During trying times like these, do continue to support our local hawkers by getting takeouts or ordering local hawker food from delivery apps such as Deliveroo and Foodpanda.

Here are 5 hawker centres in Singapore where you can order your favourite local dishes from and have them delivered to your doorstep.

Photo Credit: Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice on Facebook & @paulasjunk14

#1 MAXWELL HAWKER FOOD CENTRE

Loved by both tourists and locals alike, Maxwell Hawker Food Centre is one of the most popular hawker centres in Singapore and there are many famous hawker stalls that have long queues every day.

If you’re a chicken rice lover, you will be glad to know that Ah Tai Hainaese Chicken Rice is available to order on Foodpanda. The Steamed Chicken Rice is a hit. Besides chicken rice, there are other stalls to check out, including Rojak, Popiah & Cockle, a Michelin-Recommended stall; and the crowd-favourite Jin Hua Sliced Fish Bee Hoon.

Available for food delivery on Foodpanda.

Maxwell Food Centre
1 Kadayanallur St
Singapore 069184
Open Daily: 8am – 2am (stall hours might differ)

#2 CHOMP CHOMP FOOD CENTRE

Arguably one of the most popular supper spots in Singapore, Chomp Chomp Food Centre is in the heart of Serangoon Gardens. Some of the hawker stalls at Chomp Chomp you can order via Foodpanda include Traditional Hai Nam Fang Yuan Satay, AMK 409 Fried Carrot Cake, and even desserts from Ding Hao Sugarcane & Desserts!

If you’re a fan of barbecued food, Chomp Chomp has an array of choices, but our favourite remains the Large Sambal Stingray from Lucy BBQ Seafood on Deliveroo.

Available on Foodpanda and Deliveroo.

Chomp Chomp Food Centre
20 Kensington Park Rd
Singapore 557269
Open Daily: 4pm – 12.30am (stall hours might differ)

Read our guide on the best dishes at Chomp Chomp Food Centre.

#3 OLD AIRPORT ROAD FOOD CENTRE

This hawker centre was voted “Best Hawker Centre In Singapore” last year when 96.3 HAO FM launched its “The Search for Singapore’s Best Hawker Centre” campaign, garnering the most votes and twice as many votes as its nearest competition.

You will be overjoyed to know that Michelin-Recommended stall Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wanton Mee is available for delivery on both Foodpanda and Deliveroo, starting at S$5.90. Other options from Foodpanda include Fried Carrot Cake, Albert Street Prawn Noodle, and Xin Bee Congee.

Available on Foodpanda and Deliveroo.

Old Airport Road Food Centre
51 Old Airport Rd
Singapore 390051
Open Daily: 6am – 11pm (stall hours might differ)

Read our guide on the best eats at Old Airport Road Food Centre.

#4 YISHUN PARK FOOD CENTRE

One of the newer hawker centres in the hawker scene, Yishun Park Food Centre was opened in 2017. A modern take on the traditional hawker centres, the founders wanted to attract the younger generation and encourage them to support local hawkers.

Be sure to order the Atas Wing Meal from Ah Tan Crispy Chicken Har Cheong Gai, which is available on both Foodpanda and Deliveroo. Deliveroo also has options such as Thunder Tea Rice from Ah Lock Tofu, and Beef Brisket Noodles from One Mouth Noodle. Foodpanda has Belgian Chocolate Pancakes from Munchi Delights and Century Egg and Lean Meat Congee from Li Fang Congee.

Available on Foodpanda and Deliveroo.

Yishun Park Food Centre
51 Yishun Ave 11
Singapore 768867
Open Daily: 6am – 10pm (stall hours might differ)

Photo Credit: @jennysggoh

#5 BUKIT PANJANG HAWKER CENTRE

This hawker centre is one of the newest in the hawker scene as well, opened by NTUC Foodfare back in 2018. Selling tasty, delectable food at affordable prices, its no wonder everyone who dines here is spoilt for choice.

Hawker favourites include Prawn Noodle from Zai Lai Prawn Noodle, Fishball Noodle from You Xiang Teochew Noodles, Chicken Rice from Tong Fong Fatt Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, and Fried Carrot Cake from Father & Son’s Fried Carrot Cake And Char Kuey Teow.

Available on Foodpanda.

Bukit Panjang Hawker Centre and Market
2 Bukit Panjang Ring Rd
Singapore 679947
Open Daily: 6am – 10pm (stall hours might differ)

It has become quite an apparent trend that many restaurant chefs—some even hailing from prestigious hotels—have decided to hang up their aprons to pursue their own businesses, operating in hawker stalls instead.

Perhaps it’s due to the alleviated pressure, or maybe these veterans just want to settle down and finally do something that they can wholeheartedly call their own. Either way, it’s always a new reason to get excited whenever we hear of such news. To enjoy high-ses food at low-ses prices, here is our list of 6 hawker stalls opened by ex-restaurant chefs.

A NOODLE STORY

Opened by 2 young hawkers who gained accolades from Michelin-starred restaurants such as Saint Pierre and Iggy’s, their passion and relentless efforts in creating a local-style Singapore ramen led A Noodle Story to what it is today. This Michelin Bib Gourmand-listed stall located at Amoy Street Food Centre serves Singapore-style ramen that is specially created to suit local taste buds.

Inspired by modern European techniques and Asian flavours, their signature ramen has a distinctive local flavour that kind of reminds us of our wanton noodles–with tender cha-shu, Hong Kong-style wontons, onsen egg and crispy potato-wrapped prawn that sits neatly atop the thin and springy egg noodles.

A Noodle Story
7 Maxwell Road
#01-39 Amoy Street Food Centre
Singapore 069111
Tel: +65 9027 6289
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 7pm
Sat: 10.30am – 1.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

LITTLE BOWL

Previously known as Le Bouillon, Little Bowl is an unpretentious eatery that serves restaurant quality European grub as it is. Tucked in Clifford Centre’s NTUC Foodfare, Little Bowl is a hit among the office crowd due to the affordable prices and of course, quality food.

Started by 3 chefs who met during their time working at Saveur, they decided to start their own business after the founders of Saveur sold the business and went their separate ways. You can look forward to a delectable spread of French fare that is similar to that of Saveur’s standard, without burning a hole in your pockets.

Little Bowl
24 Raffles Place
#B1-01/10 Clifford Centre NTUC Foodfare
Singapore 048621
Mon to Fri: 10am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 3pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Photo Credit: Eddie Tai

MEET 4 MEAT

With over 20 years of experience working in a professional kitchen, former Wooloomooloo Steakhouse chef, Jimmy Teo, co-founded Meet 4 Meat—a no-frills eatery that serves up premium grilled steaks at affordable prices. Located in a humble Kopitiam along the bustling East Coast Road, Meet 4 Meat offers restaurant quality fare in a casual and relaxed dining experience to people from all walks of life.

Their steaks are cooked using a flame-grill, which adds a robust smoky flavour to the different cuts of meat. One of the must-try dishes is their signature Beef Wellington, which comes with a tenderloin coated in a red wine mushroom duxelle (a finely chopped mixture of mushrooms), wrapped in a puff pastry shell and baked.

Meet 4 Meat
228 East Coast Road
Singapore 428925
Tel: +65 8290 3605
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 3.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

MR CHICKEN RICE

Opened and run by an ex-Mandarin Orchard Hotel chef who knows all the secrets to the plate of award-winning Chatterbox’s tasty chicken rice, Mr Chicken Rice is a humble and fuss-free eatery at Downtown East that serves almost the same standard of chicken rice at prices as low as a hawker stall’s.

