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Explore the Best Food Places in Our City: 14 Must-Visit Cafes, Hawker Stalls, and Restaurants
Discover the vibrant culinary scene of our city with our curated list of 14 top food places, featuring cozy cafes, bustling hawker stalls, and exquisite restaurants. Whether you're craving a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, the savory delights of traditional hawker fare, or a refined dining experience, this guide has something for every food lover. Join us on a gastronomic journey and uncover the diverse flavors and rich culinary heritage our city has to offer.
1. Ar Er Soup 阿2老火汤
Are you on the hunt for an authentic culinary experience that tantalizes your taste buds without compromising on quality? Look no further than Ar Er Soup 阿2老火汤 , the proud recipient of the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand Award, nestled within the bustling ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre.
Renowned for its MSG-free Chinese herbal soups, Ar Er Soup offers a diverse selection of eight meticulously long-boiled varieties, each bursting with flavor and nutritional goodness. But it's their signature dish, the Buddha Jumps Over The Wall soup, that steals the spotlight.
Priced at just $6.50, this remarkable deal is a steal for people seeking a taste of culinary excellence. Crafted with premium ingredients such as fish maw, abalone, chicken, and Chinese mushrooms, the soup promises a decadently rich flavor profile that is second to none.
Address: ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, 6 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 150006
Opening Hours: 2pm - 8pm
Closed on Saturday
2. Otoko Ramen 漢
Otoko Ramen 漢 is a quaint ramen spot tucked away in Alexandra Central Mall. This hidden gem has been dishing out delicious ramen in Queenstown since 2015. With just 20 seats, it offers an intimate dining experience. During dinner hours, the restaurant wasn't bustling with patrons.
I ordered the tonkotsu ramen with all the fixings along with a serving of cold Japanese tofu (Hiyayakko). The broth impressed me with its rich, robust flavor, and the noodles had the perfect thickness. However, I found the char siew to be a bit thin and not as tender as I'd hoped. On the bright side, they offer complimentary hard-boiled eggs for those who enjoy them.
As for the Hiyayakko, its silky-smooth texture was a delight. Served cold, it provided a refreshing option, ideal for hot days or as a light appetizer.
Address: 321 Alexandra Road, #01-16, Alexandra Central Mall, 159971
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Sat - Sun 11am - 10pm
3. Zhen De Hao 蒸得好
Are you a fan of steamed dishes and nourishing soups? If so, you're in for a treat! Nestled within the bustling ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre is a hidden gem known as Zhen De Hao 蒸得好. This hawker stall is dedicated to serving up authentic steamed delicacies that will warm your soul.
During a recent visit to Zhen De Hao, I ordered their steamed fungus ginger chicken alongside steamed egg with minced meat. As the dishes arrived, I couldn't help but admire the aroma wafting from each plate.
However, upon digging into the steamed chicken, I encountered a slight challenge. The dish was quite bony and required careful navigation. Yet, despite the bones, the chicken proved to be remarkably tender. Each bite was a delightful blend of flavors, enhanced by the accompanying sauce which, although could use a tad more richness, beautifully complemented the tender meat and rice.
Moving on to the steamed egg, the texture was incredibly silky, practically melting in my mouth with every spoonful.
In addition to the main dishes, Zhen De Hao also offers a side of cabbage and carrot soup, adding a refreshing and nutritious element to the meal. This thoughtful touch further underscores their commitment to providing wholesome and satisfying dining experiences.
Address: 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-108 ABC Brickworks Market and Food Centre, Singapore 150006
4. Lye Bo
I had initially planned to try a different food stall at Alexandra Village Food Centre, but it was closed. As a result, I decided to give Lye Bo a chance.
Lye Bo might not offer an extensive menu, but it more than makes up for it with its focus on quality. Their selection of tossed noodles is deliberately concise, featuring only three straightforward options. While their menu might seem modest at first glance, the real magic lies in the flavors and textures they deliver.
I ended up ordering the Pan-fried Grill Pork Belly Noodle with an onsen egg, which cost $6 in total.
At first glance, the noodles may appear unassuming, but don't be fooled by their simplicity. Lye Bo's noodles boast a remarkable springiness that adds a unique dimension to the dish. The delightful burst of flavor in each bite takes you by surprise, leaving your taste buds craving for more.
