Rubbish

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Alexandra Village Food Centre

Hor Fun Premium
Unit #01-78
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Hor Fun with Wok Hei Power
While this dish has not been extensively featured in other guides, there is typically a steady though short queue. After my first plate, I have been returning regularly.

The stall signatures include the Sliced Beef Hor Fun and Sliced Fish Hor Fun. The rice noodles are cooked to order and have a good amount of wok hei. The tender beef pieces are seeping with gravy, though can be on the saltier side.

Dishes are priced affordably at $4 a plate, value for its money, and the hawkers are usually quite fast in getting orders out.

For those who prefer rice, there are also other zi char options such as Pork Ribs Rice.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Alexandra Village Food Centre

Shanghai La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Unit #01-56
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 8.30pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Handmade Dmplings, Dishes Cooked To Order
The must try at this stall include the Xiao Long Bao ($4 for 7 pieces) which is very wallet-friendly. The dumplings made in a traditional style come with a minced pork filling, and are well marinated and rather juicy.

I found the Guo Tie comparable as well, and liked its crispy thin skin, especially wonderful when dipped in chilli sauce and paired with ginger in vinegar.

The La Mian with Fried Bean Sauce ($3.50) is also worth a shot, with minced meat bean sauce drizzled liberally over the freshly cooked noodles.

The stall’s reasonable prices and quality make this a popular stall, with one of the longest lines here I have observed during dinner time.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Alexandra Village Food Centre

Old Punggol Satay
Unit #01-52
Opening Hours: 4pm – 8pm (Mon – Fri), 12pm – 8pm (Sat – Sun)

Satay With Peanut & Pineapple Sauce
Originally located in Punggol, the stall was closed for some time until the son of the original owners decided to restart the family business.

The stall sells chicken, pork, mutton satays as well as ketupats at a decent price of $0.60, a hard find in Singapore these days.

This is especially when the satay sticks come with a generous portion of meat per stick, with a light marinate of soya sauce, sugar, five spice power and wine. The meat on the sticks is also tender and juicy and will slide off the sticks with some ease.

The sticks are served with a secret recipe peanut sauce added with pineapple puree.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Alexandra Village Food Centre

Dover Road Kai Kee Wanton Noodles
Unit #01-09
Opening Hours: 7am – 4:30pm (Mon, Wed – Fri, Sun), Closed Tues, Sat

Old School Style Of Classic Singpaore Wanton Mee
Kai Kee Wanton Noodles was originally located at Dover Road, and has been in operation for over 30 years.

There is always a queue during lunch time. Uncle and auntie also occasionally sell out before their official closing time, so it is a good idea to go early to avoid disappointment.

The Wanton Mee ($3 onwards) has that classic old-school Singapore taste.

The noodles are evenly coated in a flavourful mixture of a number of different sauces, resulting in a combination not quite like any others I tried in Singapore. (But I can imagine some customers may think this taste “too simple”.)

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Alexandra Village Food Centre

Star Yong Kwang BBQ Seafood
Unit #01-04
Opening Hours: 4pm – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

Zi Char Dishes and Barbequed Seafood
Star Yong Kwang BBQ Seafood is helmed by Mr Eng and his son, who already took over the wok and learnt the tricks of the trade by the time he turned 16.

The stall has a very wide range of offerings, and some of the all-time favourites include Sambal Sotong ($16, 28), Har Cheong Kai ($12, $20), Salad You Tiao ($12, $20), and Salted Egg Yolk Pork Ribs ($16). I find the prices slightly on the higher side.

Most customers come of their signature BBQ Sambal Stingray ($18, $22), served with a thick layer of sambal chili on top, with chunky fleshes of meat below.

All their dishes are also based on their own recipes, perfected over the years.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Alexandra Village Food Centre

Tiong Bahru Lien Fa Shui Jing Pau
Unit #01-10
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 3pm (Tues – Sat) (Closed Sun, Mon)

Old School Crystal Dumplings
Back in the good old days, I loved these Crystal Dumplings which were found at the old, old Tiong Bahru Market.

This Michelin Guide listed stall (not awarded stars) sell Teochew dumplings filled with turnip and vegetable, red bean, or taro. They are called Crystal Dumplings due to its translucent, delicate skin.

The hawkers make them fresh by the hour, and only for a few hours per day (Warning: Don’t ask auntie too many questions or you could get in her bad books.) I still love the chilli, though think that the skin was much thicker than during their heydays.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Alexandra Village Food Centre

Ming’s Prawn Noodle
Unit #01-01
Opening Hours: 7am – 3pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sat), Closed Wed, Sun ending operations 31 Jan 2022

Prawn Noodles By Friendly Hawkerpreneur
Opened by young hawkerpreneur Chua Jiaming, this stall serves up Prawn Noodles and Pork Rib Noodles affordably priced at $5.

I couldn’t help noticing how friendly these hawkers were (it was a pretty lady who served), asking gently-politely what noodles I wanted, whether I wanted chilli. (Noticed they were friendly towards other customers as well.)

