. Aim to arrive before the 12pm lunch rush to secure seating without waiting. Carry the address—Blk 19A Dover Rise, #01-05 Dover Coffee Hub—and note that the nearest MRT is Buona Vista, approximately five minutes away on foot.

Before heading out, verify current operating hours and pricing by calling ahead. The stall’s announced sale raises the possibility of changes to menu, prices, or service schedules that may not yet be reflected in published reviews. Calling +65 6778 3691 or +65 9833 1003 takes only a moment and ensures expectations align with reality.

To compare this zi char favourite with other notable hawker destinations in Singapore, explore the Old Airport Road Hawker Stalls guide for additional dining options. Alternatively, learn more about Singapore’s evolving fast-food landscape through the A&W Singapore Outlets overview.