25 Tampines Hawker Food You'll Want To Travel Across Singapore For

We’ve long heard of the debate on which side of Singapore has the best food.

To add fuel to this very entertaining fire, we’ve found 28 hidden Tampines hawker food gems to help East-siders prove their point, in addition to these Tampines cafes. Whether or not the East side is really the best side, we’ll definitely be willing to travel across the island for these delicious Tampines hawker food stalls.

• 1. Old World Bakuteh

If you’re looking for delicious old-school bak kut teh, check out Old World Bakuteh, which has an outlet in Tampines. Be sure to order their Teochew-style Pork Ribs Soup ($7.50), which features a peppery and porky broth with some succulent ribs .

They’re also known for their Mixed Pig’s Organ Fried Porridge ($6), a wok hei-laden affair with fresh offal. While you’re here, be sure to try the Large Intestines Braised Mee Sua ($6) too

Read our Old World Bakuteh review. Address: 1 Tampines North Drive, #01-34, T-Space, Singapore 528559

Opening hours: Tue-Thurs 9:30am to 8pm, Fri-Sun 9:30am to 8:30pm Tel: 9388 5288

Website

Old World Bakuteh is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 2. Ho Yun Tim Sum

Ho Yun Tim Sum is run by an ex-hotel chef from Hong Kong, so you know the dim sum here is legit. Here, crowd favourites include the Prawn Chee Cheong Fun ($3.50), with silky rice rolls encasing juicy prawns, and a thick, comforting bowl of Century Egg Lean Pork Porridge ($3.50), all priced under $5.

You can also get a basket of deep-fried goodies, with three pieces going for $3.50, including Carrot Cake ($1.20) and Fried Spring Roll ($1). Read our Ho Yun Tim Sum review!

Address: Blk 419, Tampines Street 41, #01-80, Singapore 520419 Opening hours: Tue-Sun 5:30am to 3:30pm

Ho Yun Tim Sum is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 3. Chai Chee Pork Porridge

To warm your tummy, head down to Chai Chee Pork Porridge at Tampines Round Market & Food Centre for some Pork Porridge ($4), which is said to have a thick, smooth, and creamy texture. For the perfect bite, be sure to pair it with the chunks of crispy you tiao. You can also add an egg at an additional $0.50.

If you’re not a fan of pork, you can go for the Chicken Porridge ($4), Cuttlefish Porridge ($4), or Fish Porridge ($5) too. Address: 137 Tampines Street 11, #01-39 Round Market & Food Centre, Singapore 522137

Opening hours: Sun-Fri 6am to 1:30pm, Sat 6:30am to 1:30pm Tel: 8188 8628

Website

Chai Chee Pork Porridge is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 4. Nasi Lemak Specialist

If you’re craving nasi lemak, head down to Nasi Lemak Specialist. Here, a plate of coconut-flavoured basmati rice, served with ikan bilis, peanuts, otah, chicken wing, bergedil, and an egg, for only $5.50.

Nasi lemak aside, they also have a selection of Malay dishes, including Lontong ($3.50) and Mee Rebus ($3.50). Address: 137 Tampines Street 11, #01-14, Singapore 521137

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 7:30am to 1pm, Sun 7:30am to 12pm Tel: 8233 6101

Website

Nasi Lemak Specialist is a Muslim-owned eatery.

• 5. Fu Yuan Teochew Bak Chor Mee

Fu Yuan Teochew Bak Chor Mee will do the trick whenever you need a satisfying bowl of bak chor mee. This hawker food stall occupies a small section of a Tampines kopitiam, and serves Teochew-style BCM with mee pok and handmade dumplings. Teochew Bak Chor Mee ($4.50) includes sliced pork, liver, minced meat, meatballs and a full-flavoured soup.

Plus, the dish is dressed in an addictive and fiery chilli sauce that has a hint of sweetness to it. Address: 201C Tampines Street 21, Singapore 523201

Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 5:30am to 1:30pm Fu Yuan Teochew Bak Chor Mee is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 6. Yummy Sarawak Kolo Mee

Located at Tampines Round Market and Food Centre, Yummy Sarawak Kolo Mee serves some of the finest Sarawak hawker cuisine. They’re known for their signature Sarawak kolo mee, and they also offer wonton mee, spare ribs noodles, and chicken feet noodles.

Their Signature Sarawak Kolo Mee Set (from $5.50) is topped with generous amounts of fried and boiled wonton, char siew, and thick pieces of tender braised pork. As for the noodles, they are said to be QQ and packed with flavour.