While the soup looked light, it was still a flavourful broth packed with flavours. I suspect Singaporeans prefer their rich gao-gao soups, but this bowl presented a different, delicate take.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Alexandra Village Food Centre

Zhen Shan Mei Depot Road Laksa
Unit #01-75
Opening Hours: 9am – 3:30pm (Tues – Sat), Closed Sun, Mon

Michelin Bib Gourmand Laksa/strong>
The Michelin Bib Gourmand listed stall is known for its Laksa ($4, $5) served in a claypot – however, the claypot has been removed in recent years. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why its popularity has also dwindled.


The broth is supposedly slow cooked over two hours using a unique blend of spices and ingredients, resulting in a thicker and more flavourful gravy.
Coming with toppings including prawns, cockles and fishcakes, I remember it used to taste a lot hotter and better though.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Alexandra Village Food Centre

Mr Avocado Exotic Juice
Unit #01-19
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Tues – Fri, Sun), Closed Mon, Sat
The Original Avocado Juice Stall At Alexandra
One thing you would notice about Alexandra Village Food Centre is the sheer number of stalls selling avocado juice. There should be at least 5 of them.
Out of all the stalls, Mr Avocado claims to be the first one that sold the juice way before the rest. It has been around for over 20 years, featured in many newspaper articles as seen from the clippings that adorn the storefront.
The Avocado Juice is served in large mugs at $3, considered inexpensive as avocadoes are not the cheapest fruit around. Uncle said he only used top-grade avocado.
The drink which is a blend of avocado, evaporated milk and fresh milk has a thick, creamy smooth consistency.
Although I find myself craving for a cup every time I am here, I find it rather sweet because of the gula melaka added.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Zion Riverside Food Centre

No. 18 Zion Road Fried Kway Teow
#01-17
Opening Hours: 12.30pm – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Dark, Oily Char Kway Teow Previously Patronised By PM Lee
Easily the stall with the longest queue. The stall sells only Char Kway Teow fried-to-order in varying sizes, with the $4 plate being the basic option.

Their Char Kway Teow ($4, $5, $6, $8) is packed with robust flavours and a hint of spiciness with ladles crispy pork lard.

I found that the rice noodles were darker than usual, due to the substantial addition of the sweet sauce which also gave it a robust flavour.

The plate also came with a good helping of ingredients including cockles, fish cake, egg and Chinese sausages. However, I do find the standard slightly inconsistent at times. But when I get a good plate, it is really worth the calories. (Again, not all the times.)

It has even been patronised by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong before. (Come to think of it, it is one of the nearest food centre to 38 Oxley Road?)

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Zion Riverside Food Centre

Lau Goh Teochew Chye Thow Kway
#01-26
Opening Hours: 11am – 3:30pm, 6pm – 11pm (Mon, Wed – Sat), 8:30am – 4pm (Sun). Closed Tues

Black and White Carrot Cake by Deaf Hawker
Carrot Cake seller Peter Goh might seem to be your usual hawker at first sight. In fact, he was extremely polite and smiled thoroughly, asking if you wanted more chilli and pepper.

It was only after reading a sign that I realised that he was deaf, and had to take orders by either lip-reading or through gestures.

Disability had not prevented him from taking over this popular stall from his father (who is Lau Goh).

The stall specialises in classic Teochew style carrot cake and sells both black and white carrot cake ($4 onwards depending on portion size). Those who cannot decide between the two options can simply get the black and white mixed version – the best of both worlds.

I found his version to taste ‘healthier’ and less greasy than usual, probably because Peter used vegetable oil instead of lard.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Zion Riverside Food Centre

Fresh Taste Big Prawn Noodle (Noo Cheng Adam Road Big Prawn Mee)
#01-04
Opening Hours: 11am – 10:30pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Hae Mee With Broth That Packs An Umami Punch
Of all the stalls at Zion Road, this is the one I frequent most often, and I don’t seem to get bored of its taste.

It is a branch of the original at Adam Road, and as such there may be some difference in terms of taste of the two.

The stall serves both dry and soup versions of their signature prawn noodle from $6 onwards. The size and number of the prawns do get progressively larger with the prices, but I always order the most affordable bowl.

Some new-comers may just scream at the price, at $6, $8, $12, $16, $20, $25. Do not be surprised, I actually hear the $20/$25 orders more frequently than expected.

Because I am there really for the soup.

Cooked for hours with pork ribs and prawn head, the broth was incredibly tasty (and I don’t get MSG attacks after.) Fresh Taste Big Prawn Noodle (Zion Road)

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Zion Riverside Food Centre

Boon Tong Kee Kway Chap Braised Duck
#01-24
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed

Tender Braised Duck and Smooth Kway Chap
I initially wondered about the stall name, though it had no relation with the other famous chicken rice of similar name.

Boon Tong Kee Kway Chap Braised Duck specialises in Kway Chap ($3 onwards) which comes with braised eggs, duck meat and other ingredients. I liked that the rice noodles used was smooth and silky.

There are two types of chilli sauce, and I would recommend a combination of both. The thicker chilli for the meats, and the watery type for the kway and beancurd.

