Maxwell Food Centre guide
Working in the CBD doesn’t have to mean munching on overpriced salads all day. In reality, there is plenty of affordable hawker fare right in the heart of the city. Places like Amoy Street Food Centre and Maxwell Food Centre near Tanjong Pagar offer a variety of budget-friendly and delicious options. Given that Maxwell can get quite bustling at lunch, the choices might feel a bit overwhelming. To help you navigate, we’ve put together a list of must-try stalls at Maxwell Food Centre.
Table of Contents
1. Ye Lai Xiang Tasty Barbecue
Come to Ye Lai Xiang Tasty Barbecue for old-school Hainanese-Western food (from $10.50) the way it was first introduced to Singaporeans back in the 1970s. The meats—choose from chicken, pork, fish, lamb, or beef—here are served with the same signature brown sauce that was first created by the late Chef Leong while he was Head Chef in the British Navy. Each set comes with sides of crinkle-cut fries and a soft white bun, while baked beans only come with selected items on the menu.
Read our Ye Lai Xiang Tasty Barbecue review!
Unit number: #01-94
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm to 2:30pm, 6pm to 9pm
Ye Lai Xiang Tasty Barbecue is not halal-certified.
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2. Danlao
You’d expect nothing less than great scrambled eggs at Danlao, where the chefs are formerly from famous LA food truck Eggslut’s offshoot in Singapore. They’re also much more wallet-friendly, and come with an Asian slant here: think Tomato ($5), Luncheon Meat ($5.50), or our favourite Chicken Cutlet ($6.50) and Char Siew ($6.50) with scrambled eggs on rice.
Read our Danlao review.
Unit number: #01-73
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 8:30pm, Sun 11am to 4pm
Tel: 8830 8355
Website
Danlao is not halal-certified.
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3. Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice
Just two stalls down from the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice, run by Wong Liang Tai, who was head cook at Tian Tian for more than 20 years. The queues here are considerably shorter, although Ah Tai has its fair share of fans as well. We tried both the stalls in Maxwell Food Centre, and prefer the steamed chicken here! In the spirit of competition, a plate of chicken rice here also starts from $5.
Unit number: #01-07
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 11am to 7:30pm
Website
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice is not halal-certified.
4. Fish Village
Fish Village doles out affordable steamed fish and other seafood in Maxwell. There’s HK-Style Steamed Red Grouper ($25) and HK-Style Steamed Prawns (from $9) so you can enjoy restaurant-level fish at wallet-friendly prices. Other dishes here include Thai Sauce Scallops ($14), Stir Fry Kai Lan ($6) and more.
Read our Fish Village coverage.
Unit number: #01-32
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 8pm
Fish Village is not halal-certified.
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5. The 1950s Coffee
The main branch of The 1950s Coffee is located at Chinatown Complex, where they’ve won a mention in the Singapore edition of the Michelin Guide—we even found they had the best kopi around. Here at their Maxwell Food Centre outlet, they’re open every day of the week. Go for the Iced Milk Coffee ($1.90), which has a perfect ice-to-coffee ratio, or our writer’s pick, Kopi C Siew Dai ($1.40).
Unit number: #01-90
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8:30am to 4pm
The 1950s Coffee is not halal-certified.
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6. Mr Appam
Head to Mr Appam to try the South Indian pancake that’s made with fermented rice batter, and find yourself surprised by the sight of Vietnamese lady Nguyen Thi Kieu Hanh churning them out. The Original Appam ($4 for two) is their most basic version, while Princess Appam ($4.30) sees the addition of egg and cheese. They also have unique renditions such as Butterfly Pea Gula Melaka Appam ($3.20) and Cempedak Appam ($5)!
Read our Mr Appam coverage.
Unit number: #01-99
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 9am to 8pm
Mr Appam is not halal-certified.
