Hawker centres are a treasure trove of affordable and delicious food.
They are becoming more of a go-to option in the face of a 9% GST hike, rising costs, and especially if you have your CDC vouchers to use. Besides, some of the food is delicious!
While they may be relatively cheap, compared to other dining options, hawker fare can also range in prices.
Just as silvers love to journey on subsidised fares around the island by bus and train, they want to hunt down the best value-for-money dining options available.
And here’s where hawker centres can cook up some enticing fare and equip you with bragging rights for having spotted some outstanding bargains.
Advertisement
But, let SilverStreak give you a headstart with our list of hawkers that serve up some economical fare.
Sun Kee Drinks
An affordable drink to pair with your hawker food finds
Starting from the cheapest option on the list, a refreshing drink from Sun Kee Drinks goes for only 30 cents.
An old-school hawker with a row of drinks right at the front and that instantly recognisable green lining (all the assurance you need that it’s authentic) — this store sells a selection of classic drinks like grass jelly, bird’s nest and even soy bean curd.
They’ve kept their prices and quality consistent for 40 years, owing it to their regulars to keep them going strong.
Their bird’s nest drink is homemade and their soya bean is the perfect thirst-quencher for sunny Singapore.
Drinks nowadays can go up to $3 for a large cup, but here, on average, a medium cup costs only 50 cents while a large one is only $1.
Sun Kee Drinks
Location: Kovan Market & Food Centre, 209 Hougang St 21, Singapore 530209
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 11am – 10pm; Weekends, 10.30am – 10pm; dim sum service stops at 6pm
Granny’s Pancake
A classic hawker snack that’s budget-friendly and familiar
A go-to snack from our grandmother’s time, this store sells min jiang kueh in classic flavours — peanut, coconut and red bean.
Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, the pancake is slathered with the spread of your choice. It’s an oldie but definitely a goodie.
For those looking for an extra special treat, this budget-friendly store sells peanut with peanut butter for that ooey gooeyness that pairs nicely with a crunch.
And the best part, is it’s only $1.20 per slice — an absolute steal for this classic treat.
Granny’s Pancake
Location: Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre, 20 Ghim Moh Road, #01-52, Singapore 270020
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun 5:30am – 2:00pm
J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff
Hawker food done and priced right
Flaky and filled to the brim with mild curry, succulent chicken bites and tender potatoes — these puffs have definitely earned their Michelin stamp of approval.
The sardine puff is also a must-try, with onion and spices to balance the flavours and reduce the fishiness. And for those who enjoy a yam puff, be quick, as this flavour is only sold in limited quantities and is hunted down quickly by regulars.
Everything is prepared fresh and is still warm as you bite into it — an added bonus to the already delicious mid-day snack.
These well-stuffed golden nuggets are rich with buttery flakiness that crumbles with each bite. It’s definitely a messy treat, but also undeniably worth it.
And for the cherry on top, it goes for $1.80 a pop!
J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff
Location: Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd, #01-21, Singapore 069111
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 8:00am – 3:00pm
Ah Gong Minced Pork Noodle
An affordable hawker centre must-have
It’s one thing to have a regular bowl of bak chor mee, but it’s another to have it in a clay pot. This extra touch immediately elevates the dish, adding another dimension to the flavour profile.
Now this is really bang-for-your-buck flavour, because this hawker makes their own dumplings and meatballs. Even the sambal that goes into a dry bowl of bak chor mee is homemade!
It’s a real classic, with rich pork bone broth with succulent, springy meatballs and slices of fried bean curd skin.
The clay pot serves to keep it warm through the meal, but do eat it quickly if you are not a fan of soggy noodles.
It’s a hearty meal that will only set you back $2.50. Delicious, heartwarming and budget-friendly.
Ah Gong Minced Pork Noodle
Location: Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur St, #01-02, Singapore 069184
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun, 8:00am – 2:00pm, 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow
A hawker feast for your taste buds, a joy for your wallet
It’s greasy, decadent and oh so satisfying — fried kway teow is delightful, here.
With its strong wok hei flavour, this dish ensures that every bite is a mouthwatering experience.
It’s everything you could ask for from a Singaporean, hawker centre must-try, with dark soy sauce and a generous helping of lup cheong, lard and cockles — it makes for an indulgent dish that hits all the right spots.
For those looking to treat themselves, head to Tiong Bahru for an affordable plate of this rich dish that goes for $3/$4.
This second-gen store has not increased its prices for seven years. Hopefully the itch to do so doesn’t rise! In case that happens, head on down and experience a flavour bomb of goodness that will keep your wallet (and stomach) full.
Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow
Location: Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Rd, #02-11, Singapore 168898
Opening Hours: Mon, Fri – Sun, 11:00am – 10:00pm
Kheng Fatt Hainanese Beef Noodle
A rich dish that’s on the cheaper side
And last, but certainly not least, the priciest option on the list at only $5 — Kheng Fatt Hainanese Beef Noodle.
Coated in thick gravy, their Dry Sliced Beef Noodle (S$5) is a comforting bowl of goodness that makes every slurp worth it.
Generously topped with slices of beef and rice noodles with a helping of peanuts on the top for that added crunch — it’s an affordable dish that’s rich and decadent.
Plus, their house-made chilli sauce takes the dish to a whole new level, adding that extra flavour kick.
Kheng Fatt Hainanese Beef Noodle
Location: Golden Mile Food Centre, 505 Beach Rd, #01-89, Singapore 199583
Opening Hours: Mon – Tue, Thu – Sun 11:30am – 7:30pm
Now who said you can’t buy happiness?
From tantalising local favorites to hidden gems with Michelin nods, this list of delicious food shows you don’t need to break the bank to savour the best flavours in town.