The stall is run by a relatively young Madam Yang, and although the recipe was derived from the internet and through experimentation instead of being some age old family recipe, it has already earned the stall popularity from customers. Boon Tong Kee Kway Chap Braised Duck (Zion Road Food Centre)

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Zion Riverside Food Centre

Mohamed Sultan Road Hot & Cold Cheng Tng
#01-32
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Cheng Tng of Old Family Recipe
I need to tell you that this version of Cheng Tng is entirely different from the traditional types you may be used to.

It comes with canned longans and lychees that may put off some fans of the classic recipe off. The base is also clear (and not brownish), with some of the sweetness coming from the canned syrup (I guess). Can be too sweet at times?

The stall only sells a few items, including Hot/Cold Cheng Tng ($2), Ginkgo Nut Longan Soup ($2.50), Ginkgo Nut Soup ($2.50) and Ginkgo Nut Sweet Potato Soup ($2.50). I would usually add on the soft ginkgo nuts.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Zion Riverside Food Centre

Xin Fei Fei Wanton Noodle
#01-06
Opening Hours: 9.30am – 1:30pm (Mon – Wed, Fri – Sun), Closed Thurs

Springy Old-School Wanton Mee
Seriously, I have no idea what the relation to the famous Fei Fei Wanton Noodles is. But to no offence to Fei Fei fans, I liked this version much more.

The stall specialises in Wanton Mee ($3.50, $4.50, $5.50). While it looked plain and unassuming in presentation, once you take a bite, you would know what I mean.

The noodles were thin and springy, coated in this addictive, somewhat lardy sauce. Its slightly plump and crisp deep fried wanton were also worthy of mention.

Long queue, long wait.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Zion Riverside Food Centre

Ah Wang La Mian Xiao Long Bao
#01-22
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon

Cooked To Order La Mian and Guo Tie
This is one of the newest and most popular stalls in the food centre. It moved three times, and is now located at Unit 22.

Ah Wang La Mian Xiao Long Bao run by a Chinese couple specialises in Guo Tie or Pan Fried Dumplings ($6.50 for 10 pieces), Xiao Long Bao ($5 for 7 pieces), and Steamed Pork and Chive Dumplings ($5.50 for 10 pieces).

The Guo Tie had a thin and crisp outside layer, while the fillings of minced meat and vegetables were juicy. The stock within might just spurt out if you eat them hot.

For you woulld prefer something more substantial, you can try the Dan Dan Noodles ($4.50), Beef Noodle Soup ($4.50), Zha Jiang Mian ($4), Sour & Spicy Noodles ($3.50) or any of the other la mian offerings.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Zion Riverside Food Centre

Seng Huat Western Food
#01-12
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 8:30pm (Wed – Sun), Closed Thurs

Value for Money Western Food
The stall sells classic western food items such as Fish and Chips ($5) and Mixed Grill (7.50). (They used to have more exotic options such as Ostrich Steak.)

They also have Chicken Chop and Chicken Cutlet Rice dishes which comes with fried egg for just $3.50.

If not, go for the old-school classic options such as Grilled Chicken Chop and Chicken Cutlets ($5.50) which comes in sizeable portion of fries and baked beans.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Zion Riverside Food Centre

Riverside Good Food
#01-20
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:30pm (Wed – Mon), 11:30am – 6pm (Tues)

Fried White Kway Teow
Okay, this has generally a shorter line than the other Fried Kway Teow stall.

Riverside Good Food sells a variety of local delights such as Fried Hokkien Mee ($3 onwards), and Fried Oyster Omelette ($5 onwards).

The special item here is the White Kway Teow ($4 onwards), which is like normal fried rice noodles without the addition of sweet black sauce. Tasted less flavourful and ‘healthier’, so might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Zion Riverside Food Centre

Soon Lee’s Pig Organ Soup
#01-13
Opening Hours: 10am – 2:30pm (Mon – Sun)

One of the more underrated stalls here.

They serve up peppery bowls of Pig Organ’s Soup ($3.50, $5), Lean Meat Soup ($3.50, $5), as well as Meat Ball Soup ($5).

For rice lovers, look out for their specials of Pig’s rotter Rice ($5), Braised Intestine Rice ($5) and Minced Pork Rice ($).

 

[jw5]

What To Dabao From Whampoa Food Centre

Xin Heng Feng Guo Tiao Tan
91 Whampoa Dr, #01-14,15, Singapore 320091
Opening Hours: 5am – 12pm, 5pm – 9:30pm (Wed – Sat), 5pm – 9:30pm (Mon)

This stall has dual identity, serving up fishball noodles in the morning and fishhead steamboat in the night.

First timers may be slightly confused at the queue system, as it is a single line which splits into two ordering sides.

This is to split up the ordering and cooking process, which is I guess more efficient and can serve more customers at the same time.

Worthy of mention is its Minced Meat Noodles which is not quite like the usual, as it uses specially made egg noodle with a springy yet soft texture, and comes with soup with that old-school orange-coloured fishcake.

If you are visiting the stall in the evening, the stall can also get pretty crowded once the steamboat makes an appearance.

The fish head steamboat ($25) comes wafting with a nice charcoal fragrance, with fish bones and dried sole fish adding a very gently tang of sweetness to the broth with hints of umami flavours.