7. 75 China Street Peanuts Soup
Not to be confused with 75 Ah Balling, 75 China Street Peanuts Soup only serves three things: their best-selling peanut soup, red bean soup, and tau suan, all of which are priced at only $1.40. The stall has been around for more than 70 years, now run by a pair of third-gen husband-and-wife team who make all three desserts from scratch. If you want something heartier, top up $0.60 for glutinous rice balls filled with either sesame or toasty ground peanuts.
Unit number: #01-57
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7:30am to 2pm
Tel: 9877 7557
75 China Street Peanuts Soup is not halal-certified.
8. Taste Of Jiang Nan
Besides Din Tai Fung-style fried rice, Taste Of Jiang Nan is also known for their Xiao Long Bao. These are sold at $5 for six pieces, which practically makes it around $0.80 per piece. Their Pork Wanton in Chilli Oil with Noodles ($5.50), where la mian is topped with juicy pork dumplings, is equally popular.
Read our Taste of Jiang Nan review.
Unit number: #01-62
Opening hours: Sun-Fri 11:30am to 8:30pm
Tel: 8342 9898
Website
Taste of Jiang Nan is not halal-certified.
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9. Tong Xin Ju Special Shanghai Tim Sum
Fourth-generation owner Sebastian Hu keeps his Shanghainese grandfather’s legendary guo tie recipe alive at Tong Xin Ju Special Shanghai Tim Sum, where the handmade Fried Dumplings ($5.60 for eight pieces) steal the show with a special chilli sauce. For the same price, you could get them steamed, too. Have them with Hot & Sour Soup ($4/$5/$6), and Pei Jing Noodle/Hor Fun ($4/$5/$6) for a complete meal.
Read our Tong Xin Ju Special Shanghai Tim Sum review.
Unit number: #01-92
Opening hours: Tue, Thurs-Sun 11:30am to 8:30pm
Tel: 9662 3501
Website
Tong Xin Ju Special Shanghai Tim Sum is not halal-certified.
10. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
Everyone knows Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, and for good reason too. They hold a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for their lip-smacking chicken rice, and celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and the late Anthony Bourdain have eaten here. Their rice is fragrant, and the chicken is succulent. They are the most popular chicken rice stall in Singapore known to locals and tourists, with branches even in Hong Kong. Even so, prices here start from a friendly $5.
Unit number: #01-10/11
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am to 8pm
Tel: 9691 4852
Website
Tian Tian Chicken Rice is not halal-certified.
11. Lakeview (Upper Thomson) Kim Goreng Pisang
Lakeview (Upper Thomson) Kim Goreng Pisang is a haven for lovers of fried fritters. On top of the more common fried fritters we usually see around, such as You Tiao, Butterfly Bun, Red Bean Hum Ji Peng, and Salted Hum Ji Peng, the stall also serves fried banana, fried cempedak, fried nian gao, fried sweet potato and more, all starting from $1. This is one of the few vegetarian-friendly stalls to check out!
Read our Lakeview (Upper Thomson) Kim Goreng Pisang coverage.
Unit number: #01-30
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 24 hours
Lakeview (Upper Thomson) Kim Goreng Pisang is not halal-certified.
This Maxwell Stall Has Fried Nian Gao, Sweet Potato Balls And More From $1
12. Old Nyonya
Around since 1960, Old Nyonya has been known for its homely Peranakan dishes. Get your money’s worth and order the Rendang Chicken Rice/Nasi Lemak ($7), which comes with a juicy chicken drumstick that’s well-coated in a rich, coconutty sauce, a side of achar, and fried bean curd skin. While I didn’t get to try it, the Laksa ($5/$7) is supposed to be creamier and better than the other options in Maxwell.
Unit number: #01-04
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9pm
Tel: 8072 0948
Website
Old Nyonya is not halal-certified.
