Lin Da Ma at Amoy Street Food Centre serves one of Singapore’s most sought-after versions of Lei Cha, or Thunder Tea Rice. While many hawker stalls stick to the traditional vegetarian formula, Lin Da Ma veers slightly—offering handmade meatballs and tofu with minced pork patty. That tweak has helped it win over both health-conscious diners and meat lovers.
The concept may seem simple: a bowl of rice, vegetables, nuts, and a green tea-based soup. But Lin Da Ma’s execution turns this Hakka classic into a must-try.
What Makes Lin Da Ma’s Lei Cha Stand Out
1. The Signature Lei Cha
Available with white or brown rice, the dish is constructed with fresh chopped vegetables, peanuts, and crunchy ikan bilis (fried anchovies). The green tea soup has a slightly thick consistency, with a grainy, nutty body and a fresh minty undertone. It’s flavorful without overwhelming the senses.
2. Custom Options for Meat Lovers
Unlike most Lei Cha stalls that keep the dish vegetarian, Lin Da Ma lets customers add protein. The handmade meatballs—crisp on the outside, soft and crumbly inside—have a texture reminiscent of falafel. They pair well with the earthy tea broth. There’s also tofu topped with minced pork patty, adding a savory layer that regular Lei Cha rarely offers.
3. Lei Cha Handpull Noodles
The Lei Cha Handpull Noodle is rare among similar stalls. It swaps out rice for springy noodles, bathed in the same herby soup. Toppings include peanuts, shredded cucumber, and a jammy egg. It’s a different experience without departing from the traditional flavor base.
Ingredients That Keep People Coming Back
- Fresh Vegetables: Regularly chopped and portioned to maintain crunch and color.
- Ikan Bilis & Peanuts: Provide texture and saltiness that balance the herby soup.
- Brown or White Rice Base: Gives diners control over their fiber intake.
- Tea Soup: Made from tea leaves, herbs, and nuts—mild enough for newcomers, complex enough for regulars.
- Optional Add-ons: Handmade meatballs and tofu with minced pork, transforming a typically vegetarian dish into a more rounded meal.
Health Value Without Compromise
Lei Cha has long been regarded as a nutritious option. Rich in fiber and packed with plant-based nutrients, it checks off many boxes for clean eaters. Lin Da Ma retains that reputation while catering to a broader audience by offering balanced portions and optional proteins. The result is a meal that satisfies both health goals and hunger.
What Regulars Say
Reviews repeatedly mention three consistent points:
- Balanced Flavor: The soup’s herbal profile doesn’t overpower.
- Ingredient Freshness: Every element, from the vegetables to the meatballs, tastes like it was prepped the same morning.
- Queue-Worthy: Lines start forming before noon, especially on weekdays.
Pricing and Value
Lin Da Ma is often described as affordable:
- Lei Cha with Brown Rice: From S$5.30
- Lei Cha Handpull Noodle: From S$3.60
- Add-ons (Meatballs or Tofu Pork Patty): Extra charge
Given the quality and portion sizes, regulars see the pricing as fair. The ability to choose between rice and noodles, with or without meat, allows diners to build meals that suit their needs without stretching their wallets.
Best Time to Visit
The stall is open Monday through Friday between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. It’s closed on weekends and public holidays. Crowds pick up around lunch, with some lines stretching out for over 30 minutes. Visiting before noon or after 2:00 PM offers the shortest wait.
Address & Payment
- Location: #02-127 Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111
- Payment: Likely cash-only. Best to bring small bills.
Expansion and Delivery
Lin Da Ma isn’t confined to Amoy Street. It has expanded to other locations, including Holland Drive Food Centre. For those unable to visit in person, the stall’s food is available through various delivery platforms. While the dine-in experience carries a different charm, the flavors hold up well during transit.
Key Takeaways
- Lin Da Ma’s Lei Cha offers a rare balance of tradition and flexibility.
- The tea soup’s nutty, minty body makes it easy for newcomers to enjoy.
- Customization options with meat give it broader appeal.
- The noodle version adds variety not often found in Lei Cha stalls.
- Affordable pricing, high freshness, and strong media reviews continue to draw long lines.
Whether you’re a fan of heritage foods or just looking for a meal that doesn’t leave you sluggish afterward, Lin Da Ma at Amoy Street Food Centre meets that need without sacrificing flavor.