Address: 137 Tampines Street 11, #01-45, Tampines Round Market and Food Centre, Singapore 521137 Opening hours: Daily 6am to 2pm

Tel: 9866 2244 Yummy Sarawak Kolo Mee is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 7. Song Han Carrot Cake

Song Han Carrot Cake serves traditional handmade carrot cake that’s cooked with curry powder, resulting in a special blend of fried goodness. The curry taste is not overpowering or spicy, which gives the dish extra flavour. The Curry Powder Carrot Cake (from $2.50) is available in both black and white versions.

The latter comes with a generous serving of small prawns. It usually gets sold out pretty early, so don’t be late!

Check out our Song Han Carrot Cake feature. Address: 137 Tampines Street 11, #01-07, Tampines Round Market and Food Centre, Singapore 521137

Opening hours: Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun 6am to 12pm Song Han Carrot Cake is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 8. Al Mahboob Indian Rojak

Located four minutes away from Tampines MRT Station, Al Mahboob Indian Rojak has a variety of freshly prepared rojak ingredient choices lined up on the front of its counter. You’ll find rojak ingredients made from scratch, such as handmade dough balls and prawn fritters, ngoh hiang, tofu, and fishcakes. All these are fried before being garnished with sliced onion and cucumber.

Let’s not forget their highly addictive Indian rojak sauce which has a nice balance of sweet, spicy and savoury flavours. Prices here range from around $3.50 to $10 per head, and you can definitely pick enough ingredients to fill you up. Read our Al Mahboob Indian Rojak review!

Address: 300 Tampines Avenue 5, #01-02, NTUC Income @ Tampines Junction, Singapore 529653 Opening hours: Daily 11am to 8pm

Tel: 6788 2257 Al Mahboob Indian Rojak is a Muslim-owned eatery.

• 9. 137 Lor Mee Prawn Mee

Located just two stalls away from Song Han Carrot Cake, 137 Lor Mee Prawn Mee is popular for their lor mee and prawn noodles. Their Signature Lor Mee starts at $4, comprising a bowl of thick yellow noodles and gravy, topped with a generous portion of fried fish, fish fillet, and egg.

The sauce is thick and fragrant with lots of garlic, without being overpowering. Address: 137 Tampines Street 11, #01-09, Tampines Round Market and Food Centre, Singapore 521137 Opening hours: Tue-Sun 6:30am to 1pm

137 Lor Mee Prawn Mee is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 10. Mui Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice

Those living near Tampines Street 21 will be familiar with Mui Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice, which always has long snaking queues on weekends. Besides serving a mean plate of chicken rice, this stall also specialises in char siew rice, which has a sweet and smoky finish. Each dish sets you back at around $4 to $5.

Patrons also recommend visiting the stall early as they are usually sold out by 12pm! Address: 264 Tampines Street 21, Singapore 520264

Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 9am to 3pm Mui Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 11. Soi Thai Kitchen

Soi Thai Kitchen has a similar concept to Nakhon Kitchen, serving Thai dishes at wallet-friendly prices. These include Drunken Noodles ($7) and Tom Yum Fried Rice ($7), though you can also order sharing-style dishes such as Seabass with Mango Salad ($25) and Thai Style Kang Kong ($8).

It’s easy to spend less than $20 per person here, so pop by if you’re up for some cheap Thai food! What’s more, they’re open till late, making for a good supper option. Address: 824 Tampines Street 81, #01-28, Singapore 520824

Opening hours: Daily 11am to 2.15pm, 5:30pm to 1:30am Tel: 6784 2421

Soi Thai Kitchen is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 12. Tokyo Western Food

Tokyo Western Food serves up a feisty selection of Western cuisine, with the usual fare of Chicken Chop ($7.50) and Pork Chop ($8). One thing you can be sure of is the quality of the meat, which is well-marinated and served with generous portions of fries, baked beans and toast. It’s hidden in a kopitiam at Tampines Street 81, so keep an eye out for it if you’re in the area.

Address: 823A Tampines Street 81, Singapore 521823 Opening hours: Wed-Mon 12pm to 9pm

Tel: 9351 3077

Website

Tokyo Western Food is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 13. Jin Hock Seafood

Most East-siders would be familiar with Jin Hock Seafood, especially for their much-loved White Bee Hoon (from $6.50). Expect a generous portion of seafood such as sliced cuttlefish and prawns, vegetables, eggs, and bee hoon, cooked in a flavourful broth.