13. Sisaket Thai Food
Image credit: @mrdidijiak
Sisaket Thai Food does authentic, tasty Thai fare. Their creamy Green Curry Chicken/Beef with Rice ($8) is decadent and rich, and goes perfectly with rice. Another addictive item is their sweet-savoury Phad Thai ($6.50), full of wok hei, while the Basil Chicken/Beef with Rice ($7.50/$8.50) is fiery hot. If you wish to dine with your family after work, you will be glad to know they also do Thai-style zi char.
Unit number: #01-85
Opening hours: Mon 12am to 8:30am, Tue-Sat 10am to 8:30pm, Sun 10am to 12am
Sisaket Thai Food is not halal-certified.
14. Zhen Zhen Porridge
Image credit: @nusfatclub
Zhen Zhen Porridge has commanded loyal queues for over 20 years with its Cantonese-style chok that boasts a thick and creamy consistency. Despite its popularity and long-standing history, prices are still kept low at $4 for a bowl generously topped with ingredients. Go for their Sliced Fish with Shredded Chicken and Century Egg ($4/$5) to get the best of everything.
Unit number: #01-54
Opening hours: Wed, Fri-Sun 5:30am to 2pm
Zhen Zhen Porridge is not halal-certified.
15. Yi Jia Teochew Fish Porridge Fish Soup
Image credit: @minhizzzle
Directly translated, Yi Jia Teochew Fish Porridge Fish Soup means “one house Teochew fish porridge fish soup”. The stall sees a constantly long queue at lunch hour, and no wonder. Order their Batang Fish (from $4) and be treated to a delicate broth boasting chunks of silky smooth fish slices, with firm grains of rice. It’s also topped with fried shallots and fresh coriander for extra fragrance.
Unit number: #01-66
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am to 2:30pm
Yi Jia Teochew Fish Porridge Fish Soup is not halal-certified.
16. Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake
Image credit: @kevinfmlim
Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake is one of the few stalls serving this soon-to-be-extinct heritage snack at just $2.50. Encased in the golden-brown fried cake are succulent oysters, prawns, and minced meat. Cilantro is also added to cut through any oiliness. The magic of this Fuzhou dish is its batter, which is made of a combination of ground rice and flour, resulting in an airy and crisp bite.
Unit number: #01-05
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am to 8pm
Tel: 9344 1296
Website
Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake is not halal-certified.
17. Taste Fusion Hainanese Chicken Chop
Image credit: Ming Qing Lye
Taste Fusion Hainanese Chicken Chop has made waves for their affordable yet sizable Hainanese-Western fare. Their signature Hainanese Chicken Chop Set ($8.80) is best eaten with a Fried Egg ($1), and comes with a huge, crispy chicken chop doused in house-made gravy, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, baked beans, and two pieces of mantou. Other dishes such as the Hainanese Pork Chop Rice and the Savoury Chicken Chop Rice begin at a humble $6.80.
Read our Taste Fusion Hainanese Chicken Chop coverage.
Unit number: #01-24
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm to 10pm, Sat 12pm to 9:30pm
Website
Taste Fusion Hainanese Chicken Chop is not halal-certified.
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18. Ri Xin Snack Delights
You can get ang ku kueh in both peanut and salted mung bean flavours for only $1 at Ri Xin Snack Delights, a speciality kueh stall in Maxwell run by a second-generation owner. Try lesser-known kueh such as wa kueh ($2) and huat kueh (from $2.50) made using the store owner’s well-kept family recipes.
Read our Ri Xin Snack Delights feature.
Unit number: #01-55
Opening hours: Daily 6pm to 10pm
Ri Xin Snack Delights is not halal-certified.
19. Fu Shun Jin Ji Shao La Mian Jia
Image credit: @rollingape_
This roast meat specialist is popular for its outstanding char siew, siew yoke and roast duck, served with rice or QQ Hong Kong-style noodles (from $4). The queue at Fu Shun Jin Ji Shao La Mian Jia usually starts forming before they open for the day at noon, so we encourage you to go early.
