Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
Yet another year has come and gone, with plenty of incredible gastronomical experiences within it. To end the year, we have put together a list of our favourite stalls that we visited in 2024.
Bear in mind that this list is subjective and based on our writers’ opinions. With that being said, here is our roundup of the best 2024 hawker spots in Singapore that we discovered this year.
Best fish soup
Boasting 4.5 stars out of 5 on Google reviews, An Shun Seafood Soup in Hougang has made a name for itself after 2 decades of operations. The Fried Fish Bee Hoon (S$6) is served with either milk or without, based on your preference. The broth is creamy yet surprisingly light, while the fried fish were crispy on the outside and moist within. Simply divine.
Best Indonesian food
Tucked away in City Plaza, Aunty Lily Kitchen is a hidden gem opened by 63-year-old Aunty Lily. You must dry the delicious Ayam Penyet (S$7.90), which is packed full of flavour— even the yellow rice exudes a fragrant aroma. The Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang (S$7.50) is a colourful dish that is both authentic and supremely delicious.
There is even a selection of Nyonya kueh for dessert, with the Lemper Udang (S$3) being one such option.
Best claypot rice
It’s time to head down to Yishun for this one— Golden Chef stuns with its 4.8 star Google rating. The stall presents the right balance between innovation and fusion, yet tackles the classics pretty well. If you’ve ever wanted to try a fusion of claypot rice and lasagna, the Cheesy Half Shelled Scallops & Fresh Prawn Claypot Rice (S$9.80) is a surprisingly well-conceived creation that tastes like tomato baked rice with added smokiness.
Best burger
The burgers at Fatty Patty Burger and Grill are worth every calorie— the Signature Fatty Beef Burger (S$15.90) is totally drool-worthy, consisting of a beef patty drenched in brown butter vodka sauce, mixed greens, sliced tomatoes, torched cheddar and caramelised onions. The juicy, beefy patty took centre stage, while the caramelised onions created a perfect flavour pairing with the meat. Utter perfection.
Best braised pork rice
Zhu Zhu Zai is helmed by a former private dining chef, Madeline. Her Braised Pork Belly Rice costs just S$4.80, and is topped with tender, melt-in-the-mouth pieces of pork belly. The Braised Pork Rice (S$3.80), on the other hand, is a picture-perfect representation of Taiwanese fare, especially when you add a Braised Beancurd (+S$1) and Seasoned Molten Egg (+S$1.50). It even rivals the ones our writer tried in Taipei!
Best zi char
With 17 years of history, Good Year Seafood Village is a spot that is totally worth the trip to the East. The hefty Assam Style Sea Bass (seasonal price) contains fresh, plump and naturally sweet fish topped with an alluring assam sauce. Other impressive dishes are the Marmite Chicken (S$15), featuring a harmonious blend of soy sauce and honey, and the Big Prawn Yin Yang (S$13), a blend of crispy bee hoon and hor fun generously drenched in a rich, eggy gravy and crowned with big prawns.
Best nasi padang
It’s no wonder that Sabar Menanti has 4.4 stars on Google— this family-run establishment has humble roots from all the way back in the 1920s, and is currently being run by the third generation. The beef rendang was laden with spices and hints of coconut, while the frittata-like omelette was perfectly seasoned and retained a slight moistness. Other incredible choices include ayam bakar and pucuk ubi— with so many possible combinations, you’ll never get bored.
Best duck rice
Rui Heng Braised Duck has been praised as one of the best duck rice spots, and after trying it for ourselves, we definitely agree. The Duck Rice Set (S$5) is topped with a glistening layer of brown sauce, served with a generous mound of rice, chopped braised duck pieces, half a braised egg, tau kwa slices and braised peanuts. The duck was well-seasoned while the rice wasn’t the usual plain variety but a subtly-oiled, flavoured version, reminiscent of chicken rice. Enjoy 3 different types of house-made chilli, each offering a different gastronomical experience.
Best Italian food
Nestled within Toa Payoh, Il Piccolo Pizzeria stuns with its offerings of 20 pizzas and 43 pastas, plus hotplate spaghetti, baked rice and desserts. I spotted uncommon dishes like calzone, gnocchi, crespelle and panna cotta— what other coffeeshop stall offers these? The Parma Ham Pizza, available in the sizes of 7″ (S$11) and 12″ (S$19.50), tasted like it came straight out of a restaurant, and the Crespelle Di Spinachi (S$7.50) was stuffed generously with ingredients. They even had Panna Cotta (S$3), which blew me away with its creaminess and silkiness!
Best bakery
Why go to a cafe when you can head down to Lian Hup Heng in Amoy Street Food Centre for some atas bakes that only cost S$3.80 each? This hawker bakery presents various cakes and tarts to soothe your sweet tooth— The Orh Nee Tart had a nice earthy fragrance and a strong yammy flavour while the Lemon Meringue Tart was tangy and piquant with a good amount of sweetness to balance it out. Each of the cakes were spongey and moist too.
Best Singapore Foods: 30 famous local foods to eat before you die
