A Guide to the Most Famous Stalls at Singapore’s Hawker Centres
Singapore’s hawker centres are a culinary treasure trove, offering a diverse array of affordable and delicious dishes. From Michelin-starred stalls to decades-old family-run eateries, these centres are the heart of Singapore’s food culture. Here’s a guide to some of the most famous stalls you must visit:
1. Maxwell Food Centre
- Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice: Known as one of the best chicken rice stalls in Singapore, Tian Tian has earned international acclaim, even winning praise from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The tender poached chicken, fragrant rice, and spicy chili sauce make this a must-try dish.
- Zhen Zhen Porridge: Famous for its smooth and creamy Cantonese-style porridge, this stall offers comforting bowls with toppings like fish, chicken, or century egg.
- Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake: A crispy and savory snack filled with oysters, minced pork, and vegetables, this is a unique treat you won’t want to miss.
2. Old Airport Road Food Centre
- Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee: Renowned for its smoky and flavorful Hokkien mee, this stall is a favorite among locals. The dish features thick noodles stir-fried with prawns, squid, and pork belly.
- Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow: This Michelin Bib Gourmand stall serves up a delicious version of char kway teow, with a perfect balance of smoky wok hei and savory flavors.
- To-Ricos Guo Shi: Known for its rich and hearty kway chap, this stall offers braised pork belly, intestines, and tofu in a flavorful broth.
3. Tiong Bahru Market
- Jian Bo Shui Kueh: A legendary stall serving chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes) topped with preserved radish. This simple yet addictive dish has been a breakfast staple for over 50 years.
- Tiong Bahru Pau: Famous for its fluffy and flavorful steamed buns, this stall offers a variety of fillings, including char siu (barbecued pork) and lotus paste.
- 178 Lor Mee: A newer addition to the market, this stall offers a unique take on lor mee, featuring crispy fried chicken cutlet and prawns in a starchy gravy.
4. Lau Pa Sat
- Satay Street: In the evenings, Boon Tat Street transforms into a bustling satay haven. Skewers of marinated chicken, beef, and mutton are grilled over charcoal and served with peanut sauce, cucumber, and ketupat (rice cakes).
- Thunder Tea Rice: A healthy Hakka dish featuring rice, vegetables, tofu, and peanuts, served with a green herb tea soup. Stall 25 is a popular choice for this unique dish.
- Fragrance Garden Chicken Rice: Another excellent option for Hainanese chicken rice, this stall is known for its melt-in-your-mouth chicken and fragrant rice.
5. Chinatown Complex Food Centre
- Hawker Chan: Home to the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal, this stall serves soya sauce chicken rice for just SGD 3.50. The tender chicken and flavorful rice are a must-try.
- Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice: Famous for its aromatic claypot rice, this stall offers a smoky and savory dish topped with chicken, Chinese sausage, and salted fish.
- Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao: Known for its handmade noodles and juicy xiao long bao (soup dumplings), this stall is a favorite among locals.
6. Tekka Centre
- Allauddin Briyani: A popular stall serving fragrant and flavorful biryani with tender mutton, chicken, or fish. The dish is accompanied by raita (yogurt sauce) and a hard-boiled egg.
- Heng Gi Goose and Duck Rice: This stall offers succulent slices of goose and duck served with savory yam rice and a delicious dipping sauce.
- Ah Rahman Cafe and Royal Prata: Famous for its crispy and flaky prata, this stall also serves murtabak (stuffed prata) and refreshing mango lassi.
7. Changi Village Hawker Centre
- Million Star Fried Banana: A must-try for dessert lovers, this stall serves crispy and golden fried bananas with a perfect balance of sweetness.
- International Muslim Food Stall Nasi Lemak: Known for its fragrant coconut rice, crispy fried chicken, and spicy sambal, this stall is a favorite for nasi lemak lovers.
- Charlie’s Corner: A Western-style stall offering hearty dishes like fish and chips and burgers, perfect for a casual meal.
8. Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre
- Bedok 85 Satay Bee Hoon: A Michelin Bib Gourmand stall serving satay bee hoon with a rich peanut sauce, prawns, and squid.
- Old-Fashioned Peanut Soup: A comforting dessert featuring glutinous rice balls in a sweet peanut soup.
- Traditional Oyster Cake: A crispy and savory snack filled with oysters and minced pork, this is a local favorite.
Tips for Visiting Hawker Centres
- Timing: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long queues and secure a table more easily.
- Payment: Bring cash, as many stalls do not accept cards.
- Etiquette: Be prepared to share tables during busy periods, and always return your tray after eating.
Singapore’s hawker centres are a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re craving classic dishes like Hainanese chicken rice or adventurous flavors like satay bee hoon, these famous stalls offer something for everyone. Enjoy your gastronomic journey through Singapore’s vibrant food scene!
