Photo Credits to The New Paper
Chinatown Complex, located in the heart of Singapore’s bustling Chinatown, is a haven for food lovers. As the largest hawker centre in Singapore, it boasts over 260 food stalls, offering a dizzying array of local delicacies. With such a vast selection, it can be challenging to decide where to start. To help you navigate this culinary wonderland, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 must-try hawker stalls in Chinatown Complex. These stalls represent the best of Singapore’s vibrant street food culture, ensuring you get a taste of the island’s rich gastronomic heritage. Get a chance to taste some of our local delicacies while learning about Chinatown and the famous food dishes found here by joining our Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour and our award winning Singapore Street Food and Night Tour!
Photo Credits to Hungry Go Where
1. Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice (联合本记煲饭)
Address: 335 Smith St, #02-198/199, Singapore 050335 The Essence of Traditional Claypot Rice
Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice is a legend in its own right. This stall has been serving delectable claypot rice for many decades, earning a loyal following among locals and tourists alike. Each pot is cooked over a charcoal fire, imparting a distinct smoky flavour that is simply irresistible. The Signature Claypot Rice is a must-try. It’s a delightful mix of marinated chicken, Chinese sausage, salted fish and perfectly cooked rice, all topped with fragrant scallions and a dash of dark soy sauce. The crispy bits of rice at the bottom of the pot, known as "socarrat," add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Insider Tip
Be prepared for a wait, as the stall is incredibly popular. To avoid long queues, try visiting during off-peak hours. Whatever it is, the wait is definitely worth it!
Photo Credits to Pinterest
2. Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle (香港油鸡饭面)
Address: (Michelin Star Awarded Stall) 335 Smith Street #02-126 Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre, Singapore 050335 (Michelin Bib Gourmand . 2019 . 2021) 78 Smith Street, Singapore 058972
Michelin-Starred Excellence
Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle is not just any hawker stall—it’s a Michelin-starred marvel. Helmed by Chef Chan Hon Meng, this stall has gained international acclaim for its mouth-watering soya sauce chicken. The Soya Sauce Chicken Rice is the star of the show. Tender, juicy chicken is braised to perfection in a savory soya sauce blend, served over a bed of fragrant rice. Pair it with the stall’s special chili sauce for an extra kick.
Insider Tip
Despite its fame, the prices remain incredibly affordable, making it a must-visit for budget-conscious foodies.
Photo Credits to Hungry Go Where
3. Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao (中国拉面小笼包)
Address: 335 Smith Street, #02-135, Singapore 050335
A Taste of Northern China
For a taste of authentic Northern Chinese cuisine, head to Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao. This stall specializes in handmade noodles and soup dumplings, offering a delightful contrast to the predominantly Cantonese flavors in Chinatown Complex. The Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) are a crowd favorite. Each dumpling is filled with flavorful pork and a rich, savory broth, bursting with umami. The La Mian (hand-pulled noodles) in beef broth is another must-try, featuring springy noodles and tender beef in a hearty, aromatic broth.
Insider Tip
Pair your meal with a side of their tangy vinegar and ginger dip to enhance the flavors of the dumplings.
Photo Credits to Tripadvisor
4. Fatty Ox Hong Kong Roast (肥仔烧腊)
Address: 335 Smith Street, #02-84, Singapore 050335
Cantonese Roast Meats at Their Best
Fatty Ox Hong Kong Roast is renowned for its succulent roast meats, a staple of Cantonese cuisine. The stall’s offerings are prepared with precision, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The Roast Duck is a standout, featuring crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. The Char Siew (barbecued pork) is another highlight, boasting a sweet, caramelized exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Insider Tip
Opt for a mixed platter to sample a variety of roast meats, and don’t forget to add a side of their fragrant rice or noodles.
5. Tian Tian Porridge (天天粥品)
Address: (Closed in 2022)
Comfort Food at Its Finest
Tian Tian Porridge is the go-to stall for comforting, homestyle porridge. This humble dish, known as congee, is elevated to new heights with the stall’s meticulous preparation and quality ingredients. The Century Egg Porridge is a classic choice, featuring creamy congee infused with the unique flavor of century egg and garnished with fresh scallions and crispy fried shallots. For something heartier, try the Fish Slice Porridge, packed with tender fish slices and a rich, savory broth.
Insider Tip
Add a dash of white pepper and a drizzle of sesame oil to your porridge for an extra layer of flavor.
