Dumpling lovers should make a beeline for this popular spot, which usually has snaking queues during peak periods. They’re known for their juicy, made-to-order xiao long baos; crispy pan-fried dumplings; and generously stuffed wantons that are served swimming in an addictive chilli-vinegar sauce. The noodle dishes aren’t too shabby, either. We like the Szechuan spicy noodles, which come with a peanut-tinged sauce, as well as the fragrant beef noodles if you prefer a soup-based dish. Prices start from $3.50.

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This stall has been serving its rendition of the classic dish to hungry customers since 1979. A Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee, it fires up each order from scratch over a charcoal flame – which allows the bottom layer of rice to crisp up nicely. Besides chicken and Chinese sausage, they also add little pieces of salted fish to the rice, which provides another element of complexity to the already flavour-packed dish. Pro tip? Beat the long waiting time and pre-order by calling ahead (+65 6227 2470). A portion for two costs $12.

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Make no mistake, this isn’t anything like your average lor mai gai from the neighbourhood coffee shop. This under-the-radar stall is one of the few remaining places in Singapore that specialises in making glutinous rice from scratch – and it executes the humble dish to perfection. You can choose either a salty or sweet option: both come with a sprinkling of crispy fried shallots, while the salty version includes the addition of stewed peanuts. At just $2 a plate, it would be remiss of you to not order both for the full experience.

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While this hawker centre may not exactly be known for its satay, 168 CMY Satay’s offerings are good enough to have caught the eye of the Michelin Guide. Options here include the standard pork, chicken and mutton varieties. We like the pork satay in particular: it comes juicy, smoky and slightly charred, with a balanced meat-to-fat ratio. All satay is served with diced cucumbers, red onions and a special dipping sauce. A dollop of pineapple puree is added to the usual peanut concoction, giving it a nice zing.

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It’ll be awhile before we can hop on a plane for a foodie jaunt to Hong Kong. In the meantime, you can satiate your Cantonese-food cravings at this Michelin-endorsed stall. The star of the show here is undoubtedly the beef brisket noodles: tender chunks of juicy meat served atop a heap of supple and springy egg noodles and dusted with spring onions. Their roast meats are also worth a try. We especially like the thick slices of char siew for their lovely char and caramelisation. Prices start at $4.

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Founded in 2014, Smith Street Taps is widely regarded as Singapore’s OG hawker craft-beer bar. The cosy stall features a rotating array of 20 standout local and international craft beverages on tap, including Singapore’s Off Day Beer Company and Brewlander, as well as Deeds Brewing from Australia. They also offer a solid selection of packaged beers, ciders, meads and even sakes. Whatever your choice of poison, you’re sure to find the perfect, quaffable accompaniment to your meal.

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For something comforting on a rainy day, you can’t go wrong with a bowl of yong tau fu. Brave the long queues at this crowd-favourite stall and you’ll be rewarded with a bowl of goodness that’s packed with fresh and flavourful ingredients – including vegetables and tofu stuffed with homemade fish paste. We’re partial to the dry version, which comes with a smattering of crunchy ikan bilis and a separate bowl of soup. A bang-for-your-buck meal here will set you back upwards of $3.

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This is perhaps the most famous stall in the entire food centre. Owner Chan Hong Meng earned international acclaim in 2016, when his dish was recognised by the Michelin Guide. While he’s gone on to open a few more branches, you can’t quite beat the original. Tender and juicy soya sauce chicken is plated with your choice of either rice or noodles and a small portion of greens. We like the noodles for their firm bite. Feeling super hungry? You can top up your plate with char siew or a braised egg. Expect to pay $3.50 and above.

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Need a sweet treat to beat the heat? This third-generation hawker stall specialises in just one dish – chendol, obviously – and they pull it off with aplomb. Each $2 bowl comes packed with a heaping serving of shaved ice, red beans, pandan-flavoured jelly and lots of coconut milk and gula melaka syrup. The beans aren’t mushy and have a wonderful bite to them, and the bright-green chendol is a slurp-worthy delight. Overall, it packs just the right amount of sweetness without being too cloying or heavy.

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Founded in the 1940s, Ann Chin Popiah boasts a long legacy – plus a string of successful franchises. This is their original outlet, which was awarded a Michelin Plate in 2019. What sets the popiah here apart? Chewy, handmade skin that’s thin without falling to pieces; moist and flavourful turnip filling; and crispy bits that offer a nice textural crunch. Each roll is $1.60, and they also serve kueh pie tee and assorted fried spring rolls. As with all popiah, we recommending eating this as quickly as possible.

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