A favourite among many foodies, Old Airport Road Food Centre is filled with top hawker stalls.
Everyone knows Singapore’s east side is replete with top-notch cafes and restaurants. But on days when you don’t wanna break the bank, hawker centres are where it’s at. Ask any foodie to review their fave wallet-friendly hawker spot and Old Airport Road Food Centre consistently ranks at the top. What’s not to love? Here’s where you can find plenty of local faves, including Michelin-approved stalls and decades-old stalwarts. It might be intimidating trying to navigate this sprawling complex, which is why we’ve come up with this list to help you. You’re welcome!
Old Airport Road Food Centre’s must-try hawker stalls
1. Roast Paradise
Thick, fatty, and nicely charred – these are the words we’d use to describe the food at Roast Paradise. The stall opened in 2016, and since then, it has consistently attracted long queues. What’s not to love? The KL-style roasted meat boasts a robust sweet, smoky flavour that pairs well with the fragrant rice. You can swap it for the Hakka noodles, though that can be a hit or miss.
Roast Paradise, #01-121, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
2. Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee
One of the best Hokkien mee in Singapore is found at a hawker stall in Old Airport Road Food Centre. Having been in the business since 1960, the owner possesses superior wok skills and top-notch seafood stock with which he fries the noodles. The result is a plate of dry noodles with separated egg pieces and cut chillies on the side. Nam Sing is closed on select days, so if it’s open when you’re there, suck it up and brave the queue as it sells out pretty fast.
Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee, #01-32, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
3. Western Barbeque
Here’s a familiar face that has been around Old Airport Road for decades. A testament to its popularity? The newspaper clippings and certifications plastered on its stall front, on top of the queues. Patrons can go for old school Western fare like chicken, pork, or lamb chops; if you have trouble deciding, order the mixed grill, which has all three proteins. Don’t forget to pair them with the famed homemade garlic sauce.
Western Barbeque, #01-53, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
4. Freshly Made Chee Cheong Fun
Who doesn’t love rice noodle rolls? (Scroll past if you’re not into this dish.) This highly acclaimed hawker stall peddles chee cheong fun with various fillings like chicken, prawns, and mushroom. Adventurous eaters can consider unique versions like century egg, scallop, and pig liver. You’re going to love the prices – where else can you get a plate for less than $5?
Freshly Made Chee Cheong Fun, #01-155, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
5. Xiang Ji Lor Mee
Step into any storied hawker centre and you’ll discover at least two feuding stalls. Here, it’s a fight to see who reigns supreme for best lor mee in Singapore. Xiang Ji’s offering comes with generous portions of fried fish flakes and pork belly, and a thick gravy that packs a punch. If you prefer your lor mee spicier, we recommend mixing more minced garlic and vinegar.
Xiang Ji Lor Mee, #01-81, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
6. Hua Ji XO Fish Head Bee Hoon
Nothing hits the spot more than a bowl of comforting fish soup. In the mood to slurp on delicious broth? Make your way to this stall. Hua Ji’s milky soup is the result of slow-boiling fish bones for at least six hours; one scoop is all it takes to get you addicted. Choose between the fish head, fried fish, and sliced fish options to feed your growling stomach. You can also add rice or bee hoon noodles to accompany your selection.
Hua Ji XO Fish Head Bee Hoon, #01-118, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
7. Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow
Char kway teow may not seem much based on presentation, but we guarantee you it’s tasty. What you’ll get is a plate of flat rice noodles stir-fried in sweet dark soy sauce with fishcake, egg, bean sprouts, and cockles. Sometimes, extra ingredients like prawns and squid make an appearance too. Take a minute to soak everything in (especially the sight and smell) before plunging your chopsticks into the dish.
Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow, #01-138, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
8. Xin Mei Congee
Our team member swears by the congee here. “It’s one of my faves. I eat it once a week or more,” they proclaim. If you’re hankering for a simple yet satisfying meal, this food spot is your best bet. Xin Mei specialises in all kinds of congee, ranging from minced meat peanut and sliced fish to pig’s organ and intestine meatballs. That said, you can also order other dishes like chicken feet, crispy beancurd, and Thai-style cuttlefish.
Xin Mei Congee, #01-91, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
9. Salt
Nowadays, you can spot young hawkers toiling away behind the stove at many food centres. One fine example is this East meets West concept run by siblings Naomi and Kenny Ngoo. Customers can enjoy fried chicken wings in four flavours, rice lunch sets, pasta, and herbal soup. The signature chook cutlet comes highly recommended, but if you prefer fish, the fried salmon steak is a good option to nosh on too.
Salt, #01-128, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
10. Weng Hua Yuan (Boneless) Hainanese Chicken Rice
Step right up, chicken rice lovers! This is one of the few stalls in the food complex offering the beloved local dish. Sink your teeth into roasted or steamed chook served with flavourful rice, soup, and tangy chilli sauce. Get the oyster vegetable to go with your chicken rice or abandon your diet by ordering an extra half bird (or whole, no judging here).
Weng Hua Yuan (Boneless) Hainanese Chicken Rice, #01-119, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
11. Famous Old Airport Fried Oyster
A true foodie will go to great lengths to chow down the best of our cuisine. That includes travelling to Old Airport Road just to taste this quintessentially Singaporean dish. This stall’s oyster omelette is crispy with lovely egg bits, chewy flour pieces, and plump oysters. Not feeling it? Diners can go for the alternatives, which are prawn or sotong omelettes.
Famous Old Airport Fried Oyster, #01-101, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
12. Nyonya Chendol
What’s a good, cold traditional dessert to help you beat the heat? The answer is chendol, which you can get from this popular chain. Everything is freshly made from top-quality ingredients, but they don’t cost an arm and a leg. That’s right – even in this economy. A no-frills bowl of chendol will only set you back $2; top up your sweet treat with red beans or sweet corn. If you’re feeling indulgent, go ahead and add durian.
Nyonya Chendol, #01-115, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
13. To-Ricos Guo Shi
This stalwart also goes by Blanco Court Food Centre (3rd Storey) and occupies two stalls in this foodie complex. Join the snaking line to get your hands on its famed kway chap, which comes with rice noodles, braised meats, and innards. Those who arrive famished should tuck into the mixed platter, where you can enjoy various innards and pork belly slices. There’s a delicious reason why this stall consistently ranks in the Michelin Bib Gourmand list. P.S. To-Ricos is slated to reopen at the end of October.
To-Ricos Guo Shi, #01-135, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
14. Chye Seng Satay
So you’re feeling hungry but not really starving. Satay is a good option to fill your stomach without making you feel overstuffed. Chye Seng offers handmade pork and chicken sticks with a nice char. The accompanying peanut sauce contains pineapple puree that tempers the spiciness and adds some tanginess without compromising the nutty flavour.
Chye Seng Satay, #01-146, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
15. Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff
Temporarily closed.
When it comes to curry puffs, everyone has their favourite spots to get ‘em. But if you crave this snack at Old Airport Road, this hawker stall can satiate your appetite. Wang Wang’s curry puffs are handmade fresh daily, so expect flaky, golden-brown pastry with moreish fillings like sardine, black pepper chicken, and yam. However, we hear it’ll only reopen in early 2025 as the owner has injured their hand. Oh well, waiting a little longer doesn’t hurt… right?
Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff, #01-126, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
How to get to Old Airport Road Food Centre
Take the Circle Line to Dakota; the hawker centre is five minutes away from the MRT station. If you prefer taking the bus, numerous services such as 10, 16, and 32 stop near the food complex.
Parking lots are available next to the food centre, though they get filled up quickly during peak hours. There are nearby car parks if you don’t mind parking your vehicle a little further away.
Diet who? Have fun stuffing your face with Old Airport Road Food Centre’s extensive options!
