Chinatown is a mixture of old and new with skyscrapers and traditional shophouses co-existing side by side seamlessly.
And I’m not sure if you’ve seen our previous video of the place, but it’s more than just bakkwa during the Chinese New Year period.
And it’s more than just a hip place. It’s filled to the brim with good food.
Here are 9 hidden makan gems we’ve discovered in Chinatown, and being the kind souls that we are, we have decided to share them with you.
From old-school food trucks to a quaint Thai noshery and a durian café, you will soon be convinced that Chinatown is more than a heritage neighbourhood, it is effectively a melting pot of gastronomical delights.
1. Sawasdee Thai Café
Located along the vibrant Pagoda street, Sawasdee Thai Café offers a huge variety of authentic Thai food, including the sumptuous green curry chicken, zesty tom yum soup and toothsome mango sticky rice.
You’ll feel like you’re in Bangkok with the quaint interior and their warm service. There is also al fresco dining where you can bask in the sun and soak in the atmosphere.
Address: 32-34 Pagoda Street, S0591911
Opening hours: 11 A.M.-11 P.M. (Daily)
2. Mao Shan Wang Café
Love it or hate it, durian is as significant (if not more) as chicken rice when it comes to the Singapore identity.
And this café is for the durian lovers. It offers peculiar durian-centric dishes such as the likes of durian pizza, durian nuggets and even durian fries.
But if you are less adventurous, then you can always dig into their delicious desserts, not to mention that they are super Instagram-worthy as well!
Address:49 Temple Street, S058594
Opening hours: 1:30 P.M.-10:00 P.M. (Mon-Fri), 11 A.M.-10:00 P.M. (Saturday). Closed on Sundays
3. Hi Joyful Seafood Restaurant and Bar
Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, it is possible for you to walk straight past this 3-storey seafood restaurant amongst all the chaos.
Their seafood platter is nothing short of amazing, featuring ingredients like lobsters, tiger prawns, green mussels, scallops and crayfish.
You’re also able to choose from 4 soup bases (Original, Mala, Tom Yum and Fresh Chilli).
Address: 27 Smith Street, Singapore 058941
Opening hours: 1 P.M.-1 A.M. (Daily)
Something New in Chinatown: Takeaway Food Stalls
Located on Trengganu Street which connects Pagoda Street and Sago Street, you will be welcomed by something new.
A street full of new takeaway stalls. Here’s a list of our top favourites you might want to try.
4. Eggie Danggie
Their hipster street food, the Hong Kong Egglet, comes in 6 flavours—Orginial, Buttermilk, Chocolate, Green Tea, Red Velvet and Dark Charcoal, and they’re are all cooked a la minute.
You can amp it up by adding toppings like yoghurt, rainbow rice, marshmallows and more.
You know the saying, bigger the better.
Location: Trengganu Street Takeaway food stall 10
5. Bugis 102 Roasted Chestnut
The perfect pick-me-up snack if you have been gallivanting around Chinatown for hours.
Freshly roasted over black pebbles by the stallholder who has been in this trade for decades, the aroma itself would entice you to get a packet!
Just look at that!
Location: Trengganu Street Takeaway food stall 01
6. Indo Sumatera
If you have a sweet tooth, you have to make a stop here.
Offering a smorgasbord of Indonesian snacks such as Putu Bambu (steamed rice cake filled with palm sugar), Tapioca cakes and Kueh Kosui, there are hints of sweetness and nostalgia in every bite.
Location: Trengganu Street Takeaway food stall 02
7. Teachino Station
Every urban explorer knows the importance of hydration, especially in muggy Singapore and this takeaway food stall has got you covered.
Why not quench your thirst at this takeaway stall?
Not only that, this stall carries a wide variety of snacks including the traditional bing tang hu lu.
Those who were born in the 70’s would have remembered this as their childhood favourite.
Curious to find out how it tastes? Then don’t miss out on this stall hor.
Location: Trengganu Street Takeaway food stall 03
8. Walk Meal
Last but definitely not the least, this stall offers one of Singapore’s iconic dishes in a convenient takeaway box—chilli crab.
Oh yeah, dabao-ing chilli crab is now a reality!
On top of that, they also offer monstrous yet tasty snacks such as meat buns and gooey cheese tarts.
You can have a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
Now, after all the glorious feasting, you would probably fall into a sleep-inducing food coma.
Here’s where we come in.
Location: Trengganu Street Takeaway food stall 07
Win a FREE one-night Deluxe Room stay at Dorsett Singapore
Well, you can win yourself a one-night stay at Dorsett Singapore, where you can rest like a king.
Simply “Like” Chinatown Singapore and Dorsett Singapore Facebook pages, and tag three other friends you’d like to bring along in the comment section of the video and you might just be the lucky winner!
Don’t say bojio, eh? You’re welcome!
This article was first published on goodyfeed.com and is written in collaboration with Chinatown Business Association