The star of the show at Lye Bo is undoubtedly the Pan-fried Grill Pork Belly. What makes it stand out is the satisfyingly crispy, golden-brown skin that covers the succulent meat. The pork belly's exterior crackles with each bite, creating a harmonious contrast with the tender and juicy meat beneath.
The generous fat content in pork belly lends itself to a melt-in-your-mouth experience that's hard to beat.
To elevate the experience, I highly recommend adding an onsen egg to your Pan-fried Grill Pork Belly Noodle. The onsen egg's runny yolk infuses a creamy richness throughout the dish, enhancing its overall appeal.
If you have a fondness for sio bak (crispy roast pork) and noodles, Lye Bo is a must-visit.
Address: 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-27 Alexandra Village Food Centre, Singapore 150123
Opening Hours: 8am - 2pm
Closed on Thursday
5. Y.R.A Rasool Fatimah
Y.R.A Rasool Fatimah is actually listed in the Michelin guide for their roti prata and murtabak mutton soup. They are located in ABC Brickworks Food Centre which is also home to Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee and Famous KL Hokkien Mee. The nearest MRT station would be Queenstown or Redhill MRT station.
I'm sure you're all aware of my love for noodles, and mee goreng is one of them. This is certainly not as red as the others I've had, and it shows in the flavor as well. Overall, the flavor is not as flavorful as the others I've tasted. The fried egg was also not as runny as it should have been. Inside were green beans, mutton chunks, and potatoes.
Address: ABC Brickworks Food Centre #01-10, 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 150006
Opening Hours: 10 am - 7 pm
Closed on Thursday
6. Hor Fun Premium 精選河粉
Finally tried Hor Fun Premium after the second visit. I was on the lookout for places to go have Hor Fun and this came up in the search! Miss tam chiak recommended this place. They are located at Alexandra Village Food Centre which is also home to Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa.
There isn't a wide selection of dishes to choose from. Hor fun is the main course, with the option of beef, seafood, and fish. Other zi char style dishes like mui fan, ginger, and spring onion sliced fish and beef rice. An interesting thing that I noticed is those hawker stalls that specialize in selling Hor fun often sell mui fan too? Is it because of the gravy?
The Beef Hor Fun ($5.00) comes with thick chunky beef pieces, veggies, and a silky egg sauce that tastes like mui fan. Even though the beef slices were flavorful, they were a little tough. The wok hei is evident in this plate of hor fun.
Address: Alexandra Village Food Centre, 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-78, Singapore 150120
Opening Hours: 10:30am–2:30pm, 5–8:30pm daily
7. Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa
Finally tried the Claypot Laksa 🍲! They have been awarded the bib gourmand status 4 years in a row and that says something. Surely they're one of the best Laksa in Singapore. They're located in Alexandra Village Food Centre.
The flavours and quality are elevated by using a clay pot which helps to keep the ingredients tender and flavourful. It also retains the heat ensuring you get a piping hot laksa! It is the perfect comfort food for rainy days and also quite filling tbh. love it! Be prepared to wait as the clay pot needs some heating up beforehand.
It's all about the gravy! The gravy is completed with a mix of ingredients such as chili padi, blue ginger, turmeric, belachan, shrimp paste, and lemongrass slow-cooked for over two hours. To ensure the laksa is fragrant, frying the ingredients is critical in bringing out the aroma. The gravy is also thick and not watery at all! The owners use more coconut milk to make the gravy more gao!
The clay pot consists of thick beehoon, cockles, tau pok, chicken slices, and bean sprouts.
The auntie warned me that the laksa is spicy but it is totally not! haha
Address: 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-75 Alexandra Village Food Centre, Singapore 151120
Opening Hours: 9 am - 3pm
Closed on Wednesday and Sunday
8. Keng Eng Kee Seafood
Keng Eng Kee Seafood shifted to Alexandra Village when Havelock Road Hawker Centre was demolished. They have grown from a small establishment to a well-known one currently. The Moonlight hor fun is a signature dish, however, they do sell other dishes as they're a zi char store.
