Whampoa Makan Place is often overlooked in food roundups, but it’s one of the most consistent and rewarding hawker centres in Singapore. Located in Balestier, this two-block complex delivers a wide spread of flavors from Michelin-listed duck rice to iconic rojak and Hokkien mee that draws patient queues. If you’re heading there and wondering what’s worth your stomach space, this guide will help you plan a trip that hits all the right stalls.
1. Liang Zhao Ji Duck Rice
Unit: Blk 90, #01-07
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 4 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Famed for its Cantonese-style braised soy duck, Liang Zhao Ji has been featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand. The gravy is rich, aromatic, and coats the rice perfectly. Their duck porridge is velvety and packed with generous meat portions.
2. Balestier Road Hoover Rojak
Unit: Blk 90, #01-06
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
The only rojak stall in Singapore to earn multiple Bib Gourmand awards. Their Penang-style mix includes jellyfish, green mango, and a punchy shrimp paste sauce that balances sweetness and umami with precision.
3. Beach Road Fish Head Bee Hoon
Unit: Blk 91, #01-46
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 2 PM (Closed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays)
Their yuan yang version, featuring both fried and sliced fish in a milky broth, draws long queues daily. The soup is comforting, and the fish slices are fresh, making this a stall worth waiting for.
4. Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee
Unit: Blk 90, #01-32
Opening Hours: 3:30 PM – 11:30 PM (Mondays – Fridays), 2 PM – 11:30 PM (Saturdays and Sundays) (Closed on Thursdays)
Expect a queue for this well-loved Hokkien Mee. The noodles are infused with prawn broth, and many regulars opt for takeaway to let the flavours deepen even more on the way home.
5. Amoy Street Lor Mee
Unit: Blk 91, #01-19
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 3 PM
The name might sound like a boast, but the queues say otherwise. Their lor mee comes with thick, spiced gravy, braised pork, and fried fish nuggets — an early morning hit.
6. Mat Noh & Rose Authentic Ginger Fried Chicken Rice
Unit: Blk 91, #01-27
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 3 PM (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Basmati rice pairs beautifully with crispy ginger-marinated chicken. The skin is a highlight — crispy, flavourful, and available as an extra add-on.
7. Hi Leskmi Nasi Lemak
Unit: Blk 90, #01-67
Opening Hours: 12:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Sundays – Fridays), 12:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Saturdays)
Their Set A is a staple: fragrant coconut rice, crisp chicken wing, and a sambal that’s balanced with heat and sweetness. It’s a breakfast crowd favourite.
8. China Whampoa Home Made Noodles
Unit: Blk 91, #01-24
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 2 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Their handmade noodles have a firm, chewy texture. Try the prawn ban mian or variations with abalone clams and sliced fish — fresh, hearty, and consistent.
9. Yu Chu La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Unit: Blk 91, #01-45
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 2 PM (Closed on Wednesdays and Fridays)
This stall makes their xiao long bao from scratch. The skin is slightly thicker, which holds the soup well without breaking. Their hand-pulled noodles are springy and satisfying.
10. Xin Heng Feng Guo Tiao Tan
Unit: Blk 91, #01-14/15
Opening Hours: 4 PM – 10 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Nearly four decades strong, this stall serves classic bak chor mee with handmade egg noodles. Come back in the evening and you’ll find it operating as a popular steamboat spot.
How to Get to Whampoa Market
Address: Blk 90/91 Whampoa Drive, Singapore 320090
By MRT:
Take the North East Line (NEL) to Boon Keng MRT Station (NE9). From there, walk about 10–12 minutes along Whampoa Drive.
By Bus:
Bus services 21, 130, 131, and 139 stop along Balestier Road. Alight at the Blk 101/Whampoa Market bus stop. The market is a short 2–3 minute walk from there.
Tips for Visiting
- Blk 90 is more active in the morning; Blk 91 picks up later in the day.
- Come with friends and split dishes for maximum variety.
- Bring tissue. Queue early.
Whampoa may not have the flashy name of Maxwell or Old Airport Road, but it has all the makings of a true hawker destination. Reliable, rewarding, and quietly packed with heavy-hitting stalls worth the MRT-bus-walk combo.