The Signature Tofu Set comes with a plate of silky smooth steamed Hainanese chicken that sits atop the fragrant chicken rice, deep-fried tofu drizzled with sweet and tangy Thai chilli and a side of cabbage soup to wash down the spiciness of their piquant chilli sauce.

Mr Chicken Rice
1 Pasir Ris Close
#02-120 Downtown East
Singapore 519599
Tel: +65 6582 1302
Mon to Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

Photo Credit: supremeramenxiaolongbao

SUPREME RAMEN XIAO LONG BAO

The brainchild of Chef Li — an ex-Crystal Jade chef with over 20 years of experience as a dim sum chef — Supreme Ramen Xiao Long Bao located in Holland Drive serves authentic and affordable Chinese cuisine, which is absolutely worth travelling for.

A basket of their signature Xiao Long Bao (6 for S$4.50) comes with 6 plump Xiao Long Bao—all of which came with a translucent skin that encapsulates the generous amount of pork filling and tasty pork broth. Given the size and quality of the XLBs, we have to say that it is really value-for-money and we would definitely head down to get our XLB fix if we were around that area.

Supreme Ramen Xiao Long Bao
46 Holland Drive
Singapore 270046
Tel: +65 9798 2211
Daily: 9am – 1.30pm, 4.30pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village/Buona Vista

Photo Credit: Yokozuna Stall

YOKOZUNA STALL

Tucked in an unassuming Kopitiam in Toa Payoh, one would think that Yokozuna Stall is just like any other mediocre hawker Japanese food stall. However, this humble establishment is opened by Chef Francis, an ex-teppanyaki chef at M Hotel with two decades of experience in the F&B industry–and his wife.

Starting an eatery of his own, Chef Francis gets to enjoy the liberty of creating new flavours so be prepared to get treated to a modest selection of creative and mouth-watering Japanese delights.

Yokozuna Stall
211 Lor 8 Toa Payoh #01-01
Singapore 310211
Tel: +65 9732 8813
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 8.30pm
Sat and Sun: 12pm – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Braddell/Toa Payoh

Thanks to the downtown line, it is easier for us to explore other parts of Singapore in search of hidden food gems. And when it comes to hidden gems in Singapore, who can deny that Beauty World is amongst the top of most foodies’ lists? A secret food haven brimming with cosy cafes and eateries that serve tasty, affordable nosh, this enclave has it all.

We have here a list of great places that sell mouth-watering food. These places are located 5 minutes away from the MRT, so all you need to do is hop on the train, get off at Beauty World and then walk there!

Photo Credit: Buta Kin

BUTA KIN RAMEN 

Never would you expect to find good quality ramen in Singapore for under S$10. However, Buta Kin has managed to do just that. They sell restaurant-quality ramen in generous portions for S$6.90 a bowl, and we love how they are not stingy with their ingredients. Each bowl comes filled to the brim with thick slices of chashu, black fungus, nori, and a soft boiled egg.

144 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #04-28
Singapore 588177
Daily: 11.30am – 8.30am
(Closed on Mondays)

CARPENTER & COOK

This is probably the most popular at Lorong Kilat that is both a vintage home store and cafe, with some of the prettiest cakes. This is the ideal spot to rest and relax with a nice warm cup of coffee and a book.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

19 Lorong Kilat, #01-06,
Singapore 598120
Tel: +65 6463 3648
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Beauty World

G7 SIN MA CLAYPOT LIVE FROG 

To some, the idea of eating frog porridge may sound a bit squeamish. However, don’t dismiss it too quickly because frog porridge is actually really delicious! If you’re a first timer looking for a good place to try frog porridge, this would be a great place to try. The frog here is very sweet and tender, and tastes just like chicken — if not better!

5 Cheong Chin Nam Road
Tel: +65 64677317
Singapore 599730
Daily: 12pm – 3am

Photo Credit: Eatalltheyumz

HE ZHONG CARROT CAKE 

Tucked away in Bukit Timah Market and Food Centre is He Zhong Carrot Cake, which hands down sells some of the best white carrot cake in Singapore. For just S$2.50, you get an incredibly generous portion of chunky, springy and fragrant carrot cake that is great to chow down by yourself or to share around. For an extra kick, you can dip it in their tangy homemade chili sauce.

Bukit Timah Market and Food Centre
#02-185, Upper Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 588215
Thu to Tue: 6am – 8.30pm
Wed: 6am – 1am

Photo Credit: Jew Kit

JEW KIT CHICKEN RICE 

This place sells some really great chicken rice, and is a great place to go to when the chicken rice cravings hit you hard. The chicken served here is incredibly tender and silky, and it goes really well with their fragrant rice. Order a whole chicken to share around if you’re planning on going in a big group!

Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
170 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #B1-16/17/18
Tel: +65 64632637
Daily: 10am – 9pm

Photo Credit: Limpehtakemeto

JOO SENG TEOCHEW PORRIDGE AND RICE 

Joo Seng Teochew Porridge is one of our go-to places when we need to have our Teochew porridge fix. They have a plethora of ingredients to choose from, and it’s all very affordably priced. This place is great for a gathering with family and friends as you can order and try more dishes to share around.

14 Cheong Chin Nam Road
Singapore 599738
Tel: +65 64630768
Daily: 10am – 4am

KINDRED FOLK 

Tucked away in the new KAP Residence Mall is Kindred Folk, a charming double-storey ice cream cafe that serves a decent selection of unique homemade ice creams such as Roasted Rice Milk Tea and Wasabi. Besides ice cream, they also sell mains such as pasta and chicken drums.

9 King Albert Park
#01-09, King Albert Park Shopping Mall
Singapore 598332
Tel: +65 69283043
Daily: 12pm – 10pm

Photo Credit: Remintheeatingplace

PROSPERITY SEAFOOD WHITE BEE HOON 

Seafood White Bee Hoon is becoming a popular food item for a lot of Singaporeans these days, and it’s not hard to understand why. There is something incredibly satisfying about a steaming plate of white bee hoon that’s accompanied by a copious amount of seafood. Prosperity Seafood Bee Hoon does this job well and sells must-try white seafood bee hoon.

Bukit Timah Hawker Centre
51 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #02-182
Singapore 588215

Photo Credit: Jessalynnnhoe

SIN CHEW SATAY BEE HOON 

Satay Bee Hoon is one of the less raved about dishes here in Singapore, and we feel like it deserves more attention because it’s so sinfully good! Sin Chew does a good job of making a plate of satay bee hoon, and its hard to resist their plate of rice vermicelli smothered in a copious amount of sweet and savoury satay sauce.

Bukit Timah Market and Food Centre
51 Upper Bukit Timah Road #02-162
Singapore 588215
Wed and Thu: 5pm – 10pm
Sat and Sun: 11am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Friday)

Photo Credit: Kianzoid

XIE KEE HOKKIEN MEE  

Xie Kee Hokkien Mee is hands down one of the best Hokkien mees we have ever tried in Singapore, and its never-ending long snaking queues can attest to that! What makes them special is that they use flat noodles instead of the usual yellow noodles. The noodles soak up the gravy really well and have that satisfying touch of wok hei to it.

51 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #02-174
Singapore 588215
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm

Photo Credit: Platgal 

ZHONG ZHONG FINE SPICE  

If you’re looking for a stall that specialises in ngoh hiang, this is the place to be at. They have a decent variety of ingredients here such as crispy prawn fritters, you tiao, yau kwa, whole stuffed squid and pink sausages. We love dunking it in the pink sweet sauce for a sweet touch!