Photo Credits to Klook
6. Ann Chin Popiah (安珍薄饼)
Address: 335 Smith Street, #02-112, Singapore 050335
The Art of Traditional Popiah
Ann Chin Popiah has been delighting customers with its traditional popiah since the 1950s. This stall is a beloved institution in Chinatown Complex, known for its fresh, hand-rolled popiah, a type of fresh spring roll packed with a medley of ingredients. The Popiah is a must-try here. Each roll is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring a delicate popiah skin wrapped around a filling of julienned vegetables, boiled egg, shrimp, and sweet sauce, all topped with a sprinkle of crispy bits.
Insider Tip
Try customizing your popiah with additional ingredients such as crab meat or extra chili for a personalized touch.
Photo Credits to Tripadvisor
7. Monan Pork Soup (莫南猪肉汤)
Address: 335 Smith Street, #02-137, Singapore 050335
A Bowl of Comfort
Monan Pork Soup is famous for its hearty and comforting pork soup dishes. The stall uses quality ingredients to ensure each bowl is rich in flavor and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect meal for those seeking comfort food. The Pork Rib Soup is the star attraction here. It features tender pork ribs simmered to perfection in a robust, savory broth, accompanied by vegetables and tofu. The Minced Meat Soup is another popular choice, known for its flavorful, clear broth and generous servings of minced pork.
Insider Tip
Add a side of steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious broth and complete your meal.
Photo Credits to WhyQ
8. Xiu Ji Ikan Bilis Yong Tau Foo (秀记江鱼仔酿豆腐)
Address: 335 Smith Street, #02-88, Singapore 050335
A Healthy and Flavorful Choice
Xiu Ji Ikan Bilis Yong Tau Foo offers a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional hawker fare. This stall specializes in yong tau foo, a Hakka Chinese dish consisting of tofu and vegetables stuffed with fish paste and served in a light, flavorful broth. The Signature Yong Tau Foo is a must-try. It includes a variety of stuffed tofu, bitter gourd, and eggplant, all served in a savory ikan bilis (anchovy) broth. The addition of ikan bilis adds a unique depth of flavor, setting this stall apart from others.
Insider Tip
Customize your bowl with your favorite ingredients and pair it with their homemade chili sauce for an extra kick.
Photo Credits to Hungry Go Where
9. Jin Ji Braised Duck (金记卤鸭)
Address: 335 Smith Street, #02-156, Singapore 050335
A Masterclass in Braised Duck
Jin Ji Braised Duck is renowned for its perfectly braised duck dishes. The stall’s secret lies in its rich, aromatic gravy and the meticulous preparation process, which ensures that every bite of duck is tender and flavorful. The Braised Duck Rice is a standout. It features succulent slices of braised duck served over a bed of fragrant rice, topped with a generous ladle of the stall’s signature gravy. The Braised Duck Noodles are equally delicious, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Insider Tip
Don’t miss out on their unique Duck Rice Bento, which comes with a soft-boiled egg and a side of braised tofu and peanuts.
Photo Credits to Tripadvisor
10. Old Amoy Chendol (老厦门煎蕊)
Address: 335 Smith Street, #02-008, Singapore 050335
A Sweet Ending
Old Amoy Chendol is the perfect place to end your culinary journey with a sweet treat. This stall specializes in chendol, a traditional Southeast Asian dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk, gula melaka (palm sugar), and green rice flour jelly. The Classic Chendol is a must-try, featuring a generous serving of smooth, creamy coconut milk and rich gula melaka, all topped with soft, chewy green jelly. For a more indulgent option, try the Durian Chendol, which adds a dollop of fresh durian to the mix.
Insider Tip
Add extra gula melaka for a sweeter treat, and enjoy your chendol while it’s still icy cold for the best experience.
Chinatown Complex is Definitely a Must-Visit Destination for Food in Singapore!
Chinatown Complex is a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering a taste of Singapore’s diverse food culture. From traditional claypot rice to Michelin-starred soya sauce chicken, each of these hawker stalls promises a memorable dining experience. So grab your chopsticks and embark on a gastronomic adventure through the heart of Chinatown. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these must-try stalls will leave you craving for more.
Join our FREE Chinatown walking tour or Michelin & Local Hawker Food Tour which will all be near the vicinity of Chinatown Complex!
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