No place does hawker food better than Tiong Bahru Market. These are the top choices to go for when you're in the sprawling complex.
Ah, Tiong Bahru, how much do we love thee? Let us count the ways: hip and happening cafes, gorgeous street art, and an overall serene neighbourhood that we don’t mind moving into. We also have to shout out Tiong Bahru Market, a sprawling two-storey complex featuring floral stalls and a wet market on the first floor, plus a who’s who of hawker centre food stalls on the second level. A brief history lesson for you: before it took on its current name in 1993, the building was known as Seng Poh Market.
Nowadays, Tiong Bahru Market is synonymous with the best affordable food you can find in Singapore. Given that there are over 200 stalls here, we understand how overwhelming it can be. So here’s a handy guide to the eateries you should hit up if you’re visiting the hawker centre. Are you ready? Come hungry!
All the best food stalls in Tiong Bahru Market
1. Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee
We’re kicking off this list with a consistent Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient. This stall’s Hokkien mee is a bonafide dish featuring yellow noodles, bee hoon, squid, and prawns, all tied together with a thick prawn stock. It’s cooked in small batches, which is probably why it tastes so fresh whenever we order from the stall. Don’t forget to stir in the sambal for an additional kick.
Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee, #02-01, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
2. Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
Our country’s never-ending chicken rice war means many food places present their take on this local dish. You can get your fill from this stall in Tiong Bahru Market, which has existed since 1988. The key to its success lies in its secret techniques, which include soaking the chicken in ice water for tender meat and succulent skin. The fragrant rice is also a main character, thanks to it being cooked with onion, garlic, ginger, and spring onion.
Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, #02-82, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
3. 178 Lor Mee
In Singapore, everyone knows long queues mean the food is good. That principle is more than applicable to this stall – it consistently attracts throngs of people daily. If you decide to join the fray, be prepared to wait at least 20 minutes. But we say it’s all worth it in the end. The gravy’s not too rich and goes well with the chewy, thick yellow noodles. Add the deep-fried shark nuggets to your bowl for a crunchy texture.
178 Lor Mee, #02-23, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
4. Jian Bo Shui Kueh
One of our favourite local breakfast options is the unassuming chwee kueh (aka shui kueh). Sure, it doesn’t look like much, but once you pop one in your mouth, you just can’t stop. This Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient is at the forefront when it comes to the best chwee kueh in Singapore. Its radish topping and dried prawn chilli are prepared fresh each morning, and pair well with the steamed rice cakes.
Jian Bo Shui Kueh, #02-05, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
5. Tow Kwar Pop
What’s sweet and spicy and can be used to describe Singapore in general? We’re referring to the one and only rojak, of course. The tau kwa (beancurd puff) is the star of the show. It’s expertly hand-grilled to achieve a charred and crispy exterior while remaining airy and fluffy on the inside. Accompanied by beansprouts, cod fish slices, and an addictive sauce, this is one dish you can have multiple times and not get sick of.
Tow Kwar Pop, #02-06, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
6. Koh Brother Pig’s Organ Soup
The idea of eating a pig’s organ may not sound appealing, but hey, don’t knock it till you try it. Since 1955, this family-run operation has fed the masses with its hearty dish comprising assorted parts like liver, tripe, and intestines in a clear, punchy broth. Don’t worry, the innards are thoroughly cleaned before they’re cooked. Plus, the salted mustard greens lend an intense flavour to the soup. If you’re here early, get your hands on its specialty: glutinous rice stuffed with pig’s large intestine, pork belly, and chestnuts.
Koh Brother Pig’s Organ Soup, #02-29, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
7. Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice
Here’s another long-standing food stall you must visit at Tiong Bahru Market. It was originally at a different location in the neighbourhood before making the hawker centre its permanent home. Today, it’s a local institution revered for its iconic curry gravy. You can choose from various menu items to add to your rice, such as braised pork, curry chicken, and squid. It will be a messy plate, but that shouldn’t matter when the food is so good.
Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice, #02-67/68, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
8. Teck Seng Soya Bean Milk
While there are many ways to beat Singapore’s blazing heat, nothing is more satisfying than a bowl of cold beancurd. This stall in Tiong Bahru Market delivers when it comes to the treat. We’re talking soft, silky beancurd that glides down your throat. Fun fact: the eatery uses 14 buckets of soya bean milk every night to painstakingly create this Singaporean staple. Everything is done by hand – no machinery involved! Apart from beancurd, you can order the popular Michael Jackson drink, a beloved combination of soya bean milk and grass jelly.
Teck Seng Soya Bean Milk, #02-69, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
9. Ali Corner
Muslim friends, you’re in luck. We found a Muslim-friendly establishment where you can get your nosh too. The menu is chock full of familiar favourites like tahu goreng, nasi ayam penyet, and lontong. We recommend getting the mee bakso, featuring bouncy beef balls, flavoursome clear broth, and sambal for a fiery karate chop to your throat. The highly-raved mee siam is another option you can go for. Before you leave, grab a few curry puffs for your afternoon tea break.
Ali Corner, #02-17, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
10. Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow
Ask any foodie about their favourite char kway teow spot, and you’ll end up with a laundry list of places to hit up. One such stall is Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow. This hawker gem boasts an impressive plate that’ll satisfy any growling stomach. The flavourful Chinese sausage and cockles further elevate the offering, making your meal a wholly delightful experience.
Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow, #02-11, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
11. 7 Original Tiong Bahru Fishball
This food stall deserves your utmost attention whenever you’re at Tiong Bahru Market. Everyone raves about its fishballs, which are made from fresh wolf herring fish. No flour is used throughout the cooking process, resulting in a bouncy texture that dances in your mouth when you bite into it. We also like that it’s not too oily – so we don’t feel too guilty indulging in them. Besides fishballs, you can also fill your plate with fishcakes, otah, ngoh hiang, and four-colour roll stuffed with crab stick.
7 Original Tiong Bahru Fishball, #02-20, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
12. Joo Chiat Beef King
If beef is your preferred source of protein, this is the eatery for you. Picture this: thick beef slices in a bowl of noodles filled with thick gravy. Sounds good, yes? If you agree, then you must get the beef brisket noodles. It’s a hearty bowl that’ll fill you up. There’s also the dry version if that’s more up your alley (you can request a bowl of beef soup on the side). Otherwise, we recommend ordering the beef ball soup.
Joo Chiat Beef King, #02-35, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
13. Liang Liang Garden
Don’t skip dessert while you’re here! This spot boasts a smorgasbord of local treats that you can enjoy on your own or share with your friends. One creation that you must order is the Milo Dinosaur Ice Kachang, a dizzying combination of Singapore’s favourite beverage and the old-school dessert. The gula melaka, chocolate, and Milo powder go so well together, whoever came up with this creation deserves a medal.
Liang Liang Garden, #02-75, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
14. HarriAnns Nyonya Table
Looking for something in-kueh-dible? Head to this nostalgic stall, where the traditional and modern collide, offering classics like Nyonya kueh and yam cake as well as interesting renditions with black sesame and matcha fillings. If you have room to spare, add the vegetarian glutinous rice to your order. Now, don’t be fooled by its appearance: it may look simple, but once you take the first bite, you’ll be lapping it all up.
HarriAnns Nyonya Table, #02-25, Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
You’re missing out if you don’t visit these food stalls in Tiong Bahru Market!
