Jalan Batu Food Centre: 10 Hawker Stalls Worth Trying

While Jalan Batu Food Centre may not be among the largest or most famous hawker centres in Singapore – especially when compared to the neighbouring Old Airport Road Food Centre – it’s absolutely worth visiting to sample the culinary delights on offer.

The under-the-radar hawker centre is located a short stroll from Mountbatten MRT station and is accessible via multiple bus services. As for what to expect? Think juicy steak, old-school wanton mee, moreish roti prata and more. 

Jalan Batu Food Centre is at 4A Jalan Batu, Singapore 432004

1. Blackgoat

With an owner who has worked at Michelin-starred venues Burnt Ends and Zen, you know you’ll be in for a treat when you patronise Blackgoat. The Muslim-friendly joint doesn’t have a permanent menu but specialises in steak, burgers and sandwiches. It also doles out sophisticated desserts like burnt cheesecake topped with toasted black pepper whipped cream and parmesan. Expect to pay upwards of about $15.

#01-05

2. Feng Ji Kway Chap

Warm up on a rainy day by slurping down a serving of comforting kway chap from this popular establishment. For around $3 and up, you can get a bowl of slippery rice sheets submerged in a flavour-packed herbal broth and topped with coriander and aromatic fried garlic, plus sides including braised pork, braised egg and tau kee. A dash of chilli sauce adds a pleasant fiery kick. 

#01-20

3. Kim Kee Tanjong Rhu Wanton Mee

Jalan Batu Food Centre is home to multiple vendors selling wanton mee, but this one typically has the longest queue – and loyal customers will claim that it serves one of the best renditions in the city-state. Fork out roughly $4 for a helping of al dente egg noodles tossed in a scrumptious sauce and served with the requisite char siew slices, leafy Chinese greens and small but juicy wantons in a bowl of soup.

#01-18

4. Old Place Fresh Prawn Noodle

Those in the mood for prawn noodles should pay a visit to this vendor. You can choose from a soup or dry version prepared with your choice of noodles, both of which are served with generously sized prawns and a flavourful, umami-rich broth that’s good to the last drop. Big eaters can add braised pork ribs for a heartier meal. Anticipate ponying up approximately $5.

#01-10

5. Shaikh Alawdeen Briyani

If you’re craving something fried and tasty, you can treat yourself to roti prata at this establishment, where prices begin at about $1. The roti prata has a crackly exterior and slightly chewy interior, and pairs well with the accompanying portion of curry gravy. Make a meal of it by sampling the other items on their menu, which include mee goreng, nasi goreng, mutton briyani and Indian rojak.

#01-22

6. Wang Lao Wu Chicken King

Chicken rice, anyone? Drop by Wang Lao Wu Chicken King to tuck into the crowd-favourite dish. For upwards of roughly $4, you’ll receive a portion of fragrant flavoured rice, tender slabs of chicken doused in a light soy sauce, refreshing cucumber slices and a small bowl of soup. They also serve assorted veggies, glistening roasted meats and an array of nourishing traditional Chinese soups.

#01-28

7. Kampung Pancake

Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to cap off your meal or need an afternoon snack to keep the munchies at bay, Kampung Pancake has you covered. It makes min jiang kueh (prices start at just over $1 per slice) stuffed with fillings including peanut, red bean, gula melaka coconut, black sesame and cheese. Try them all by bringing home one of each flavour to share with the rest of the family.

#01-16

8. Belirub

This spot-selling Western fare was founded by an owner who honed his chops at Le Cordon Bleu. Go for the signature Chincalok Wooster Grilled Chicken served with cabbage slaw and potato salad, try the Maryland Chicken (deep-fried chicken thigh with homemade coleslaw and your choice of French fries or rice) or sample the Aglio Olio with Rosemary Chicken. Anticipate paying approximately $7 and above.

#01-12

9. Ah Mah Chwee Kueh

Come here for a simple yet satisfying breakfast of old-school chwee kueh (priced at about $2 for five pieces). The firm, springy and slightly wobbly discs are made with glutinous rice flour and served with a plentiful scoop of chunky preserved radish. Those who like it hot can request a dollop of sambal, and they also offer a selection of traditional Chinese desserts including chendol and cheng tng.

#01-01

10. Boon Seng Curry Rice

Switch things up from your usual economy rice order by hitting up Boon Seng Curry Rice. You can either go for one of their set meals (options include chicken chop and pork chop) or mix and match from a myriad of dishes like eggplant, cabbage, fried fish and assorted meats to assemble your desired plate, which is subsequently doused in a fragrant curry sauce. Expect to pay upwards of around $4, depending on what you pick. 

#01-34