5 Underrated hawker centres to check out
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- June 14, 2021
Even though dining-in will resume from 21 June onwards, it looks like the “dapao life” is becoming the new normal.
The citizen-led efforts that sprung forth during last year’s Circuit Breaker, which carried on into Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), are a testament to the importance of Singapore’s hawker culture. We have local initiatives like Hawkers United – Dabao 2020, @wheretodapao, and a Google Maps layer showing the locations of digitally disadvantaged hawker stalls, to thank. Even so, many more of our beloved hawkers could use some extra love and support during this trying period. Why not try something new aside from your usual popular haunts?
There are plenty of underrated hawker centres out there you’re probably not familiar with (unless you live in the area). It’s time to take a trip down to these lesser-known spots!
Bukit Merah View Market & Hawker Centre
Image: Choo Yut Shing/Flickr
Even though it is often overshadowed by its better-known Redhill counterparts ABC Brickworks and Alexandra Village Food Centre, Bukit Merah View Hawker Centre is home to some incredibly popular hawker stalls.
The lack of MRT stations in the vicinity could explain why it is also frequented by taxi drivers, who are arguably Singapore’s most trustworthy food critics.
Brave the lunchtime crowds all jostling for a taste of traditional carrot cake from Bukit Merah View Carrot Cake, authentic Thai cuisine from Sisaket Thai, and halal char kway teow from 786 Char Kway Teow.
Two stalls have been featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand list — Chai Chuan Tou Yang Rou Tang and Na Na Homemade Curry. There are even four wanton noodle stalls, each with its own dedicated group of loyal customers, that’ll leave you spoilt for choice. Need I say more?
Address:
Bukit Merah View Market & Hawker Centre
115 Bukit Merah View, Singapore 151115
Chong Boon Market & Food Centre
Image: Facebook
Situated in one of Singapore’s largest neighbourhoods, Ang Mo Kio, is Chong Boon Market & Food Centre. Its accessibility and variety make it a go-to spot for residents to settle breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Although little has been covered about the hawker centre itself, several stalls have received extensive social media coverage, resulting in a boom in popularity.
You won’t go wrong with Teochew-style bak kut teh from Seng Kee Bak Kut Teh, lor mee from Ang Mo Kio Loh Mee Laksa, and mee rebus with special satay sauce from Rahim Muslim Food that’ll have you saying ‘sedap gila!’ (‘crazy delicious’ in Malay).
Can’t decide? It’s best to turn to Ang Mo Kio residents for recommendations.
Address:
Chong Boon Market & Food Centre
453A Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, Singapore 561453
Empress Road Market & Food Centre
Image: Facebook
Empress Road Market & Food Centre is one of the smallest and easily overlooked hawker centres out there, given its unassuming location along Farrer Road. However, don’t disregard this hidden gem, for it plays host to a diverse selection of affordably priced hawker food.
Must-haves include char siew and wanton mee from the popular Ah Wing’s Wanton Mee, chye poh hor fun from POH, and the uncommonly found stewed duck from Soh Food Stewed Duck.
Furthermore, kitchen enthusiasts and seasoned cooks are bound to get excited at the excellent variety of ethnic produce available in the wet market.
Address:
Empress Road Market & Food Centre
Empress Rd, Singapore 260007
Sembawang Hills Food Centre
Image: Facebook
The next time you’re in Upper Thomson, take a break from the usual trendy cafes and make a beeline for Serangoon Hills Food Centre. Despite being in an area populated by dozens of different food & beverage concepts, this cosy hawker centre still manages to dazzle with its hearty and homely offerings.
Almost every classic hawker dish imaginable can be found here, so don’t worry about satisfying those highly specific cravings of yours.
Highlights include braised duck from Seng Huat Duck Rice, ‘healthier’ char kway teow from Lai Huat Char Kway Teow, and pig’s trotters from Jia Jia Xing Pig’s Organ Soup. There are also a bunch of popular snack stalls selling curry puffs, popiah, and old-school bread.
Address:
Sembawang Hills Food Centre
590 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574419
Telok Blangah Crescent Market And Food Centre
Image: @rovinglight/Instagram
Telok Blangah may not be a foodie hotspot, but that should not deter you from visiting Telok Blangah Crescent Food Centre. Though relatively under the radar, this hawker centre has its fair share of popular stalls that draw snaking queues during peak periods.
Take your pick from comforting classics like vegetarian bee hoon from Su Yuan Vegetarian, Indian Mee Goreng from NM Hussain Mee Goreng Stall, and mee hoon kway from Masterchef Singapore alumni Aaron Wong’s Jiak Song Mee Hoon Kway.
A large variety of delectable hawker food at affordable price points — what’s not to like?
Address:
Telok Blangah Crescent Market And Food Centre
11 Telok Blangah Cres, Singapore 090011
Feature image from Unsplash
