Guides, Singapore

Chinatown Complex Food Centre – Best Hawker Stalls to eat at

From Michelin Bib Gourmands to stalls with lines that never end, Singapore’s biggest hawker centre, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, is a foodie paradise. With over 200 stalls, it’s easy to get lost. But, stay with us and we’ll share the scoop on the best foods at this beloved Hawker Centre.

About Chinatown Complex

In 2016, Chinatown Complex gained international fame when Hawker Chan earned a Michelin star for its soya sauce chicken. However, this shouldn’t overshadow the fact that this food hub boasts over 200 food stalls. Built in 1983 and renovated in 2019, it stands as Singapore’s largest hawker center. The first floor offers everything from fresh produce to assorted goods, while the second floor is dedicated to an array of food stalls. Despite the raw ambiance, heat, and strong aromas—both bad and good—locals and tourists flock here daily to experience some of the best local hawker foods Singapore has to offer.

Chinatown Complex Food Centre

Photo: @kakaeric. Chinatown Complex Food Centre

What to eat at Chinatown Complex Food Centre

With over 200 hawker stalls, you can find almost every possible hawker dish here. Must-try items include:

  1. HK Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle
  2. Claypot Rice
  3. Char Kway Teow
  4. Hainanese Chicken Rice
  5. Satay
  6. Xiao Long Bao
  7. Local desserts like Chendol

Michelin hawkers at Chinatown Complex Food Centre

Chinatown Complex is home to several Michelin-awarded hawker stalls. Highlights include Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice, which has earned a Bib Gourmand for its perfectly cooked claypot dishes. Other Michelin-selected gems are Food Street Fried Kway Teow Mee, known for its flavourful stir-fried noodles, ANN CHIN Handmade Popiah, offering delicious fresh spring rolls, Fatty Ox HK Kitchen with its authentic Hong Kong-style dishes, and 168 C.M.Y. Satay, famous for its juicy, well-marinated skewers. Worth checking out for sure.

  1. Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice (#02-198/199) – Bib Gourmand
  2. Food Street Fried Kway Teow Mee (#02-173) – Selected
  3. ANN CHIN Handmade Popiah (#02-112) – Selected
  4. Fatty Ox HK Kitchen (#02-84) – Selected
  5. 168 C.M.Y. Satay (#02-168) – Selected
  6. HawkerChan Soya Sauce Chicken (#02-126) – Former One Star

The Best Hawker Stalls at Chinatown Complex Food Centre

Here’s a list of our favourite hawker stalls at Chinatown Complex. This includes Michelin awardees and other must-try spots you won’t want to miss.


Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice

Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice truly meets high expectations and they have a long wait time to show for it. The made to order dish features duck liver sausages, lup cheong, chicken meat chunks, and well-portioned salted fish that enhances the overall flavour. The rice itself is plump and tender on top, with a well-charred, crusty bottom that boasts a smoky essence from the charcoal fire. The cooking process involves bringing the rice to a boil with gas before simmering it over charcoal. While the chicken could be more fragrant and juicy, with a more generous use of rice…


Fatty Ox HK Kitchen

Fatty Ox HK Kitchen, nestled within Chinatown Complex Market Food Centre, boasts authentic Hong Kong-style Beef Brisket Noodles that is almost always sold outi before lunchtime. Situated amidst the lively bustle of Smiths Street Hawker Centre, it stands out among a row of Hong Kong-style eateries where Cantonese chatter fills the air. Diners praise the well-seasoned beef brisket, flavourful and tender, while noting the springy noodles as perfect HK style al dente style. Their chilli paste adds extra depth to the savoury dish.


Food Street Fried Kway Teow Mee 美食街炒粿条麵

Nestled within the bustling Chinatown Complex, Food Street Fried Kway Teow Mee delivers a good rendition of char kway teow, brimming with the sought-after wok hei essence. The flat noodles, initially pre-fried and then cooked to order, are richly infused with flavour, striking a perfect balance between moistness and oiliness. Each bite reveals a harmonious blend of sweet black sauce and savory undertones. The dish features a medley of cockles, garlic, bean sprouts, and fishcakes, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.


Old Amoy Chendol

On a sweltering day, nothing beats a bowl of authentic chendol. The rich gula melaka and smooth red bean paste are highlights. The pandan chendol features creamy coconut milk ice and thick, indulgent gula melaka that’s hard to resist. The addition of red bean offers a satisfying texture. It’s a perfect dessert for hot weather and stands out as one of the top choices for a sweet treat.


Pang’s Satay

Pang’s Satay is the place to go if you’re into pork that’s both juicy and charred to perfection. The skewers are just the right amount of spicy—neither too salty nor too sweet. The peanut sauce with a splash of pineapple is a game-changer; it’s like your taste buds are at a tropical party. They even have pork belly on the menu, which is a fun twist. Everything glistens and tastes great, and trying a bit of everything was a win. Definitely a spot worth revisiting for another round of delicious satay!


