Sembawang Hills Food Centre sits quietly along Upper Thomson Road, but its unassuming façade hides a cluster of stalls that have earned devoted followings. Whether you’re in the mood for a nostalgic breakfast, a quick lunch, or a flavorful snack, this place delivers. Here are 10 standout stalls you shouldn’t miss.
1. Seng Huat Duck Rice
Unit: #01-07
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 1 PM (Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays)
Seng Huat Duck Rice serves Teochew-style braised duck that’s tender, flavorful, and served with either rice or porridge. The sauce is lighter than typical braised gravies but packed with herbal richness. Each set includes a bowl of savory soup with unlimited refills and a floral plate presentation. Their homemade chili adds a sweet, spicy contrast that complements the dish.
2. Jing Ji Fishball Noodle
Unit: #01-23
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 1 PM (Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays)
This second-generation stall specializes in dry mee pok tossed with a house-made blend of chili, vinegar, and tomato. Fishballs, fishcakes, and pork liver are served separately in a bowl of light, porky soup. The noodles are springy, topped with crispy pork lard for crunch and depth. With over 70 years of heritage, this stall delivers classic flavors that remain relevant.
3. Jia Jia Xing Pig’s Organ Soup
Unit: #01-10
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 7:30 PM
Run by a single auntie, this stall serves a comforting bowl of Pig’s Organ Soup filled with tender slices of meat, tofu, stomach, and liver. The broth is delicate, with a gentle saltiness from preserved vegetables rather than a peppery kick. Braised Pig’s Trotter is a side highlight, cooked till fork-tender and glazed in a mildly sweet sauce. Traditional porcelain bowls add to its charm.
4. Sin Hoe Huat Cafe
Unit: #01-01
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 1 PM (Closed on Mondays)
A true institution, Sin Hoe Huat Cafe has been serving the perfect traditional Singaporean breakfast since 1968. This family-run stall, now in its third generation, is the heart of the food centre in the mornings. Their signature Emperor Bun Set features a crispy yet fluffy round bun spread with homemade kaya and butter. The sous vide soft-boiled eggs offer a firm, plump texture, paired with strong kopi for a deeply satisfying start to the day.
5. Yummy Noodle House
Unit: #01-08
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 3 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Curry Meatball Noodle stands out with its laksa-like gravy that’s creamy and fragrant. Meatballs are soft, juicy, and soak up the broth perfectly. Their sambal belacan is punchy and pairs well with everything on the menu. Wanton noodles are also available with springy noodles, though the char siew is less consistent.
6. Ming Ji Clam Prawn Mee
Unit: #01-05
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 1 PM
This stall adds razor clams to the traditional prawn noodle bowl, offering a new take on a familiar favorite. The soup is mild and clear, with prawns conveniently deshelled for easier eating. Lean pork, fishcake, and juicy clams round out the ingredients. Run by an elderly couple, this stall operates sporadically and sells out quickly.
7. Lai Heng Char Kway Teow
Unit: #01-15
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM
Lai Heng delivers a moist, satisfying char kway teow with a good egg-to-noodle ratio. What makes it special is the banana leaf otah offered on the side—smoky, spicy, and well-seasoned. While wok hei can vary, the flavor remains consistent and the portion generous. The combo of fried noodles and otah brings depth to each bite.
8. Khoon’s Katong Laksa & Seafood Soup
Unit: #01-26
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM (Closed on Mondays)
The laksa gravy here is light, using less coconut milk but still creamy and satisfying. Served with cockles, prawns, and fish cake, each bowl is topped with chili and laksa leaves on the spoon for easy mixing. The thick bee hoon is cut short for spoon-eating ease. The balance of richness and spice makes it a welcoming bowl.
9. Ping Kee Popiah
Unit: #01-32
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Ping Kee’s popiah is filled with cooked vegetables, peanuts, egg, and a standout addition—Chinese sausage. The skin is thicker and chewier, keeping the generous fillings from bursting. Each roll is cut into four pieces and served fresh. Their kueh pie tee also shares the same filling, served in crisp shells.
10. Sembawang Hills Shui Kway
Unit: #01-16
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 5 PM
Their version of chwee kueh features a firmer rice cake base with less oil. The preserved radish topping is fragrant, stir-fried with dried shrimp for added umami. The dish is lighter than most, making it a good breakfast or midday snack. Each piece is cleanly cut and presented simply.
How to Get to Sembawang Hills Food Centre
Address: 590 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574419
By MRT:
Take the Thomson-East Coast Line to Mayflower MRT Station (TE6). From there, it’s an 8-minute walk via Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 and Upper Thomson Road.
By Bus:
Alight at ‘Bef Sembawang Hills FC’ bus stop (53059). Buses serving this stop include 163, 167, 169, 855, and 980.
By Car:
Parking is available at the adjacent public car park. Use Upper Thomson Road as your main route and look for the entrance near Casuarina Road.
Each stall at Sembawang Hills Food Centre brings something distinct to the table. Whether you’re looking for comforting soups, dry noodles with bite, or street-style snacks done right, this hawker centre offers genuine local satisfaction without frills. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as several stalls close once they sell out.
