Old Airport Road Food Centre guide: 15 must-try stalls

Old Airport Road Food Centre is a hawker legend with stalls serving iconic local dishes and affordable eats.

Old Airport Road Food Centre is one of Singapore’s most iconic hawker destinations, loved for its char kway teow, satay, prawn noodles, and more. With decades of history and endless stalls to explore, it’s a true foodie pilgrimage spot for locals and visitors alike. We’ve personally navigated these aisles countless times, and the variety and quality are unmatched. If you’re hungry for more, check out the best hawker centres in Singapore and local food in Singapore.

Old Airport Road Food Centre’s must-try hawker stalls

1. Famous Old Airport Fried Oyster

This is the one stall that has a reputation for nailing it non-stop. Our team has dropped by multiple times, and we’ve never been disappointed. The oyster omelette is a perfect masterclass in texture. It’s a beautifully balanced medley of chewy, starchy bits from the sweet potato starch, and savoury, crispy edges from the egg. Chef’s kiss! We found the accompanying chilli sauce to be the perfect counterpoint, cutting through the richness with a sharp, acidic kick.

While the oyster omelette is the star of the show, the stall also offers equally well-executed prawn and squid omelettes that showcase the same technical expertise. We saw customers ordering a medley of everything, so don’t be afraid to mix and match.

Best for: Lovers of traditional zi char dishes
Must-try items: Oyster omelette; prawn and squid omelettes
How much: From $5
Insider tip: Come early for the freshest oysters, especially in the morning
Address: Famous Old Airport Fried Oyster, #01-101, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

2. Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff

When it comes to curry puffs, everyone has their favourite spots. But if you’re a true connoisseur, you’ll know that Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff is a pilgrimage spot at Old Airport Road. We finally had a chance to try after its much-welcomed comeback, and boy, was it a sight to behold! The queue was long, but it’s worth the wait.

The handmade curry puffs are prepared fresh daily, so expect flaky, golden-brown pastry with moreish fillings. We couldn’t get enough of the traditional curry filling, but the sardine and black pepper chicken variants were also incredibly flavourful. According to the auntie manning the stall, they often sell out faster, too.

For those with a sweet tooth, the yam option is a game-changer. Creamy, sweet mashed yam transforms the traditional snack into a satisfying dessert-like treat.

Best for: Snack lovers and pastry enthusiasts
Must-try items: Traditional curry puff; sardine, black pepper chicken, and yam options
How much: $1.50 to $2 per piece
Insider tip: These puffs are best eaten fresh and warm
Address: Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff, #01-126, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

3. Salt

Run by sibling duo Naomi and Kenny Ngoo, Salt represents the new wave of modern hawkers redefining tradition with flair, bringing fresh energy to Old Airport Road Food Centre. We dropped by after seeing Kenny’s TikTok videos, and the food lived up to the hype. It’s hawker food with elevated plating and Gen Z sensibilities.

The standout chook cutlet is a masterpiece that nails crunch and juiciness. We were blown away by the ethereally light yet considerably crunchy batter. The siblings explain that their secret flour mixture, modelled after Korean fried chicken, is what makes it so good. We loved that the crispy fried chicken wings came in four distinct flavours, allowing us to go from spicy to sweet in one sitting!

Beyond chicken, the menu includes rice sets, pastas, and herbal soups. We’re still dreaming about the fried salmon steak, a healthier pick that doesn’t skimp on flavour. The garlic fried rice is also a popular hit with the older crowd – it’s fragrant and not too oily, with a strong wok hei aroma.

Best for: Younger diners and those seeking modern hawker interpretations
Must-try items: Chook cutlet; fried chicken wings; fried salmon steak
How much: From $6
Insider tip: Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations!
Address: Salt, #01-128, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

4. To-Ricos Guo Shi

This Michelin Bib Gourmand mainstay occupies two stalls and consistently draws snaking queues… all for kway chap. The flat rice noodles are slick and silky, while the herbal dark soy broth is rich without being overpowering. Pair that with expertly cleaned offal, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, and braised tofu, and you’ve got one of the best renditions around.

It’s not hyperbole to say To-Ricos’ offering represents the gold standard for this traditional dish. The Michelin recognition validates what locals have known for years – this is hawker food elevated to its highest expression through skill, consistency, and respect for tradition.

