The best hawker stalls to try at Alexandra Village Food Centre

Arguably the most famous vendor here, Xiang Jiang Soya Sauce Chicken is helmed by an ex-Raffles Hotel chef and has been recognised with a Michelin Plate mention. Snaking queues are par for the course during peak periods, but it’s well worth the wait to sample the delicious Hong Kong-style soya sauce chicken – especially since none of us are heading to the Fragrant Harbour anytime soon. The chicken is soft and tender, and the sauce is flavourful without overpowering the meat. Order a side of plump shrimp wantons for the full experience. Prices start at $4.

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This multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee is known for its signature bubbling claypot laksa. As its name suggests, it used to be situated at Depot Road before the owner retired. But a few years later, her nephew decided to resurrect the stall at its current location – and the rest, as they say, is history. Starting at $4 for a small portion, the laksa gravy has a thick, velvety texture and spicy kick. The noodles are nice and firm, and you’ll also find a mix of prawns, shredded chicken, fish cake, cockles and coriander. The claypot vessel keeps the laksa warm and toasty until your last bite.

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Whether you’re a chicken, pork, beef or mutton lover, you’re sure to relish the satay doled out at this establishment. We’re particular fans of the pork version. It’s extremely juicy (thanks to the addition of lard) and has a nice external char from the flames. Be sure to dunk your sticks in the dipping sauce that’s made by mixing traditional peanut sauce with pineapple puree to help cut through the fatty meat. The minimum order of 10 sticks will set you back around $7, and each serving is accompanied by fresh cucumber slices.

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(Here are “10 Must-Visit Stalls For The Best Satay In Singapore“)

This crowd-favourite establishment is known for its mouth-watering Shanghai-style delicacies that it serves up at wallet-friendly prices. Head straight for the xiao long baos and juicy pan-fried dumplings, which are served with ginger shavings and a vinegar dip. Another star is the wantons that come swimming in a red chilli-vinegar sauce that packs a solid punch. Still hungry? Order a bowl of noodles: other than the classic dan dan mian, we also like the Szechuan vegetable and shredded pork version. Expect to pay $3 and up.

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You may think that the food centre’s longest queues would belong to a vendor selling savoury dishes. But instead, you’ll encounter them at AJ Delights. This bakery – run by a couple of former home bakers – is renowned for its moist and scrumptious muffins. These are baked fresh each morning in various flavours. Favourites include the Raspberry Streusel made with tart raspberries and a streusel topping; the decadent Dark Chocolate; and the Chocolate Cranberry that’s crowned with crunchy nuts. Prices start from $2.

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If you’re here on a rainy day, or simply want a comforting, piping-hot bowl of soup, chart an immediate course for this stall. It’s known for its rich and herbal Hokkien-style bak kut teh, which is prepared in a traditional claypot and retails for upwards of $5. The pork ribs are super tender, and fall off the bone with ease. Be sure to accompany your soup with some warm rice, preserved vegetables and braised peanuts. And if you’re feeling really hungry, you can sample their other offerings, such as braised pork and claypot omelette.

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(Read also “Where To Go For The Best Sliced Fish Soup In Singapore“)

It’s incredibly difficult to find good Teochew-style crystal dumplings – which feature a supple, translucent skin – around these days, with many hawkers that specialise in the dish having hung it up for good. Here at this historic spot that has been operating since the 1970s, you can choose from three different fillings: savoury turnip that goes perfectly with their signature chilli sauce, as well as two sweet varieties in the form of red bean and yam. Each dumpling is priced under $1, and there’s a minimum order of four.

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Which was the first place to start the still-booming avocado shake trend? According to Mr. Avocado Exotic Juice, it was them. And given that the stall has been in business for over three decades, we’re inclined to believe it. Go for their signature beverage – a thick, smooth and creamy avocado shake ($3 for a small) that goes down like a dream. It’s a little on the sweet side, though, so you may want to request that they dial down the sweetener. They also offer other refreshing juices such as soursop, mango and kiwi.

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A good claypot rice manages to strike that elusive balance between the crispy bits at the bottom and the fluffier rice on top, and doesn’t skimp on the ingredients or sauces. That’s exactly what you’ll find here at Tai Liok Claypot Chicken Rice. Each serving ($12 for a two-person portion) is packed with huge chicken chunks, slivers of Chinese sausage and leafy greens, and is generously drizzled with dark sauce and sesame oil. They also make a range of soups to complement the main dish – we like the watercress and pork rib broth.

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For high-quality roast meats and Hong Kong-style noodles, make a beeline for Lye Bo. $5 gets you a well-portioned plate of delightfully al dente and springy egg noodles – which have none of that unpleasant alkaline taste – topped with a combination of char siew and roast pork, Chinese vegetables and a dollop of homemade chilli sauce. The meats are oh-so-juicy, and you can choose to swap out the noodles for white rice if you prefer. Those who are so inclined can further help themselves to the free-flow crispy pork lard.

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This article was first published in The Singapore Women’s Weekly.

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