The East has more than its fair share of popular hawker centres and food stalls that are open till late. One of the most famous and most popular is Simpang Bedok, a relatively small cluster of restaurants and cafes in an area with a laid back vibe.
I am quite familiar with many of them since Simpang Bedok is a conveniently short distance from my home, making it the default recuperation point after a hectic night out. Some of these eateries are just as nice in the day— I checked!
Here’s my list of 10 of the best places to eat at Simpang Bedok.
1. KL Damansara Chilli Ban Mee
If you haven’t eaten here before, do yourself a favour and get the Chilli Ban Mee (S$7) they are named after. I personally ask them to go easy on the chilli but my friends who love their spice say the taste is incomplete without the full serving being consumed.
Take up the challenge if you wish. If you love your seafood and are looking to splurge, try out the Seafood Ban Mee (S$20). You can’t go wrong with this one!
314 Bedok Road, Singapore 469478
+65 9686 8889
Daily: 10am – 8.45pm
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2. Wanton Noodle House (Since 1980)
Another place named after the dish for which it is famous, Wanton Noodle House really does an excellent job of creating its specialty.
The Wanton Charsiew Noodle (from S$ 5.50) was one of the best I have ever had, with light, springy noodles, a generous helping of chilli sauce, and enough meat to accompany me all the way to the last morsel. I also recommend trying the Braised Pork (from S$8) if you have room in your tummy.
312 Bedok Road, Singapore 469475
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Closed on alternate Tuesdays
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3. Jalan Tua Kong Lau Lim Mee Pok
The mee pok competition is pretty heated at Simpang Bedok and this is one of the favourites for top spot. It is the classic example of ‘do not let external appearances fool you’. Their bare basics setup hides an ingenious recipe and cooking style that has won fans all over Singapore.
If you visit Simpang Bedok, their Signature Noodles Soup (S$6.80) is the one dish and stall that I recommend above all the others. It’s a pretty popular sentiment, though, so be prepared for a crowd.
306 Bedok Road, Singapore 469469
Daily: 10am – 4.30pm
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4. Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh
Want to add some positivity to the world while you eat? Head to Soon Huat Bak Kut The which is owned by an ex-inmate who also employs others trying to get their lives on the right track.
Don’t let that make you think that they have skimped on their standards— this place makes some of the best food in the area. My recommendation is the Dried Bak Kut Teh (from $8.60).
Chope: Save up to 50% at Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh
302 Bedok Road, Singapore 469460
Daily: 11.30am to 9.30pm
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5. Syed Cafe
Simpang Bedok is known for its all-hours dining and Syed Cafe is one of the places where you can get a full meal from a host of different cuisines in the middle of the night.
While the menu at this recently-renovated café is Indian-centric, there is no shortage of good Chinese, Malay and Western food and drink as well. Can’t decide what to go for? You won’t regret ordering the Chicken Roti John (S$8.12).
328 Bedok Road, Singapore 469499
Daily: 24 hours
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6. Spize
Spize is a modern restaurant with interesting decor that serves delicious food. The Chinese Mix Rojak (S$5.50) was tantalising and its sharp sour undertones put a zing in every bite. Their Chicken Satay (S$0.90 each) and Mutton Satay (S$1 each). The menu states that there is a minimum order of 10 sticks but that is wholly unnecessary— who can stop at just 10??
There is a down side, though. We found the service slow, even with many empty tables. My Milo Dinosaur (S$4.30) only arrived after we were halfway done with our meal. And the ‘dinosaur’ was no brontosaurus, or perhaps just a baby one.
338 Bedok Road, Singapore 469516
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 2.30am
Fri & Sat: 10.30am – 3.30am
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7. Enak-Enak HongKong Tea House
Enak Enak is known for its handmade dim sum but their menu has a slew of popular Malay and Indian dishes as well. It can tend to be slightly on the more expensive side than you would expect for the casual ambiance but the good food is worth it.
I always try something from their variety of dim sum, which is apparently created from scratch by a Chinese chef hired specially for the role. The Pan Fried Carrot Cake (S$2.90) is cheap and good!
342 Bedok Road, Singapore 469520
Daily: 10am – 6am
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8. Ah Lim Mee Pok
If you love mee pok and have yet to try Ah Lim Mee Pok, I don’t friend you any more. Their Ah Lim Signature Mee Pok (S$5) gets all the basics right and then some.
I have to admit I often run into the air-conditioned premises simply to get out of the heat but the quality of the food and the speed of the preparation are the real reasons that this restaurant is so popular.
304 Bedok Road, Singapore 469463
Daily: 7am – 3pm
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9. Hamidah’s Kitchen
Hamidah’s Kitchen is one of the newest additions to the Simpang Bedok area, having opened its doors just about 15 months ago. It has quickly built up an impressive reputation for delicious food, albeit not quite in the ‘affordable’ range.
The restaurant specialises in Indian and Arabic dishes such as Mutton Dum Briyani (S$11) and Chicken Mandhi Rice (S$9) but there is also a long list of local favourites that includes Ayam Lemak Chiili Padi (S$8).
294 Bedok Road, Singapore 469450
+65 9154 7924
Tue to Sun: 9am – 11pm
Closed on Monday
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10. Selegie Soyabean
It was a hot, hot day when I visited and just the sight of the bright green Selegie Soyabean signboard made me yearn for one. This Simpang Bedok outlet is one of several branches that have popped up all over Singapore but they somehow manage to regulate their standards so that the flavour of every drink is consistent no matter where you get it.
My Cold Almond Soymilk (S$2.30) may be a simple drink but it was one of the highlights of my visit.
320 Bedok Road, Singapore 469487
Daily: 7.30am – 10.45pm
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