Top 10 Dishes to Try at Chinatown Hawker Center: A Local Foodie's Guide
Top 10 Dishes to Try at Chinatown Hawker Center: A Local Foodie's Guide
Experience the diverse flavours of Chinatown's hawker center with our guide to the top 5 must-try dishes. From traditional street food to modern Asian cuisine, these dishes
Chinatown Complex Hawker Center is the most popular and one of the largest hawker center situated in the heart of Singapore's Chinatown neighbourhood. It is known for its wide variety of local street food options. It has over 260 food stalls, which serves a wide range of delicious local cuisines such as noodles, rice dishes, seafood, desserts, and drinks. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to try authentic Singaporean food at affordable prices. It's open daily from around 6am to 10pm.
The hawker center is housed in a building that dates back to the 1970s and has been an important hub for the community, providing affordable and delicious meals for residents and visitors alike. Many of the hawkers at the center have been running their businesses for decades, and it is a great place to try traditional Singaporean dishes that have been passed down through generations.
This hawker center is a vibrant destination for food lovers, offering a wide range of traditional street food and modern Asian cuisine. Among the many options available, there are a few food stalls that stand out for their exceptional flavors and quality.
Our top 10 picks for food stalls at Chinatown hawker center are:
1. Steamed Mini Buns at Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao | 335 Smith St, #02-135, Singapore 050335
Zhong Guo La Mian (Chinese Hand-pulled Noodles) and Xiao Long Bao (steamed soup dumplings) are both traditional Chinese dishes that are popular in many parts of China, and also in Chinese restaurant around the world.
Zhong Guo La Mian is a type of Chinese noodle made from wheat flour that is hand-pulled to create long, thin strands. The dough is stretched, folded, and twisted by hand to create the desired texture and thickness. Zhong Guo La Mian are often served in a savory broth or with a variety of meats and vegetables.
Xiao Long Bao, is a type of Chinese steamed dumpling filled with meat and/or seafood, and a savory broth. They are traditionally steamed in small bamboo steaming baskets. The most common filling for xiao long bao is pork, but you can also find xiao long bao filled with crab meat, shrimp, or vegetables. The delicate and thin wrapper of xiao long bao is usually made from wheat flour, and the soup inside is usually made from pork or chicken broth.
We had their signature dish “ Steamed Mini buns” and “Szechuan Spicy Wantons”.
This stall is known for its delicious steamed mini buns that are filled with a variety of meats and seafood, and a savory broth. The delicate and thin wrapper of the steamed mini buns is usually made from wheat flour, and the soup inside is usually made from pork or chicken broth. The buns are usually steamed in small bamboo steaming baskets and are often served with a ginger-soy dipping sauce.
Szechuan Spicy Wanton is a dish that consist of wantons that are cooked in a spicy Szechuan sauce. This dish is a combination of the traditional Chinese dish wanton and the spicy Szechuan cuisine. Wantons are dumplings made from a thin dough wrapper and filled with meat, seafood or vegetables and then steamed or deep-fried. Szechuan cuisine is known for its bold flavors, particularly the use of chili pepper and Szechuan peppercorn, which gives the dishes a distinct numbing and spicy taste.
This stall is often crowded, which is a testament to the quality of their steamed mini buns. With affordable prices and generous portions, it is no wonder that Zhong Guo La Mian & Xiao Long Bao stall is a popular destination for those looking to try authentic Chinese steamed mini buns.
Dish type : Mains (contains pork)
2. Hainanese Chicken Rice at 169 Hainanese Chicken Rice | 335 Smith St, #02-169, Singapore 050335
This is one of the most popular dish in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia and is considered a national dish of Singapore. The dish is made with poached chicken that is served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, and is often accompanied by a ginger-chili sauce and a clear chicken broth soup. The rice is cooked with pandan leaves, ginger and garlic, which gives it a unique aroma and flavor. The chicken is usually poached with ginger, garlic, scallions and pandan leaves, which give the meat a tender and juicy texture. Hainanese chicken rice is considered one of the most popular and classic hawker dishes in Singapore and is commonly found in hawker centers, food courts and street-side stalls across the country.
In addition to the traditional version of Hainanese chicken rice, there are also variations of the dish such as "Crispy Hainanese chicken rice" where the chicken skin is deep fried for a crispy texture, "Soy sauce Hainanese chicken rice" where the chicken is marinated in soy sauce before being poached, and "Yong tau foo Hainanese chicken rice" where the chicken is served with a variety of stuffed tofu and vegetable.