Address: Blk 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1 #01-136, Singapore 150124
Opening hours: 11.30AM to 1.45PM
5PM to 10.45PM
9. Sin & Savage Bakehouse
Discovering this hidden gem, Sin & Savage Bakehouse, nestled in Queenstown, was a delightful surprise. The talented chefs from Mixsense Private Dining helm this charming café. It boasts a diverse menu featuring brunch, mains, desserts, and a variety of beverages, including alcoholic options. During my visit, I savored their delectable offerings, including the pesto pasta, freshly squeezed lemonade, shaken lemon tea, and the irresistible Speculoos Cookie Butter donut.
The pesto pasta is a culinary masterpiece, featuring spaghetti coated in their signature homemade pesto sauce infused with garlic, complemented by sautéed wild mushrooms, tangy pecorino cheese, and crunchy pine nuts. I opted to enhance its richness with succulent pork chipolata sausage. The sauce is luxuriously creamy and bursting with flavor, with the distinctive sharpness of the pecorino cheese shining through.
As for the Speculoos Cookie Butter Donut, it's a heavenly treat filled with creamy biscoff cookie butter and topped with delightful biscoff cookie crumbs. I appreciated the soft, pillowy texture of the donut and the perfectly balanced sweetness of the molten cookie butter filling.
Address: 169 Stirling Rd, #01-1153 Stirling View, Singapore 140169
Opening Hours: Wed - Fri 11am - 9pm
Sat - Sun 9.30am - 4pm
Closed on Mon and Tuesday
10. 328 Katong Laksa
Finally tried the 328 Katong Laksa at Queensway Shopping Center! The mildly spiced orangey broth flavored with coconut milk brings this local fav to a perfect balance. There's also the gritty texture when I slurp up the creamy broth which is due to the shredded hae bee hiam. Shiok! 🥰😍
Address: Queensway Shopping Centre, 1 Queensway, #01 60, Singapore 149053
Opening Hours: 10am - 8.45pm
11. Viet & Beans Bistro
Viet & Beans Bistro is a hidden gem in Alexandra Central Mall, offering delicious Vietnamese cuisine and coffee. I savored their PHO noodle soup, which features a rich, traditional slow-cooked bone broth paired with silky rice noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, crisp sliced onions, spicy chili, fragrant fresh herbs, a tangy lime wedge, and tender, chilled ribeye beef. The pho arrived piping hot, as evident from the steam in the photo. While the broth was lighter in taste, it was still enjoyable, and the ribeye beef was surprisingly tender.
Address: 321 Alexandra Rd, #02-26 Alexandra Central, Singapore 159971
Opening Hours: 11 am – 9.30 pm
12. Kou Kou Xiang 口口香鸡汤饭
Oh my goodness, the chicken soup at Kou Kou Xiang 口口香鸡汤饭 was amazing! They offer hearty chicken soup with rice, tomato beef brisket soup, braised beef soup, and pig trotters with rice. You can swap the rice for noodles or mee sua if you prefer. I opted for the version with premium mixed mushrooms and chicken, served with noodles. The bowl was filled with mushrooms from Chengdu, China, known for their antioxidants and digestive benefits. The golden chicken soup was sweet and emitted a light herbal aroma. It was incredibly rich and comforting!
Address: Margaret Market, 38 Margaret Dr, Singapore 141038
Opening Hours: 10.30 am - 9 pm
13. Urban Folks
Urban Folks is an Australian-inspired cafe located in Margaret Market. They focus on Jaffles, toasties, and acai bowls. Jaffles are sealed pocket sandwiches, while toasties are regular sandwiches with fillings. They offer unique flavors like the Curry-san with beef curry, Miso Chicken with miso pulled chicken, and Hallouminati with grilled halloumi. Being a kimchi fan, I tried the Kimcheese, which includes kimchi, a house-blend cheese, and gochujang aioli. Each bite was a delightful mix of cheesy, tangy, and umami flavors, although the bread was a bit soggy. The jaffle comes with crispy cassava chips on the side.