51 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #02-149
Singapore 588172

Photo Credit: The.coolbean

ZHOU PIN PORRIDGE  

We feel that Zhou Pin porridge does not get as much credit as it deserves. This humble stall sells a wide range of porridges that are great for a rainy day or if you’re looking for some comfort food. Each bowl comes with a long, crunchy stick of you tiao, and the owners are very generous with their servings of porridge. 

51 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #02-149
Singapore 588172

Read: Beauty World Food Centre Guide – 8 hawker gems to try

To say Singapore is a foodie’s paradise is an understatement. We are more than that!

Perhaps, you may think that your everyday carrot cake and bak kut teh are all too common, but Singapore is blessed with different races and cultures, and this has directly impacted our food and all that we have to eat today.

Being in Singapore simply means you will never run out of options on what to eat, because just local food alone, we have a huge plethora and they are all unique in their own ways. We take a look at some of The Best Things To Eat in Singapore.

#1 BAK KUT TEH

Bak Kut Teh is a popular pork bone soup that has many different renditions across Southeast Asia. But of course, nothing beats the Singapore-style Bak Kut Teh – a rich and peppery clear pork bone broth with tender pieces of pork ribs.

Braised for many hours, the broth has an intense flavour and the pork is so tender that it falls off the bone easily. Traditionally eaten with white rice, braised peanuts and/or salted preserved vegetables, this is one of our all-time favourite local dishes.

#2 BEEF NOODLES

Beef noodles can be a pretty vague term because there are, too, many renditions across Asia. Here in Singapore, beef noodles are traditionally served in two ways – dry or with soup.

The dry version is served with a thick starchy brown sauce, whereases the latter is served in a rich herbal-like broth. Tender slices of beef are often accompanied by beef tendon or beef balls.

#3 CAI FAN/ MIXED VEGETABLES RICE

A great economical option for all, Cai Fan translates to Mixed Vegetables Rice. It is the most common stall in hawker centres and coffee shops, where you pick your own ingredients that will be piled atop white rice. Some popular dishes include Stir-Fried Kai Lan, Sweet & Sour Pork and Steamed Fish.

There is a Teochew porridge version which works the same way but porridge is used in place of rice.

#4 CHENG TNG

Cheng Tng is a popular and affordable dessert, usually found in coffee shops and food courts in Singapore. It used to be sold by street vendors in the past, but is a ubiquitous dessert that can be found just about anywhere in Singapore today.

It is a sweet “soup” that features ingredients such as dates and longans in a light brown broth. Cheng Tng can be eaten both warm or chilled, and are mostly under S$2.

#5 HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

As Singapore’s most iconic dish, it is hard to not love this irresistible plate of goodness that can be found everywhere in Singapore. The Hainanese chicken rice dish features a fragrant rice that is cooked in chicken broth and pandan leaves, topped with tender chicken slices.

The chicken is steamed for long hours, and the Hainanese chicken rice is traditionally served with ginger, dark soya sauce and chilli sauce on the side.

#6 CURRY PUFF

Curry puffs are found in many shapes and sizes, and each ethnicity in Singapore has their own version that varies very slightly from each other. A rich curry (usually chicken curry) paste with potatoes and chicken are enveloped inside puff pastry.

This extremely delectable pastry can be found with different stuffing variations. Popular ones include Sardine or Vegetarian Curry. Some quirky ones are Chilli Crab to Chicken Satay.

#7 DURIAN PENGAT

Pureed durian is mixed in with palm sugar and coconut milk, and pandan leaves are used to enhance the flavours of the dessert. This is how the typical Durian Pengat is prepared and this dessert is well-loved by many Singaporeans.

Typically served chilled, some places also top their Durian Pengat off with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.

#8 FRIED HOKKIEN MEE

The Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee can also be referred to as fried prawn noodles. Yellow noodles and thick bee hoon are wok-fried with bean sprouts, squid, prawns and lard – all in a sweet broth that gives the dish its primary flavour.

When served, it comes with a slice of lime and a dollop of fiery chilli.

#9 ICE KACHANG

Ice Kachang is every citizen’s saving grace in our nation’s tropical heat. Coarse shaved ice decorated with ingredients such as red bean, pandan jelly, attap seeds and more. Multi-coloured sugar syrups are drizzled on the shaved ice to give the dessert a colourful finish.

In the past, street vendors used to serve Ice Balls – which were actually coarse shaved ice too, but shaped into a ball and served with just the sugar syrups. These days, ice kachang are a lot more elaborate. But they are still very economical – mostly under S$2.50!

#10 KWAY CHAP

Kway Chap is one that might intimidate foreigners, for it includes a multitude of ingredients – mostly intestine from a pig. The ‘Kway’ refers to thick cut flat noodles or kway teow served in a herbal broth, and ‘Chap’ refers to the braise sauce.

The braise often features pig’s intestines (both big and small), pork belly, and braised beancurd. Salted vegetables are add-ons, and the accompanying chilli sauce is often a pretty spicy one.

#11 LAKSA

Nothing meats a warm bowl of Laksa and Singapore’s version of it is sometimes referred to as Katong Laksa. Katong is the place where this iconic dish originated from and the bowl of cut-up thick bee hoon is flavoured with dried shrimp, assam leaves, spices and enhanced with fragrant coconut milk.

Typically, the Katong Laksa is topped with cockles, fish cake and boiled prawns. Laksa is best consumed with a soup spoon only. You can add extra spice to your laksa with sambal chilli.

#12 MILO DINOSAUR

Milo is a malt chocolate drink, and it is Singapore’s favourite drink. The Milo Dinosaur might seem like an intimidating name, but it is quite the contrary.

Iced Milo is piled up high with more powdered milo, and it is also how this quintessential drink had the name ‘Milo Dinosaur’ coined – with the ‘dinosaur’ referring to the mountain of Milo powder.

#13 OYSTER OMELETTE

Oyster Omelette is a mainstay in many hawker centres and coffee shop stalls because it tastes so ridiculously good. Beaten egg and flour, together with seasonings and condiments, are wok-fried with plump and fresh oysters to produce this incredible dish.

The flour, when fried, becomes crisp on the outside but still soft on the inside. It adds a good textural variety and bite to the dish. Have it with some sambal chilli and you are in for a treat.

#14 PRAWN NOODLE SOUP

Prawn Noodle Soup is a great comfort for Singaporeans. Typically, yellow noodles or vermicelli is used together, served in a rich prawn and pork ribs broth, and topped off with fresh prawns and pork meat.

Most prawn noodle stalls in Singapore also offer a dry version where the noodles are tossed in various sauces.

#15 ROJAK

We call Rojak the Singapore-style salad. It is a fruit and vegetable “salad” tossed in a shrimp paste sauce and sprinkled with crushed peanuts.

The Indian version of this is very different. It is a variety of deep-fried doughs, seafood and meats that is eaten with a red peanut sauce.

#16 ROTI PRATA

Called ‘Roti Canai’ in India, the Roti Prata (as it is called in Singapore) has made its mark and goes down as one of our country’s most iconic dishes.

It is like a flour pancake that is usually made a-la-minute, and served with a side of chicken curry. The most common varieties are plain and egg prata. And as typical Singapore kids, we grew up eating our prata with sugar.

#17 SATAY

Who can pass up on barbecued skewered meats? Pork, chicken and beef are usually used, and the skewers are grilled or BBQ-ed upon order. It is served with ketupat (Malay rice cake), onions and a side of peanut stalls.