Best for: Traditional cuisine enthusiasts and Michelin experience seekers
Must-try items: Kway chap; braised pork belly; assorted innards
How much: From $4
Insider tip: Try the mixed platter first to appreciate the range of textures and preparations
Address: To-Ricos Guo Shi, #01-135, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

5. Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee

A master of Hokkien mee since 1960, the uncle behind the wok wields legendary stir-frying skills, blending fresh yellow noodles and bee hoon with a rich, decades-old seafood stock. What sets this stall apart is the perfectly separated egg pieces and the complex layers of wok hei smokiness. The result is a plate of fragrant noodles with deep umami flavours. Cut chillies are served on the side for an extra kick. Be prepared to queue and arrive early – Nam Sing closes on select days and often sells out by afternoon due to immense popularity.

Best for: Hokkien mee purists
Must-try items: Traditional Hokkien mee
How much: From $4
Insider tip: Arrive before 1pm as they sell out fast
Address: Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee, #01-32, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

6. Xiang Ji Lor Mee

Xiang Ji serves one of Singapore’s most satisfying lor mee bowls, with thick wheat noodles swimming in rich, viscous gravy simmered for hours. Toppings include crispy fried fish flakes, tender braised pork belly, and hard-boiled eggs soaked in flavourful broth. The thick, savoury gravy is the star. For a custom kick, we recommend asking for minced garlic and black vinegar on the side to tailor tanginess and heat. The contrast between the smooth gravy and varied textures makes each spoonful a delightful experience.

Best for: Comfort food seekers
Must-try items: Lor mee; crispy fried fish flakes; braised pork belly
How much: From $4
Insider tip: Ask for extra garlic and vinegar on the side to adjust flavours to your liking
Address: Xiang Ji Lor Mee, #01-81, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

7. Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow

Don’t let the humble presentation fool you – Dong Ji’s char kway teow is a wok hei masterpiece. We’re talking smoky, caramelised flat rice noodles stir-fried over high heat with sweet dark soy sauce. Each plate comes loaded with fishcake, fluffy scrambled eggs, crunchy bean sprouts, and plump cockles. The glossy, colourful mix makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Take a moment to get a good whiff of the dish before diving in!

Best for: Wok hei enthusiasts
Must-try items: Char kway teow; cockles; fried flat rice noodles
How much: From $4
Insider tip: The charred bits are the best part – don’t leave them behind
Address: Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow, #01-138, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

8. Weng Hua Yuan (Boneless) Hainanese Chicken Rice

One of the few dedicated chicken rice stalls here, Weng Hua Yuan delivers Singapore’s national dish with the care it deserves. Choose between succulent roasted chicken with crispy golden skin, or the traditional steamed version that’s tender and silky. The boneless cuts make eating a breeze while maintaining the meat’s moisture and tenderness. Each meal includes fragrant chicken-infused rice, clear chicken soup, and tangy chilli sauce. Pair with oyster sauce veggies for a balanced plate.

Best for: First-time visitors wanting to try Singapore’s national dish
Must-try items: Roasted chicken; steamed chicken; oyster sauce vegetables
How much: From $4
Insider tip: Mix roasted and steamed chicken for the best of both worlds
Address: Weng Hua Yuan (Boneless) Hainanese Chicken Rice, #01-119, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

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9. Roast Paradise

Since 2016, Roast Paradise has consistently drawn queues for its KL-style roasted meats. The caramelised char siu, crispy pork belly, and succulent roast duck are distinctly different from how the locals cook them. We love how the char siu features thick, fatty cuts with beautiful caramelised edges that deliver intense umami satisfaction. It’s no wonder this younger hawker has become a heavyweight in such a veteran-packed food centre.

While most customers stick with the fragrant rice (cooked to soak up all that rendered meat juice), adventurous diners can opt for Hakka noodles, though that can be a hit or miss.

Best for: Malaysian roast meat enthusiasts
Must-try items: KL-style char siu; roasted pork belly; roasted duck
How much: From $5
Insider tip: Stick with rice instead of noodles for the most satisfying experience
Address: Roast Paradise, #01-121, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

10. Western Barbeque

A true veteran of Old Airport Road, Western Barbeque has been serving hearty Western fare for decades. Its signature mixed grill pulls no punches: chicken, pork, and lamb chops all sizzling on one plate. Each meat is prepared with care – the chicken is juicy, the pork develops a beautiful crust, and the lamb retains its distinctive flavour. But what makes the dish stand out is the house-made garlic sauce. It’s thick, creamy, and unapologetically pungent. Fans say it’s the best part of the meal.

