Newton Food Centre was brought to fame following its feature in the star-studded blockbuster film Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and has since cemented itself as a must-visit destination for tourists.
However, as much as locals adore the hawker centre for its vibrant atmosphere, it’s often looked upon with a tinge of scepticism. Some label it a ‘tourist trap’, cautioning against its reputation for inflated prices and catering primarily to tourists.
Still, no hawker food is bad food. Newton Food Centre does have its share of tasty treats that are absolutely worth your while, albeit priced a little steep. So, we present you this guide to the 19 best hawker stalls at Newton Food Centre that’ll make you feel like a Tasty Rich Asian.
1. Kwang Kee Teochew Fish Porridge (#01-20)
Sporting an iconic red MICHELIN Guide sign, Kwang Kee Teochew Fish Porridge is sure to catch your eye just as it did mine. This humble fish soup and porridge uses fresh seafood to introduce a mild sweetness into their broth. It’s no wonder they were awarded the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand from 2021 to 2023!
Top it off with some service with a smile from the friendly aunty — that’s reason enough for you to try out their fare.
Some options they offer include Fried Fish Soup (S$6/S$8/S$10/S$12), Fish Head Soup (S$6/S$8/S$10/S$12) and the best-of-both-worlds Dual Fish Soup (S$7/S$8/S$10/S$12). These all come with your choice of Rice, Yee Mee, Thick Bee Hoon and Mee Sua, each priced at S$0.50.
The sliced fish was fresh and devoid of any unpleasant fishy taste, while the fried fish was seasoned well and had a prominent savouriness. Although some may wish for the fried fish to be a little more crisp, these are all hearty bowls of fish soup that you’ll crave, especially on rainy days.
+65 9769 9893
Tue to Sun: 11am – 8pm
Closed on Mon
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2. 31 Heng Heng BBQ (#01-31)
31 Heng Heng BBQ serves up a huge assortment of cooked seafood and zi char-style dishes; we’re talking 33 whole varieties on their menu.
Their offerings range from their ever-popular BBQ Sambal Stingray (S$14/S$18/S$22) to items like Tiger Prawn (S$18/S$20/S$24/S$28), Chilli Crab (S$38/S$42/S$46/S$50), Grilled Lobster (S$9/100g) and even Chut Chut (S$14/S$18/S$22).
If you must try one thing, let it be the BBQ Sambal Stingray. The large slab of stingray is blanketed by a thick layer of piquant sambal chilli and grilled until it’s smoky and aromatic with a spicy kick. Pairing the sambal-laden stingray meat with the slivers of raw onion gives it a refreshing mouthfeel that’ll please anyone with a preference for strong flavours.
For the picky and not-so-adventurous eaters, let’s just say that you might not even be able to differentiate between stingray and chicken if you close your eyes. Trust us, even first-timers will understand why the dish is so highly raved about.
Nonetheless, if seafood isn’t quite your jam, opt for some simple zi char classics like Salted Egg Chicken (S$19/S$28), Black Pepper Beef (S$16/S$22/S$26) or some good ol’ Fried Rice/Noodle (S$6/S$9/S$12).
+65 8224 9929
Wed to Mon: 12.30pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Tue
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3. Newton Old Signboard 25 (#01-25)
Ordering a plate of Hokkien mee is mandatory for any trip to any hawker centre. What can I say? The dish has got to be everyone’s favourite hawker staple and deserves such treatment no less. In Newton Food Centre, there is no better place to get a Hokkien mee fix than from Newton Old Signboard 25.
You know that you’re in for a treat the moment you receive your plate of Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle (S$6/S$9/S$11/S$15) and a strong wok hei wafts into your nostrils and tickles your taste buds.
Yet, the noodles aren’t overwhelmingly smoky in flavour. They’re well-cooked with an umami prawn stock, complemented by lard pieces that add a sinful yet satisfying unctuous factor to the dish. While some may feel that the sweet-ish chilli isn’t a stand-out, mixing it into the noodles will help cut through any greasiness.