Aside from their White Bee Hoon, you can also order other common zi char dishes such as BBQ Stingray (from $15) and Prawn Paste Chicken (from $12). Read our Jin Hock Seafood review.

Address: 844 Tampines Street 82, #01-131, Singapore 520844 Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10:30pm Tel: 6787 4255

Jin Hock Seafood is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 14. Shun Shun Prawn Noodles

Aside from a generous serving of prawns and fishcakes per bowl, Shun Shun Prawn Noodles’ namesake dish boasts a rich broth, priced at $5.50. A large portion of fried shallots also adds fragrance to the dish.

If you prefer it to be a little spicier, add $0.50 to get the dry version, and request some chilli! Address: 824 Tampines Street 81, #01-38, Singapore 520824

Opening hours: Wed-Mon 7am to 1pm Shun Shun Prawn Noodle is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 15. Teo Kee Mushroom Minced Pork Noodle

Although ‘mushroom minced pork noodle’ is in their name, Teo Kee Mushroom Minced Pork Noodle is best known for their Pork Ribs Noodles (from $6). The pork ribs are so tender that they easily yield to your chopsticks, letting you pull the meat clean off the bones. Coupled with the herbal five-spice noodles, this makes for a hearty breakfast bowl.

Their Mushroom Minced Meat Noodles (from $4) is a cleaner-tasting option, served with minced pork and braised shiitake mushrooms in a light sauce. Address: 137 Tampines Street 11, Tampines Round Market and Food Centre, #01-05, Singapore 522137

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 6am to 2pm Tel: 9780 4181 Teo Kee Mushrooom Minced Pork is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 16. Xing Ji 星记 Wanton Mee

Xing Ji 星记 Wanton Mee serves up a delicious plate of Wanton Mee (from $5), which you can pair with either sambal or ketchup. The springy noodles absorb the sauce really well, and are complemented by the generous servings of char siew and handmade wonton. Xing Ji is also known for their spicy Curry Chicken Noodle (from $5), which comes with tender chicken meat.

Address: 137 Tampines Street 11, Tampines Round Market and Food Centre, #01-35, Singapore 521137 Opening hours: Thurs-Sat 6am to 1pm, Mon 6am to 10:30am Tel: 9822 9773

Website

Xing Ji 星记 Wanton Mee is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 17. Granny’s Pancake

Granny’s Pancake specialises in min jiang kueh that’s baked on the spot. What you get is a tender, piping hot pancake that’s packed generously with the filling of your choice: peanut, coconut, red bean, or peanut butter.

Each pancake costs as low as $1, making this a wallet-friendly snack too. Address: 137 Tampines Street 11, #01-148, Kim San Leng Kopitiam, Singapore 521138

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 7:30am to 4pm Tel: 9853 3533

Granny’s Pancake is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 18. Rajarani Thosai

For a meal that makes you feel less guilty, head down to Rajarani Thosai, which uses less oil in their thosai. Their Plain Thosai ($2.50) has crispy edges and a smooth centre that’s tender and moist even after being taken off the skillet.

Other flavours of thosai are also available, such as Egg ($3), Onion ($3), and Butter Onion ($3.50). Their Masala Thosai ($4), stuffed with soft spiced potato chunks, is another best-seller!

Check out our Rajarani Thosai review! Address: 137 Tampines Street 11, #01-33, Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, Singapore 521137 Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 7am to 1:30pm

Rajarani is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 19. Hai Chang Fish Head Steamboat

Hai Chang Fish Head Steamboat serves Teochew-style fish head steamboat that’s heated with charcoal instead of gas, AKA the traditional way. These steamboats are packed with fried fish fins, Chinese yam, Napa cabbage, and fish.

You can choose from three types of fish: Sea Bream, Red Snapper, and Pomfret. Prices start from around $26, depending on what type of fish you order.

They are served in thick slices, which ensures that they remain intact even after being cooked in the steamboat. Address: 137 Tampines Street 11, #01-03, Tampines Round Market and Food Centre, Singapore 521137 Opening hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm to 9pm

Tel: 9663 7994

Website

Hai Chang Fish Head Steamboat is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 20. Botak Cantonese Porridge

Formerly known as Botak Delicacy, Botak Cantonese Porridge is where you can find yourself a comforting bowl of Cantonese congee, starting with their Minced Pork Century Egg Porridge ($4). Unlike other stores that use century egg as a garnish, Botak Cantonese Porridge incorporates it into the cooking process, giving the congee a velvety smooth texture. This also imbues the congee with a well-rounded aroma, along with an irresistible medley of flavours.

