10 Places For Hot Crispy Youtiao In Singapore, Including Pandan and Charcoal Flavours

Fried foods are beloved everywhere, thanks to the crispy exterior and savoury flavour imparted by the Maillard reaction. They taste even better when eaten piping hot straight from the fryer, and this is especially true for youtiao, also known as fried crullers or dough sticks. While you can get youtiao at porridge, rojak, or dessert stalls, the taste of freshly fried youtiao can't be beaten. And so we've gathered 10 places in Singapore where you can enjoy youtiao that are freshly made and fried, with flavours including pandan and charcoal. Many of these hawker stalls also serve sweet and salty ham chim peng and butterfly buns, so treat yourself to these moreish delights.

1. You Zha Kueh

You Zha Kueh opens only three days a week, but you will be met with long queues whenever they are. The Bedok hawker stall is manned by 69-year-old Lee Teck Lee and his wife, who started the trade after observing hawkers and formulating his recipe consisting of three types of flour and frying in refined coconut oil. Besides the ham chin peng ($1) and plain youtiao ($1), you have to return on Tuesdays and Thursdays to savour You Zha Kueh's signature Charcoal You Tiao ($1.50) and Pandan You Tiao ($1.50), the latter of which makes use of fresh pandan extract. You Zha Kueh closes at 11am.

You Zha Kueh is at 216 Bedok North Street 1, #01-43 Block 216 Bedok Food Centre and Market, Singapore 460216.

2. Alley Wei

Alley Wei is a halal eatery that focuses on Taiwanese street food. From starters to dessert, you can enjoy a plethora of offerings here. The menu ranges from Pan-fried Chicken Pau and Beef Noodles to Scallion Pancake and Hot Sweet Beancurd. Of course, there's the freshly made Youtiao ($1.80) to round out the meal or have as a quick snack with soy milk.

Alley Wei is at 4 Tampines Central 5, B1-K21 Tampines Mall, Singapore 529510 and 930 Yishun Ave 2, #B1-151 The Makan Town, Northpoint City, Singapore 769098. Visit its Facebook for more information.

3. Yong Hua You Tiao

Started by Mr Gan, Yong Hua You Tiao has been conscientiously serving fresh youtiao for over 40 years. He started learning the ropes from other sellers before starting his own and has since passed the Bedok South stall on to his sons. The dough is made on the spot using a family recipe before the youtiao ($1.20) is fried and served. Yong Hua You Tiao closes at 2pm.

Yong Hua You Tiao is at 16 Bedok S Rd, #01-20 Bedok South Market and Food Centre, Singapore 460016.

4. Xin Xin You Tiao

Xin Xin You Tiao was previously located in Toa Payoh in the 1970s and in Hougang Avenue 1 in the 1980s before settling in Hainanese Village. Now in his 80s, Teng Sun Foh still uses coconut oil to maintain the traditional taste of its youtiao ($0.90) and ham chim peng. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee from the adjacent Da Zhong Cafe, which is said to have the same owners as Xin Xin You Tiao. Xin Xin You Tiao closes at 11am.

Xin Xin You Tiao is at 105 Hougang Ave 1, #02-19 Hainanese Village Centre, Singapore 530105.

5. Kim Soon

Located in Kovan and known for its consistent queue, Kim Soon is one of the few hawker stalls that dedicate themselves to perfecting the craft of youtiao. As such, you will find a focused menu of youtiao, ham chin peng, and butterfly buns sold here. Each item is priced at $1.10. Kim Soon closes by 4pm.

Kim Soon is at 209 Hougang St 21, #01-18 Kovan Market & Food Centre, Singapore 530209.

6. Huan Le You Tiao

Like all fried food, youtiao is best eaten piping hot straight from the fryer. And for those who live in Lakeside and Jurong West, head to Huan Le You Tiao in Taman Jurong Food Centre to get your fix of hot crispy youtiao ($1). You will also find ham chim peng, sesame ball, and butterfly bun here. Huan Le You Tiao closes by 10.30am.

Huan Le You Tiao is at 3 Yung Sheng Rd, Taman Jurong Market & Food Centre, Singapore 618499.

7. Farrer You Tiao

As the name suggests, Farrer You Tiao is situated right outside Farrer Road in Empress Road Market and Food Centre. The multi-generational stall is said to be over 40 years old and is manned by an elderly couple. The menu has three items: freshly fried handmade youtiao ($1), ham chim peng, and butterfly bun. Farrer Youtiao closes at 11am.

Farrer You Tiao is at 7 Empress Rd, #01-99 Empress Road Market and Food Centre, Singapore 260007.

8. Chinatown Fried Dough Stick

Chinatown does not lack good food, so it should not be a surprise to find youtiao among the many options here. Besides youtiao ($0.90) that's made on the spot, you will also find ham chim peng, either salty or stuffed with green bean or red bean paste, and butterfly bun. Unlike most of the stalls on this list, Chinatown Fried Dough Stick closes at 9pm so you can get your youtiao cravings sorted even later in the day.

Chinatown Fried Dough Stick is at 335 Smith St, #02-163 Chinatown Complex, Singapore 050335.

9. 油条豆宣 You Tiao

In case you are wondering what the Chinese words are, 油条 is youtiao and 豆宣 is tau suan, the traditional Chinese dessert made with split mung beans. These two are a match made in heaven, as their textures contrast each other perfectly. At 油条豆宣 You Tiao in ABC Brickworks, they are sold together alongside ham chim peng. Youtiao is priced at $0.80. 油条豆宣 You Tiao closes at 10:30am.

油条豆宣 You Tiao is at 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, Singapore 150006.

10. You Tiao Man

You Tiao Man started as a hawker stall in the 1940s. But it wasn't until fourth-generation Audrey Chew took over the reins that the brand expanded. It is now a halal-certified food manufacturer selling youtiao to hotels, restaurants, hawkers, and supermarkets locally. Besides the classic youtiao, You Tiao Man offers inventive twists such as Wholegrain You Tiao, Charcoal You Tiao, Otah Charcoal You Tiao, Sotong You Tiao, and Mochi You Tiao. There are You Tiao Chips to snack on, too. Prices range from $5.20 for eight pieces of mini Traditional You Tiao to $20 for 20 pieces of Ebiko Prawn You Tiao. PS: You have to reheat the youtiao yourself.

You Tiao Man is available at selected FairPrice, FairPrice Finest, and Giant outlets. Visit its website for more information.