Can you eat your way through Tiong Bahru without setting foot in a formal restaurant? Absolutely. This isn’t just a food trail—it’s a neighborhood-wide taste test that zigzags from wok-fried noodles to flaky pastries and deeply roasted brews. Welcome to your curated food route through one of Singapore’s most delicious enclaves.
Hawker Highlights at Tiong Bahru Market
The market is ground zero for those craving heritage fare. With decades-old stalls and generations-old recipes, you’re eating history here.
Main Courses Worth Queuing For
These aren’t your average food court picks. Each stall brings serious flavor and a loyal following.
- Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee
Michelin Bib Gourmand status aside, this plate of Hokkien mee is packed with yellow noodles, bee hoon, squid, and prawns, all stir-fried in rich, prawn-laden broth. Smoky, umami, and worth the wait. - Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
A regular in the city’s ongoing chicken rice rivalries. The poached chicken is tender, the rice fragrant, and the chili punchy. It’s comfort on a plate. - Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice
Gravy-slathered rice topped with your combo of curry chicken, braised pork, and squid. Messy in the best way. This stall’s been doing it since 1946. - Lor Mee 178
Thick, starchy broth meets flat yellow noodles. Go for the deep-fried shark nuggets or opt for fish cake and egg—either way, you’ll need a napkin and some nap time. - Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow
Sticky, caramelized noodles with Chinese sausage and cockles. Greasy? Yes. Regret? Zero. - Koh Brother Pig’s Organ Soup
Not for the squeamish, but fans rave about the peppery broth and perfectly cleaned innards. Offal lovers will feel right at home. - Min Nan Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle
Serving since the ’60s, this stall delivers a light yet robust broth. Try the pork ribs version—or go bolder with pig’s tail. - Zhong Yu Yuan Wei Wanton Mee
Their “Bu Jian Tian” char siew comes from the pig’s armpit. It’s tender, slightly fatty, and paired with firm noodles and delicate wontons.
Snacks and Sweets: Small Bites, Big Flavor
Not ready for a full meal? Tiong Bahru handles snacks like a pro.
- Jian Bo Shui Kueh
Since 1958, they’ve been steaming rice cakes and topping them with crunchy, savory chye poh (preserved radish). A textural masterclass. - Tiong Bahru Pau & Snack
Handmade buns in traditional bamboo steamers. Char siu, red bean, lotus—you’ll want one of each. - Teck Seng Soya Bean Milk
Light, refreshing, and freshly made. A good palate cleanser between oily dishes. - HarriAnns Nyonya Table
Bite-sized kueh in vivid colors and soft textures. Try the kueh salat and ondeh ondeh for that classic coconut-gula hit.
Cafes and Bakeries: Modern Vibes, Serious Craft
Leave the hawker hustle and stroll into air-conditioned bliss. The cafes here know their coffee and their carbs.
Local Favorites for Brunch and Brews
- Tiong Bahru Bakery
Probably the neighborhood’s most photographed spot. Their croissants are buttery but not greasy, and the kouign amann—sweet, caramelized, flaky—is dangerously addictive. - Plain Vanilla Bakery
Their cupcakes are soft, moist, and not too sweet. The store itself is cozy, housed in a conserved shophouse that adds charm without trying too hard. - Micro Bakery
No fixed menu. Expect slow-fermented sourdoughs, laminated pastries, and a daily rotation of seasonal bakes. Small batch, big satisfaction. - Drips Bakery Cafe
A tart lover’s paradise. Choose between passionfruit meringue, dark chocolate ganache, or go local with flavors like pandan and gula melaka. - Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream and Coffee
Small scoops packed with flavor. Sea salt gula melaka and Thai milk tea are standouts. Don’t leave without trying their golden waffles. - Flock Café
Indie vibes with well-pulled espresso and latte art to match. Good for quiet mornings or mid-afternoon breaks.
Curated Food Trail Itinerary: Tiong Bahru in 3 Meals
Start with breakfast:
Grab shui kueh at Jian Bo, then sip a cold soya bean milk from Teck Seng. Add on a pau or two for the road.
Lunch line-up:
Head straight to Hong Heng for Hokkien mee before the queue builds. If closed, Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice is a backup with zero compromise. Add a side of wanton mee if your appetite’s ambitious.
Afternoon pick-me-up:
Stop at Tiong Bahru Bakery for a croissant and coffee. Still hungry? Walk down to Creamier for a scoop of sea salt gula melaka on warm waffles.
Before You Go
Tiong Bahru’s charm lies in its contrast—gritty hawker stalls rubbing shoulders with sleek cafes, old-school snacks alongside new-school pastries. Whether you’re on a mission to find the perfect char siew or just need a quiet cup of coffee, this neighborhood delivers without fanfare.