Although a little pricey, each plate of Hokkien mee is fried with a generous portion of seafood that’ll give you bang for your buck. The default plate of Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee comes topped with plenty of prawns and squid while the Fried Hokkien Lala Noodle (S$8/S$11/S$16/S$20) and Fried Hokkien Oyster Noodle (S$8/S$11/S$16/S$20) include fresh lala clams and briny oysters respectively.
Order delivery: foodpanda
Daily: 10.45am – 10.30pm
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4. Hup Kee Fried Oyster Omelette (#01-73)
You know a stall has perfected their craft when they’re able to sell a single menu item, rack up perpetually long queues and garner rave reviews online. That is exactly the case for Hup Kee Fried Oyster Omelette and their one dish: Oyster Omelette (S$8/S$10/S$12).
Believe it or not, the business has no social media presence at all. Yep, this hawker gem’s fame stems solely from recommendations by throngs of satisfied customers.
While you queue, you’ll be able to watch the stall-owners work their magic through the glass-fronted counter. Each plate of Oyster Omelette starts out with seasoned eggs fried to a crisp with a tapioca starch batter, before plenty of fresh oysters are added and stir-fried together with the mix.
The product is a crispy yet fluffy and chewy omelette with plump and juicy oysters that explode with a pleasant brine that’ll have you going for seconds. Top it all off with their tangy house-made chilli — the perfect complement to the savoury dish. This dish is truly a must-have at Newton Food Centre.
Tue to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Closed Sun & Mon
5. Heng Carrot Cake (#01-28)
Heng Carrot Cake has been delighting customers since 1971. Along the way, it even earned itself the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand in 2018 and 2023! With such an accolade, this stall is one you definitely can’t miss out on.
Come prepared, though, as you can expect snaking queues and long waiting times for a serving of their famed dishes.
Their signature Carrot Cake (S$6/S$8) comes in both white and black versions. If you want the best of both worlds, get a mixed plate. As with any quality chai tow kway, the radish cake cubes here are fried with an ample amount of fluffy eggs and savoury chye poh.
The white carrot cake is a delightful savoury treat complete with crisped egg bits. However, what makes it stand out is the inclusion of crunchy prawns that add a touch of sweetness and a delightful textural contrast.
On the other hand, the black carrot cake has a sweeter flavour profile with a smoky wok hei fragrance that is sure to appeal to anyone who likes stronger flavours. For S$6, these carrot cakes have got to be some of the most affordable dishes in the food centre.
Wed to Mon: 6pm – 11pm
Closed on Tue
6. Kwee Heng (#01-13)
Kwee Heng is a braised duck and roast meat specialist that was awarded the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand in 2023. Any frequent patron of Newton Food Centre is sure to be familiar with them, while any first-timer will be floored by their queues. With more than 40 years of delighting patrons, they’ve amassed a great share of devotees.
Their braised duck offerings include Braised Duck Rice (S$4/S$5/S$6), Braised Duck Noodles (S$4/S$5/S$6) and Braised Duck Porridge (S$4/S$5/S$6), all featuring succulent braised duck slices on your choice of carb. There’s also an interesting Boneless Crispy Duck (S$15/S$20/S$30) that is perfect for sharing.
Judging by online reviews, their Braised Duck Noodles seems to be the most popular option. Just imagine the combination of springy yellow noodles or silky kway teow what that luscious moreish gravy with a subtle wok hei. Heavenly.
Although the braised duck is the star, you can expect other stellar dishes as well. You can’t go wrong with some Hainanese Chicken Rice (S$4/S$5/S$6) or Char Siew Roasted Pork Rice (S$4/S$5/S$6).
Thu to Tue: 9am – 10pm
Closed on Wed
7. Adam Rd 三哥 (San Ge) Prawn Noodle (#01-16)
Adam Rd 三哥 (San Ge) Prawn Noodle isn’t to be confused with the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-recognised Adam Rd Noo Cheng Big Prawn Noodle. They are—in fact—branches of the same family tree, though! San Ge (‘third brother’ in Mandarin) is helmed solo by Jack Teo, the elder brother of the twins who kickstarted Noo Cheng.
Having opened in Oct 2023, San Ge is still a pretty new kid on the block. Still, Jack has his share of loyal patrons who have stuck around since he used to help out at his brother’s Adam Rd stall.
