When the news of Chinatown Food Street’s closure was announced, a wave of nostalgic memories and heartache hit many. For many of us, the food scene within Chinatown was integral to Singapore’s cultural identity. With one down, thoughts lingered around the survival of other prominent CBD food centres such as Amoy Street, Maxwell, and People’s Park Food Centre.
There’s only so much one can do to save our hawkers but I believe any attempt is better than none. Here are 10 stalls in People’s Park Food Centre to visit for your next Chinatown food adventure.
1. Chuan Wei Fang Xiang La Xie (川味坊香辣蟹)
Over at the two-stall wide Chuan Wei Fang Xiang La Xie (川味坊香辣蟹), you’ll find authentic Sichuan dishes well-loved by many.
The popular dinner spot often observes a crowd hovering around to place their orders, so get there early if you don’t fancy waiting.
The Signature Xiang La Crab (S$26) will have you salivating at the mere thought of it, and may even become your new favourite dish. The crabs used in this dish are smaller crabs with ofter shells, unlike the usual Sri Lanka Crabs used in chilli crab. This makes them easier, and less messy to consume.
Spice lovers and flavour chasers, this has got to be on your list of places boasting dishes with great mala and Sichuan spices.
32 New Market Road, #01-1040, Singapore 050032
+65 8427 0381
Daily: 10.30am – 9pm
2. Cheng Du Mei Shi (成都美食)
Another Sichuan food contender within People’s Park Food Centre is Cheng Du Mei Shi (成都美食). They have a variety of authentic Sichuan dishes from S$3 to S$15 and interestingly, serve them cai fan-style during lunch, and zi char-style during dinner.
Their speciality is Chong Qing Grilled Fish (S$15), which is arguably a steal at its price point. The fish had a crispy fried skin and soft, tender meat, which was very enjoyable. It soaked up just the right amount of chilli oil which balanced out the spice and flavours perfectly.
All their dishes pack on quite some heat and spice, so make sure you get a drink on standby!
32 New Market Road, #01-1052, Singapore 050032
+65 9699 7581
Daily: 7.30am – 10.30pm
3. Fatt Soon Kueh
Established in 1999, co-founder, Madam Lim, has had 30 years of experience in homemade kueh business before she started Fatt Soon Kueh. Since then, the brand grew over time and today has three branches around Singapore with only three items on their menu: Soon Kueh, Peng Kueh and Ku Chye Kueh.
The signature Soon Kueh (S$1) is a decently sized Teochew dumpling filled with jicama, carrots, black fungus and dried shrimps, wrapped in translucent rice and tapioca flour-based dough skin. The vegetable filling is juicy and soft, yet slightly crunchy at the same time. The fried shallots stood out strikingly and complemented the nostalgic snack beautifully.
They do change things up a little with thicker and chewier kueh skins, which does deviate from traditional practice. Altogether, a decent breakfast or takeaway option within People’s Park Food Centre.
32 New Market Road, #01-1012, Singapore 050032
+65 8222 5840
Tue to Sun: 10.30am – 6pm
Closed on Mon
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4. Hong Peng La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Another stall from People’s Park Food Centre recommended in the Michelin Guide is none other than Hong Peng La Mian Xiao Long Bao.
While the stall does sell a variety of affordable Chinese fare, they’re most well-known for their Shanghai Xiao Long Bao (S$4 for six pieces) and Shan Dong Guo Tie (S$5 for 12 pieces). Both items definitely deserve a spot on your table, especially if you’re catching up with friends.
32 New Market Road, #01-1064, Singapore 050032
+65 9083 5166
Daily: 9.30am – 9pm
5. Jin Feng Mei Shi
I love dumplings, especially the ones at Jin Feng Mei Shi. Don’t be fooled by the crowded signboard of items available, the dumplings are the true stars here.
You’re looking at the Fried Dumplings (S$5 for 12 pieces) that has earned a cosy spot in my heart. These handmade pork and chive dumplings are freshly fried on the spot, so you can savour them piping hot.
Take it from me: while you’re ordering to dine-in, might as well order some frozen dumplings to takeaway and enjoy them at home!