Unit number: #01-71
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm to 5pm, Sat 11:30am to 8pm
Fu Shun Jin Ji Shao La Mian Jia is not halal-certified.
20. Hup Kee Wu Xiang Guan Chang
Image credit: @jiamtaorotee
Another heritage stall that has been around since before the 1940s, Hup Kee Wu Xiang Guan Chang is one of the only Hokkien ngoh hiang stalls still standing. Unlike the more common Teochew-style ngoh hiang, Hokkien ngoh hiang has no mashed yam in the meat rolls, or prawn fritters. Not all of these ngoh hiang are handmade in the stall, but prices start from a very affordable $0.50 per piece.
Unit number: #01-97
Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 12pm to 6pm
Tel: 8113 7015
Website
Hup Kee Wu Xiang Guan Chang is not halal-certified.
21. Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon
Image credit: @bittersweet.verve
Prices at Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon start from $5 for Cantonese-style fish soup that’s rich with flavour. For extra creaminess, ask them to add evaporated milk to your bowl of soup! You can choose between sliced and fried fish pieces, although I prefer the latter. Have it as is, or with your choice of rice or noodles.
Unit number: #01-77
Opening hours: Fri-Wed 11:30am to 7:30pm
Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon is not halal-certified.
22. Heng Heng Ondeh-Ondeh & Tapioca Cake
Image credit: @vanessa_kou
Heng Heng Ondeh-Ondeh & Tapioca Cake has been in business at Maxwell Food Centre for more than 40 years, selling traditional homemade kueh that are often sold out before the stall closes. They’re most well-known for their ondeh ondeh ($3.70 for five), with an oozy gula melaka centre and coated with fresh grated coconut, although their selection of other kueh is also stellar. Their Ondeh-Ondeh and Tapioca Cakes are sold for $0.80 a piece or $3.70 for a box of five. They also have Kueh Lapis, which are sold at $2.20 for a box.
Read our Heng Heng Ondeh-Ondeh & Tapioca Cake coverage.
Unit number: #01-31
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7am to 1pm
Tel: 9730 2833
Website
Heng Heng Ondeh-Ondeh & Tapioca Cake is not halal-certified.
This Kueh Stall At Maxwell Has $0.60 Handmade Ondeh Ondeh And Tapioca Cake
23. Fu Ji Fuzhou Fish Ball Wanton Noodles
Image credit: Royal Pears via Google Maps
Fu Ji Fuzhou Fish Ball Wanton Noodles is a long-time tenant at Maxwell Food Centre, with a history of more than 30 years. They’re known for their Spinach Mee ($5/$6/$7), which comes with super springy, jade-coloured egg noodles, wonton, and char siew. Their other claim to fame is Fu Zhou Fishball Rou Yan Soup ($5/$6/$7), which comes with meat-filled fishballs. Get both wanton and Fuzhou fishballs in the Fu Zhou Fishball Wanton Mee ($5/$6/$7).
Unit number: #01-06
Opening hours: Sun-Fri 11:30am to 9pm
Tel: 9388 5723
Fu Ji Fuzhou Fish Ball Wanton Noodles is not halal-certified.
24. Pakistani Dum Biryani
Image credit: PAKISTANI DUM BIRYANI via Google Maps
Biryani is a familiar dish to most Singaporeans, but Pakistani Dum Biryani does it uniquely, using a greater variety of spices to enhance its fragrance and spice level. They also serve Pulao, a lighter, Arabic version of the Basmati rice dish. The stall even lets you go for a half-and-half option, where you can taste the best of both rice dishes. For each version of the rice base, you can get Chicken ($8) and Mutton ($9), which we found was super tender, fall-of-the-bone, and not overly gamey.
Unit number: #01-69
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am to 8pm
Website
Pakistani Dum Biryani is halal-certified.