The stall doles out bowls of prawn noodles done the traditional way — something that Jack clearly prides himself on, as he shared when we chatted with him. “You might not understand the ‘traditional’ element, but you’ll love it,” he quipped.
And indeed, we loved it. We tried the Pork Rib Prawn Noodles (S$7), which featured al dente yellow noodles in a robust prawn broth, topped with fresh tiger prawns and hefty pork ribs.
The stand-out element was definitely that delicious umami broth, rich with a discernible prawn sweetness that lingered on the palate. The ingredients were certainly noteworthy as well — the prawns were soft and sweet while the pork ribs were tender, the meat tearing right off the bone.
If you’d like to enjoy the prawns on their own, get the All Prawn (S$7/S$10/S$15) variation. Alternatively, if you’re an adventurous eater, you can opt for the Pig Tail + Prawn (S$10/S$15/S$20) bowl.
+65 9777 8813
Mon to Sat: 9am – 9.30pm
Closed on Sun
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8. Bee Heng Satay, BBQ Prawn & Otah (#01-12)
For a long time, Bee Heng stood as one of Newton’s resident popiah and satay stalls. Since 2023, the stall has stopped serving popiah and has also been renamed to Bee Heng Satay, BBQ Prawn & Otah.
As its name suggests, the stall sells satay, barbecued prawns and otah. You best save some space in your stomach and on your table if you’d like to try these popular local bites; the stall has a minimum order of 10 sticks of satay and 5 sticks of char-grilled prawns.
Bee Heng sells 3 types of satay: Chicken, Mutton and Pork, all priced at a reasonable S$0.90 per stick. You can opt to add some Rice (ketupat) to your meal at the same price per serving, too. The satay is said to be meaty, tender and tasty, with a smoky charred aroma. It pairs well with the creamy peanut sauce, which has delightful hints of pineapple puree.
Although the stall is better known and loved for their satay, don’t underestimate the newly-added BBQ Prawn (S$2 per stick) and Otah (S$1.50)! At least, not until you’ve tried it for yourself.
+65 9369 2009
Thu to Tue: 3pm – 11pm
Closed on Wed
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9. Bangkok Express (#01-04)
Newton Food Centre is a treasure trove of different cuisines, no doubt. While most come to satisfy their cravings for local hawker fare, some may not be able to resist the sweet-savoury aroma of Thai specialities that waft from Bangkok Express. This stall has an array of value-for-money Thai favourites priced from just S$5.
Wallet-friendly options at Bangkok Express include Phad Thai, Thai Fried Kway Teow and Pineapple Rice all priced at S$5. Albeit a little pricier, I foresee many patrons gravitating towards the Basil Chicken (S$6.50/S$8.50) and Seafood Tom Yum (S$7), which you can pair with Noodles or Rice for an additional S$0.50.
Of all the options, the most loved appears to be none other than the Phad Thai. This stir-fried noodle dish has always been a favourite of mine. The best part of it has got to be the addition of chilli flakes and crushed peanuts, which respectively lend the chewy noodles an addictive kick and umami dimension. Served with a generous amount of ingredients such as prawns and crunchy taugeh, this dish has a nice blend of textures and tastes.
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
10. R&B Express (#01-76)
Wherever you sit, you’ll see R&B Express and its LED light-lined stall front complete with a brightly-lit MICHELIN sign. The stall has a menu of 2 simple yet quintessential hawker items: satay and barbecued chicken wings. You might be wondering: how delicious could a chicken wing be to have earned itself a MICHELIN recommendation? Join the queue and you’ll be on your way to find out!
The BBQ Chicken Wing (S$1.60 per piece) was chargrilled to perfection — the flesh was wonderfully smoky and juicy, enveloped in a nicely crisped skin. Something that never ceases to fascinate me about such grilled chicken wings is how they manage to be so tasty without much marinade or glaze. In sum, it was delicious and thoroughly enjoyable.
The Satay (S$1 per stick), though a little pricey, is worth a shot as well. Given the minimum order of 10 sticks, don’t hesitate to get some of each meat: Pork, Beef and Chicken.