32 New Market Road, #01-1130, Singapore 050032
+65 9321 5216
Daily: 10.30am – 9pm
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6. Poy Kee Yong Tau Foo
Poy Kee Yong Tau Foo is no stranger to the community working around People’s Park Food Centre. They are one of two famous yong tau foo stalls within the food hub.
What keeps loyal customers coming back is their affordable prices given its prime central business district location, as well as the live preparation of your bowl that guarantees freshness.
The Yong Tau Foo (S$3.50/S$4.50/S$5.50) comes with springy fishballs, crispy ikan bilis, your choice of noodles and ingredients. The portion is significantly more than what you’d typically get at other yong tau foo stalls too.
The broth is hearty and savoury, which makes for a good meal be it a cold day or whether you’re feeling under the weather.
32 New Market Road, #01-1066, Singapore 050032
Daily: 11am – 7pm
7. Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo
One of the first mala hotpot eateries in Singapore, Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo (日日红麻辣香锅) is so popular that it has two outlets situated at People’s Park Food Centre just to cater to the crowd.
Unlike other stalls which charge based on the weight of your chosen ingredients, Ri Ri charges based on the serving portions instead. Their vegetables, meat and seafood are S$1, S$2, and S$3 respectively.
The magic begins as your chosen favourites are fried in a wok together with more than 20 herbs and spices. Of course, you can adjust the spiciness according to your tastebuds from mild, moderate, spicy or extra spicy).
One serving is good to be shared between two, and carb lovers could definitely use a bowl of rice to savour this dish with. Do be wary of the ridiculously long queues during dinner!
32 New Market Road, #01-1152, Singapore 050032
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
8. Tian Jin Fong Kee
Now I must say, People’s Park Food Centre is quite the hot spot for dumplings, la mian, xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and more. With Tian Jin Fong Kee joining the star-studded list of stalls, you can count on the Chinatown food hub for some of the best dumplings in Singapore.
Of the lot, you have to go for either the Steamed Dumplings (S$6/10 pieces) or Fried Dumplings (S$7/10pcs). Stuffed generously with a pork and chive filling, these flavourful gems will certainly please friends, family and even non-local visitors.
Plus, you can also purchase their frozen dumplings in bulk to enjoy them at home.
32 New Market Rd, #01-1146, Singapore 050032
+65 9656 4459
Daily: 11am – 9pm
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9. Yong Xiang Xing Dou Fu (永祥興豆腐)
The other yong tau foo stall at People’s Park Food Complex that always attracts a snaking queue during the peak lunchtime hours on weekdays is none other than Yong Xiang Xing Dou Fu (永祥興豆腐).
What may frustrate loyal customers is the fact that they are only open for three hours, from 1pm to 4pm every day except Monday. Yong Xiang Xing also only serves one item being Yong Tau Foo with Soup (S$3.50).
The set consists of silky tofu, fishballs, legendary fried tau pok and tau kwa, without any noodles nor carbo fillings whatsoever. This is the perfect selection for a light, savoury treat or side dish in accompaniment with other good snacks when one frequents People’s Park Food Complex.
If I may add, it’s definitely an ideal meal choice for those who are watching calories—a dish that is low-fat, low carb and healthy.
Blk 32 New Market Road, #01-1084, Singapore 050032
Tue to Sun: 1pm – 4pm
Closed on Mon
10. Zhen Zhu Fang Roasted Delights (珍珠坊香港烧)
Last but not least of the list, is Zhen Zhu Fang Roasted Delights (珍珠坊香港烧), a Michelin-recommended Cantonese roast and chicken rice stall.
One look at the selection of roast meats hung up on the display window, you just know it’s good. Why else would they prepare so much if they weren’t expecting a crowd?
I’m usually more of a roast pork with noodles person, but I decided to go with the popular Roast Duck and Char Siew Rice (S$5) instead. Of course, I had to add an Egg (additional S$0.70), and chilli on the side. The team is extremely fast with service and I got my plate of goodness within seconds of ordering.
I must admit, the roast duck was sweet, juicy and roasted just the way I like it. The skin had a nice fattiness and char which I thoroughly enjoyed. Together with the char siew, this is a combination I’d have any day for a quick lunch or an easy takeaway option for family dinner.
32 New Market Road, #01-1098, Singapore 050032
+65 6534 5404
Daily: 9am – 9pm
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