Xiu Ji Ikan Bilis Yong Tau Fu

The broth here is clean and light, with just the right amount of sweetness to balance the salty crunch of the fried ikan bilis. The niang dou fu pieces are hefty, and you can watch the staff handmake individual pieces. The ikan bilis soup? Perfect. It’s sweet enough that you won’t need to add anything else. The handmade yong tau foo is as springy and fresh as you could hope for. Expect a line that stretches from opening until they sell out—two lovely but slow-moving ladies are in charge. The wait is totally worth it, though, especially for the fried…


Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao is a fantastic find for dim sum enthusiasts, offering great value with its handmade Xiao Long Bao, Szechuan Spicy Wanton, and hand-pulled noodles. The Xiao Long Bao, Sichuan Sauce Dumpling, and Pan Fried Dumplings were all delicious and budget-friendly, thanks to its location in a hawker center. Be sure to try the Pan Fried Dumplings and Szechuan Dumplings.


Jin Ji Braised Duck & Kway Chap

Jin Ji Braised Duck & Kway Chap’s rice is wonderfully fragrant, and the duck is tender and flavourful. The herbal soup that comes with it provides just the right amount of herbal notes without being overpowering. The quality of the ingredients here really stands out, and the chilli packs just the right punch for local palates. With reasonable prices and generous portions, this braised duck rice is worth checking out.


Hong Kong Mong Kok Tim Sum

Hong Kong Mong Kok Tim Sum in Chinatown Complex is a spot that definitely deserves a visit. They offer just six dim sum dishes starting at 11am, and they sell out quickly, so it’s wise to get there early. The rice flour rolls with char siew are exceptionally soft, the black bean chicken feet are tender and flavourful, and the char siew buns are fluffy and packed with taste. With such great food at budget-friendly prices, it’s no surprise there’s often a line. Everything is handmade, giving it a cozy, home-cooked feel. For those looking to avoid a long wait,…


Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (Chinatown)

This is the OG hawker stall that won the title of the cheapest Michelin One Star back in 2016. If you’re lucky, you might catch the chef in action here. The chicken is super tender and juicy and the char siew? Perfectly charred and smoky. The portions are generous, the secret sauce is downright addictive, and the noodles are springy with a chili sauce that packs a spicy lime punch. Expect a line, but if it’s under 20 minutes, it’s worth the wait.


Aziz Jaffar Muslim Food

Aziz Jaffar Muslim Food stands out for its nasi padang and Mee Siam. The Mee Siam features springy vermicelli bathed in a sweet and spicy gravy. The dish offers a burst of flavours that’s hard to resist. The Nasi Lemak also impresses, with its sambal providing a bold and memorable kick.


Monan Pork Soup

Located within the bustling Chinatown Complex, Monan Pork Soup offers a refreshing take on traditional pork soup. This spot stands out from the usual peppery versions with a lighter broth subtly sweetened by daikon. Guests can customize their soup with unique additions like egg sausage, pork tongue, and meatballs. The offals—heart, stomach, liver, intestine, and skin—are cleaned well, allowing the clean broth to shine.


Chef Leung’s Authentic Hand-milled Rice Noodle Rolls

Chef Leung’s at Chinatown serves congee in portions so massive, it’s basically a family feast in a bowl. The tender pork slices are so soft, they practically dissolve in your mouth. The handmade pork balls are as fresh as they come—no sneaky fillers here. And the cheongfun? It’s so big, you might need to call for backup to help finish it. The flavor is spot-on—not too salty, not too bland. Perfect if you’re hungry or just love a good food challenge.


Ah Kong Wah Kuih

This dish is quite unique. The Wa Kueh has a smooth, soft texture that’s pretty close to chwee kueh. Inside, you’ll find little bits of dry shrimp and mushroom. It’s like chwee kueh and lor mee had a delicious baby—less gooey than lor mee but with a nice spice kick. Plus, the minced garlic is a game-changer. For the full experience, smother it with their brown sauce, chili paste, and minced garlic. It’s definitely worth a try if you’re adventurous with your food.


168 C.M.Y. Satay

168 CMY Satay’s grilled meat boasts tender marination over charcoal, complemented by a flavourful gravy. While some stalls opt for a leaner meat, 168 CMY opts to leave the fat in. Notably, their inclusion of pineapple puree in the satay sauce adds a delightful tang to the rich peanut flavour, a touch appreciated by many patrons.


Shi Xiang Satay

These guys make very good Satay. The pork and chicken satay are well-marinated, grilled perfectly, and are juicy and tender. The portions are generous, so you get a lot for your money. The service is fast, and the peanut sauce with a bit of pineapple is delicious. Also, try the rice cakes wrapped in pandan leaves—they taste great with the peanut sauce.


Weng Kiang Kee Porridge

Weng Kiang Kee cooks each bowl fresh, so you won’t find any bland, pre-made stuff here. Their congee is thick and smooth, with a delightful mix of liver, fish, egg, ginger, pork, fish belly, century egg, and even small intestines if you’re feeling adventurous. The ingredients are top-notch, and the folks there are friendly. If you’re hungry, definitely check out their Three Egg Porridge, Premium Porridge, or Signature Porridge.


