Is there still room for authenticity at one of Singapore’s most tourist-heavy food centres? Bangkok Express answers with a resounding yes. Amid the rows of stalls catering to a global crowd, this unassuming Thai eatery stands out by doing one thing consistently well: delivering Thai food that tastes like it should—without the frills or inflated price tags.
A Thai Stall That Doesn’t Pretend
Located at Stall #01-04 in Newton Food Centre, Bangkok Express is run by a Thai couple who rely on their roots to shape every plate. The food here isn’t fusion, it’s not modified for mass appeal—it’s straight from the streets of Bangkok, tuned just enough to meet Singapore’s dietary norms through a “no pork, no lard” policy. This allows Muslims and health-conscious diners alike to enjoy the dishes without compromise.
What’s on the Menu?
The lineup reads like a Thai street food shortlist, but each dish carries the weight of execution behind it. Here are the ones that stand out most:
1. Phad Thai
Not just stir-fried noodles. The Phad Thai here is loaded with textural contrast: silky rice noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, and the occasional pop from crushed peanuts. Shrimp and chicken options offer choice, while the tamarind base leans heavily into the sour-sweet-savoury triangle that defines the dish.
2. Tom Yum Soup
Clear or creamy versions are available, and both bring a broth that punches above its weight. Lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime give the soup its backbone. Diners consistently point to the clear version as the more flavour-intense option—less heavy, more kick.
3. Basil Chicken/Beef with Rice
Pad Krapow done right. Stir-fried minced meat with garlic, chillies, and holy basil. Served over hot rice, often with a fried egg that breaks open to enrich the entire dish. The balance between savoury meat and herbal sharpness is tight and addictive.
4. Green Curry Chicken
Chicken stewed in green curry paste, mellowed by coconut milk and paired with bamboo shoots. The curry avoids the excessive sweetness found in lesser versions. Thai basil brings the aromatics without crowding the palate.
5. Thai-Style Omelette (Khai Jiao)
This dish surprises those who expect little from an egg. Crisp on the edges, fluffy in the middle, and often enhanced with minced chicken. Some diners call it the best Thai omelette in Singapore. Fish sauce seasons it subtly but effectively.
More Than Just the Favourites
Bangkok Express offers more than a handful of hits. The menu includes:
- Pineapple Fried Rice
- Olive Fried Rice
- Tom Yum Fried Rice
- Thai Fried Baby Kailan
- Stir-fried Seafood and Mixed Veg
Set meals also appear on the board, offering rice, a main, and perhaps a small soup or side at a price that stays within S$7–S$10. That consistency in pricing sets Bangkok Express apart in Newton, where tourist-facing stalls often nudge the numbers upward.
How the Stall Fits into Newton Food Centre
Location and Layout
Stall #01-04 is part of Newton’s iconic circular hawker centre layout. Signage is clear, and the stall keeps its visual branding minimal, letting the food and repeat customers speak for it.
Atmosphere
Newton Food Centre is no secret. Featured in Crazy Rich Asians and plastered across tourism guides, it’s busy nearly every evening. The sound of hawkers, cooking woks, and the scent of grilled seafood dominate. Bangkok Express doesn’t shout for attention—it lets aroma do the work.
Price and Reputation
Newton has drawn criticism for touting and price inflation. Bangkok Express doesn’t participate. Prices are listed clearly, and portions justify them. Regulars and first-timers alike note this consistency. Reviews often label the stall as a “hidden gem,” even though it sits in one of the most visible food centres in Singapore.
Renovations and Improvements at Newton
In 2023, the food centre completed a three-month renovation. Fans were added, restrooms were upgraded, and tables and seating were improved. The result is a cleaner, more comfortable place to eat without losing its hawker charm. Bangkok Express benefited from these changes, gaining a better environment in which to serve its growing crowd.
What Customers Are Saying
Praise
- “The Tom Yum clear soup tastes exactly like what I had in Bangkok.”
- “Their omelette is criminally underrated.”
- “I didn’t expect this kind of value at Newton.”
Common Themes
- Authenticity of flavour
- Consistent portion size
- Reasonable pricing amid a tourist-heavy spot
- Efficient service, minimal wait times
Criticisms
Occasional reviewers mention that the green curry or squid dishes don’t always hit the mark. But these are rare mentions among overwhelmingly positive feedback. There’s no widespread issue with quality control.
Visiting Tips
- Opening Hours: 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily
- Best Times to Go: Weekday afternoons before dinner rush or late evenings after 8 PM
- Stall Number: #01-04
- Seating: Free seating across the food centre; find a spot first during peak hours
Final Thoughts
Bangkok Express is not an Instagrammable concept eatery or a branded franchise trying to replicate Thai flavours. It is the work of a Thai couple applying their skill and heritage to every wok-fired plate. It’s grounded, consistent, and respected.
In a food centre often seen as built for outsiders, Bangkok Express has earned local loyalty—one basil-scented, chilli-loaded dish at a time.
