A vibrant display of Singaporean Chinatown’s culinary delights, inviting you to explore the diverse food scene.
Singapore’s hawker centers are globally renowned as culinary hotspots, offering an unparalleled variety of delicious and affordable food. If you’re seeking an authentic taste of Singaporean cuisine, look no further than a hawker center. Within these bustling food havens, you’ll discover a melting pot of flavors, from Chinese and Malay to Indian and fusion dishes, ensuring there’s something to tantalize every palate. For a truly immersive experience, dive into the heart of it all: Chinatown.
My Chinatown Food adventure began at Amoy Street Food Centre, a legendary spot where the aromas alone are enough to ignite your appetite. I indulged in the local favorites, starting with fried carrot cake – a savory revelation of crispy and fluffy radish and egg, far removed from its sweet dessert namesake. Next, I savored nasi sambal goreng, a symphony of flavors featuring fish curry, fried chicken, petite potato cakes, and a sweet-spicy sambal, all harmoniously combined with rice. The highlight, however, was the truffle char siu noodles. Yes, truffle and char siu – an unexpected yet divine combination that elevated the familiar flavors to new heights. This wasn’t just food; it was a culinary experience. It’s crucial to note that “carrot cake” here is a misnomer; it’s a savory dish of fried radish and egg, available in both dark (sweet soy sauce) and light versions, both equally delicious and iconic street food staples.
A food expert, Marion Grasby, showcasing the diverse and tempting array of dishes available at Amoy Street Food Centre in Singapore’s Chinatown.
A feast of curry puffs, savory carrot cake, and truffle char siu noodles awaits at Amoy Street Food Centre, a true testament to Chinatown food diversity.
And how could I forget the curry puffs? J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff stall, nestled within Amoy Street Food Centre, has achieved legendary status in Singapore, even earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. They meticulously handcraft 500 puffs daily, and they disappear quickly, a testament to their irresistible appeal.
Artisan curry puff making in action at J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puffs, Amoy Street Food Centre, highlighting the handcrafted approach to this Chinatown food favorite.
These aren’t just any curry puffs; they are masterpieces of flaky, crispy, melt-in-your-mouth pastry. For the adventurous, the sardine puffs are a must-try. For classic comfort, the curried potato is perfect. Sweet cravings? Opt for the taro. And for a peppery kick, the black pepper chicken is exceptional. The best strategy? Try them all!
Amoy Street Food Center, 7 Maxwell Road
Mid-Morning Chinatown Food Exploration: Beyond Hawker Centers
Wandering through Singapore’s Chinatown reveals a captivating blend of old and new. Colorful, historic shophouses, once the heart of traditional businesses, have been revitalized into trendy bars and restaurants, adding a layer of modern vibrancy to the area’s rich heritage. This repurposing creates a unique atmosphere, distinctly Singaporean. While the shophouses are expected in Chinatown, stumbling upon exceptional Israeli food might be a delightful surprise. Singapore’s cosmopolitan nature allows for such unexpected culinary gems to flourish, and Miznon is a prime example.
A tantalizing close-up of a falafel pita from Miznon in Singapore, showcasing the global culinary influences found within Chinatown food scene.
Rain or shine, Miznon’s pita sandwiches are a Chinatown food experience not to be missed, offering a taste of Middle Eastern flavors in Singapore.
Miznon, helmed by renowned chef Eyal Shani, famed for popularizing whole roast cauliflower, was my next stop. The place was buzzing with office workers, a testament to its lunchtime popularity. I grabbed a falafel pita and enjoyed it al fresco, even as a gentle rain began to fall. The sandwich was so incredibly delicious that the weather was a mere detail.
Originally intending for a coffee break at Loulou, my plans delightfully detoured into an impromptu wine tasting. Lost in admiring Singapore’s stunning architecture, I inadvertently ordered wine instead of coffee. It was a happy accident, and perfectly acceptable even before lunchtime, especially when surrounded by the charm of Chinatown.
Miznon, 6 Stanley Street; Loulou, 6 Keong Saik Rd
Xiao Ya Tou: A Modern Twist on Chinatown Food Traditions
Food enthusiast, Marion Grasby, enjoying a flavorful bowl of Hokkien Mee at Xiao Ya Tou, a restaurant known for its innovative Chinatown food offerings.
Discovering Xiao Ya Tou, a new favorite in Singapore’s Chinatown, where culinary boundaries are delightfully pushed and redefined.
Xiao Ya Tou, located in Duxton Hill, an area steeped in history as a former hub of opium dens and gambling houses, is a restaurant that resonates with my love for culinary rule-bending. “Xiao Ya Tou” translates to ‘Little Rebel,’ and the restaurant embodies this spirit perfectly. The décor is intentionally kitschy-cool, a far cry from the ordinary. Their adventurous drinks menu, featuring concoctions like cold, milky Milo blended with vodka, whisky, and chocolate liqueur, immediately won me over.
An overhead close-up of Lobster Kueh Pie Tee at Xiao Ya Tou in Duxton Hill, Singapore, highlighting the creative and modern take on Chinatown food.
Lobster kueh pie tee, a luxurious and innovative Chinatown food creation, blending traditional Nonya snack with Japanese-style lobster.
The lobster kueh pie tee is a standout dish, a creative take on the traditional Nonya snack. Crisp pastry shells are filled with a rich, Japanese-inspired lobster mixture – simply divine. Their hokkien mee, featuring non-traditional pancetta and octopus, is another example of their playful approach to cuisine. Xiao Ya Tou has quickly become a must-visit for me in Singapore. The care in cooking and the fun, vibrant atmosphere are irresistible.
