16 Must Try Food & Beverage at Alexandra Village Food Centre
- Monster Day Tours
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Alexandra Village Food Centre stands as one of Singapore's most underrated hawker destinations, tucked away in the heart of Bukit Merah behind industrial buildings and auto repair shops. Despite its unassuming location, this 80-stall food centre has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide and continues to draw food enthusiasts from across the island. After reopening in July 2025 following extensive renovations, the centre now boasts a fresher, brighter environment while maintaining its authentic hawker charm.
Whether you're a tourist exploring Singapore's famous free walking tours or a local seeking authentic flavors, Alexandra Village Food Centre offers an incredible diversity of cuisines that represent the true essence of Singapore's multicultural food scene. From Michelin-starred stalls to family-run businesses spanning decades, this comprehensive guide presents over 16 must-try food and beverage recommendations that showcase the very best of what this remarkable hawker centre has to offer.
1. Zhang Ji Shanghai La Mian Xiao Long Bao (#01-56)
This Michelin Guide-listed stall represents the pinnacle of handmade Chinese dumpling craftsmanship. Run by a humble husband-and-wife duo from Nanjing, every dumpling and noodle is freshly made on-site. Their Steamed Mini Buns (Xiao Long Bao) at $6 for six pieces contain perfectly seasoned minced pork encased in delicate skin, each bursting with savory soup when bitten. The Szechuan Spicy Wonton ($6.50 for ten pieces) offers an addictive combination of silky dumplings in tangy chili oil with vinegar, topped with coriander and spring onions.
2. Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa (#01-75)
Winner of the Michelin Bib Gourmand award, this legendary stall serves Singapore's most famous claypot laksa. The claypot version (from $6) keeps the spicy, lemak gravy warm throughout your meal while retaining its heat and flavor intensity. The rich coconut-based broth is perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness, complemented by prawns, fishcake, chicken shreds, and pillowy tau pok puffs. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, regular bowl versions are available from $5.50.
3. Hong Kong Yummy Soup (#01-51)
This Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient specializes in traditional Cantonese double-boiled soups that are completely MSG-free. The Brazil Mushroom Soup with Chicken ($5.50) features a whole chicken drumstick, snow fungus, Brazilian cap mushrooms, and red dates in a light, herbaceous broth. The Spareribs Soup with Lotus Root ($4.50) offers fall-off-the-bone tender meat with subtle sweetness from carrots, while their Cordyceps Flowers Soup with Chicken ($5.50) provides health benefits along with rich, aromatic flavors.
4. Star Yong Kwang BBQ Seafood (#01-04)
Famous throughout Singapore for their exceptional sambal stingray, this zi char stall consistently draws long queues. Their Sambal Stingray (from $18) features thick, meaty portions slathered in house-made sambal that perfectly balances spiciness, sweetness, and umami depth. The secret lies in their quality shrimp paste and special spice blend that has been perfected over years. Their Salted Egg Prawns and Cereal Prawns are equally spectacular, showcasing the skills of the young chef who learned the trade from his father since age 12.
5. Mr Avocado Exotic Juice (#01-19)
The pioneer of Alexandra Village's famous avocado juice scene since the 1990s, this stall uses only premium-grade avocados to create their signature drinks. Their Avocado Juice ($3.50/$4.50/$7) combines fresh avocados with milk and gula melaka, resulting in a rich, creamy beverage with smoky caramel notes. The Durian Avocado Juice ($4/$6/$8) offers a unique fusion for adventurous palates, while the Soursop & Strawberry Juice provides a refreshing, fruity alternative.
6. The Thunder Tea Story (#01-55)
This stall serves one of Singapore's best renditions of traditional Hakka lei cha (thunder tea rice). The Brown Rice Set ($5.50) features eight carefully selected ingredients including cabbage, chye sim, long beans with tofu, leeks, kidney beans, preserved radish, and roasted peanuts, all served with herbaceous green tea soup. The dish is both nutritious and flavorful, with each component contributing to the overall earthy, nutty profile. Adding their Chai Poh Egg ($1.20) provides additional protein and salty contrast.
7. Tiong Bahru Lien Fa Shui Jing Pau (#01-10)
Listed in the Michelin Guide, this stall represents one of the last bastions of handmade Teochew crystal dumplings in Singapore. Operating since the 1950s, the Crystal Dumplings (Shui Jing Bao) feature translucent tapioca flour skins that reveal their fillings. The Savoury Turnip Dumplings ($0.80 each) contain crunchy jicama and dried shrimp for umami depth, while sweet varieties like Red Bean and Taro Paste dumplings ($0.90 each) offer dessert options. Minimum order of four pieces required, with advance ordering recommended for bulk purchases.
