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Most of us would agree that Havelock isn’t known as a foodie hotspot. But after trying an array of old-school dishes at this L-shaped hawker centre, I’m seriously questioning my life choices. Though modest in size with just under 30 stalls, Havelock Road Cooked Food Centre punches well above its weight with its food options.
Established in 1969, this hawker centre (no, this isn’t a carpark picture) is a long-time favourite among taxi drivers and nearby residents. Nestled between Havelock and Tiong Bahru MRT stations, it’s not the most glamorous of lunch spots, but here are the 10 best stalls that make the trek and sweat more than worth it.
1. Meng Kee Fried Kway Teow 明記炒粿條 (#01-07)
If there’s a stall at Havelock that consistently commands a queue, it’s Meng Kee Fried Kway Teow, often dubbed by foodies as one of the best char kway teow stalls in Singapore. You’ll smell the stall before you see it — thanks to the rich, heady aroma of noodles being tossed over flames.
Run by the daughter of the original hawker, Meng Kee has been serving up this charred delight for over 4 decades! At just S$4/S$5, each plate of Fried Kway Teow comes loaded with a mix of yellow noodles and kway teow, taugeh, lup cheong, pork lard, and cockles, all cloaked in glorious wok hei.
This famed dish carries a balanced sweetness, with fluffy charred egg bits that make it a super satisfying rendition of this local indulgence. It gets bonus points from me for the generous heap of cockles that were chubby, briny, and not in the least bit stingy.
Mon, Tue, Fri & Sat: 9am – 3pm
Wed & Thu: 9am – 4pm
Closed on Sun
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2. Guang Fa Laksa 廣發叻沙 (#01-08)
You’ll never see more cockles in a bowl of laksa than the ones here at Guang Fa Laksa. This stall rivalling Meng Kee’s queues serves up homely bowls of laksa with a robust broth that leans more savoury than sweet.
Guang Fa keeps things simple with just one dish on the menu: Laksa (S$4/S$5), or Only Cockles Laksa (S$6/S$7), which they are aptly known for.
The broth here leans light but fiery, more spice-forward than creamy, and is paired with thick bee hoon, taugeh, and a punchy sambal rich in hae bee umami. But the real reason this stall stands out? The hum. Sooo much hum. I’m seriously ready to crown this hawker centre the king of cockles. With about 20 gorgeously plump, ocean-fresh morsels in the S$6 bowl, even diehard sceptics may walk away converted.
Mon, Tue, Thu to Sat: 8am – 1.30pm
Closed on Wed & Sun
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3. Authentic Teochew Tradition Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle (#01-21)
Authentic Teochew Tradition Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle isn’t just any bak chor mee stall, it’s one that carries a long-standing legacy. Formerly known as Sixties Teochew Traditional Minced Meat Noodle, this famed Tiong Bahru BCM spot has now found a new home at Havelock (and an official name, too!).
At the helm is 78-year-old Ah Chye, a hawker veteran with over 60 years of BCM experience under his belt.
From S$5, his Signature Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle done Teochew-style comes heaped with lean pork, wantons, sole fish (ti poh), crispy pork lard, fried shallots, and a liberal splash of vinegar. The noodles are springy and coated in a sauce that’s sharp, savoury, and deeply comforting.
Beyond BCM, you’ll also find household favourites like Dumpling Soup (S$4), Fishball Noodles (S$4) and some Abalone Noodles (S$12) on days you’re feeling a little more boujee.
No matter your dish of choice, I’d advise you to come down early, because Uncle here has fans hor.
+65 9727 9627
Wed to Sun: 6.30am – 2pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
4. Covent Garden Prawn Noodle 哥文园虾面 (#01-24)
There’s something heartwarming about Covent Garden Prawn Noodle, whether it’s the prawn broth simmering with tradition, or the smile from Ms Yim, who now runs the stall solo after learning the ropes from the original hawker couple. Once a roaming “kok kok mee” cart in the 1980s, the stall has since found a permanent home here.
From just S$5, each bowl of Sliced Prawn Noodle (Soup/Dry) comes generously loaded with de-shelled prawns, sliced pork, fishcake and beansprouts, all crowning your choice of noodles. Go dry for a savoury mix of chilli, garlic oil, and pork lard, or soup for a gentler but deeply comforting broth brimming with flavour from hours of boiling prawn heads.
Having been around since the 1960s, you can already expect this meal to serve peak old-school prawn mee goodness.
Mon, Tue, Thu to Sat: 6.30am – 1.30pm
Closed on Wed & Sun
5. Covent Garden Kway Chap 哥文園粿汁 (#01-05)
Get here early if you’re planning to try Covent Garden Kway Chap, the oldest kway chap stall in Havelock. Founded in the early 1960s by Mdm Chua, who is now in her nineties, this stall is still run by her and her two sons, retaining every inch of old-school Teochew tradition.