Way back in the past, satay seller used to have mobile stalls where they push through estates where they call out “SATAY!” to alert residents of their arrival. Now, we can find satay in everywhere in hawker centres, food courts and coffee shops.

#18 SWEET & SALTY GLUTINUOUS RICE

It is quite difficult to find stalls selling this traditional dish of sweet & salty glutinous rice, with many long-standing stalls fast depleting. But if you are lucky and happen to chance upon a stall selling it, do not hesitate to purchase it.

Typically, the salty one is more popular but some will choose to mix theirs in with some sweet glutinous rice too. This is one local gem that should not be forgotten.

#19 SWEET CHEE CHEONG FUN

We all know the Hong Kong-style Chee Cheong Fun where either shrimp or char siu meat is stuffed inside. Singapore’s version is served bare (no fillings) and topped with sweet sauce, sesame seeds and sometimes, chilli.

This rice noodle (‘fun’) is made by steaming a mixture until it becomes a large sheet, then rolling it to resemble a pig’s intestine (‘chee cheong’). It is a common and economical breakfast staple in Singapore.

#20 YONG TAU FOO

Yong Tau Foo is can be easily found in coffee shops and hawker centres, with a shelf of ingredients where you take your pick. Grab a bowl and a thong, choose your favourite ingredients and hand it over to the shop assistant.

Choose between soup or dry (some places serve laksa or mee rebus sauce to go with it) and pick a noodle or rice of choice. Popular ingredients include fish balls, cabbage, tofu, stuffed chilli, beancurd skin and stuffed taupok.

#21 BAK CHOR MEE

Bak Chor Mee is a Singaporean hawker dish of minced meat noodles that is commonly eaten as supper.

The piping hot bowl of springy noodles is tossed in black vinegar and chilli, then topped with sautéed mushrooms, lard, minced pork, meatballs, pig’s liver and sambal chili paste. There are a variety of noodles – from thick to thin to flat ones – and you can request for a non-spicy bowl too.

#22 BAN MIAN

Ban Mian in Singapore is a crossbreed noodle dish influenced by the Hakka and Hokkien cuisines. Essentially a big sheet of noodles, the sheet is then cut up to bite-size pieces.

The end result is bouncy delicious egg noodles submerged in a near-boiling anchovy stock broth, complete with minced pork, vegetables and a runny egg.

#23 BRAISED DUCK RICE

Braised Duck Rice is a popular Teochew Chinese delicacy that is well-loved by Singaporeans. The tender duck meat is complemented with a rich sauce and served with a bowl of porridge or fragrant rice.

There are numerous variations of the sauces across Singapore but recipes typically include a myriad of herbs, spices and other flavourful condiments to give the dish an irresistible oomph.

#24 CARROT CAKE (BLACK & WHITE)

Black Carrot Cake, otherwise known as Chai Tow Kway, is nothing like the sugary sweet treats you would come across in Western bakeries. The Singaporean version is a savoury spicy dish that is available in white or black.

The traditional Southeast Asian Carrot Cake is a plate of white radish cake cubes stir-fried with rice flour, chye poh (Chinese dried radish) and eggs. Additional sweet dark sauce is added for the black version.

#25 CHAR KWAY TEOW

The Singaporean version of Char Kway Teow is an addictive plate of sweet-and-savoury rice cake strip noodles stir-fried with several ingredients – bean sprout, belachan chili paste, blood cockles, eggs and sweet sauce.

The dish is extremely unhealthy due to its high fat content but it is insanely delicious! Just drop all your concerns and enjoy a plate of char kway teow; it’s worth it.

#26 CHWEE KUEH

Chwee Kuehs – or more professionally known as Water Rice Cakes – are actually mini bowl-shaped steamed rice cakes topped with crunchy salted turnips.

These savoury snacks are inexpensive (typically under S$1.50 for 4 pieces) and are often consumed as breakfast in Singapore. Best eaten with the kickass chilli, of course.

#27 FISH HEAD CURRY

Fish Head Curry is literally an entire red snapper fish’s head cooked with vegetables. The bubbling red curry stew is spicy and slightly sour, often eaten with fragrant white rice.

These are often found in zichar stalls in Singapore, and it is a communal dish.

#28 FROG’S LEG PORRIDGE

Frog’s Leg Porridge sounds like an exotic dish to eat in TV series Fear Factor, except that it is not. In fact, it is one of the best things in Singapore!

The local Singaporean delicacy of succulent frog meat served with smooth congee is usually consumed during dinnertime or suppertime. There are various cooking styles, but the most popular one is ginger with onion, and gong bao (dried chilli).

#29 HOR FUN

Hor Fun is a plate of thick flat rice noodles served with prawns, squids and snakehead fish slices and drenched with an aromatic viscous sauce.

The sauce is made of chicken stock, egg whites, fish sauce, oyster sauce, light sauce and thickened by corn flour. It may look like second to nothing but this is a very flavourful dish that is more often than not very filling.

#30 KAYA TOAST

The traditional kaya toast is a widely consumed breakfast staple in Singapore. Sweet coconut jam spreads are sandwiched between butter-smeared bread toasts.

Kaya Toast usually comes in a set, complete with 2 half-boiled eggs and a hot drink (either coffee or tea) of choice.

#31 LOR MEE

Lor Mee is a Chinese braised thick yellow noodles dish characterized by its starchy sauce. A good bowl of lor mee is hard to come by these days.

Its contents are rather complex, but basically comprises beansprouts, Chinese black vinegar, celeries, dark soya sauce, fried fish, hard-boiled egg, garlic cloves, ginger slices, meat broth, rock sugar, sliced pork belly meat, spiced powder and tapioca starch to produce a mouthwatering dish.

#32 MEE GORENG

Mee Goreng in Singapore is more often than not Halal-certified, and is a popular supper dish.

This spicy convenient snack is a plate of yellow noodles served with seafood and traces of fried egg. The yellow noodles are usually cooked to varying shades of brown and red, depending on the amount of tomato sauce, oyster sauce and sweet soya sauce used.

#33 NGOH HIANG

Ngoh Hiang is a deep-fried roll of meat wrapped with beancurd skin and seasoned with five-spice powder. The filling is usually finely diced water chestnut, minced meat, prawns and yam.

#34 NASI LEMAK

When directly translated, Nasi Lemak actually means rice in cream. Indeed, the fragrant rice has been soaked in coconut cream before it is steamed and served. The rice is served with cucumber slices, dried shrimp paste, crispy fried anchovies and hard-boiled eggs. A dollop of sambal chilli goes along with it as well.

Optional condiments such as chicken wing and sambal sotongs are common add-ons for a more wholesome meal.

#35 PEANUT PANCAKE

Peanut Pancakes are more affectionately known by the Hokkien community as Mee Chiang Kueh. The pancakes are crispy on the outside, incredibly chewy and fluffy on the inside, and filled with a generous amount of roasted crushed peanut.

#36 POPIAH

Popiahs are fresh spring rolls that are considered festive food to the Peranakan and Hokkien communities. Today, they are commonly eaten throughout the year as a savoury snack.

The delicate tapioca egg skin wraps a rich variety of turnip, bamboo shoots, firm bean curd, minced garlic, pork, prawns and topped off with a sweet sauce.

#37 SAMBAL STINGRAY

Sambal Singray is a divine spicy seafood creation where the stingray is wrapped in banana leaves and charcoal-grilled till cooked.

A spicy concoction of fermented shrimp paste and tamarind paste along with other spices such as lemongrass and red chilies are then smeared over the fish.