ANN CHIN 安珍 Handmade Popiah

Ann Chin Popiah, loved and cherished since 1958, delights in presenting their freshly made traditional popiah, offering an authentic taste of Singapore. The flavours are carefully balanced to ensure each ingredient shines, complemented by a mildly spicy chili that enhances rather than overwhelms. The result is a delectable harmony of crunchy peanut bits, flavorful fillings, and crispy textures in every bite, making Ann Chin Popiah a standout among Singapore’s popiah stalls.


Heng Ji Chicken Rice

This often-overlooked chicken rice stall keeps it simple with just boiled chicken, spare parts, cucumber slices, and rice. A new crew, probably family, has taken over, and they’ve nailed the original taste and condiments.

About Chinatown Hawker Centre

Chinatown Hawker Centre, located in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown, is basically Singapore’s answer to “where should we eat?” As one of the largest hawker centres in the country, boasting over 260 stalls of deliciousness packed into one chaotic, but charming, space. rom budget-friendly Michelin-starred bites (yes, really) like Liao Fan’s famous soya sauce chicken to humble yong tau fu stalls that have been feeding locals for decades, this place is a treasure trove of flavours. Sure, the heat and crowds can be a little intense, but hey, it’s all part of the authentic hawker experience, right?


Tips on visiting Chinatown Complex Food Centre

Don’t expect service – While most stall owners are friendly, a minority can get real grumpy. They spend all day in a tiny, hot kitchen, so cut them some slack. Just smile, get your food, and enjoy some of the best hawker food in Singapore!

Avoid weekday lunch hours – Chinatown Complex is located near the CBD and is in a tourist hotspot, If you have to go during 12-2pm weekdays, expect very long lines and waiting for seats as office workers and tourists queue up for their favourite foods. The best time to visit is probably late mornings or evenings/nights.

Dress light – It is an open air food centre so it can get very hot in the afternoons.

Opening hours – Every hawker has different operating hours.


How to get to Chinatown Complex Food Centre

Nearest MRT:
Maxwell MRT TE18, Chinatown MRT DT19/NE4

Address:
335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335 (Google Maps)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 07:00-22:00
Every hawker has different operating hours.

FAQ

Is Chinatown Complex Food Centre and Chinatown Hawker Centre the same?
Yes they are one and the same.


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16 thoughts on “Chinatown Complex Food Centre – Best Hawker Stalls to eat at”

  1. Out of all the CBD hawker centers, china complex food centre singapore my go-to. It’s the biggest and packed with some of the best Cantonese eats around. Lots of the stalls are run by folks from Hong Kong who brought over their skills when it comes to wanton nee, char siew, and soy sauce chicken rice. Try Hill Street Char Kway Teow (way better than Zion Road’s, in my opinion), Ben Ji Claypot Rice, and Fatty Ox Noodles.

  2. This chinatown food market is, how do you say, the most ‘raw’ I’ve ever seen. So many food options Très authentique. It’s just near the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, with the wet market below and a huge hawker centre upstairs, packed with food stalls. Honestly, the choices can be a bit trop much. The famous spots I wanted to try had lines as long as a Parisian queue for a boulangerie. Too hungry to wait, we went with other stalls, and mon dieu, everything was incroyable! Bedok Chwee Kueh, dark carrot cake, rojak so much flavor in every bite. And c’est pas cher! Just remember to bring cash, tissues to hold your seat, a fan (because, wow, it’s hot), and takeaway containers. Clear your trays, of course! Overall, magnifique. Can’t wait to return and eat more!

  3. Just follow the queue when you’re here at Chinatown complex food centre. Good eats everywhere. Best if you’re here with a bunch of friends so you can fill the table with all sorts of food to try.

  4. Chinatown complex food centre is SG’s largest hawker center. This is where all of Singapore’s street food crashes into one spot. It’s crowded, It’s hot and its good. Alot of stalls with years of history. Must visit.

    Commented on Chinatown Hawker Centre Food Guide

  5. I lived around here when I was young. Miss the place. Chinatown Hawker Centre, or Chinatown Complex Food Centre, is where Singapore’s food scene comes together in one glorious (and slightly chaotic) space. “too many options” is a myth and the crowd is half the fun. Try Shanghai Fried Xiao Long Bao
    Stall #02-205, Chinatown Hawker Centre

    Commented on Chinatown Hawker Centre Food Guide

  6. My favourites at Chinatown Hawker Centre
    -Hill Street Fried Kway Teow
    -Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck
    -Weng Kiang Kee Porridge
    -Fatty Ox Hong Kong Kitchen

    Commented on Chinatown Hawker Centre Food Guide

  7. Prices here are as local as it gets. Food is great! atmosphere is raw unairconditioned. I love it. best hawker food chinatown is probably here. You won’t regret as long as you can take the heat!
    Commented on Chinatown Hawker Centre Food Guide

  8. Chinatown hawker centre has so many delicious options. I wish I could come back more often! A lot of stalls close later in the evening, but there’s still plenty to choose from. Plus, there’s more seating than at Maxwell, which made for a much nicer experience. Another top contender for best beef noodles is here at stall Joo Chiat Beef King. Very flavourful sauce and soup.

    Must-try dish: Xiao Long Dumpling!

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