11 Foodie Go-To’s For The Curious At Sembawang Hills Food Centre

Where the millennial frequents Thomson for cafes, the community-lover spirit brings us to Sembawang Hills Food Centre.

It’s not everyone’s top hawker centre to patronise, but you’d definitely want to take the leap after we’re through with this food guide and try out these 11 great food options if you’ve got a curious palate!

1. Ming Ji Clam Prawn Mee 明记鲍贝虾麺

I think deep down, I’ve got a soft spot for prawn mee. It’s something about the flavours of the yellow noodle that blends well with the fleshy prawn.

The broth was infused with slight hints of prawn and yellow mee. Personally I liked that there the soup was almost clear, so it was refreshing.

What I liked about Ming Ji’s Prawn Noodle (S$3) was that the prawns were de-shelled. Already that earns brownie points because no one really likes the smell of prawns lingering on your fingers right?

Ming Ji Clam Prawn Mee 明记鲍贝虾麺: #01-05 | Opening Hours: 6am – 1pm (Daily)

2. Seng Huat Duck Rice 成發鴨飯

Another stall that has been around and still remains at Sembawang Hills, the Braised Duck Rice (S$3.50) at Seng Huat Duck Rice is worth going for. The rice is cooked moist but not watery, a perfect combination with the well-marinated and roasted duck meat.

Compared to other stalls, the soup that accompanies the duck rice here is significantly fragrant. It has a strong aftertaste, providing an awakening effect on the entire dish.

Seng Huat Duck Rice 成發鴨飯: #01-07 | Opening Hours: 7am – 1pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon

3. Yummy Noodle House 美味面家

Amongst the score of items on the menu at Yummy Noodle House, we had the Curry Meatball Noodle (S$3).

Well, the soup wasn’t exactly curry, but it was more of a laksa base. Regardless, it was perfect for the cool weather.

Heads up, their sambal belacan was absolutely amazing. The meatballs were crunchy on the outside and meat stuffed on the inside.

I am definitely going back for this one.

Yummy Noodle House 美味面家: #01-08 | Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (Fri to Wed), Closed on Thurs

4. Jia Jia Xing Pig’s Organ Soup 佳佳興豬什湯

Typical shops serve an overload of peppery soup. This particular one from Jia Jia Xing Pig’s Organ Soup at Sembawang Hills Food Centre doesn’t incorporate heavy amounts of pepper into the clear broth.

Every piece of pork was stewed until they were soft.

I’m especially a huge fan of Pig’s Trotter With Black Vinegar (S$4.50). So I was really excited to see how this one would fare.

The broth was slightly more brown than what I’m used to, but the pig trotter was so tender!

Jia Jia Xing Pig’s Organ Soup 佳佳興豬什湯: #01- 10 | Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm (Daily)

5. Shui Kway 自制水粿

Shui Kway (S$1.20 for four pieces), is directly translated as “water cake” in English. Unlike the common chwee kueh, the “water cake” here was rich in its ingredients and flavour.

Usually I have to eat my shui kway with chye poh (preserved radish), but this “cake” was extremely fragrant on its own!

The chye poh was refreshingly different from those done by other stalls. It is not oily and not too salty; I highly recommend this for a hearty breakfast.

Shui Kway 自制水淉: #01-16 | Opening Hours: 6am – 3pm (Daily)

6. Makan Food Stall

The friendly makcik at Makan Food Stall serves up true blue halal fare. She has a wide range of side dishes to choose from.

I was pleasantly surprised that to find that my plate of nasi, ayam goreng, kentang, and curry vegetables added up to only S$3.50! It was definitely a large portion just for one person.

Their potato side dish was lightly fried with herbs that accentuated its taste. And you’ve got to get their sambal chilli on the side — it’s not very spicy, but it gives the meal an extra kick.

Makan Food Stall: #01-17 | Opening Hours: 7am – 7pm (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun

7. Changi Village Fried Hokkien Mee 樟宜炒福建虾面

Whether you’re a fan of dry or wet Hokkien mee, you are bound to love this plate from Changi Village Fried Hokkien Mee. It’s neither too dry nor too wet.

In fact, it’s got a slightly viscous consistency, which I was pleasantly surprised by.

For the plate that we ordered (S$4), we had a generous serving of noodles, meat, and egg. We could definitely taste the fish sauce.

Do expect a slight queue during the lunch hour though!

Changi Village Fried Hokkien Mee 樟宜炒福建虾面: #01-27 | Opening Hours: 10.30am – 8pm (Daily)

8. Teochew Minced Meat Noodle 三巴旺潮州肉脞麺

You can’t skip a savoury bowl of bak chor mee when you pay a visit to any hawker centre.

Teochew Minced Meat Noodle at Sembawang Hills Food Centre provides for two serving options in two sizes. Get your lunchtime goodness for either S$4 or S$5.

Of course, bak chor mee is best enjoyed dry in my books!

Teochew Minced Meat Noodle 三巴旺潮州肉脞麺: #01-29 | Opening Hours: 6am – 2.30pm (Sat to Thurs), Closed on Fri

9. Sugarcane Juice

For a refreshing drink, you can opt to get a cup of Sugarcane Lime Juice or Sugarcane Lemon juice (S$1.70). Although both are citrus fruits, they brought out different notes of the sugarcane extract.

Personally, I liked the lime mix. The stall owner uses fresh lime juice while adding in a thick slice of lemon into the latter version.

It definitely hits the spot on a hot day, or get it to complement your meal!

Sugarcane Juice: #01-30 | Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm (Tue to Fri), 8am – 4pm (Sat & Sun), Closed on Mon

10. Ping Kee Popiah 平记薄饼

Another simple breakfast staple you can find at Sembawang Hills Food Centre is at Ping Kee Popiah for their delectable popiah. The spring rolls are prepared on the spot, for S$1.50 per roll.

The rolls are neatly cut into four. It’s a small detail I enjoy because I find it too messy to eat if the ingredients aren’t packed tightly in the roll.

Each piece carries just the right amount of sweet sauce, so it holds all the ingredients together without spillage.

Ping Kee Popiah 平记薄饼: #01-32 | Opening Hours: 10.30am – 6pm (Tues to Sun), Closed on Mon

11. Grill & Pasta

Any hawker centre would be incomplete without a Western stall. For the ones with a bit more stomach (and wallet) space, Grill & Pasta is the one to satisfy your grill cravings.

They have a selection of sets to choose from, so you’re sure to find your perfect match.

We got the Cream Sauce With Fish (S$7.50). It’s definitely not for the light-hearted, because wow, it’s a huge plate!

It’s your best bet for lunch or dinner, and do be prepared to wait for your grill.

Grill & Pasta: #01-34 | Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm (Tues), 11am – 7pm (Wed to Sun), Closed on Mon

We’ve debunked the belief that it’s all foreigner’s fare at Sembawang Hills Estate, as we’ve learnt that there’s something for everyone at Sembawang Hills Food Centre.

This guide could have uncovered some hidden gems. Best head down and give them a try for yourselves!