#38 TUTU KUEHS

Tutu Kuehs are mini steamed white rice cakes filled with either grated coconut or roasted peanuts. These traditional Singaporean desserts are served on a fragrant piece of pandan leaf and are nostalgic snacks for the older generation.

Serangoon Garden Market is our go-to hawker centre for economical local fare; we practically grew up with it – from its initial days to its new facade after renovation. We watched as stall owners come and go. Some of our favourites are still there since our childhood days, some familiar faces are no longer around because they have passed on to their next generation, some have left entirely.

As one of the most popular hawker centres in Singapore, Serangoon Garden Market is a favourite among residents in the vicinity and many other Singaporeans who would travel down just for a simple, hearty meal over local food and drinks.

With so many stalls in the hawker centre, do you know which are the very popular ones with perpetual queues, and what are some of the dishes you cannot miss? If it is going to be your first trip down, here are 9 Local Fares You Must Try at Serangoon Garden Market. If you are a regular, hands up if we share the same likes!

#1 ALIFF NASI LEMAK

They may not be famous, and the stall might look unassuming altogether. But Aliff Nasi Lemak is reliable and always satisfying. The Halal-certified rice dish has been a breakfast staple for us, and there are several sets with prices starting from S$3.50.

What is your favourite beverage to complement your food? Well for us, Coke always works. The refreshing drink is best for hot, summer days – precisely what we need when dining out in a humid setting such as hawker centres.

Have a can of ice-cold Coca-Cola® to go with your plate of nasi lemak at lunch for a great food pairing as it complements the rich and hearty taste of the local favourite!

#2 BUGIS FISH SOUP AND SEAFOOD SOUP

The ladies will love this. Fish soup is a lower calorie option, and this stall here knows how to please by being generous with the vegetables. If you like your soup sweet with a creamy taste, get the stall keeper to add milk to your order.

We prefer the sliced fish version because the fish slices are always very fresh.

#3 GARDEN STREET KWAY CHAP

Sitting at the corner is Garden Street Kway Chap, and queuing up is part of the experience as the stall owner takes his time to chop up the meats and intestines. No, really. He is super slow, but for great kway chap, we will gladly wait.

The spread is comprehensive, from the various intestines to pork belly to beancurd, and salted vegetables and eggs. The braise is aromatic and flavourful, but it is not complete without the chilli. We like drenching our intestines in the chilli sauce for a more robust flavour.

#4 POH POH ROASTED CHICKEN RICE

Everyone knows Pow Sing for being the chicken rice to eat when in Serangoon Garden. But Poh Poh Roasted Chicken Rice comes close with its fragrant roast chicken and addictive chilli sauce.

Their prices are also much more competitive, and we love to pile our plate up with cabbage and egg add-ons. Of course, chicken rice and Coke zero® go hand in hand; the refreshing taste of Coke zero® complements the familiar taste of chicken rice so well.

#5 SERANGOON GARDEN BAKERY & CONFECTIONERY

The daily fresh bakes from Serangoon Garden Bakery & Confectionery are a true testament to the standards of old-school local-style breads. The stall occupies two units in Serangoon Garden Market, and since young, we’ve watched the two uncles picking breads from the shelves and calculating the total sum in godlike speed.

The aroma of the bakes often fill the market, and despite inflation and rising food costs, their prices remain low and the uncles are ever humble of their successes. It makes our day every time we take our pick from the many shelves, and there is something therapeutic about hearing the plastic lids close one after another every time the uncle reaches out to grab a bun with his thong.

#6 PANCAKE KING

You might dismiss this snack stall on the first look, but Pancake King did not accumulate their accolades without reasons. From old-school banana cake to brownies to peanut pancakes, these local snacks are reminiscent of our childhood days and the taste hasn’t changed since.

Growing up, a can of Coke® was always a reward when we behaved. And what better way to enjoy an old-school crunchy and rich peanut pancake than with a fizzy glass of ice-cold Coke®? It makes the experience of snacking even more pleasurable.

#7 SERANGOON GARDEN CARROT CAKE & WANTON NOODLE

There are several stalls in Serangoon Garden Market that sell fried carrot cake, but it is this stall that won our hearts with its consistency. The portion is always generous, and so is the sweet sauce. This is another of our hawker centre staple!

And the best drink once again to enjoy with your fried carrot cake? A can of Coke light®, with a fizzy, uplifting sensation that makes for a great complement with the greasy goodness.

#8 SIANG HEE SEAFOOD

This is a zichar stall with irregular opening hours. They used to be at Zion Road market, but has located and gained a new following among the Serangoon Garden residents. Standout dishes include the Mee Goreng and Butter Cream Meat with Pumpkin Sauce.

But be warned that the stall operators are all very rude and impatient. Sometimes, they may even raise their voices at you. We are not too fond of patronising them because of their attitude, but if it is your first time, maybe you can brave the hostility and try the two dishes.

#9 SOON HUAT PIG’S ORGAN SOUP

If there is one favourite that residents would concertedly agree with, it is Soon Huat Pig’s Organ Soup. This stall sees a perpetual queue during lunch hours, and you have to join the line if you are a fan of pig’s organ soup.

We like how they are generous with the salted vegetables and tomatoes; they elevate the flavour of the soup, and cuts out any remaining odour from the intestines.

This article was brought to you in partnership with Coca-Cola®, the opinions are of the writers’ own.

Do you remember back in school when you would sprint to the canteen during recess, just to get that steaming warm plate of Chee Cheong Fun (rice noodle rolls) with sweet sauce or a plate of delicious Lor Mai Kai (Chicken Glutinous Rice)?

If you grew up in Singapore, chances are, all of these are more than familiar to you. To us, these local breakfasts are still what comforts us the most in the mornings.

As Singaporeans, we are always proud of our multi-ethic society and of all the different cuisines available. Also, these local breakfast foods are usually inexpensive. If you are new to our Lion City, here are 12 local breakfasts in Singapore to try. And to all fellow Singaporeans, don’t you agree that these are better than the typical brunch fare of eggs Benedict and pancakes?

#1 BANANA LEAF-WRAPPED NASI LEMAK

This popular Malay cuisine usually consists of coconut rice with Ikan Billis, Sambal Sauce, Fried Fish, Omelettes and more.

Typically wrapped up in banana leaf to give that extra bit of fragrance, Nasi Lemak is our favourite comfort breakfast. And they usually cost only a dollar or two – depending on the ingredients in the packet.

#2 CHAR SIEW PAU

A Singaporean-style Char Siew Pau is a fluffy white bun with chopped char siew (honeyed BBQ pork), then steamed until cooked. These used to cost us only about S$0.50 back in school, and they are about S$1 to S$1.50 now at coffee shops.

#3 CHEE CHEONG FUN WITH SWEET SAUCE

The Singapore version differs from its Hong Kong-style counterpart and is more sweet than savoury. These rice noodle rolls are steamed, cut up then served with sweet sauce and sesame, and chilli upon request.

These are a great breakfast option as it will satisfy your cravings without filling you up to an uncomfortable extent. A serving these days costs an average of S$1.

#4 CHWEE KUEH

Chwee Kueh is really steamed rice cakes topped off with Cai Poh (diced preserved radish), and chilli is served on the side upon request. The rice cake itself is pretty much tasteless but the Cai Poh is flavourful and slightly salty, hence balancing out the textures and overall taste of each bite.

A serving of 6 Chwee Kuehs in Singapore typically goes at a mere S$1.50 at local coffee shops, thus making it both economical and understatedly delicious.

