Rou Jia Mo Is the Chinese Hamburger You Need To Try — 8 Spots To Get It In Singapore
Tuck into the moreish deliciousness of this ancient OG hamburger at these spots including the popular Qin Ji Rougamo
By guoxiongho -
Rou jia mo (肉夹馍) is said to be one of the oldest types of hamburgers in the world. "Mo" is a leavened flatbread that is baked or steamed and dates back to the Qin dynasty (221-206 BC). Meanwhile, the braised meat filling, usually pork stewed for hours with many spices, is known as "La Zhi Rou" (腊汁肉) and also boasts over two thousand years of history. As part of the growing interest and love for Chinese food in Singapore, rou jia mo and its Shaanxi counterparts, biang biang noodles and liang pi, have become immensely popular alongside the likes of Sichuan and Hunan cuisine. Keep scrolling to find out where you can tuck into the rou jia mo in Singapore, including the popular Qin Ji Rougamo.
1. Murger Han
Murger Han originated from the unlikeliest place: London, United Kingdom. The brand was founded in 2014 by Li Bin, a Xi'an-born entrepreneur who studied and lived in London for the past 20 years. Li Bin opened Murger Han in Singapore in Dec 2024 after wanting to live in an Asian country again while expanding the business abroad. There are a few variants of rou jia mo to choose from here, ranging from Crusty Lean Pork Murger ($6.80) and Crusty Cumin Chicken Murger ($6.50) to Classic Lean Pork Murger ($6.80) and Classic Pork Murger ($5.80). You will also find biang biang noodles, cold noodles, and soups.
Murger Han is at 61 Robinson Rd, #01-02, Singapore 068893. Visit its website for more information.
2. Bingz
Chinese programmer Meng Bing and his partner started Bingz in 2014 in Beijing. Focusing on rou jia mo, the brand quickly blew up and has since expanded to hundreds of outlets dotted across China and four in Canada. In 2023, Bingz started its first location on our shores, offering flavours such as The Signature Pork ($5.59), Black Pepper Beef & Mushroom ($6.99), and Cumin Pork ($5.59), with new flavours like Rendang Beef and Curry Chicken ($5.99) released every so often. Noodles, wonton, fries, and drinks are also available to complete the meal.
Bingz has multiple locations in Singapore, including 3 Gateway Drive, Mall, #B1-27 Westgate, Singapore 608532 and 78 Airport Blvd, B2-223 Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore 819666. Visit its Instagram for more information.
3. Jiang's Noodle House
As the name implies, Jiang's Noodle House is known for its noodles, especially the chewy and toothsome knife-cut noodles available in both dry and soup versions with multiple topping options. There are also hearty clay pot dishes, which come with white rice. But if you are here for rou jia mo, pick up the Chopped Braised Pork in Grilled Bun ($5.50) and enjoy the unctuous contrast between soft braised meat and crispy grilled bun.
Jiang's Noodle House is at 35 Selegie Rd, #01-10 Parklane Shopping Mall, Singapore 188307. Visit its Facebook for more information.
4. Biang Biang Noodles Xi An Famous Food
Did you know that the word "biang" in biang biang noodles is one of the most difficult Chinese characters to write? Thankfully, slurping down a bowl of biang biang noodles is much easier and it is one of the two star dishes available at Biang Biang Noodles Xi An Famous Food. The other, of course, is rou jia mo. Braised Pork Belly Burger ($5.50/$6.70) is the traditional option but those who love spices and spicy food can get the Cumin Burger ($6.70), which comes with either pork or chicken.
Biang Biang Noodles Xi An Famous Food has multiple locations in Singapore, including 51 Telok Ayer Street #01-07, Singapore 048441 and 190 Lor 6 Toa Payoh #01-518, Singapore 310190. Visit its Facebook for more information.
5. Huang Tu Di Xi'An Delights
Helmed by a Xi'an native, the food at Huang Tu Di Xi'An Delights is as authentic as it can get in Singapore. Consequently, biang biang noodles and rou jia mo get top billing at this Clementi eatery. The latter can be found on the menu as Braised Pork Meat Bun ($5.50/$6). For bigger groups, Huang Tu Di Xi'An Delights also serves up a slew of classic Chinese dishes from dumplings to liang pi.
Huang Tu Di Xi'An Delights is at 321 Clementi Ave 3, #02-08 321 Clementi, Singapore 129905. Visit its Facebook for more information.
6. Xi An Impressions
Xi An Impressions is said to hail from Xi'an and have locations even in London. A Google search also revealed multiple locations islandwide. Once there, pick between the three signature dishes on the menu: biang biang noodles, cold noodles or liang pi, and rou jia mo ($4.50). The bun for the Chinese hamburger served here veers on the bready side, so take that into consideration.
Xi An Impressions has multiple locations in Singapore, including 1 Park Rd, #01-65 People's Park Complex, Singapore 050335 and 11 Tanjong Katong Rd, #01-67/68 Kinex, Singapore 437157.
7. Qin Ji Rougamo
Qin Ji Rougamo is easily the most famous establishment here to serve this ancient Chinese dish. There are five variants, all encased in a crispy shell, to pick: Qinji Pork Rougamo ($5.80), Chicken Rougamo ($5.80), Cumin Pork Rougamo ($5.80), Black Pepper Beef Rougamo ($5.90), and Healthy Vegetable Rougamo ($5.50). There are noodles too, ranging from Qin Ji Braised Beef with Dry Rice Noodles and Cold Noodles Skin (or liang pi).
Qin Ji Rougamo has multiple locations in Singapore, including 460 Alexandra Rd, #01-33 Alexandra Retail Centre, Singapore 119963 and 7 Wallich St, #B2-04 Guoco Tower, Singapore 078884. Visit its Facebook for more information.
8. Zhong Hua Rougamo
Heading the kitchen of Zhong Hua Rougamo is Michael Lim. He was trained by a consultant chef from Xi'an hired by Shen Xi, his boss and the owner of the Chinatown Complex hawker stall. Here, the crispy and flaky rou jia mo is made to order, with filling options of pork ($4.80), chicken ($4.80), beef ($5.20), fish ($4.80), and vegetables ($3.20). The pork filling is pork belly braised overnight while the other proteins are sourced from a supplier. Those extra hungry can get the Suan La Fen (hot and sour noodle soup) too.
Zhong Hua Rougamo is at 35 Smith St, #02-124 Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Singapore 050335.