The wonders ofย Tiong Bahru Food Centre are no secret to us all. The massive array of stalls is practically a food haven for anyone.
We give you the lowdown on 18 of the best stalls Tiong Bahru Food Centre has to offer, whatever the hour, whatever the weather.
— Breakfast —
1. Jian Bo Shui Kueh ๆฅๆๆฐด็ฒฟ
One of the simple joys in life is to enjoy a simple breakfast.ย Jian Bo Shui Kuehย offers a grab-and-go breakfast with theirย Shui Kueh at S$2.50 for five pieces.
It’s a sinfully oily for a breakfast plate. But it’ll definitely satisfy your grumbling stomach. Of course, you can also opt to getย Steamed Yam Cake (S$2.50)ย orย Chee Cheong Fun (S$2.50).ย
Jian Bo Shui Kuehย ๆฅๆๆฐด็ฒฟ: #02-05 | Opening Hours: 6am – 9pm (Daily)ย
2. Ali Corner
One of my favourite Malay dishes for breakfast isย mee siam. The Mee Siam (S$3)ย at Ali Corner features light-weightย bee hoonย with a clear, sour, and spicy broth.
Although, best skip the chilli if you’ve got a low tolerance to spice.
Two friendlyย makciks tend the store daily, and it’s just something about their spirit that cheers you up already!
Ali Corner: #02-17 | Opening Hours: 6am – 2pm (Tues to Sat), Closed on Sun & Mon
3. Tiong Bahru Tau Suan ไธญๅณ้ฒ่ฑ็ฝ
Tau suan is no longer just for dessert. Picture this: a hot bowl of Tau Suan (S$2)ย on a cool morning.
I’d say they make a great breakfast option, given mung beans are high in protein and important vitamins, giving you a boost for the day. The sticky sweet gravy is best paired with freshly friedย you tiao.
Tiong Bahru Tau Suanย ไธญๅณ้ฒ่ฑ็ฝ: #02-55 | Opening Hours: 6am – 1pm (Tues to Sun), Closed on Mon
4. Teck Seng Soya Bean Milk ๅพท็่ฑ่ฑๆฐด
Breakfast isn’t complete without a warm cup of soybean milk, I feel.
What’s more,ย the owner ofย Teck Seng Soya Bean Milk, affectionately known asย Ah Seng, sells each item for S$1 only.
Ah Seng prepares the soybean milk, bean curd, and grass jelly throughout the wee hours prior to opening so that their customers get it fresh in the morning.
Teck Seng Soya Bean Milkย ๅพท็่ฑ่ฑๆฐด:ย #02-69 | Opening Hours: 6am – 1pm (Tues to Sun), Closed on Mon
5. Tiong Bahru Hwa Yuen Porridge ่ฏๅ็ฒฅๅ
A favorurite of Tiong Bahru Hwa Yuen Porridge customers is theย Pork Porridge (S$3). The porridge served here has a silken texture which makes every mouthful enjoyably smooth, and easy to swallow. It’s also not overly sticky to the point of being cloying.
The porridge is also extremely fragrant, and not bland at all, as one might expect from a mediocre bowl of porridge.ย There is a hint of sesame oil, which makes it all the more flavourful.
The porridge also comes with a good mixture of pork cuts. There were thin slices of pork liver, lean meat, as well as miniature pork balls.
This stall has been in business for many, many years, and up till today, they still serve porridge that will warm every part of your body and soul.
Tiong Bahru Hwa Yuen Porridge ่ฏๅ็ฒฅๅ: #02-74 | Opening Hours: 7.15am – 10pm (Daily)
6. Lau Chen Carrot Cake & Popiah ่้่้ ญ็ฒฟๅ่้ค
Right after the sun rises, you can already pick up a plate ofย Carrot Cake (S$3/S$4)ย fromย Lau Chen Carrot Cake & Popiah.
The plate we got was brimming with large chunks ofย kueh, as well as generous portions of chye pohย fried with egg.
It’s a true breakfast classic, with the never-ending debate between which is better โ theย blackย orย whiteย version.ย If you’re looking for more flavour, theย black version will definitely satisfy those taste buds.