#5 DOUJIANG YOUTIAO

Doujiang is soya bean milk, and Youtiao is dough fritters. When put together, it is a match made in heaven.

More often than not, the dessert of jellied beancurd (or what we call douhua) is served instead of soya bean milk. But whatever it is, you dip your youtiao into it for the best taste. Breakfast or supper, Doujiang Youtiao is always a good idea.

#6 FISHBALL NOODLE SOUP

A bowl of fishball noodles go for an average of S$3.50 in coffee shops. It may look next to nothing, but this unassuming bowl is sheer comfort food for most Singaporeans.

Yellow noodles served with fishcake slices and fishball in a bowl of sweet broth, fishball noodle soup is well-loved by both children and adults in Singapore. Add some chilli padi for an extra punch.

#7 KAYA TOAST & HALF-BOILED EGGS

Kaya is coconut jam for the uninitiated, and kaya toast is quite simply toasted old-school bread with a spread of kaya and butter slice(s). Kaya toast is often served with two half-boiled eggs and a cup of warm beverage.

Back in school, we had half-boiled eggs and kaya toast with a warm cup of Milo or Horlicks. Now, when we have it in coffee shops or hawker centres, we have them with a nice cup of black coffee or tea.

#8 LOR MAI KAI/FAN CHOY

Lor Mai Kai (Glutinous Chicken Rice) and Fan Choy (Glutinous Char Siew Rice) are quick and easy meals as they are usually pre-packaged and re-steamed to be served hot.

Both glutinous rice variations are extremely filling, and though they are harder to find these days, we have fond memories of this local breakfast that typically costs S$1.50.

#9 PEANUT PORRIDGE

This is as old school as it can get. Primarily accompanied with shredded chicken and/or peanut, it is one of the most economical breakfast option in Singapore hawker centres. You can easily get a bowl for S$1 or less.

#10 PRAWN NOODLES SOUP

Hours and hours of simmering pork bones and prawn shells and more; nothing beats the sweetness of prawn noodles soup.

The choice of noodles is yours – vermicelli, yellow noodles or flat noodles, you take your pick. But the highlight here is the flavourful broth and fresh prawns, with fried shallots to top. A bowl of Prawn Noodles Soup costs an average S$4, but the better ones can go up to S$10 per bowl (served with tiger prawns).

#11 ROTI PRATA

This local Indian dish is hands down our ultimate guilty pleasure. Few things in life please us like a slice of piping hot egg prata. Prata comes in a plethora of variations, but we prefer ours the classic way – kosong (plain) or with egg.

Dip it in the complimentary curry sauce, or do it the Singaporean way and eat ‘em with sugar.

#12 WANTON NOODLES

Wantons are popular meat dumplings and they are either boiled or deep-fried when sold here in Singapore. Whether you have it dry or with soup, a bowl of Wanton Noodles never disappoints.

When the wantons are big and juicy and the noodles are nice and springy, the whole dish just falls into place. Having Wanton Noodles for breakfast is lovely, but it works as a lunch or dinner dish too!

Illustrations for ladyironchef by Chen Xuan

Have you ever experienced that awkward silence when you are asked about Singapore’s culture, and you fumble, hem and haw as you try to find some costume, dance or tradition that is unique to Singapore? I have. Well, at least until I start talking about food. Now that’s where stopping me would be a problem.

It is amazing how much our nation loves food. Our day-to-day conversation inevitably revolves around food. And the best part is for a fraction of the price, you get something no less satisfying than a meal in a high-end restaurant. So here is a guide to introduce 10 of the best Singapore Hawker Food.

Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow was a dish created by coolie workers who needed a cheap way to prepare an energy-rich meal. Today, calories have become a bane, but we love our char kway teow all the same. How can anyone resist a plate of silky rice noodles fried with cockles, chinese sausage and – wait for this – heaps of crispy pork lard. I’d risk having a heart attack for Hill Street Char Kway Teow (Blk 16 Bedok South Road). Though the master is no longer helming the wok, he has imparted his skills to the son, who has taken over. Otherwise, try our Prime Minister’s favourite stall, Zion Road Char Kway Teow (Zion Road Food Center).

Carrot Cake

No it does not come with cream cheese and walnuts, but I’d pick our local version of Carrot Cake any day. Black or white, a good carrot cake is one that is crispy and eggy on the outside, and as you place a chunk in your mouth, dissolves without the need to even masticate. Fu Ming Carrot Cake at Redhill Food Centre is the epitome of carrot cakes. For a more unique version, I’d recommend U Fried Carrot Cake (Block 89 Pipit Road Market). The chunks of steamed radish cake are chopped larger than the usual, and it is sweeter than usual since they are more liberal with their sauce. Still, it is fried just nice such that you get that smokey aroma of burnt caramel in your mouth.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

If there’s one dish that’s synonymous with Singaporean cuisine, it has to be Chicken Rice. The name itself sounds so unappealing; how good can chicken on rice taste? Pretty awesome, actually. The glistening grains of rice perfumed by fresh chicken stock and a whiff of ginger is so good you can even eat it on its own. I could go on for hours about the best chicken rice in Singapore, but for the sake of trying the most famous one in Singapore, head to Tian Tian at Maxwell market which has earned boasting rights to getting Anthony Bourdain’s stamp of approval. Otherwise, Sin Kee (Mei Ling market) is good for those who prefer grains with a little more moisture.

Tze Char

So Tze Char is not exactly a dish per se, but it represents our culture of communal dining. Dishes are placed in the middle of a round table for sharing and each person will be equipped with a bowl of rice and a pair of chopsticks. For me, Tze Char (which means ‘cook and fry’) is all about bold flavours, good wok hei and gravy. It is difficult to recommend a particular Tze Char stall since there are usually hits and misses, but I know I’d never go wrong with Kok Sen Seafood (Keong Saik Road). I have recommended to many people for their big prawn hor fun amongst other fantastic dishes, and not once has it disappointed. For more creative offerings (think pumpkin prawns and coffee crabs), check out Siang Hee (Serangoon Gardens Way). Joo Hing (Joo Chiat Road) is where you can get your Tze Char fix amidst classier ambience but with equally good food. Their rendition of the steamed fish head is one of the best in town.

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best Tze Char restaurants in the west of Singapore.

Chilli Crab

While chilli crab is not a hawker food, no food guide is complete without a feature of this national dish. The vibrant red hue of the dish instantly captures the attention of any reader. The silky gravy, laced with shreds of egg, is sweet and mildly spicy (at least by the standards of locals; I have heard foreigners breaking out into a sweat from it).

The history of this dish dates back to the 1950s when the owners of Roland Restaurant (Marine Parade Central) decided to do a little experimentation with crabs, tomato sauce and chilli sauce. Today, big players in seafood cuisine include Long Beach, No Signboard and Jumbo Seafood. Each restaurant’s rendition is slightly different, and it’s a tough call as to which is the best.

Bak Chor Mee

When I need something hearty after a hard day at school, I’d head straight for Bak Chor Mee. Perhaps it is the lightly blanched lean pork slices and pinkish liver, or maybe it is the sharp vinegar-laced sauce, or just the fact that everything comes together so well to make this the perfect comfort food. No one will dispute that Tai Hwa (Block 466 Crawford Lane) serves the best Bak Chor Mee in Singapore; you will find queues even at odd hours of the day despite the obscure location. Lian Kee (Alexandra Village Food Centre) is unique for its slightly sweet sauce, while the two stalls at Block 85 Fengshan Centre battle it out for the best soup version of Bak Chor Mee.

