It’s no news that Telok Ayer is a food lover’s paradise. We’ve got countless coffee shops, sandwich stores, Korean restos and even a killer smokehouse right on our lane. But sometimes, what we crave is some good ol’ hawker grub and for that, the Honeycombers team likes to hop down to the Amoy Street Food Centre. From international fare like pasta and chalupas to homely fish soup and maggi goreng, here are our team’s top picks from this vibrant foodie playground. Don’t say we kept you in the dark!
Dinesh Ajith: Fried Carrot Cake, Poh Kee
One of my favourite dishes at Amoy is the hearty fried carrot cake. I know, I know… it’s terribly unhealthy, but it’s an occasional lunchtime treat I afford myself when I’ve been hitting the gym regularly. This particular example of the dish isn’t overwhelmingly greasy and my favourite part is that they don’t skimp out on the egg. Get ready for a post-lunch coma after this one!
Poh Kee, #02-107.
Alyssa Prenda: Coconut Ice Cream, Koko Ice Cream
For someone who complains a lot about the intense heat we have here in Singapore, this is definitely a gem for me. A layer of coconut flesh is removed from the inside of the coconut to complement your ice cream which is served in a half coconut shell. On top of that, you get to choose two toppings amongst the choices of cornflakes, crushed peanuts and sweet corn. That’s not it… you also get a free cup of coconut water to cleanse and refresh the palate. This girl’s definitely in love with the coco!
Koko Ice Cream, #01-69.
Zack: Maggi Goreng, Bismillah Muslim Food Stall
I’m truly a maggi goreng fan and, boy oh boy, I’m very grateful for the Indian muslim food stall at Amoy Street Food Court. When I’m too lazy to put my brain through the dilemmatic torture of deciding what to eat for lunch, I’ll just get the spicy maggi goreng from there. Cheap, generous in their portions, and definitely tasty, what’s not to like about it?
Bismillah Muslim Food Stall, #01-63.
Chris Edwards: Pho, Pho 99
Ok it’s not technically in Amoy Street Food Court – BUT- it is right opposite, and it’s my favourite pho in town. The queues can be annoying (arrive before 12 or after 1.30pm and don’t you dare bring a large group) but this little hole in the wall does have slurp-worthy pho, a simple menu, crunchy fresh spring rolls if you’re feeling health-conscious, and deliciously fried spring rolls perfect for a hangover. It’s a winner.
Pho 99 Vietnamese Delight, 57/58 Amoy Street, Singapore 069883.
Aliff Tee: Green Curry with Rice, Sap Thai
Probably one of the most authentic Thai food eateries around, every sip brings me right back to the bustling streets of Bangkok. The aromatic creamy curry is subtly sweet but hits your palate with a burst of heat from the spices. Get your taste buds ready for an explosion of flavours!
Sap Thai, #01-50.
Shairah Thoufeekh: Krunchy Chalupas, Mamacita’s Authentic Costa Rican Cuisine
Costa Rican is definitely the most exotic cuisine you’ll find in a sea of local delights at Amoy. So on days when I’m craving something other than chicken rice, carrot cake, etc… Mamacita’s is my go-to. No need to dither: I say go straight for the Krunchy Chalupas – a fried tortilla bowl piled generously with salad, a choice of beef or chicken, salsa, and topped with melted cheese (extra $1). Strangely healthy and satisfying at the same time.
Mamacita’s Authentic Costa Rican Cuisine, #01-50.
A slider with the ID of 523 doesn't exist.Cherylene Chan: Singapore-style Dry Ramen, A Noodle Story
If you love slurping up bowls of ramen as much as I do, Noodle Story’s local spin on the Japanese staple will leave your tum seriously satisfied. The young hawkers at the helm serve up springy, umami-laden noodles topped with sinful pork belly chashu, a potato-wrapped prawn, juicy wantons and a hot spring egg. Well worth the food coma that ensues!
A Noodle Story, #01-39.
Nafeesa Saini: Hokkien Mee, Sedaaap Noodles
How often does one find halal Hokkien Mee? Not very often, I tell ya. Purists of this iconic dish may protest against the halal rendition’s exclusion of lard, but the snaking queues at this stall will tell you otherwise. Deliciously gooey with a delectable shrimp taste, the accompanying sambal is potent and adds a lovely punch of flavour, especially when coupled with a squeeze of fresh lime.
Sedaaap Noodles. #01-71.
Kevin Ho: Carbonara, Chef B Western Delight
I’m like a kid in a candy store when it comes to gulping down local treats at this hawker haven. But sometimes, all my tummy’s craving is a creamy, cheesy, plate of pasta. I’ve been to Chef B so many times to the point where the Chinese stall owners know my order by heart: carbonara with penne pasta; a thick, buttery, gooey base stirred with sliced bacon and runny eggs, given contrast with the chewiness of the pasta. Have an empty stomach before you order though, ‘cos servings are huge!
Chef B Western Delight, #01-38.
Ania Carvouni: Prawn Noodle, Traditional Prawn Noodle
I’m a huge fan of prawns and perhaps a bigger fan of noodles – so what better combination is there than the traditional prawn noodle with pork, chilli and coriander? The soupy broth is the perfect comfort food option, or if you’re in a fierier mood, try the dry noodle with chilli sauce for extra heat.
Traditional Prawn Noodle, #01-47.
Nathania Tirtaputra: Fishball Noodles, Ah Ter Teochew Fishball Noodles
If you subscribe to the Singaporean mentality that long queues means good food, this one’s a no-brainer! On days when I’m willing to brave the endless line, I know I’ll get rewarded with soft, plump fishballs, minced pork, a spicy gravy and springy noodles. This one ticks all the boxes for me.
Ah Ter Teochew Fishball Noodles, #01-14.
Sally Shoult: Chicken Basil Rice, Authentic Thai
I’m a total chilli freak and Authentic Thai is my go-to when I’m in need of some serious action on the spice front. I’m a fan of the classic chicken basil rice; it packs a fiery punch and is not for the faint of heart. The chicken is stir-fried with long beans, Thai basil, and enough chilli to ensure you’ll break out in a sweat. I’m addicted!
Authentic Thai, #01-35.
Crystal Lee: Fish Soup, Han Kee
If you’ve only got a few minutes to grab lunch and high-tail it back to the office, we suggest looking at the other awesome options on this list because, well, get in line. But if you’ve got your full lunch hour, waiting 10 to 15 minutes for a steaming bowl of fresh, thick fish slices swimming in a clear, nourishing broth is absolutely worth it. The auntie taking orders is highly efficient at her job, but it helps to rehearse your order while you’re in the queue so you won’t risk pissing her and the people at the back off when it’s your turn.
Han Kee, #02-129.