12 best stalls at West Coast Market Square that the Westies shouldn’t gatekeep

Easties have no excuse to say the West side doesn’t have good food. You have to dig deeper to unearth the gems, like West Coast Market Square opposite West Coast Plaza for instance.

West Coast Market Square may be a regular food spot for the nearby residents and workers, but it’s still considered one of the lesser-known hawker centres in the West. Perhaps it’s the somewhat ulu location, though that doesn’t stop a huge crowd from forming every lunchtime and dinnertime. 

Consisting of around 60 food stalls, the centre is a bustling food hub where you can try dishes like duck rice, vegetarian specialities, satay, baked goods, desserts and more. If you don’t know where to start and would like some suggestions, here are 12 West Coast Market Square stalls you should consider.

1. He Ji Braised Duck (#01-162)

He Ji Braised Duck is easily the most popular stall in the hawker centre, judging by how there’s been a queue present every time I’ve visited. Obviously, I had to try it to understand the hype for myself.

Rather than the regular Braised Duck Rice (S$4/S$5), but I got a Duck Rice Set Meal (S$4.50), a value-for-money option that includes egg and tofu. I also added Brsaised Peanuts for S$0.80. This was possibly one of the best plates of duck rice I’ve had. The duck was juicy and tender with a rich flavour that went wonderfully with the thick gravy and fragrant yam rice.

Other dishes He Ji offers are Kway Chap (S$4.50 per set) and Braised Duck Porridge or Noodle (S$4/S$5).

Thu to Tue: 9am – 5pm
Closed on Wed

2. Xin Xin Famous Fried Oyster (#01-187)

I truly mean it when I say Xin Xin Famous Fried Oyster at West Coast Market Square’s orh luak had me hooked from the first bite. 

Chock full of fat and briny oysters, the Oyster Omelette contained the perfect ratio of batter to egg. The sticky tapioca and crispy yellow fried egg were complete opposites but complemented each other beautifully. The oysters themselves were amazingly fresh and juicy without any unpleasant fishiness.

The Oyster Omelette costs S$3, S$4 or S$5 depending on the portion; I personally would polish off the S$5 one if I could.

Wed to Mon: 2pm – 8pm
Closed on Tue

3. Wang Jiao Handmade Noodle (#01-193)

Want a dependable source of sustenance after a long day at work? Wang Jiao Handmade Noodle’s regulars know that it serves huge and hearty bowls of noodles daily. The prices are ridiculously affordable under S$6.30 for the large portions, and I struggled to finish even a bowl of the smallest size on my own.

Wang Jiao serves a special dish – Fermented Rice Residue Mee Sua (S$4.50/S$5.50), made with red fermented yeast rice. It’s an ingredient said to aid in blood circulation and digestion.

While satisfyingly zingy and filling, the Tom Yam Ban Mee (S$4.50/S$5.50) was a tad sweet. I’d also recommend the Fried Dumplings (S$5.30 for 8pcs/S$6.30 for 10pcs) which have a thick crispy skin and a meaty filling.

Daily: 10.30am – 9pm

4. Fa Ji Bao Dian 发记包点 (#01-140)

Fa Ji Bao Dian is the only stall in West Coast Market Square that sells pillowy steamed baos. Are they worth trying? Totally – especially when they’re piping hot out of the steamer. 

The Lotus Paste Bun (S$1) and the Coffee Bun (S$1.10) almost made me squeal from how adorable they were! Shaped and coloured to look like a small pink peach, the Lotus Paste Bun‘s pink-dusted steamed skin even felt realistic. It was filled with sweet lotus paste, while the Coffee Bun contained coffee-flavoured red bean paste.

Other than baos like Char Siew (S$1.10) and Yam (S$1.10), customers also love ordering dim sum like the Glutinous Rice Chicken (S$2.60).

Wed to Mon: 6am – 6pm
Closed on Tue

5. Hup Seng Heng Vegetarian (#01-195)

From what I heard, Hup Seng Heng Vegetarian is the more popular of the two vegetarian stalls in West Coast Market Square. It’s a stall that serves meatless caifan and zichar, which many have praised for being tasty and high-quality.

3 sides with white rice cost S$3.50, and 3 sides with brown rice cost S$3.80. These are very value-friendly options for those looking to save their wallets, and it’s no wonder so many people queue here during lunch!

If you don’t mind spending more at around S$12 per dish, you can opt for the zichar dishes which are cooked to order. Hup Seng Heng offers some unique ones like Vegetarian Lemon Chicken and Vegetarian Butter Frog Leg. The latter is essentially deep-fried oyster mushrooms tossed in a sweet butter sauce and curry leaves.

Daily: 11am – 10pm

6. Chef Gan H.K Bakery (#01-151)

Chef Gan H.K Bakery is another stall that opens every day here. It sells a rather impressive range of goodies, such as cakes, kueh, Hong Kong bolo buns and bread. The staff is pleasant as well, and will happily answer any queries regarding the goods and opening hours!

Grab a Muffin in flavours such as Pandan, Blueberry and Double Chocolate (S$2.20 for 1 pc, S$4 for 2pcs, S$6 for 3pcs). Bun prices and choices range from S$1 for the Mini Bolo Buns to S$1.70 for a Curry Potato or Japanese Red Bean Bun. You can also get an Egg Sandwich (S$2.10) or a Tuna Sandwich (S$2.20) if you’re looking for something savoury and filling.