Xiao Ya Tou, 6 Duxton Hill
Tong Heng: A Taste of Chinatown Food Heritage
A customer purchasing traditional pastries at Tong Heng in Singapore, showcasing the enduring heritage of Chinatown food businesses.
Tong Heng, established in 1935 and now run by fourth-generation owners, represents the enduring traditions of Chinatown food. This longevity and family legacy are truly admirable. They are celebrated for their diamond-shaped coconut egg tarts, and all their pastries, remarkably dairy-free, are exceptional.
Freshly baked egg custard tarts emerging from the oven at Tong Heng Traditional Cantonese Pastries, promising the warmth and delight of authentic Chinatown food.
Warm and wobbly egg custard tarts from Tong Heng, considered by locals to be the best egg custard tarts in Singapore and a must-try Chinatown food.
Locals often proclaim Tong Heng’s egg tarts as the best in Singapore. If you’re lucky enough to visit when they’re fresh from the oven, the experience is sublime. The coconut version is smooth, silky, decadent, and incredibly flavorful. Their dedication to quality is evident in their practice of hand-grating fresh coconut for the filling. Tong Heng is an essential stop for anyone exploring Chinatown food.
Tong Heng Traditional Cantonese Pastries, 285 South Bridge Rd
Spring Court: Singaporean Chinese Cuisine in Chinatown
Time for a lazy susan feast at Spring Court! Considered Singapore’s oldest family-owned Chinese restaurant, Spring Court specializes in Singaporean Chinese cuisine – dishes uniquely found within this city. Their signature yam ring is a culinary spectacle: a plate-sized, crispy-fluffy fried yam basket overflowing with a mixed vegetable, prawn, and cashew filling. It’s an architectural marvel of food, and a new favorite of mine.
Marion Grasby holding up a massive crab claw at Spring Court, emphasizing the generous portions and fresh seafood in Chinatown food.
Giant crab claws at Spring Court, a testament to the restaurant’s generous seafood offerings and a highlight of Chinatown food experiences.
Chilli crab is a Singaporean staple, and Spring Court’s rendition, served in a claypot with a less sweet sauce than commonly found, is a standout. The crab claws, impressively large, made the dish incredibly satisfying and flavorful. Their Peking duck is another highlight, expertly prepared with perfectly crispy skin, served with soft pancakes, followed by a separate course using the rest of the duck.
Spring Court, 52-56 Upper Cross Street
Kok Sen Restaurant: Authentic Zi Char in Chinatown
Marion Grasby surrounded by a variety of Zi Char dishes at Kok Sen Restaurant, illustrating the comforting and homely style of Chinatown food.
No Chinatown food tour is complete without experiencing a zi char restaurant. These eateries offer comforting, home-style cooking in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Kok Sen Restaurant, a third-generation family business, is an iconic example. Choosing what to order is always a challenge, as every dish is consistently delicious.
Close-up of crispy chicken skin, stuffed with squid and prawn, at Kok Sen Restaurant, showcasing the intricate and flavorful details of Chinatown food.
Crispy chicken skin stuffed with squid and prawn at Kok Sen, a must-try Zi Char dish that exemplifies the comforting and innovative nature of Chinatown food.
The prawn hor fun, brimming with wok-hei infused noodles and a rich, prawn gravy, is a must-order. Other tempting dishes include pork ribs with bitter gourd in black bean sauce, golden dragon chicken (crispy chicken skin with prawn and squid), claypot frog in kung pao sauce, and poached Chinese spinach. The sheer variety and enticing aromas make Kok Sen an unforgettable Chinatown food destination.
Kok Sen Restaurant, 4 Keong Saik Road
Sweet Endings and Nightcaps in Chinatown
Marion Grasby enjoying durian-themed treats at 99 Old Trees Durian Cafe in Singapore’s Chinatown, embracing the unique flavors of Chinatown food.
Durian, the king of fruits, had to be part of my Chinatown experience. While I’m not the biggest durian devotee, 99 Old Trees Durian Cafe offered a delightful and Instagrammable introduction to durian-themed desserts. The Stinky Bomb, a choux pastry puff with durian cream, and the Stinky Roll, a durian-infused Swiss roll, were surprisingly enjoyable. 99 Old Trees sources fresh Malaysian durians, ensuring top quality.
99 Old Trees Durian Cafe, 1 Teo Hong Road
The exterior of Potato Head bar in Singapore at night, inviting visitors to unwind and enjoy the nightlife after a day of exploring Chinatown food.
Ending the Chinatown food journey with nightcaps at Potato Head, a rooftop bar offering tiki-themed cocktails and stunning views, perfect for reflecting on the day’s culinary adventures.
To cap off my Chinatown food adventure, I headed to the rooftop bar at Potato Head. This Art Deco gem on the edge of Chinatown offers twinkling lights, tropical music, sunset views, and stylish crowds. Their tiki-themed cocktails are the perfect way to conclude a day of feasting. The ‘Zombie #36’ was my choice – a potent mix of rum, absinthe, lime, and passionfruit. What could be better after a day of exploring Chinatown food? Nothing, indeed.
The Rooftop Bar, Potato Head Singapore, 36 Keong Said Road
My Chinatown food journey was complete. Singapore’s Chinatown is a captivating blend of culinary traditions and innovations, offering a taste of both the old and new. It’s a culinary landscape I eagerly anticipate returning to soon.
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