Hainanese chicken rice is a simple yet delicious dish that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. It is considered to be one of the must-try dishes when visiting Singapore or Malaysia. It is a simple, comforting and satisfying dish, and is perfect to enjoy any time of the day.
Stall - 169 Hainanese Chicken Rice | 335 Smith St, #02-169, Singapore 050335.
This is just one of the many food stalls that serve Hainanese chicken rice in Chinatown complex hawker center, and you can find more by exploring the hawker center.
Dish type: Mains (container chicken)
3. Jelly Fish at Jia Ji Mei Shi | 335 Smith St, #02-166 MARKET, Singapore 050335
Jia Ji Mei Shi (also known as "Family-style cuisine") is a type of Chinese cuisine that is characterized by its hearty and comforting dishes that are meant to be shared among family and friends. It is a style of dining where multiple dishes are ordered to be shared among a group of people, and it is a common way to eat in China.
Jelly fish is a traditional Chinese dish that is often served as a cold appetizer and it is a common dish to be found in Jia Ji Mei Shi (Family-style cuisine) style of dining. It is made from jellyfish that is soaked in a mixture of vinegar and salt to remove its rubbery texture, and then it's usually dressed with a variety of seasonings such as sesame oil, soy sauce, and scallions.
It's a dish that is often enjoyed as a refreshing and tangy appetizer, and it's usually paired with some kind of spicy sauce or condiments.
Dish type: Appetizer (contains fish)
4. Bread sticks at Chinatown Fried Dough Stick | 335 Smith St, #02-163, Singapore 050335
Also known as "You Tiao" or "Yau Char Kwai" in Cantonese, is a traditional Chinese snack that is popular in many parts of China, as well as in Chinese communities around the world.
Bread dough sticks is a long, deep-fried strip of dough that is often served as a breakfast food or as a side dish with savory dishes like porridge, noodles, or soups.
The dough is made from wheat flour, water, and yeast, it is then deep-fried till golden brown and crispy. They are usually served plain but sometimes they are also served with sugar or sesame seeds on top. The texture of these dough sticks is usually crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
This item is often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item. You can find it in many food stalls, street vendors and hawker centers in Chinatown Complex.
Red bean Buns a traditional Chinese pastry that is made from sweet glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet red bean paste. The dough is steamed and the filling is usually made from sweetened red beans that have been cooked and mashed. The buns are usually round or crescent-shaped and have a chewy texture. They are a popular Chinese pastry, particularly in Southeast Asia and can be found in many Chinese bakeries and street vendors.
Dish type: Appetizer
5. Kopi at The 1950’s Coffee | 335 Smith St, #02-048, Singapore 050335
Singapore's traditional coffee culture is heavily influenced by its history as a British colony and its large population of Chinese immigrants. Coffee shops, or "kopitiams," are a staple of the local food scene and can be found all over the city. Many of these kopitiams, like 1950 coffee at Chinatown hawker center, serve traditional coffee drinks like Kopi C and Kopi O.
The 1950 coffee stall at Chinatown hawker center is well known for its traditional, fragrant and aromatic coffee drinks and is popular among locals and tourists alike. The stall is run by an elderly couple who have been serving traditional coffee for decades. They are famous for their traditional brewing method and strong coffee taste. However, they do serve tea as well along with traditional toast to go with it.
You can also get the usual soft-boiled eggs. They will serve it as whole eggs, then you crack them into your bowl. Sprinkle with white pepper, pour some soy sauce, then dip the kaya toast as you eat.
Dish type: Drinks
6. Chendol at Old Amoy Chendol | 335 Smith St, #02-008, Singapore 050335
This stall is well known for its delicious chendol, a traditional Southeast Asian dessert made from green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.
The stall at Chinatown hawker center has been operated by the same family for generations and has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. They use traditional recipe and ingredients to make the chendol.
Chendol is a sweet and refreshing dessert that is perfect for Singapore's hot and humid weather. The green rice flour jelly is soft and chewy, and the coconut milk and palm sugar syrup provide a rich and sweet flavor along with red beans.
If you are visiting Singapore, I would definitely recommend you to try the Amoy Chendol stall at the Chinatown hawker center. It is a great way to experience traditional Southeast Asian desserts and the vibrant food culture of Singapore.
Dish type: Dessert
7. Cockles Fried Kway Teow at Food Street Fried Kway Teow Mee | 335 Smith St, #02-173, Singapore 050335
Fried Kway Teow Mee is another popular dish found in hawker centers in Singapore, including at the Chinatown Complex Food Centre, also known as the Chinatown hawker center.
