11 Balestier food spots you must visit!

Unlock the culinary wonders of Balestier with our guide to 11 must-visit food spots. From local hawker delights to trendy eateries, indulge in Balestier's diverse gastronomic scene. Join us as we navigate through the best Balestier food haunts, serving up everything from savory classics to innovative delights. Whether you're craving bak kut teh, chicken rice, or breakfast, we've got you covered. Let's dive into a flavorful journey and explore these Balestier hotspots that are sure to satisfy every palate.

1. Brown Sugar at 218 Balestier Road Singapore

As someone who appreciates the simple joys of a hearty breakfast, my recent visit to Brown Sugar at Balestier 218 was nothing short of a delightful experience.

The menu at Balestier 218 is a celebration of traditional breakfast fare, offering a wide array of dishes to start your day on the right note. From classic toast with kaya butter to perfectly half-boiled eggs and aromatic coffee, each item exudes a sense of familiarity and warmth that is hard to resist. As I indulged in my order of toast with kaya butter, paired with the rich creaminess of half-boiled eggs and a steaming cup of coffee, I couldn't help but feel a rush of nostalgia wash over me.

The toast at Balestier 218 is a quintessential slice of Singaporean breakfast culture. Served warm and crispy, the bread is toasted to perfection, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. Slathered generously with creamy kaya butter, The kaya butter lends a rich, aromatic sweetness to the toast, while the butter adds a velvety smoothness that melts in your mouth. It makes the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot coffee.

The coffee at Balestier 218 is served piping hot, the coffee offers a rich, full-bodied taste with subtle hints of bitterness that are balanced by a smooth finish. 

The half-boiled eggs at Balestier 218 are a simple yet satisfying addition to any breakfast spread. Served in a traditional kopitiam style, the eggs are presented in a small bowl, ready to be seasoned with a dash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of white pepper. 

Address: 218 Balestier Road #01-04, Singapore 329684
Opening Hours: 10am - 9pm

2. Hong Kong Street Chun Tat Kee @ Balestier

Hong Kong Street Chun Tat Kee is famed for its fish head beehoon. They not only just sell fish head beehoon but also other tze char dishes. I read their reviews on Google and mostly commented on the service. I felt the service rendered to me was right. The nearest MRT station would have to be either Boon Keng or Novena. It is a walkable distance from Trellis Tower as well. 

You may choose between the fish head or the fish meat, with an extra $3.50 for one spoonful of XO. I assumed they would have added the XO before serving, but Auntie advised me to remind her to do so. She then fetched a bottle of XO and spooned some into my soup. I mean, the soup was already fairly tasty before adding the XO. There were four or five large pieces of fish. They were tender yet bland.

Address: 412 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329805
Opening Hours: 11am - 11pm daily

3. Menya Aoi in United Square and Shaw Plaza Singapore

From one to two, Menya Aoi continues! 🌟🍜 We're thrilled to share the news of their second outlet's opening at Shaw Plaza.

Ramen Lovers, Rejoice! 🍜🎉 Try their signature Tonkotsu Ramen – a rich, creamy broth infused with savory goodness, topped with an array of delectable toppings to tantalize your taste buds. 

For those seeking an extra kick, indulge in the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, a fiery blend of flavors that will leave you craving more.

But that's not all! If you're in the mood for a delightful umami explosion, try their Miso Ramen, featuring a luscious broth complemented by the delectable ajitamago. 

And for garlic enthusiasts, the Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen is a must-try, boasting a robust garlicky flavor that will leave you spellbound.

Menya Aoi also has various sides. Savor the delectable Pork Gyoza or Dive into the delightful Fried Ebi, offering a crispy, golden exterior and succulent shrimp within. And for a fusion twist, indulge in the savory and aromatic Mapo Tofu. Last but not least, Menya Aoi introduces the irresistible Fried Cheese Dice, an addictive and scrumptious delight.

Address: 101 Thomson Rd, B1-04/05 United Square, Singapore 307591

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 10 am - 8.30 pm

Sat - Sun 9 am - 9 pm

Address: Shaw Plaza, 354 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329781

4. Da Lian Traditional Noodles 

Discovered a good supper spot!!! 大连 Da Lian Traditional Noodles at Syed Alwi Road OPENS 24/7. This is a long-standing stall with more than 30 years of history but I think this outlet is not their first stall. They have another outlet at Balestier. I ordered their Teochew minced pork noodle (dry) with the usual fish balls, meatballs, fish dumplings, mushrooms, and fish cakes. I opted for no chili so my sauce is very simple with a mixture of dark sauce, ketchup, and braised mushroom sauce. I love that the noodles were springy and soaked up the sauce well. I also love that the sauce was savory with prominent sweetness from the ketchup. The side ingredients were pretty bland though. Best to give this a good toss! 🍜

Address: 395 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329798

Opening Hours: 24 hours

5. 黎记 Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice 

Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice is definitely not the best but not the worst also in Singapore. Really weird to have such a well-known establishment here in a neighborhood area in Woodlands. Hardly any crowd during lunchtime. I think they closed their outlet in Woodlands. Their Loy Kee special set costs $9 but it is really scrumptious and affordable. For that price point, you get Chinese cabbages and 3 kinds of sauces for you to dip your chicken in. I added braised egg too.