+65 9647 8066
Daily: 5am – 8pm
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9. New Choy Lam Eating House (#01-190)

Speaking of range, New Choy Lam Eating House is another stall with a wide variety of zichar options from rice and vegetables to soup and noodles. There are almost 90 available, so be prepared to be spoilt for choice if you ever visit!

The Seafood Hor Fun (S$4.50/S$6.50) was absolutely delicious. The wok hei-laden flat rice noodles were coated with rich, thick and savoury gravy cooked with fresh fish slices and prawns. Portion-wise, it was worth the money as there was enough even for sharing between two people.

For rice or noodles, you could try the Black Bean Sauce Assorted Bee Hoon (S$5/S$8), Sambal Fried Rice (S$4.50/S$6.50) or Sliced Fish Hokkien Noodles (S$4.50/S$6.50). For veggies and meat, maybe consider a Shrimp Omelette (S$6/S$9) or Ginger & Spring Onion Pork (S$10/S$14).

Daily: 5pm – 9pm

8. Blue Dragonfly Minced Meat Noodle (#01-183)

West Coast Market Square has many noodle stalls, but Blue Dragonfly Minced Meat Noodle is considered one of the more well-known ones. It has a steady following of regulars who come specifically for the rich and flavourful fare and generous portions. 

The best-selling signature Minced Meat Noodle Dry (S$3.50/S$4.50) is a dish of bouncy mee pok, pork slices, lard, mushrooms, chilli and vinegar. There are also soup dishes like the Fuzhou Meatball Soup (S$3/S$4), which comes with springy fishballs stuffed with meat. You can also select a choice of noodles from options like Mee Kia and Yellow Noodles.

Here’s a fun fact – Blue Dragonfly is operated by the son of the owner of Soon Lee Fishball Noodle (#01-184), the neighbouring stall also popular for its noodles. 

Mon to Fri: 12pm – 8pm
Closed on Sat & Sun

9. Hani Food Stall (#01-178)

Pop by Hani Food Stall for some comforting Malay cuisine at low prices! This more than 4-decade-old stall is beloved for its Nasi Lemak (S$5 for Chicken Wing, S$5.50 for Drumstick), Mee Soto/Soto Ayam (S$3.70) and Mee Rebus (S$3.70).

The Mee Rebus here is for those who love their food with sugar. Not only is it sweet, but it’s also said to be tangy from the lime juice. It might not suit everyone’s tastebuds but it has definitely earned the stall a few loyal customers. The Nasi Lemak fried chicken wings or drumsticks are also described as perfectly crispy with a hint of turmeric. Definitely a comfort food for many!

Thu & Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 7am – 5pm
Closed from Mon to Wed
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10. Paris Western Grill (#01-167) 

If you’re looking for a dose of Western food for lunch or dinner, Paris Western Grill might be the stall for you. 

Many diners have also called the dishes a steal due to their affordable prices and large portions. For instance, a Sirloin Steak or Black Pepper Steak costs only S$9 – extremely affordable compared to those served in restaurants! 

The cheapest dish is Fried Rice at S$3.50, but you could opt for Hotdog Fried Rice (S$5) or Chicken Chop Fried Rice (S$7) to fill your plate. If you’re not feeling rice, you could get a Chicken Chop Spaghetti (S$7), Pork Cutlet (S$7) or Lamb Chop (S$8). It may not be super fanciful or top-tier but it might suit those wishing to enjoy that old-school Singapore “Western food” flavour and vibe.

Mon & Tue, Fri & Sat: 1pm – 9pm
Closed on Wed & Thu, Sun

11. Tiong Bahru Fried Fish Ball (#01-141)

Can’t get enough tidbits or hoping for a quick bite? Drop by Tiong Bahru Fried Fish Ball to pick up some deep-fried treats. While the name may be similar to Tiong Bahru Fishball at Seng Poh Road, the two brands are unrelated.

This chain has an outlet in West Coast Market Square, which sells old-school snacks from just S$0.25 each. A Vegetable Cake costs S$1 per piece, while a Hand Made Fish Cake costs S$1.50 per piece. Others come in sets of 2 to 6 pieces for S$1.50, such as the Flat Fish Cake (3 pcs), Otar (4 pcs) and Fried Fish Ball (6 pcs).

If you can’t make it to West Coast for a taste, that’s alright. It has several other outlets in Hougang, Bendemeer, Woodlands, Tampines and Yishun. 

Daily: 8am – 6.30pm

12. Sliced Fish. Fish Head. Seafood Soup (#01-138)

Last but not least, there’s Sliced Fish. Fish Head. Seafood Soup, which sells exactly what’s stated in its name. I’d noticed it during my first visit to the food centre on a weekend evening when there was a long queue of hungry customers at the front.

Most dishes cost S$8/S$11, ranging from porridge to soup and bee hoon. The popular choices are Fish Sliced Soup and Fish Sliced Bee Hoon, which many have claimed flavourful and “better than restaurant standard”. There are also S$10 options such as the Fish Head Bee Hoon and Fish Head Soup.

Customers have also recommended adding some handmade meatballs to your order. They’re large and meaty and go well with the thick fish slices and hot soup.

Sun to Fri: 11.30am – 8pm
Closed on Sat

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