The Chicken and Beef satay was succulent and smoky, with an umami flavour profile that paired well with the peanut sauce. Although the Pork satay leaned slightly tough, it was every bit as flavourful.
+65 9028 4016
Tue to Sun: 5pm – 2am
Closed on Mon
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11. XO Minced Meat Noodles (#01-10)
No hawker centre is complete without a bak chor mee stall. For Newton Food Centre, that’s XO Minced Meat Noodles, known for their bowls of springy noodles tossed in a delicious XO and chilli sauce mixture.
The stall’s name might very well ring a bell to you; XO Minced Meat Noodles does have several heartland outlets islandwide. This isn’t to say that they’re any less worthy of inclusion in this guide, though. In fact, isn’t that just a testament to their vast popularity?
Of the stall’s most popular noodle offerings is the titular XO Minced Meat Noodle (S$5/S$6/S$7) which comes adorned with springy meatballs, a fried wanton and plenty of minced meat. Other crowd favourites include the Handmade Meatball Noodle (S$6), which features their juicy handmade meatballs, and the comforting Mini Wok Noodle (S$7).
There are also unique seafood-centric options, including Scallop Minced Meat Noodle (S$7/S$8) and Gui Fei Abalone Minced Meat Noodle (S$7/S$8).
Saucy or soupy in the best way, XO Minced Meat Noodles’s fare makes for a perfect supper. If you’re thinking just that, you’ll be delighted to know that the stall is open round the clock!
Order Delivery: foodpanda
Daily: Open 24 hours
Website
12. 88 San Red Cold & Hot Dessert (#01-05)
With Singapore’s weather always sweltering hot, we can’t possibly do without a few dessert stalls in every hawker centre. In Newton Food Centre, that’s where 88 San Ren Cold & Hot Dessert comes into play. Offering a wide array of refreshing desserts, this stall will do just the trick for anyone seeking some cool relief amidst the heat and humidity. And, on the rare occasion that you’re feeling particularly chilly, they have hot desserts, too!
A must-get is the Chendol (S$3), recognised as one of the world’s best desserts. 88 San Ren’s rendition is icy and delicious, with a good balance of coconut milk, gula melaka sauce and chewy green jelly.
If you’re a sweet tooth, the Durian Ice Kachang (S$3.50) might just be up your alley. This refreshing dessert is doused plentifully in rose syrup and gula melaka, then topped with some creamy durian puree.
Order delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
13. Guan Kee Seafood (#01-53)
Newton Food Centre certainly has no shortage of seafood speciality stalls, but who could forget Guan Kee Seafood? They’re Halal-certified as well! While their selection of seafood and zi char dishes may not be as extensive as those at the other stalls, they’re delicious no less.
Many speak of Guan Kee’s Stingray (S$15/S$20/S$25) as one of the best in the food centre. The stingray meat is fresh and succulent, cooked and grilled to a perfect fragrant char. It’s complemented well by some savoury chinchalok and that thick layer of aromatic sambal. As it goes for all good things, be prepared to wait if you order some for yourself!
If you can’t get enough of their sambal, go for the Sambal Sotong (S$14/S$18/S$24) or Kang Kong (S$8/S$10/S$12) — eating your greens is always better with a bit of spice.
+65 8267 8709
Daily: 11am – 12am
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14. Soon Wah Fish Ball Kway Teow Mee (#01-69)
Soon Wah Fishball Kway Teow Mee is a popular fishball noodle stall that has been around since 1966. Apart from their freshly made fishballs, the business’s popularity can be attributed to their well-loved her giao (Teochew fish dumplings).
For those unfamiliar with this local delight, an ideal her giao should have a translucent dumpling skin. Texture-wise, the skin should be thin but firm enough to hold the minced meat stuffing within. As a whole, the dumpling should be slightly springy, chewy and tasty.
The Fish Dumpling Soup (S$5) is priced reasonably for the generous amount of fish balls and her giao found within the bowl. The soup is light and savoury, serving as the perfect base for those bouncy fishballs. Each fishball is juicy and offers a satisfying bite. And yes, Soon Wah’s her giao is chewy, delectable and meets all the criteria of a well-made version.
