Tucked in the heart of Hougang, Kovan Market & Food Centre serves as a reliable haven for old-school hawker fare. This hawker centre is home to stalls that carry decades of culinary tradition, some passed down through generations. Whether you’re here for breakfast or supper, the following 10 stalls are crowd favourites for good reason.
1. Yam Mee Teochew Fishball Mee
Unit: #01-35
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 9 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Known for springy noodles and lardy, spicy sauce, this stall dishes up comforting bowls of bak chor mee and fishball noodles that echo the old-school Teochew flavour. Regulars swear by the generous toppings of minced pork, mushrooms, and liver.
2. Fa Ji Minced Meat Fishball Noodle
Unit: #01-05
Opening Hours: 7:15 AM – 8 PM (Mondays and Tuesdays), 7:15 AM – 5:30 PM (Thursdays and Fridays), 7:15 AM – 7 PM (Saturdays and Sundays) (Closed on Wednesdays)
Run by a multi-generational family, Fa Ji is a powerhouse for bak chor mee lovers. The chilli-lard combo is potent, and their handmade fishcake adds bite. Their porky soup is rich, hearty, and addictive.
3. Chun Fu Fishball Minced Meat Noodle • Laksa
Unit: #01-04
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Rivaling Fa Ji, Chun Fu serves a slightly tangier bak chor mee and one of the most flavour-packed curry chicken noodles in the hawker centre. The vegeball and braised mushrooms are signatures in their own right.
4. Fatt Soon Kueh
Unit: #01-17
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Specialising in handmade steamed kueh, this stall wins with its thin, chewy skin and aromatic fillings. Try the soon kueh for crunch or ku chai kueh for that distinct chive fragrance.
5. Yi Shi Jia Wanton Mee
Unit: #01-57
Opening Hours: 8:10 AM – 4 PM (Closed on Mondays and Thursdays)
An institution in its own right, Yi Shi Jia dishes out classic wanton mee with crunchy noodles and silky pork-filled dumplings. The ketchup version hits nostalgic notes for many regulars.
6. Sun Kee Drinks
Unit: #01-65
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 2 PM (Closed on Mondays)
A gem for traditional drinks and desserts, Sun Kee sells rich soya bean curd and grass jelly for just cents. Their drinks come without ice, preserving flavour, and they often sell out before noon.
7. Hajjah Mariam Muslim Food
Unit: #01-53
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 2 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Serving hearty Malay staples like nasi lemak and mee soto, this stall stands out for its crisp fried items and warm, flavourful gravies. The sambal here has a cult following.
8. Jin Zhan Ji Hainanese Chicken Rice
Unit: #01-19
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
This chicken rice stall delivers tender, boneless chicken and garlic-flavoured rice that some say doesn’t even need chilli. Affordable and consistent, it’s a strong favourite in the lunch crowd.
9. Kovan Rojak
Unit: #01-39
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Kovan Rojak mixes fruit, you tiao, and tau pok in a fragrant prawn paste dressing. Add-ons like jellyfish and abalone make it a standout. The toasted peanuts and chilli lift each bite.
10. Xing Xing Cooked Food
Unit: #01-11
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM (Closed on Mondays – Thursdays)
Xing Xing Cooked Food has been around for over 40 years, offering handmade kuehs with unique flavours like mushroom, yam, and pumpkin, freshly steamed and pan-fried to order. The slightly chewy skin, flavourful fillings, and charred finish make each bite simple, nostalgic, and satisfying.
Getting to Kovan Market & Food Centre
Address: Block 209 Hougang Street 21, Singapore 530209
By MRT:
Alight at Kovan MRT Station (NE13) on the North East Line. Use Exit C. Walk approximately 2 minutes straight ahead and you’ll spot the hawker centre on your left.
By Bus:
Bus services 80, 81, 82, 101, 107, 112, 113, and 115 stop along Upper Serangoon Road and Hougang Street 21, both within walking distance.
Kovan Market & Food Centre is more than just a place to eat — it’s a stronghold of culinary heritage in the northeast. Each stall brings its own flavour, story, and loyal fanbase. Arrive early, expect a wait, and come hungry.