They also whip up a great bowl of Seafood Porridge ($6.50) if you don’t mind spending a bit more! Read our full Botak Cantonese Porridge review! Address: 1 Tampines Avenue, #01-65, The Hawker Centre @ Our Tampines Hub, Singapore 529684

Opening hours: Daily 7:30am to 9pm Tel: 9021 8211

Botak Cantonese Porridge is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 21. Yi Le Shu Shi

There’s nothing like economic bee hoon to start your day right, and you can get this local breakfast fix at Yi Le Shu Shi. A plate of bee hoon starts at $1.50, and you can load it with ingredients such as fried egg, fish fillet, and sausage. They also have a selection of kueh available, including the pink-hued Rice Cake ($1.20), AKA png kueh, or Soon Kueh ($1), packed with turnip and dried shrimp.

Address: 137A Tampines Street 11, #01-10, Tampines Round Market Food Centre, Singapore 522137 Opening hours: Fri-Mon 7am to 2pm Yi Le Shu Shi is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 22. House of Dessert 甜品之家

If you’re bored of the usual BBTs, try the traditional desserts at House of Dessert 甜品之家. Their Tau Suan ($1.70) comes highly recommended; the beans are steamed just right to ensure that they have a chewy texture when bitten into.

There’s also Bubor Pulut Hitam ($1.70), a rich black glutinous rice dessert topped with coconut milk. Read our House of Dessert review!

Address: 137 Tampines Street 11, #01-21, Tampines Round Market and Food Centre, Singapore 521137 Opening hours: Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun 7am to 1pm House of Dessert 甜品之家.

Is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 23. Jin Kimchi Express

Good news for Korean food fans living in the East: JIN Kimchi Express has an outlet in Tampines! The popular Korean hawker stall, which has another outlet in Sengkang, doubles up as a banchan store, so you can dabao your favourite sides after your meal.

Highlights on the menu include the Icy Mul Naengmyeon ($8.80): buckwheat noodles, pickled white radish, shredded cucumber, and half a boiled egg submerged in an icy cold beef-based broth. They also have Jin Signature Kimchi Stew Set ($6) and Kimchi Fried Rice ($6) for kimchi lovers! Read our JIN Kimchi Express review!

Address: 878C Tampines Avenue 8, #01-66, Kopitiam Corner, Singapore 523878 Opening hours: Daily 11am to 8:30pm

Website

JIN Kimchi Express is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 24. The Only Burger

Previously a home-based business, The Only Burger is a now hawker stall hidden in a new Tampines BTO estate. The Muslim-owned stall has a wide range of burgers at wallet-friendly prices, from The Oklahoma Beef Burger ($9.50 for single, $12.50 for double), a best-selling item starring beef patty, veggies, battered fried onions, and three types of sauces, to The Spicy Chicken Burger ($9.10), which comes with a thick and crispy fried chicken thigh patty. Read our The Only Burger review.

Address: 602B Tampines Avenue 9, #01-01, Happy Hawkers, Singapore 522602 Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9pm

Website

The Only Burger is a Muslim-owned eatery,

• 25. Munchi Pancakes

For thick min jiang kueh that’s generously filled with your choice of spread, head to Munchi Pancakes at Our Tampines Hub. Their pancakes are priced from $1.80 per slice for the traditional option, where you get to pick from three fillings: Peanut, Coconut, and Red Bean. Otherwise, for something different, we recommend their Black Sesame ($2.20) and Biscoff min jiang kueh!

You also can choose from three pancake skin flavours: Matcha, Charcoal, and Original. Read our Munchi Pancakes review.

Address: 1 Tampines Walk, #01-67, Hawker Centre, Our Tampines Hub, Singapore 528523 Opening hours: Daily 8am to 8:30pm

Website

Munchi Pancakes is a halal-certified eatery.

Tampines hawker food you must try

With so much good food in Tampines, we can understand why the area is perpetually crowded.

Westies, now might be the time to pay a visit to the East for these Tampines hawker food gems before the rest of Singapore finds out! For more food guides in the East, check out our Changi Village food guide, for white beehoon and Ipoh hor fun.

There’s also our guide for cafes in Katong, including foie gras pasta and pancake stacks.

Feature image adapted from @ck.sg_food AlexanderEGreat on Google Maps

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