While Soon Wah operates for less than 4 hours a day, it’s still worth paying the stall a visit while you’re at Newton Food Centre, especially considering how few remaining stalls sell handmade fish products like theirs in Singapore.
+65 9781 1879
Mon & Tue, Thu to Sat: 6pm – 9.30pm
Closed on Wed & Sun
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15. TKR Yummy Chicken Wing & Satay (#01-33)
Though TKR Yummy Chicken Wing & Satay isn’t the only chicken wing and satay speciality stall within Newton Food Centre, it remains a top choice for many craving these local delights.
I’ve always found it interesting that chicken wings and satay sticks come as a package deal in these stalls. I can’t complain, though; I simply love the combination of smoky chicken wings and sweet satay, and especially those from this one.
Chicken Wing (S$1.60 per piece, min. 3 pieces) and Satay (S$0.90 per stick, min. 10 sticks) aside, this stall offers skewers of BBQ Prawn (S$2 per stick, min. 5 sticks) and Otah (S$1.60).
While you can get satay from various other stalls within the food centre, TKR has the largest variety of these skewers. You can choose from 4 types of Satay here: Chicken, Beef, Mutton and Pork.
If you’re a spice lover like me, dipping these perfectly charred Chicken Wings into a saucer of zesty chilli sauce should be habitual every time you get your fix from a hawker centre. TKR’s bright orange chilli blend is said to pack a spicy kick that’ll tickle your fancy!
For those who want the best of all worlds or are looking to share these delights with family and friends, the stall offers affordable set meals that consist of a good mix of Chicken Wings, Satay and BBQ Prawn, which you can find out more about on their Facebook page here.
+65 9661 9200
Wed to Mon: 4pm – 12.30am
Closed on Tue
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16. Alliance Seafood (#01-27)
As you can probably tell from this listicle, Newton Food Centre is not short of MICHELIN-approved stalls and among them is Alliance Seafood. With an emphasis on customer service and attention to detail, it’s no wonder that they hold the prestigious accolade and have many fans who return time and again.
Here, you cannot miss out on one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes: the Chilli Crab (Seasonal Prices). Encased within the shell are fresh and succulent hunks of crab flesh waiting to be enjoyed by you.
Spice lovers, go forth and conquer; the luscious gravy has an addictive balance of spice and sweetness that perfectly complements the sweet meat, with silky swirls of coddled egg that make it just so slurp-worthy.
And what’s chilli crab without some fried mantou? You must get the Fried Bun (S$6), because what’s chilli crab without some fried mantou? Crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these morsels come into great use when you want to sop up every bit of that gravy.
Alliance Seafood has several other crabs that you’ll love as much: spicy Black Pepper Crab, creamy Salted Egg Crab and some unadulterated BBQ Crab. If you’re craving some other types of seafood, why not give the BBQ Lobster (S$9/100g) or BBQ/Sambal/Chilli Crayfish (Seasonal Prices) a try?
Order delivery: Deliveroo
+65 9771 9209
Tue to Sun: 12.30pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon
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17. Hajah Monah Kitchen (#01-83)
Hajah Monah Kitchen consistently boasts one of the longest lunchtime queues in Newton Food Centre. They specialise in none other than nasi padang. For the uninitiated, think about nasi padang as Malay-style cai png — each plate consists of steamed rice served with cooked side dishes of your choice.
If you’ve ever wondered why nasi padang is priced higher than the cai png we are familiar with, it’s because the dishes are tedious to make and require laborious cooking and preparation processes, on top of high ingredient prices.
As one of the most well-loved Malay dishes you can find in Singapore, the Beef Rendang (S$5) is an absolute must-get at Hajah Monah Kitchen. Their take on the popular dish is known to be extremely flavourful and rich, complete with huge chunks of tender, succulent beef simmered in aromatic rendang until they each bear an almost melt-in-your-mouth texture.
They have other hearty Malay dishes as well, like Mee Siam (S$4.50), Lontong (S$5) and Nasi Lemak (S$4.50). With prices kept relatively affordable, this stall is certainly one of the most down-to-earth in the vicinity. You should definitely head down to show your support and enjoy a scrumptious filling meal while you’re at it.
Daily: 6am – 3pm
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