The dish consists of stir-fried flat rice noodles with cockles, chives, and a variety of other ingredients such as soy sauce, chili paste, and sometimes added with seafood like prawns or squid. The key difference is that this dish is made with thin noodles instead of thick ones.
Fried Kway Teow is also a famous dish in Singapore and is a must-try for anyone visiting the country. As mentioned earlier, there are many different variations of the dish, but the one with cockles is considered as one of the most popular ones.
Cockles, which are small, edible, saltwater clams, are considered a delicacy in Singapore and are often added to dishes like fried kway teow for added flavor and texture. The dish is typically stir-fried in a wok over high heat with a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, chili paste, and other seasonings.
Dish type: Mains (contains Cockles, sea food)
8. Popiah at Ann Chin Handmade Popiah | 335 Smith Street #02-112
This stall is famous for its delicious popiah, a traditional Hokkien dish that is similar to a spring roll.
The stall is run by the Chin family, who have been making popiah for decades. They use traditional recipe and high-quality ingredients to make their popiah. The stall is known for their fresh and thin popiah skin and the generous filling of the ingredients. They are famous for their popiah's texture, taste, and the balance of flavors.
Also, this stall is famous for its long queue during peak hours, as many customers come back again and again for the delicious popiah. It is considered as one of the best popiah stalls in Singapore, and it's a must-try for anyone visiting the hawker center.
Dish type: Snacks/Appetizer (contains seafood, eggs)
Kueh Pie Tee is a traditional Peranakan dish that can also be found here. It is a crispy, deep-fried pastry cup filled with a mixture of julienned vegetables, such as turnip and carrots, and sometimes with prawns or meat. The dish is typically served with a sweet chili sauce. Here, they use fresh and thin pastry cups, and the filling is well balanced with the sweetness of the sauce.
Dish type: Snacks/Appetizer (contains seafood or meat)
9. Char Siew Noodles at Hawker Chan | 78 Smith St, Singapore 058972
“The World First Hawker Michelin-starred Meal” and “The Cheapest Michelin-starred Meal In The Word” and soya sauce chicken rice is the most famous and must try at Hawker chan.
However we tried their Char Siew Noodles which is also a popular dish in Singapore, typically found at hawker centers and food courts. The dish consists of noodles (usually thin egg noodles or rice noodles) that are stir-fried with a variety of ingredients such as char siew (barbecued pork), vegetables, and a flavourful sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings. The dish can be served dry or with soup.
Char siew, which is also known as Chinese barbecue pork, is a popular ingredient in many Chinese-inspired dishes. It is made by marinating pork in a mixture of spices and sauces, then roasting or grilling it until the exterior is caramelised and the inside is tender and flavourful.
Dish type: Mains (Contains Pork)
10. Chicken Herbal Soup at Charcoal fired Herbal soup | 335 Smith St, #02-017, Singapore 050335
Herbal soup is a traditional Chinese dish that can be found at many hawker centers and food courts in Singapore. Herbal soups are known for their medicinal properties and are made by simmering a variety of herbs, meat and sometimes even with sea food in a flavourful broth.
Herbal soups are believed to have health benefits and are often consumed for their medicinal properties. They are also considered a comfort food and are commonly consumed during cold weather or when one is feeling unwell.
The process of preparing herbal soup can vary widely depending on the recipe, the types of herbs used and the culture and tradition of the cook. Some soups may require a double boiling process, where the ingredients are first simmered in a clay pot, then the pot is sealed and left to simmer over low heat for several hours.
This stall has two giant oriental ceramic vats that stand adjacent to each other and placed on one side of the stall. These are kept covered most of time and opened whenever an order is placed. Once the cover is opened, you could smell the aromatic herbs and spices. A type of metal crowbar or something is used to hook a pot which is covered with aluminium foil.You will be presented with your own bowl of soup (either chicken or pork ribs depending upon your order). You could also get a bowl of rice to accompany with it.
Dish type: Mains (Contains Pork or chicken)
11. Whampoa Soya Bean | 335 Smith St, #02-014 Chinatown Street, Singapore 050335
The stall is known for its delicious soya bean drinks and desserts, which are made with high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes.
Soya Bean Milk: a traditional Chinese drink made from ground soybeans and water. It's a popular breakfast drink in Singapore and is often served with sugar or sweetened condensed milk.
Soya Bean Curd: also known as "Tau Huay", it's a dessert made from soy milk that is coagulated with a coagulant, the curds are then pressed and cooled to form a custard-like dessert.
The stall is often busy during peak hours, and it's not uncommon to see a long queue of customers waiting to order and they have variety of cold and hot desserts you could try
Dish Type: Drinks & Desserts
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