Rojak

Rojak is a fruit and vegetable salad dish consisting of you tiao (fried dough fritters), bean curds, bean sprouts, pineapples, and turnips. Everyone knows about Hoover Rojak (Whampoa Market) and Toa Payoh Rojak (oddly located within Old Airport Rd). But I will let you in on a little secret. The nameless rojak stall at the basement food court of Katong Shopping Centre is extremely value-for-money at just $2 for a regular size portion.

Ice Kacang

It is not as delicate as the Japanese version, nor is it as fine as Taiwanese snowflake ice, but our Ice Kacang is nonetheless, very satisfying on a hot day. A towering portion of crushed ice slapped on with sugar syrup in a myriad of colours. The standard version comes with atap seeds, grass jelly, agar bits and red bean, though we can be thankful for product differentiation by our hawkers these days.

Those who miss Annie’s, which started serving the first peanut ice kacang at Tanjong Pagar market, is now at Ghim Moh Market since the former closed for renovation. Jin Jin’s version comes with thick gula Melaka syrup, and is hands down my favourite dessert stall in Singapore. I can easily conquer another of their Gangster ice (which comes with mangoes and durian puree) after finishing a bowl of their ice kacang. It is the stall with the longest queue at ABC market at Bukit Merah.

Yong Tau Foo

The healthiest of the lot, Yong Tau Foo is probably something you will want to have after days of indulging in lard-laden hawker dishes. Hui Ji (Tiong Bahru market) serves a version that is a cross between fishball noodles and Yong Tau Foo. Yong Xing Xiang (People’s Park Complex) has one of the best Yong Tau Foo in Singapore with a soup base that is clear yet intensely flavourful. Do not miss the crispy deep-fried pork balls from Xi Xiang Feng (Ang Mo Kio central market). It is so addictive that I’d advise putting at least three of these little morsels in your bowl, lest you regret afterwards. Ok, maybe I lied… It is not exactly all that healthy after all!

Wanton Mee

Wanton mee is probably the most underrated hawker dish ever… or maybe it is just something I personally have a soft spot for. There is so much more to it than just noodles and dumplings. I like my noodles thick and al dente a la Ji Ji Wanton Mee (Hong Lim Food Centre); I am salivating just thinking about it. Though if I had the luxury of time, I’d queue half an hour every morning to have Chun Ji (164 Stirling Rd). It is sticky, gooey, mildly sweet gravy coats each strand of noodles, which in turn are cooked with deft skills that only comes with decades of practice. For ardent fans of Hong Mao Wanton Mee previously at Tembling Road, the man is back in action and has set up stall at the basement of Dunman Rd Food Centre; do pay Ah Huat Wanton Mee – they have the most flavourful wantons ever.

Words by Sarah Lim, photographs by ladyironchef

When visiting Singapore, one should go for things that are unique to our island. Hawker food is definitely right at the top of the list. Chicken rice, hokkien mee, char kway teow, and laksa – Singapore is a foodie paradise.

One of the more popular hawker centres in the West is Clementi Market and Food Centre. Besides Bukit Timah Hawker Centre, this is the place that I always frequent when I want a cheap and simple meal.

Like other hawker centres, Clementi Food Centre has its own star tenants: stalls with extremely long queue throughout the day. Tanglin Halt Western Food, Clementi Fish Soup, Nam Kee Hokkien Mee, Chen Ji Ke Jia Niang Dou Fou, and Yong Fa Hainanese Curry Rice have been around for quite some time, and they are among the most popular stalls in the market.

My favourite is definitely Tanglin Halt Western Stall (#01-11) which has good Western Food. I’ve been going back for many years, and I’m pleased to say that standards have not dropped.

When you mention Clementi Food Centre, the famous Clementi Fish Soup (#01-41) immediately comes to mind. There’s a perpetual queue for their Fish Porridge, Sliced Fish Soup and Fish Head Bee Hoon; the only way to beat the queue is to go during off-peak hours.

Just behind the Fish Soup stall, there’s Nam Kee Hokkien Mee (#01-12) where you need to wait at least twenty minutes for a plate of Hokkien Mee, which by the way, is basically fried noodles cooked in Hokkien (Fujian) style. The good thing is you don’t have to stand in line as they will take down your table number and serve it to you. I like Hokkien Mee, but I don’t really fancy Nam Kee’s version as I find it a little too dry.

Chen Ji Ke Jia Niang Dou Fou (#01-27) – known for their Yong Tau Foo – only opens during the day. Their business is so good that they usually close after lunch.

Just a few stalls away, you can always find a madding crowd waiting in line at Yong Fa Hainanese Curry Rice (#01-25).

There are a few chicken rice stalls in the market, and it can be quite a headache if you don’t know who to order from. I usually go to Song Xing Chicken Rice (#01-25) and stall #01-18, simply called ‘Hainanese Chicken Rice.’

If you feel like having Prawn Noodles, check out Kim Meng Prawn Mee (#01-38). They also have Lor Mee and Laksa.

At night, Chai Ho Satay (#01-10) is the place to go for satay – a dish of skewered and grilled meat (chicken/pork/beef/mutton), served with a peanut sauce.

The famous Bedok Chwee Kueh (#01-32) also has a branch at Clementi Hawker Centre. Chwee Kueh – a steamed rice cake topped with fried preserved radish – is the perfect way to start a hawker feast.

For Pig’s Organ Soup and Bak Ku Teh, I’ll go to Zheng Zhi Wen (#01-19). Right beside it, there’s this stall – Snow Mount (#01-17) – selling fried Pisang Goreng. Speaking of which, they also serve Char Kway Teow (I know, it’s a little weird). I had it once and I thought that it was okay. Otherwise, I’d satisfy my Char Kway Teow craving at Stall #01-34, the only vender in Clementi Food Centre that sells Oyster Omelette, Carrot Cake, and Char Kway Teow.

Clementi Central Market & Food Centre is located at Block 448 Clementi Avenue 3. It is just a few minutes walk away from Clementi MRT Station.

Street food is easily one of the best things a country can offer. Unlike other countries where you eat by the road side, Singapore’s version of street food is what we call hawker food, and they are found in food/hawker centres – which are usually located in the heartlands.

For what is lacking in the electrifying atmosphere of eating by the street, the hawker centres in singapore make up for it by serving clean and tasty food, in a comfortable environment.

Tiong Bahru Market is one of the most popular hawker centres in Singapore. I always go there when I am craving for local food. Here are some of the things that I order when I am eating there.

It is no secret that Singaporeans love queuing up for food. In a way, it acts as a guide to the more popular stalls in a hawker centre, but it is not accurate all the time.

Judging from the queues when we were there on a Sunday morning, the best food stalls in Tiong Bahru Food Centre (in no particular order) are: Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle (#02-31), Koh Brothers Pig Organ Soup (#02-29), Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (#02-82), Wanton Noodles (#02-30), 178 Lor Mee (#02-23) and Tiong Bahru Lee Hong Kee Cantonese Roasted (#02-60).

This is one of the best food in Tiong Bahru Market – Tiong Bahru Lee Hong Kee Cantonese Roasted stall. The long queues are annoying but the Char Siew and Roasted Pork are out-of-this-world-good.

I grew up eating the roasted duck. When I was a kid, my parents would bring me to the old Tiong Bahru Market during the weekends. Ahhh, those were the days.

The chicken rice from Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice stall is very very good. To me, they are easily one of the best chicken rice stalls in Singapore. The Steamed Hainanese chicken rice here is wildly popular, but I always prefer roasted chicken, and their rendition is equally good anyway.