Address: Margaret Market, 38 Margaret Dr, Singapore 141038
Opening Hours: 9 am - 9 pm
14. Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee
Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee has been serving high-quality, artisanal coffee at Stirling Road since 2014. Celebrating a decade in business, they revamped their space two years ago, now featuring a modern look with white and green interiors and wooden chairs. They are known for their carefully sourced beans and expert roasting techniques, providing an exceptional coffee experience. Tiong Hoe offers various brewing methods, including pour-over, espresso, and cold brew, each showcasing the unique flavors and aromas of their selected beans.
I had the mocha with their berry blush espresso blend. The coffee had a rich, chocolatey base complemented by the fruity and slightly tangy notes from the berry blush blend, creating a well-balanced and flavorful cup. They also serve pastries from Keong Saik Bakery.
Address: 170 Stirling Rd, #01-1133, Singapore 140170
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8.30am - 4.45pm
Sat - Sun 8.30am - 4.15pm
15. Rookie's Coffee Shop
Rookie's Coffee Shop is a specialty coffee bar and micro-roaster nestled in the Bukit Merah neighborhood. They take pride in their passion for coffee, emphasizing the distinct flavors each variety offers, shaped by its origin and the people behind it. The team carefully roasts, brews, and serves their coffee with dedication to preserving its exceptional quality.
Their menu includes staple drinks such as White, Black, and Chocolate, with options for iced and oat milk at an extra cost. Unique offerings like Bandung Spro and Iced Jelly White add a creative twist. While the food selection is limited, it features delectable treats like the Lemon Bar—a zesty citrus dessert on a buttery shortbread base—alongside classic Chocolate Chip Cookies and Brownies.
Address: 123 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-112, Singapore 150123
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Closed on Mondays and every last Sunday of each month.
16. OVERBRØD
OVERBRØD is a Scandinavian-inspired café and deli located in Anchorpoint Shopping Centre, Singapore, offering flavors from Denmark and Sweden. Its menu features smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) like Shrimp Toast Skagen and Roast Beef, along with hearty dishes such as Frikadeller (meatballs with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam). The café also serves pastries like Cinnamon Knot and Chocolate Tart, alongside coffee, tea, craft beers, and Aquavit, a Scandinavian spirit.
Address: 370 Alexandra Rd, #01-14A, Singapore 159953
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
17. Fook Seng GoldenHill Chicken Rice
Fook Seng GoldenHill Chicken Rice, located in Bukit Merah at 37 Jalan Rumah Tinggi, has been serving its signature chicken rice since 1995. This well-loved eatery offers affordable options, with plates starting at $2, while larger portions are available for $3 and $5. Each serving includes tender chicken with sesame oil and soy sauce, paired with fragrant rice and a side of chicken soup with cabbage.
Address: 37 Jln Rumah Tinggi, #01-431, Singapore 150037
Opening Hours: 9 am–3 pm
Closed on Friday
18. Tanglin Halt Ru Yi Yuan Vegetarian
Tanglin Halt Ru Yi Yuan Vegetarian is a long-standing vegetarian food stall that has been serving customers for over 30 years. Initially based at Tanglin Halt, it has since moved to the second floor of Margaret Drive Hawker Centre. Best known for its vegetarian bee hoon, the stall offers both white and brown versions. Diners can personalize their meals with a variety of sides, including vegetable dishes, spring rolls, vegetable curry, and an assortment of mock meats.
Address: 38a Margaret Dr, #02 36
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
19. Common Man Coffee Roasters
Common Man Coffee Roasters has expanded its presence with a new outlet at Alexandra Road. This café is housed in a heritage building that was once part of the Anchor beer brewery, adding a unique historical charm to the dining experience. The Alexandra Road outlet offers a menu featuring specialty coffee and all-day dining options, making it an ideal spot for both coffee enthusiasts and those seeking a hearty meal.
Address: 368 Alexandra Rd, #01-01, Singapore 159952
Opening Hours: Monday – Tuesday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday – Sunday: 7:30 am – 10:00 pm
20. Refuel II
Refuel II is a well-loved café located at Jalan Bukit Merah. It is praised for its satisfying brunch options, generous servings, and warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu includes dishes such as pancake stacks with vanilla ice cream, Earl Grey lavender cake, and red velvet Nutella cake.
Address: 28 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 152028
Opening Hours: Mon - Tues 10 am–9 pm
Friday, 12–9 pm
Saturday - Sunday, 9 am–9 pm
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