Chinatown Complex
Home to a whopping 226 stalls, Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre is the largest hawker centre in Singapore. But that is not all. The massive complex is also where people can enjoy a stellar lineup of award-winning meals at unbelievably affordable prices.
For a start, Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre is the birthplace of Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle (aka the world’s cheapest Michelin-star restaurant). You can also dine at Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice, which has been awarded an honorable Michelin Bib Gourmand status.
Burnt Ends
Australian barbeque joint Burnt Ends is an unusual concept in Singapore. For this reason, alongside their delicious food, Burnt Ends packs in the crowds almost every night. At the centre of this restaurant is a large double-door oven that burns apple and almond wood, adding a smoky flavour.
If you are coming in a group with less than 6 people you can sit on the long counter, a front-seat view of the action. There is everything from pulled-pork burgers to a whole char-grilled redfish, and even a smoked ice-cream for dessert. They do not encourage bookings so you might have to wait, but if you are a meat lover then it is really worth it.
Haikee Brothers
Located on the second floor of Chinatown Point, five-month-old Haikee Brothers might be a new tenant in the mall, but its history actually dates back to 1959. Third-generation hawkers James Wang and Joseph Wang have continued their grandfather’s soya sauce chicken legacy by preparing it word-for-word according to the family’s heavily guarded recipe. The soy sauce drumstick noodles will blow you away with unbelievably tender chicken and springy noodles.
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Kaya Toast cafés are a mainstay of the Singapore local dining scene and serve one of the most popular breakfasts in this thriving city-state. A typical serving consists of thick toast with kaya jam (a mix of sugar, coconut milk and butter) liberally applied, with some soft-boiled eggs on the side, which you are expected to crack into a bowl and then dunk the toast into.
Ya Kun Kaya Toast is a popular franchise in Singapore, but at this China Street branch, you will likely be surrounded by old aunties and uncles getting their morning fix of kaya toast and strong tea or coffee.
Locha Loco
Lucha Loco is a casual Mexican taqueria located in the heart of hip and happening Duxton Hill. Specializing in gourmet Mexican street food, the menu, created by Chef Jason Jones of Melbourne's Mamasita fame, and Lucha Loco's very own Chef Mario Malvaez of Mexico City, features a tantalizing range of tacos, ceviches and tostados.
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
Despite having many local and overseas outlets, Song Fa Bak Ku Teh has successfully retained its food quality in every store. This Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery specialising in pork ribs has very humble beginnings, starting as a simple roadside pushcart in 1969. Over at Song Fa Bak Ku Teh, visitors can sink their teeth into fall-off-the-bone pork ribs and fill their stomachs with unlimited refills of piping hot peppery soup. For maximum satisfaction, complete your hearty meal with salted vegetables and sliced dough fritters.