Address: 342 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329774

Opening Hours: 10am - 9.30pm daily

6. Niu Dian Beef Noodles Singapore

Finally, check out MICHELIN Guide Taipei 2018 Bib Gourmand Niu Dian Beef Noodles Singapore located at VIIO @ Balestier. They are famous for their beef noodles. 

Delving into their offerings, I ordered their Single Specialty Noodles featuring Boneless Rib Cut and Golden Coin. With an array of noodle options including handmade, Flat Rice Vermicelli, ramen, and udon, I chose the recommended handmade variety. Surprisingly, the broth, although light, boasted rich flavors, deriving from a blend of local cow's bones and Australian short ribs. Despite initial skepticism about the tenderness of the beef, I was pleasantly surprised by its succulence. I favored the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the golden coin over the Boneless Rib Cut. The noodles themselves were cooked to perfection, offering a satisfying bite.

Address: 520 Balestier Rd, #01-01/02 VIIO @ Balestier, Singapore 329853

Opening Hours: Sun - Thurs 11am - 9.30pm

Fri - Sat 11am - 10pm

7. Bao Er Cafe

Bao Er Cafe, a hidden gem cafe nestled within Balestier Plaza and overseen by the same team behind Prawnography in Novena, offers a delightful surprise. It's no wonder they also offer hokkien mee on their menu. I recall their hokkien mee being particularly enjoyable, boasting a moist texture that I adore, albeit lacking the traditional wok hei. Their kaya butter toast comes highly recommended, and for good reason – they certainly don't skimp on the generous serving of kaya spread. It practically overflows! The bread is expertly grilled to a satisfying crispness. What stood out to me was the distinct color and luscious, custard-like texture of their kaya spread, which provided a rich and creamy flavor sensation.

Address: Balestier Plaza, 400 Balestier Rd, #02-01, Singapore 329802

Opening Hours: 8am - 8pm

8. BALANCE COFFEE

BALANCE COFFEE is located in Citadines Balestier and is opened by the same folks behind Geisha Specialty Coffee. Not only do they have coffee, but they also have mains such as Brunch, Pasta, Asian noodles, and rice. I ordered the prawn aglio olio comprising al dente linguine pasta tossed with garlic, mushrooms, and prawns. I don't think this portion and the amount of ingredients are worth the price tag of $10.80. 

Address: 207 Balestier Rd, #01-02/03 Citadines Balestier, Singapore 329683

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 7.30am - 8pm

Sat-Sun 8.30am - 8pm

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9. Two Bake Boys Cafe

Finally getting the chance to visit Two Bake Boys Cafe cafe at Shaw Plaza Balestier. They've transitioned from a well-known home-based business specializing in crepe cakes to a brick-and-mortar establishment. I ordered their renowned Thai Milk Tea Crepe Cake and a side of Thai milk tea-infused cream for extra indulgence. The crepes are incredibly soft, fluffy, and delicate, effortlessly yielding to the fork. The Thai tea cream layers offer a sweet and indulgent taste experience, surprisingly not overpoweringly sweet despite the richness. Delicious!

Address: 360 Balestier Rd, #03-09/K2 Shaw Plaza, Singapore 329783

Opening Hours: Mon - Thurs 9,30am - 10pm

Fri - Sun 9am - 10pm

10. Bugis Street Chuen Chuen Chicken Rice

Bugis Street Chuen Chuen Chicken Rice stands out as a renowned chicken rice vendor at Balestier Market, boasting a legacy that dates back to 1979. Despite relocating three times from its original Bugis location, its popularity remains unwavering. Offering two set variations, one accompanied by vegetables and the other with bean sprouts, customers have options to suit their preferences. I chose the the roast chicken drumstick, I savored its moist and tender texture, a testament to its quality. The rice, too, impressed with its fluffy and aromatic characteristics. Additionally, I found the peanut soup to be a delightful addition to the meal.

Address: 411 Balestier Rd, #01-12 Balestier Market, Singapore 329930

Opening Hours: 9am - 9pm

11. Balestier Bak Kut Teh

Balestier Bak Kut Teh is a well-established bak kut teh stall located in Balestier, having operated since 1966, boasting over five decades of experience in the industry. Our selection included premium loin ribs, braised pork belly, you tiao, and salted vegetables. While the premium loin ribs exhibited a predominantly chewy texture with occasional tender parts, the inconsistency for $12 was unexpected. The soup, being of the white variety, offered a peppery flavor with subtle garlic undertones. The braised pork belly stood out for its delicious flavor and tenderness, complementing the rice excellently. However, the you tiao seemed lukewarm and lacked the desired crunchiness.

Additionally, they offer the traditional bak kut teh option priced at $7, or the mixed option for $8 (choose 2), which provides a wider variety including pork slices, meatballs, or various pork innards.

Address: 365 &, 369 Balestier Rd, 329785

Opening Hours: 24/7