Besides the popular stalls that I’ve mentioned, you can also try the following at Tiong Bahru Hawker Centre: Peranakan food like Buak Keluak and Ngio Hiang from the fairly new Daisy Dream Kitchen (#02-36); hot and soupy Kway Chap (#02-43); another Lor Mee option from Tiong Bahru Lor Mee (#02-80); piping hot Char Siew Bao and Siew Mai from Tiong Bahru Pau (#02-18); and handmade fish balls from Teochew Fish Ball Noodle (#02-13).

And of course, no visit to Tiong Bahru Market is complete without eating Chwee Kueh. Among the two Chwee Kueh stalls there, I prefer Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Chwee Kueh (#02-05) – which is one of the few original stalls from the old Tiong Bahru Market.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Tiong Bahru Food Market & Hawker Centre
30 Seng Poh road

For more recommendations, read Bukit Timah Market | Chomp Chomp Hawker Centre | Jurong West Food Centre | Old Airport Road Market | Serangoon Gardens Food Centre

Like Holland Village, Serangoon Gardens is a popular dining cluster in Singapore. Beyond the many restaurants and cafes there, the estate has two popular Food Centre: Chomp Chomp Hawker Centre and Serangoon Gardens Market & Food Centre.

I brought my overseas friends there and I realised that eating in Hawker Centres can be quite a daunting experience for visitors. It is easy for us as we are familiar with the Hawker Food. But overseas visitors usually do not know what to eat, and which stalls to order from.

If you are bringing overseas visitors to Serangoon Gardens Food Centre, here is a quick guide on what to eat there.

Amongst the stalls in Serangoon Gardens Hawker Centre, Ah Seng Duck Rice and Soon Huat Pig’s Organ Soup have the longest queue. I had them previously, but we did not order them that day. This was our second stop of our food tour, and we did not want to spend too much time queuing up for food.

In any case, there were plenty of stalls to order from. We quickly filled the table with food: Rojak, Chwee Kueh, Popiah, Carrot Cake, Kway Chap, Ice Kachang, Wanton Mee, Oyster Omelette, and Curry Puff.

I think Popiah is a fantastic food. It is the kind of thing you can eat as an appetiser before setting for a heavier “main dish”. Otherwise, it makes a great snack in-between meal times. Popiah is an all-rounder, you can eat them anytime, anyday. The one that we had at Serangoon Gardens Food Centre was probably not the best, but still, it was quite satisfying.

The Fish & Chips stall PX Express (by the Mad Jack Cafe) at Serangoon Gardens Market, serves a competent Fish & Chips, and their cakes are pretty decent too.

Right at one end of Serangoon Gardens Food Centre is the famous Garden Street Kway Chap. This is what I want for breakfast on a Sunday morning. Braised pork, pig’s intestines, braised egg, tau pok, salted vegetables with flat rice noodles – this is unbeatable.

We also ordered Le Le’s Wanton Mee, but I was preoccupied with the Oyster Omelette. If you still have room, get the Curry Puffs from Rolina, and the ham & cheese bread from Serangoon Gardens Bakery & Confectionery.

Trying to decide between Serangoon Gardens Market & Food Centre and Chomp Chomp Hawker Centre? It’s a no brainer. For the best of both worlds, go to the former for breakfast/lunch and the latter for dinner/supper. Perfect.

Ah Seng Braised Duck Rice
49A Serangoon Garden Way Stall #44
Serangoon Gardens Hawker Centre Singapore

Botanic Gardens Dessert Corner
49A Serangoon Garden Way Stall #17
Serangoon Gardens Hawker Centre Singapore

Garden Street Kway Chap
49A Serangoon Garden Way Stall #21
Serangoon Gardens Hawker Centre Singapore

Le Le Wanton
49A Serangoon Garden Way Stall #1
Serangoon Gardens Hawker Centre Singapore

PK Express
49A Serangoon Garden Way Stall #23
Serangoon Gardens Hawker Centre Singapore

Rolina Curry Puff
49A Serangoon Garden Way Stall #32
Serangoon Gardens Hawker Centre Singapore

Selegie Soya Bean
49A Serangoon Garden Way Stall #24
Serangoon Gardens Hawker Centre Singapore

Serangoon Gardens Bakery & Confectionery
49A Serangoon Garden Way Stall #46
Serangoon Gardens Hawker Centre Singapore

Soon Huat Pig’s Organ
49A Serangoon Garden Way Stall #42
Serangoon Gardens Hawker Centre Singapore

“Where can I find the best food in Singapore?” I get this question from overseas visitors all the time. Forget about the fine dining restaurants, or the best cafes in Singapore. If you have limited time during your trip here, just go for the hawker food – it is definitely one of the things to do in Singapore.

I am sure many Singaporeans living in the West are familiar with Jurong West Food Centre. It emerged the winner in the Favourite Hawker Centre category of City Hawker Food Hunt 2010 through an islandwide SMS vote.

I was surprised when I heard the result. It is not easy to win the title of the best Hawker Centre in Singapore when there are so many popular ones like Chomp Chomp, Old Airport Road market, Maxwell Food Centre and Bukit Timah Hawker Centre.

Some of the stalls in Jurong West Food Centre were closed when we went there for dinner. Nevertheless, we still managed to eat quite a lot of food between the five of us. After walking around the hawker centre for a while, I settled on claypot rice.

The best part about having the Chicken Claypot rice from Chinatown Claypot is the short waiting time. If you order the small portion for one person, it takes just five minutes as they have prepared it beforehand. For the bigger portions, it is probably at least twenty to thirty minutes.

It is often said that eating is our favourite pastime. After witnessing the long queue for the fish porridge, I’d like to add on to say that queueing up for food is probably the second hobby. As much as I love food, I think it is crazy to queue up half an hour for a bowl of fish porridge.

Anyway, I was not particularly impressed with the one that we had here. But then again, I am sure there is a reason why people are queuing up for this, maybe I am missing something?

Located just beside the fish porridge stall, Hai Nanyang Curry rice also has a short queue waiting for their curry. I thought that the fish head curry ($6) that we had was quite good.

We were craving for Char Kway Teow and Oyster Omelette that day. And it so happened that there was only one stall selling them, and the food was run-of-the-mill. Thankfully, we had good Kueh Tutu to make up for the disappointment.

The Kueh Tutu stall was extremely popular. When I tweeted that I was having dinner at Jurong West Hawker Centre, everyone replied and asked me to try the Kueh Tutu there.

If you go to Jurong West Hawker Centre, you must try the fish ball noodles there. The Chicken Rice stall near the ATM machine is also worth a mention. It is very easy to spot them as they always have long queues.

In terms of size, Jurong West Food Centre is definitely not as big as Old Airport Road market or Maxwell Food Centre. But there are a few popular stalls that are worth making a trip west.

Is Jurong West Food Centre really the best hawker centre in Singapore? Tell us your top 5 food centres!

Char Kway Teow (#01-22)
Blk 505 Jurong West Street 52
Jurong West Food Centre

Kueh Tutu (#01-11)
Blk 505 Jurong West Street 52
Jurong West Food Centre

Chinatown Claypot Rice (#01-11)
Blk 505 Jurong West Street 52
Jurong West Food Centre

Fish Porridge (#01-40)
Blk 505 Jurong West Street 52
Jurong West Food Centre

Hai Nanyang Hometown Curry Rice (#01-41)
Blk 505 Jurong West Street 52
Jurong West Food Centre

Ming Favourite Shou Shi (#01-33)
Blk 505 Jurong West Street 52
Jurong West Food Centre