From just S$3, you get silky flat rice noodle sheets in a dark, savoury braising broth, plus a customisable platter of tender pig offal (intestines, belly, skin), tau pok, and a hard‑boiled egg. Top-up between S$0.50 and S$2 for additional ingredients of your choice.
The offal here is impeccably cleaned and stewed to the right bite — not too gamey, just yieldingly soft enough. Spongey tau pok soaks up the gravy beautifully, while the lightly braised soup with a whisper of herbal notes engulfs you in a comforting warmth.
Tue & Wed: 7.30am – 1.30pm
Thu to Sat: 7am – 1.30pm
Closed on Mon & Sun
6. Du Du Cooked Food (#01-10)
Though this traditional snack is slowly inching toward extinction, tutu kueh still thrives here, thanks to over 50 years of dedication at Du Du Cooked Food.
While the Michelin Bib Gourmand Jurong West outlet draws the bulk of the fanfare, their Havelock stall offers the same nostalgic quality with noticeably shorter wait times.
You’ll find the same 2 classic flavours here — Peanut and Coconut, the latter of which is my go-to, stuffed with the moistest gula melaka-laced shredded coconut that’s lightly savoury, and not overly sweet. The peanut version also comes with a moist, chunky filling that’s a far cry from the usual dry powder.
The bigger the better, no? Go for the XL tutu kueh (S$1.20), that’s palm-sized and generously filled, a fun novelty indeed. But many still swear by the Regular 5-for-S$3 pieces, made using the uncle’s one-of-a-kind 3-in-1 mould for consistent steaming.
Mon: 8am – 5pm
Tue to Fri: 8am – 1pm
Sat: 8am – 7pm
Closed on Sun
7. You Yi Fish Soup (#01-30)
When you want soup that warms the body without weighing you down, You Yi Fish Soup is a solid pick at the tip of this L‑shaped food centre.
Their Seafood Soup (S$5) is clear, light, and subtly sweet, packed with generous ingredients like fresh fish slices, tofu, prawns, fishballs, minced meat, tomato, and veggies! Most diners also opt to add on a side of Rice/Noodles (S$0.50), and here’s where You Yi stands out — their “black rice” is actually yam rice, and adds a fragrant, savoury twist to elevate the meal.
For those who prefer stronger flavours, the Tom Yam Fried Fish Soup (S$5) is also a crowd favourite. Tangy, flavourful, and exactly the kind of warming bowl you’d crave on a grey afternoon.
+65 9147 8071
Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 4pm
Closed on Sat & Sun
8. Havelock Turtle Soup (#01-04)
It’s not every day you see a turtle soup stall in a hawker centre, let alone one that has stood the test of time (since 1979!).
Havelock Turtle Soup is a rare gem, drawing loyal regulars for their Turtle Soup (S$10/S$13/S$15). This delicacy is prized for its rich, collagen-packed broth and nourishing qualities.
The soup itself is earthy and deeply comforting, with a slightly bittersweet aftertaste that lingers pleasantly. Each bowl includes generous cuts of soft, gelatinous turtle meat that are stewed to peak tenderness. Though it isn’t quite a dish for everyone, but if you get it, you get it. Pair it with their yam rice for a warm meal to fill your tummy.
Tue to Sat: 9am – 3pm
Closed on Mon & Sun
9. Hong Kong Jin Tian Roast Meat (#01-03)
Originally from Tiong Bahru and helmed by Cantonese-born hawkers, Hong Kong Jin Tian Roast Meat delivers charcoal roasted siu mei in true Hong Kong fashion.
From S$5, this stall serves up plates of roast pork belly (siew yoke), char siew, and roast duck, each sliced and drizzled with rich braised sauce over a bed of rice.
The siew yoke impresses with its crispy crackling skin and juicy meat, while the char siew is leaner, slightly smoky, and not overly sweet — a decently tender match to those who prefer balance over greasiness. The duck also gets praise for its minimal gamey taste and moderate tenderness.
+65 9383 1318
Tue to Sun: 7.30am – 4pm
Closed on Mon
10. JH Coffee
JH Coffee might look like your typical drinks stall — but what sets it apart is its Vietnamese-style coffee. The Vietnam Salted Iced Coffee (S$3) is a standout: strong, sweet, and crowned with a luscious layer of creamy, slightly salty cold foam that adds a rich depth to every sip.
Beyond beverages, JH Coffee also serves up a surprisingly solid breakfast lineup. The Kaya Toast (S$1.80) features extra-thick slices of bread toasted till almost biscuit-like, delivering a crunchy contrast to the soft, fragrant kaya within.
If you’re feeling a lil somethin’ different, go for their Peanut Butter Kaya Toast (S$1.80) or Homemade Garlic Toast (S$2.50), which are both simple yet satisfying options.
Mon to Fri: 6am – 3pm, 6pm – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 6am – 3pm
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