If you’re hunting for affordable, mouth-watering food in Queenstown, Margaret Drive Hawker Centre is a strong contender. Rebuilt to house former Tanglin Halt stallholders, this two-story food hub is now a draw for foodies across Singapore. Whether you’re craving hearty Western dishes, traditional Malay fare, or sweet local desserts, these ten stalls bring nostalgic flavors and consistent quality.
1. Tong Kee Chicken Rice
Unit: #01-36
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 7 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
A familiar name from Tanglin Halt, Tong Kee serves up roast chicken with glistening golden-brown skin that crackles slightly as you bite in. The meat is firm yet juicy, rich with flavor from a time-honored recipe passed through generations. They’ve expanded their menu to include a white chicken option, but the roasted version remains the star. Expect long queues during lunch hours.
2. Queenstown Lontong
Unit: #01-27
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 2 PM
In operation since the 1960s, Queenstown Lontong is known for its large rice cakes soaked in a sweet, coconut-rich broth. The sambal here is homemade, lending a spicy edge to the comforting bowl. Beyond lontong, they serve Mee Rebus with a thick, savory gravy and an excellent Nasi Lemak. This stall often sees lines rivaling Tong Kee’s, especially in the mornings.
3. Jing Shu Shi
Unit: #02-31
Opening Hours: 5:30 PM – 8 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Jing Shu Shi offers a satisfying plate of Hainanese curry rice, centered around a perfectly crispy pork chop with subtle five-spice flavor. The curry sauce is mild, slightly sweet, and pairs well with sides like soft potatoes and crunchy peanuts. The stall maintains its reputation for quality and generous portions without losing affordability.
4. Chef Hainanese Western Food
Unit: #01-04
Opening Hours: 6:15 PM – 8:30 PM (Closed on Thursdays)
This stall delivers a nostalgic punch with its classic fish and chips, offering golden-battered fish and thick-cut fries. The steak is also a strong choice; just tell the chef your preferred doneness. Portions are hearty, and the taste brings to mind a solid English breakfast plate—without the premium price tag.
5. Hakka Thunder Tea Rice
Unit: #02-34
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 3 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
For something lighter and healthier, the Hakka Thunder Tea Rice here delivers on both flavor and nutrition. Each bowl features stir-fried cabbage, tofu, spinach, peanuts, and anchovies over rice, with a side of herbaceous green tea broth. The dish offers depth without heaviness, and they also serve handmade yong tau foo for more variety.
6. 28 Rojak
Unit: #02-29
Opening Hours: 12 PM – 8 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Hidden in a corner, 28 Rojak is run by a warm-hearted auntie who serves up bold-flavored rojak. The mix of fruits, vegetables, and you tiao is tossed in a dark, shrimp paste-based sauce. Her popiah, filled with bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, and fried garlic, makes a satisfying side dish.
7. No. 1 Western Food
Unit: #02-30
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 7 PM (Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays)
No. 1 Western Food sticks to the basics—chicken chop, pork chop, and fish and chips—but executes them well. The chicken cutlet is crispy without being greasy, and the fish fillet is flaky inside. A simple sausage and egg set is also available for those who want a quick and filling bite.
8. Hai Chun Ban Mian & Fish Soup
Unit: #01-34
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 9 PM
Offering over 25 dishes, this stall stands out for its Ban Mian and Sliced Fish Soup with Bitter Gourd. The clear broth highlights the natural sweetness of the fish while the bitter gourd adds depth. For something fiery, try the Tomyam or Mala Ramen options.
9. Ah Luck Dessert
Unit: #01-22
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM
A great way to finish your meal, Ah Luck Dessert serves local favorites like chendol and grass jelly. There are also Western offerings like waffles and their popular brown sugar milk tea. Cold, sweet, and refreshing—just what you need in Singapore’s heat.
10. Farokh and Nisa Family Food
Unit: #02-25
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 12 PM, 2 PM – 9 PM (Closed on Mondays)
This stall delivers full-flavored Muslim dishes with generous portions. Nasi Goreng Ayam and Kway Teow Goreng come infused with wok hei and well-seasoned proteins. Roti John, filled with egg and marinated mutton, offers a savory snack that keeps regulars coming back.
How to Get to Margaret Drive Hawker Centre
Address: 38A Margaret Drive, Singapore 141038
By MRT:
Alight at Queenstown MRT (East-West Line), Exit A. The hawker centre is about a 10-minute walk from the station.
By Bus:
Buses 32, 51, 111, 122, 145, and 186 all stop at bus stops within walking distance along Commonwealth Avenue and Margaret Drive.
By Car:
Use Commonwealth Avenue or Queensway to reach Margaret Drive. Parking is available at the multi-storey car park nearby at Block 38B Margaret Drive.
Each visit to Margaret Drive Hawker Centre feels like returning to a familiar table, one dish at a time. The lineup of heritage-rich stalls and neighborhood favorites makes this place more than just another food stop—it’s a continuation of culinary history.