25. Hock Lai Seng
Image credit: @tamkokseng
You may have heard of Ah Ter Teochew Fishball Noodles, but head to Maxwell Food Centre, and you’ll find his grandson behind the stove at Hock Lai Seng. A bowl of Fishball Bak Chor Mee here is priced from $5 for the most basic option. PS. If you’re ordering this dry, it’s tossed with ketchup too for a tangy-sweet finish.
Unit number: #01-26
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7am to 3pm
Hock Lai Seng Teochew Fishball Bak Chor Mee is not halal-certified.
26. Somerset Delicacies
Image credit: Patricia via Google Maps
If you’re a zi char fan, Somerset Delicacies is the perfect stall to try here. They have a variety of fried rice options at unbeatable prices. For those who love some good spice, go for their Belachan Fried Rice ($4/$5), which comes with shrimp, eggs, vegetables, and sambal spices. Otherwise, go for their Mixed Seafood Hor Fun ($4/$5), which serves a great portion of seafood along with noodles.
Unit number: #01-60
Opening hours: Sun-Fri 11am to 9pm
Somerset Delicacies is not halal-certified.
27. Sichuan Cuisine
Image credit: Florian Rüegg via Google Maps
If you’re looking for something more fiery, check out Sichuan Cuisine. Their chef’s recommendation, Grilled Fish on Paper ($22), comes in spicy, sauerkraut and tomato flavours. They also cook all the Sichuan classics such as La Zi Ji (Spicy Fried Chicken) ($11), Cumin Beef/Pork ($11), Mapo Tofu ($6) and much more. Besides these classics, they even have Mala Baby Lobster ($20)! As you’d expect, we hear the food here is super spicy, so be prepared to sweat. FYI, it’s best to check with the staff for the exact prices.
Unit number: #01-87
Opening hours: Sun-Fri 11am to 9pm
Tel: 9388 1558
Sichuan Cuisine is not a halal-certified eatery.
28. Welcome Ren Min
Image credit: Welcome Ren Min via Google Maps
Welcome to Ren Min is a popular stall that offers both packaged and draft beers. Featuring a rotating selection from local and international craft breweries, Ren Min has recently added their own brews to the lineup. Prices largely range from $11 to $15 for a glass and $13 to $19 for a pint.
Unit number: #01-33
Opening hours: Mon 5:30pm to 10:30pm, Tue-Thurs 12pm to 10:30pm, Fri 12pm to 11pm, Sat 12pm to 10:30pm, Sun 12pm to 9:30pm
Website
Welcome Ren Min is not halal-certified.
29. Sultan Kebab
Image credit: Michael O’Hagan via Google Maps
If you’re looking to try some affordable, authentic Turkish food in the CBD, head down to Sultan Kebab for their Kebab Wraps (from $9) and Tombik (from $10), which are said to be packed full of juicy, flavourful meat. Save room for their Kunefe ($14)—a traditional Turkish dessert made with crispy kadayif pastry, stuffed with cheese and slathered with sweet, creamy sauce.
Unit number: #01-86
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 10am to 9pm
Website
Sultan Kebab is halal-certified.
30. Ah Zhong Roasted Delights
Image credit: HC Lum via Google Maps
Ah Zhong Roasted Delights specialises in roasted meats, namely roasted duck, char siew, and siew yoke. For $5, you can get a mix of any two meats with a bed of fluffy rice or a mound of springy egg noodles, served with a generous heap of fried pork lard for added crunch. Otherwise, you can enjoy a platter of all three meats with the 3 Combo Set (from $10). You can even upgrade your soup to Wanton Dumpling Soup for just $1.50!
Unit number: #01-93
Opening hours: Thurs-Mon 11am to 9pm
Ah Zhong Roasted Delights is not halal-certified.
Best hawker food at Maxwell Food Centre
Traditional or newfangled, there’s something in Maxwell Food Centre to tickle your food fancy. With its sprawling aisles and numerous stalls, there’s something for any diet.
While you’re here, read our Chinatown food guide and Telok Ayer food guide for more good eats in the area.
Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184
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