Best for: Those seeking hearty Western comfort food
Must-try items: Mixed grill; homemade garlic sauce
How much: From $7
Insider tip: Ask for extra garlic sauce – it’s what makes this stall special
Address: Western Barbeque, #01-53, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

11. Chye Seng Satay

Perfect for those who want a light bite, Chye Seng Satay offers handcrafted skewers that showcase traditional preparation. The pork and chicken satays are carefully marinated and grilled over charcoal, developing that essential char while keeping the meat tender and juicy. But if you ask us, it’s the sauce that steals the show. It’s a nutty, punchy peanut dip spiked with pineapple puree; the fruity tang softens the richness and gives the sauce a balanced, complex twist.

Best for: Light snacks or sharing plates
Must-try items: Pork and chicken satay
How much: $0.80 per stick
Insider tip: The pineapple-enhanced peanut sauce is a must-try even if you usually skip satay sauce
Address: Chye Seng Satay, #01-146, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

12. Freshly Made Chee Cheong Fun

Rice noodle roll enthusiasts will find their paradise at this highly acclaimed stall. Soft, silky, and stuffed to the brim, these chee cheong fun rolls are handmade to order and worth the wait. Each plate is prepared with care to ensure the delicate rice sheets don’t tear while maintaining distinct flavours. Choose from familiar fillings like prawn, chicken, or mushroom, or go bolder with options like scallop, century egg, or pig liver. Generous portions and wallet-friendly prices seal the deal.

Best for: Budget-conscious diners and dim sum lovers
Must-try items: Chee cheong fun with chicken, prawns, and mushroom fillings
How much: From $3
Insider tip: The century egg version offers a unique flavour experience for adventurous palates
Address: Freshly Made Chee Cheong Fun, #01-155, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

13. Nyonya Chendol

When the heat hits, this stall comes through with one of the best-value chendol bowls in town. Everything is freshly made using top-quality ingredients, yet the pricing remains remarkably affordable. A basic bowl contains all the essentials: pandan jelly, coconut milk, and deeply fragrant gula melaka. It’s creamy, chewy, and cool in all the right ways. Amp it up with add-ons like red beans, sweet corn, or go full tropical with durian. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and shockingly affordable.

Best for: Dessert lovers and heat relief seekers
Must-try items: Durian chendol; chendol with red beans; chendol with sweet corn
Price: From $2
Insider tip: The durian add-on is worth trying if you’re a fan of the fruit’s unique flavour
Address: Nyonya Chendol, #01-115, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

14. Hua Ji XO Fish Head Bee Hoon

Few things hit the spot like a comforting bowl of fish soup, and Hua Ji’s version is one to beat. Its signature milky broth results from a minimum six-hour slow-boiling process using fish bones, creating a rich, collagen-heavy base that’s nourishing and addictive. Choose from sliced fish for clean sweetness, fried fish for added texture, or go all in with the head for maximum flavour. Add bee hoon noodles or rice for a complete meal.

Best for: Comfort food seekers and soup lovers
Must-try items: Fish head bee hoon; sliced fish soup
How much: From $5
Insider tip: The fish head option offers the richest flavours, ideal for serious soup enthusiasts
Address: Hua Ji XO Fish Head Bee Hoon, #01-118, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

15. Xin Mei Congee

Since some of our colleagues confess to eating here “once a week or more,” Xin Mei Congee has mastered the art of simple yet satisfying congee. Take your pick from a broad menu, including classics like minced meat and sliced fish alongside adventurous dishes like pig’s organ and intestine meatballs.

The secret? Smooth, slow-cooked congee with balanced seasoning. Tip: don’t skip the side dishes! The tender chicken feet and crispy beancurd elevate the meal from humble to memorable. It’s the perfect destination when you crave comfort food that feels like a warm hug.

Best for: Light meals and comfort food lovers
Must-try items: Minced meat congee; pig’s organ congee; chicken feet; crispy beancurd
Price: From $3
Insider tip: Try the side dishes, which are just as carefully prepared as the congee
Address: Xin Mei Congee, #01-91, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

How to get to Old Airport Road Food Centre

Getting to Old Airport Road Food Centre is a breeze. Take the Circle Line to Dakota MRT station and walk five minutes to the hawker centre. The short stroll gives you just enough time to build up an appetite before diving into your culinary adventure.

For bus enthusiasts, services 10, 16, and 32 stop near the food complex, along with several other routes. If you’re driving, parking is available right next to the centre, but it fills up fast during peak hours (11am to 2pm and 6pm to 8pm). Plan accordingly, especially on weekends when crowds are heaviest.

Diet who? Have fun stuffing your face with Old Airport Road Food Centre’s extensive options!

Frequently Asked Questions