8. Xiang Jiang Soya Sauce Chicken (#01-77)
Michelin Selected and operated by an ex-Raffles Hotel chef, this stall brings authentic Hong Kong flavors to the hawker setting. Their Soya Sauce Chicken Noodles ($6) feature perfectly glossy chicken with smooth, tender meat served over springy noodles coated in savory soy sauce. The Shrimp Dumpling Soup ($6) showcases restaurant-quality sui gao filled with minced pork, prawns, and black fungus—each dumpling containing a whole juicy prawn.
9. Danger Close Beverage Co (#01-05)
This innovative stall brings craft beverage culture to the hawker scene with gourmet teas and nitro coffee on tap. Their Chinois Sparkling Tea features fruity notes of lychee, dried fruit, and honey, served with a beer-like foam. The Ping Pong Tie Guan Ying showcases traditional Pek Sin Choon tea prepared cocktail-style with theatrical presentation. For coffee enthusiasts, the Abyss Nitro Cold Brew delivers intense caffeine with a soft, creamy stout-like finish.
10. AJ Delights (#01-82)
This husband-and-wife team creates fresh German-style streusel muffins using premium imported ingredients. Their Green Tea Monster ($2.40) combines strong matcha flavor with chocolate chips and streusel topping, while the Apple Streusel ($2.15) features cubed apples in the center with craggy golden streusel bits. The Double Chocolate Muffin ($2) offers balanced sweetness with an airy crumb texture, and all muffins are baked fresh daily until sold out.
11. Old Punggol Satay (#01-52)
This traditional satay stall offers well-marinated meats grilled to perfection with slight charring for optimal texture. Their thick, non-watery peanut sauce is enhanced with fresh pineapple puree, creating the perfect dip for tender Chicken, Pork, and Mutton Satay (all $0.60 per stick). The Ketupat (compressed rice) maintains traditional preparation wrapped in fragrant leaves rather than modern plastic wrappers.
12. Lau Phua Chay Authentic Roasted Delicacies (#01-20)
Famous for their distinctive black char siew, this Teochew-style stall uses caramelized bean paste and malt sugar to create their signature dark glaze. The Duck Rice ($4-5) features tender, succulent duck with crispy skin, while their Char Siew with Roasted Pork Rice ($4) showcases thick-cut char siew with perfect meat-to-fat ratio. The sweet, smoky black sauce pairs exceptionally well with plain rice.
13. Premium Hor Fun (#01-78)
Specializing in wok hei-infused rice noodles, this stall delivers excellent value at $5.50 per dish. Their Beef Hor Fun features silky, lightly charred noodles with tender beef slices in velvety, peppery egg gravy. The Mixed Hor Fun includes prawns, fish, and pork, while maintaining the essential smoky flavor that makes hor fun irresistible.
14. GreenGrass Garden (#01-73)
Focused exclusively on desserts and beverages, this stall excels in traditional treats with modern variations. Their Grass Jelly offers cooling relief with soft, slightly bitter jelly paired with sweet syrup, while the Beancurd (Tau Huay) provides silky protein-rich comfort. Modern drinks include Oreo Soyamilk, Taro Milk Tea, and Chendol Drinks that transform the classic Southeast Asian dessert into beverage form.
15. Wei Min The Famous Wanton Noodle (#01-37)
This modern wanton mee stall avoids common pitfalls of overly alkaline noodles and dry char siew. Their Char Siew Wanton Noodles ($4.50) feature springy noodles in umami-rich shallot oil with light soy sauce, complemented by honey-tender char siew and meaty wantons in peppery soup. The Curry Fried Chicken Cutlet Hor Fun ($5.50) offers fusion flavors with creamy curry gravy and crispy chicken cutlet.
16. Dover Road Kai Kee Wanton Noodles (#01-09)
With over 30 years of experience, this stall maintains old-school authenticity and pricing. Their traditional Wanton Mee starts from just $2.50, featuring nostalgic flavors that transport diners back to simpler times. The generous portions and classic preparation methods make this a comfort food destination for those seeking authentic hawker heritage.
Whether you're discovering Singapore through our expertly guided walking tours or exploring independently, Alexandra Village Food Centre represents the authentic heart of Singapore's culinary landscape. Each stall tells a unique story of tradition, innovation, and passion, creating a dining experience that goes far beyond mere sustenance. From Michelin-starred excellence to family recipes passed down through generations, this remarkable food centre continues to evolve while preserving the authentic flavors that make Singapore's hawker culture truly special.
The recent renovations have enhanced the dining environment without compromising the authentic hawker experience, making it more comfortable for both locals and visitors to enjoy these exceptional culinary offerings. As you plan your next food adventure in Singapore, Alexandra Village Food Centre stands ready to surprise and delight with its incredible diversity of flavors, representing the very best of what makes Singapore's food scene internationally renowned.
