Tucked inside Hougang’s Ci Yuan Community Club, Ci Yuan Hawker Centre stands out with a rare mix of quality, variety, and affordability. With about 40 stalls and live music on select evenings, it balances traditional comfort food with inventive street eats. For those scanning rows of stalls unsure of what to eat, here are 10 worth your attention, each bringing a distinctive flavor to the table.
1. Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang
Unit: #01-40
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 4:30 AM
This Michelin-recommended stall blends fragrant coconut rice with the robust, spicy punch of Ayam Taliwang, a Lombok-style grilled chicken. The smoky, fiery seasoning of the meat pairs well with the cool creaminess of the rice, making it more than just another nasi lemak plate. For hearty appetites, the Jumbo Set delivers a complete, satisfying combo.
2. HK Wanton Noodle
Unit: #01-06
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 10 PM
Run by Malaysian-born owners, this stall brings authentic wanton mee to Hougang. Their signature noodles are springy and paired with fall-off-the-bone pork ribs that have drawn a loyal following. Expect a clean broth, juicy wantons, and a nostalgic taste of across-the-border flavors.
3. Munchi Pancakes
Unit: #01-39
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 2 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Munchi puts a creative twist on the traditional min jiang kueh with thick, fluffy pancakes loaded with fillings. Go classic with peanut or red bean, or stretch your curiosity with Biscoff, Oreo Cheese, or Strawberry Cheese. Each pancake is round, soft, and stacked with flavor from edge to edge.
4. Yi Mee Hoon Kueh
Unit: #01-08
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 3 PM, 4:30 PM – 9 PM
Handmade noodles are the centerpiece here, offering comfort with every bite. Their mee hoon kueh is chewy, irregularly shaped, and served in a hot, savory broth that warms on a rainy day. The soup base holds depth without overpowering the handmade textures of the noodles.
5. Fatty Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle
Unit: #01-16
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 9.30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Carrying the legacy of Simon Road Hokkien Mee, this stall serves wok hei-infused noodles with a robust seafood aroma. Expect rich prawn stock soaked into slippery yellow noodles and bee hoon, topped with pork belly, squid, and prawns. The smoky edge lingers in every bite.
6. Leo Satay
Unit: #01-31
Opening Hours: 3 PM – 10 PM (Tuesdays – Fridays), 12 PM – 10 PM (Saturdays and Sundays) (Closed on Mondays)
For satay fans, Leo Satay dishes out skewers grilled over open flames, locking in a sweet-savory glaze. Chicken and pork satay both come with a smoky char and a soft interior. The standard combo comes with five sticks and a ketupat, offering excellent value without sacrificing quality.
7. Hong Kong Cheong Fun Sha Tin Chicken Porridge
Unit: #01-30
Opening Hours: 7:45 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
This stall shines with fresh rice rolls, made to order, that glide smoothly across the tongue. Chee cheong fun here comes filled with ingredients like char siew or prawns and is topped with soy or chili sauce. The accompanying porridge offers a soothing contrast—gentle, thick, and full of comfort.
8. Daun Pisang
Unit: #01-41
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Daun Pisang caters to fans of Nasi Padang with sets loaded with sambal goreng, serunding, and bergedil. Choose from proteins like fried chicken wing or mutton rendang. Each plate feels homely and unpretentious, with flavors that balance spice, richness, and texture.
9. Teochew Fish Soup
Unit: #01-15
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Fresh Batang slices steal the show here, served in a clear broth that’s light yet savory. The stall skips opening if the fish doesn’t meet the owner’s strict quality expectations, ensuring consistency. Each bowl highlights the natural sweetness of the fish, with minimal seasoning masking the core flavors.
10. Man Man Chi
Unit: #01-38
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 2 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Started by Mr. Cheah Kok Hean using recipes from his hometown of Ipoh, this stall crafts heritage snacks with care. The curry chwee kueh fuses steamed rice cakes with bold, spiced gravy, offering a new take on a familiar format. The glutinous rice, filled with mushrooms and chai poh, brings an earthy, umami profile to the table.
How to Get to Ci Yuan Hawker Centre
Address: Ci Yuan Community Club, 51 Hougang Ave 9, Singapore 538776
By MRT:
Alight at Hougang MRT Station (NE14) on the North-East Line.
From there, take Bus 109 or 161, and alight 2 stops later at Hougang Avenue 9 (Ci Yuan CC Stop).
Walk about 2 minutes to the hawker centre.
By Bus:
Buses that stop nearby include 72, 109, 116, 161, 325.
By Car:
Parking is available at the community club’s multi-storey car park (entrance from Hougang Avenue 9).
Ci Yuan Hawker Centre strikes a balance between classic comfort food and updated takes that keep things exciting. For residents and food chasers alike, these 10 stalls offer a strong reason to pass through Hougang hungry.
