Makan at Hougang Hainanese Village Centre before 3-month renovation, starting 1 Sep 2023

For those residing around Hougang Avenue 1, Lorong Ah Soo and Kovan, Hougang Hainanese Village Centre may be your regular breakfast and lunch spot for delicious local food. The 41-year-old market & hawker centre is scheduled to receive a 3-month renovation from 1 Sep to 30 Nov 2023.

It’s high time this food centre gets some much-needed attention and care, given that its last significant renovation was in 2005 (18 years ago!). There are a total of 120 market stalls on the ground floor and 51 food stalls upstairs.

I frequent Hougang Hainanese Village Centre often, and its ambience seems frozen in the 80s. The walls, floor tiles, and tables display a yellowed hue from ageing, yet I cherish its nostalgic charm amidst Singapore’s swift modernisation pace.

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Following the revamp, anticipate fresh chairs, tables, lighting, fans, and a brand-new front escalator. Renovations will encompass public restrooms, primary waste pipes, and retiled walls and floor tiles. The addition of anti-bird fixtures should deter pesky pigeons and mynahs seeking food scraps.

I conversed with Mrs Lu of Quan Ji Cooked Food (#02-37), renowned for its delectable Hokkien mee and decent char kway teow. She disclosed that any improvement to the food stall within the 3-month period hinge on the willingness of stall owners to invest their personal funds.

“It’s mainly for enhancing the customer seating area and the overall appearance of the hawker centre,” she shared.

For those who love the braised duck rice at Ming Fa Duck Rice, Soon Huat Cold & Hot Dessert’s assortment of hot and cold desserts, and Punggol Noodles‘ delectable intestine noodles and meatballs, you have until 31 Aug 2023 to visit Hougang Hainanese Village Centre.

After that, all these delights will be on a 3-month hiatus.

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