Tucked inside the heart of Chinatown, Chinatown Complex Market & Hawker Centre is Singapore’s largest hawker hub, home to over 260 stalls. This food paradise pulses with culinary legacy—from humble family businesses to stalls that once held Michelin stars. Here’s a carefully selected list of 10 standout stalls you shouldn’t miss, each offering a snapshot of Singapore’s food heritage.
1. Liao Fan Hawker Chan
Unit: #02-126
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Once the world’s first hawker to earn a Michelin star, this stall continues to draw queues for its signature Soya Sauce Chicken Rice. Chef Chan’s dish offers moist, tender chicken glazed in a fragrant soy sauce with subtle notes of Shaoxing wine. Though the brand has expanded, the original stall delivers a depth of flavor that remains unmatched. Their Char Siew also deserves attention for its smokiness and perfectly caramelized edges.
2. Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice
Unit: #02-198/199
Opening Hours: 3 PM – 9 PM (Closed on Mondays and Thursdays)
This Michelin Bib Gourmand stall cooks each claypot dish from scratch over charcoal, lending it the coveted wok hei aroma. Their Mixed Claypot Rice with chicken, Chinese sausage, and salted fish arrives sizzling, with a crispy layer of scorched rice at the bottom. Expect a wait of at least 30 minutes—but every bite justifies the time. Double-boiled soups are also available as comforting add-ons.
3. Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Unit: #02-135
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Handmade noodles and soup dumplings steal the show at this Northern Chinese stall. Their Xiao Long Bao feature paper-thin skins packed with juicy pork and hot broth, rivaling those from upscale restaurants. Szechuan Spicy Wantons drenched in vinegar and chili oil are another standout. Run by a husband-wife team, everything is made fresh throughout the day.
4. Ann Chin Popiah
Unit: #02-112
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 7 PM
This family-run business has been making traditional popiah since the 1950s, rolling each one by hand. Their Popiah wraps cooked turnip, egg, shrimp, sweet sauce, and crispy bits in a delicate skin made from scratch. The blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements makes this a textural masterpiece. They also serve local snacks like Kueh Pie Tee and Yam Rolls.
5. Xiu Ji Ikan Bilis Yong Tau Fu
Unit: #02-88
Opening Hours: 5 AM – 1:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Expect a snaking queue for this well-loved Yong Tau Fu, served in a clear broth made from ikan bilis and fish bones. Each bowl includes a balanced mix of handmade items—stuffed tofu, tau pok, and beancurd rolls. The final touch is a generous topping of fried ikan bilis that adds saltiness and crunch. With over 30 years of history, the stall remains a firm favorite.
6. Heng Ji Chicken Rice
Unit: #02-131
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 7 PM (Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays)
Operating for more than six decades, Heng Ji offers only one dish: Poached Chicken Rice. The chicken is gently cooked for tenderness, laid over fragrant rice, and drizzled with light soy sauce. Its simplicity is its charm, delivering a comforting meal that harks back to old Singapore. Longtime regulars swear by its nostalgic appeal.
7. Fatty Ox Hong Kong Roast
Unit: #02-84
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Hidden in a quieter corner, this stall is run by a Hong Kong chef who’s been perfecting roast meats since the 1980s. The Beef Brisket Noodles are tender, deeply flavored, and paired with chewy egg noodles. Their Soya Sauce Chicken features a topping of ginger-scallion oil that ties it all together. Though they offer char siew and roast duck too, the brisket is the standout.
8. Hong Kong Mong Kok Tim Sum
Unit: #02-97
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
With only six items on the menu, this stall focuses on quality over quantity. The Char Siew Bao is soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet, juicy pork. Their Char Siew Rice Flour Roll is another favorite, boasting silky chee cheong fun and a generous filling. Made fresh daily by a former restaurant chef, items tend to sell out before closing.
9. Old Amoy Chendol
Unit: #02-08
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 6 PM
Dedicated to one dessert, this stall offers a Chendol crafted with care and heritage. Each bowl contains hand-pressed pandan jelly, fresh coconut milk, and Sarawak-sourced gula melaka. Inspired by the owner’s grandfather’s pushcart days, every component is made in-house. It’s cold, aromatic, and perfectly balanced—ideal for Singapore’s heat.
10. Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck & Kway Chap
Unit: #02-156
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Mondays and Fridays)
This stall adds creativity to tradition with modern bento-style duck rice sets. Think yam rice balls, Japanese-style soft egg, and tender braised duck—all plated thoughtfully. They also serve the classic Teochew Kway Chap, complete with pig offal and silky rice sheets. Run by a second-generation hawker, it’s a fresh take without losing its roots.
How to Get to Chinatown Complex Market & Hawker Centre
Address: 335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335
By MRT:
Take the Downtown Line (Blue) or North East Line (Purple) to Chinatown MRT Station (NE4/DT19).
Use Exit A, walk along Pagoda Street, and turn left at Smith Street.
The hawker centre is located within the Chinatown Complex Building, just a 5-minute walk away.
By Bus:
Buses 2, 12, 33, 143, 147, 190, 851, and 961 stop nearby.
Alight at New Bridge Road or Eu Tong Sen Street, and walk toward Smith Street.
By Car:
Limited parking is available at Chinatown Complex. Nearby public car parks along Temple Street and Mosque Street are also options.
Chinatown Complex is more than just a place to eat—it’s a journey through Singapore’s food heritage. Each stall on this list represents a unique flavor, tradition, and story worth tasting.