Lau Chen Carrot Cake & Popiah ่้่้ ญ็ฒฟๅ่้ค : #02-83 | Opening Hours: 7am – 3pm & 5pm – 8pm (Thurs to Tues), Closed on Wed
— Lunch —
7. Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee ้ดป่็่ๆฑ่ฆ้บบ
Despite only being recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Meeย has been open for business for decades. Their famousย Prawn Mee comes in three different portionsย (S$4/S$5/S$6).
The noodles were bursting with deep flavour, and carried a strong wok heiย tang. The portion of seafood was decent, with tender prawns and succulentย sotongย interspersed between the noodles.
Beware, the lunch queue is extremely long, so you’d want to come early to get your spot in the queue!
Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Meeย ้ดป่็่ๆฑ่ฆ้บบ: #02-01 | Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm & 4.30pm – 7pm (Tues to Sun), Closed on Mon
8. Tow Kwar Pop
At Tow Kwar Pop, theย tow kwarย is still hand-grilled,ย making it absolutely phenomenal.
Think airy and fluffy on the inside, with a charred fragrance and a crispy exterior. It’s garnished with beansprouts and cod fish slices.
The sauce had a good depth of flavour, and was highly addictive. You’ll beย poppin’ theย tow kwarย in your mouth in no time. Eachย Rojak Setย is priced atย S$4 or S$5.
Tow Kwar Pop: #02-06 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 5pm (Tues to Sun), Closed on Mon
9. 178 Lor Mee (ๅค้ข 178)
178 Lor Mee (ๅค้ข178) is one of the gems found at the landmark Tiong Bahru Food Centre. One of the highlights of this stall is that they offer a version with shark meat instead of the traditional fish.
The taste of this deadly sea predator has been likened to that of a cross between chicken and alligator, but just a tad chewier.
Expect a load of crispiness with the Lor Mee (S$3.50, S$4 with shark nuggets)ย from this stall too. One of my favourite parts of this dish is the crispy batter that goes perfectly with the gravy. Simply heavenly!
178 Lor Mee (ๅค้ข 178): #02-23 | Opening Hours: 7am – 2.30pm (Daily)
10. Zhong Yu Yuan Wei Wanton Noodle ๅฟ ไบๅๅณ้ฒๅ้บบ
Sporting another long queue at lunch isย Zhong Yu Yuan Wei Wanton Noodle.
As the namesake suggests, they stay true to the flavour of Wanton Mee (S$4/S$5).
Each plate was laid out withย char siew marinated in sweet sauce. Albeit on the wetter side, the slivers of gravy retain the moisture of the noodles.
It’s no wonder they draw in crowds!
Zhong Yu Yuan Wei Wanton Noodleย ๅฟ ไบๅๅณ้ฒๅ้บบ: #02-30 | Opening Hours: 8am – 1.30pm (Tues to Thurs & Sat & Sun), Closed on Mon & Fri
11. Hai Shan Roasted Chicken Rice ๆตทๅฑฑ็ง่ ยท้ธก้ฅญ
We come to the most basic meal of the average Singaporean โ roasted chicken rice.ย Hai Shan Roasted Chicken Riceย serves up fuss-freeย Roasted Chicken Rice (S$3).ย
There’s nothing too fancy nor over-the-top with the dish, but it’s fast and convenient for a quick lunch at Tiong Bahru Food Centre before popping back to work.
It brings a sense of nostalgia back to your school canteen days, where food was simple and healthy.
Hai Shan Roasted Chicken Rice ๆตทๅฑฑ็ง่ ยท้ธก้ฅญ: #02-32 | Opening hours: 7am – 2pm (Thurs to Tues), Closed on Wed
— Dinner —
12. Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teowย ไธญๅณ้ฒ็็ฒฟๆข
It’s no surprise that the well-lovedย fried kway teowย would be on a list of delicious hawker food.ย Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teowย serves a simple, but incredibly satisfyingย Fried Kway Teow (S$3/S$4)ย that will fulfil every fried kway teow-lover’s dream.
Theย lup cheongย (Chinese sausage) andย humย (cockles) were flavourful, making theย char kway teowย all the more glorious. With more than 40 years of history, Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow certainly remains one of the best in town.
Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teowย ไธญๅณ้ฒ็็ฒฟๆข: #02-11 | Opening Hours:ย 11am – 10.30pm (Thurs to Tues), Closed on Wed
13. Min Nan Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle ้ฉๅๆ้ชจ่พ้ข
If you want to skip the lunch queue atย Min Nan Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle, you can bide your time and grab your Pork Ribsย Prawn Mee (S$4.50/S$5.50) at dinner hour instead.
The dish is true to its name, whereby pork ribs are incorporated into the signature bowl ofย prawn mee. The addition of pork ribs enhances the flavour of the broth, resulting in a seafood-pork stew that’s sure to leave you satiated.
Min Nan Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle ้ฉๅๆ้ชจ่พ้ข: #02-31 | Opening Hours:ย 10am – 3pm & 5pm – 9.30pm (Fri to Wed), Closed on Thurs
14. Joo Chiat Beef Kingย ๅฆๅ็่ ฉ็
If beef is up your alley, you’ll loveย Joo Chiat Beef King. Imagine thick slices of beef smothered with a thick gravy, on a bed of noodles. Hungry yet?
Aside fromย Beef Brisket Noodles (S$4.50),ย you can choose to get a clear bowl ofย Beef Ball Soup (S$3.50) instead.
Considering myself a fan of beef noodles, I’d say the dry version will give you the best experience.
Joo Chiat Beef Kingย ๅฆๅ็่ ฉ็: #02-35 | Opening Hours: 8.30am – 8.30pm (Wed to Mon), Closed on Tues
15. Tiong Bahru Braised Duckย ไธญๅณ้ฒๅค้ธญ
For another meaty meal,ย Tiong Bahru Braised Duck’sย Duck Riceย andย Duck Porridge are hot favourites amongst crowds.
The dishes include generous amounts of duck meat.ย Each dish comes in three serving portions priced at either S$3, S$4, or S$5.
Almost as simple as classic chicken rice, why not have a plate of duck rice to spice up your evening?
Tiong Bahru Braised Duckย ไธญๅณ้ฒๅค้ธญ: #02-43 | Opening Hours: 9am – 8pm (Wed to Sat & Mon), Closed on Tues & Sun
16. Hot Plate Western Food
No hawker centre is complete without an iconic Western stall.ย Hot Plate Western Foodย grills up a storm with classic meats and sides.
Seasoned right and accompanied with great sauce, a sizzling hot plate of leanย Pork Chop (S$5.50)ย definitely makes the cut.
Skip the fancy restaurants and take your date here instead.
Hot Plate Western Food: #02-54 | Opening hours: 8.30am – 2.30 pm & 5.30pm – 10.30pm (Daily)
— Bonus —
17. Fresh Juice Ice Blend
Shout out to fruit juice enthusiasts;ย Fresh Juice Ice Blendย is your pit stop when you’re around Tiong Bahru Food Centre.
We got theย Apple Yakult Juice (S$2.50)ย andย Mango Milkshake (S$3). The juices were refreshingly cold for the hot day. On top of the prescribed menu, you can even customise your own blend!
They definitely deserve plus points for quick, fresh, and affordable blends.
Fresh Juice Ice Blend: #02-07 | Opening Hours: 8am – 8.30pm (Tues to Sun), Closed on Mon
18. No. 250 Long Ji Soya Bean Drink ้พ่จ่ฑ่ฑๆฐด
Aside from being a martial arts enthusiast, the owner ofย No. 250 Long Ji Soya Bean Drink sellsย Soya Bean Drink (S$0.80) that equally packs a punch.
The drink is thick and smooth, and wonderfully fragrant. It’s great as a refresher any time of the day!
No. 250 Long Ji Soya Beanย ้พ่จ่ฑ่ฑๆฐด: #02-63 | Opening Hours: 6am – 4pm (Wed to Mon), Closed on Tues
There’s no limit to the rich culture and tantalising fare that lies in the heart of Tiong Bahru.
I was deeply honoured to be able to bask in the food haven that is Tiong Bahru Food Centre. A whopping 83 stalls is a definite food paradise for us foodies!
Price: $
Our Rating: 5 / 5
Tiong Bahru Food Centre
30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
Tiong Bahru Food Centre
30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898