Where to find the best popiah in Singapore

Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah has been handmaking its popiahs since 1938, when the establishment was just a pushcart hawker business. Now, the restaurant sits within a heritage shophouse along Joo Chiat Road, where third-generation owner Michael Ker continues to make its signature Peranakan-style popiah (that is turnip-based) using recipes from Anxi, Fujian in China. Popiah is sold by the roll here ($4) and there are party sets that you can bring home and wrap yourself (from $68). There is vegetarian filling and kueh pie tee available too.

Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah is at 95 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427389. Visit its Facebook for more information.

Founded in 1977, Good Chance Popiah Eating House is another well-established brand currently headed by third-generation owner Boon Kaichun. The eatery offers Hokkien-style popiah, which consequently contains bamboo shoots in the turnip filling. Get the DIY Popiah Set (from $26 for six rolls) at the eatery and make your own popiah. You can get the bigger portion sizes and add popiah skins or other toppings, such as XO Chinese Sausage (from $7.80) and Sliced Prawns (from $9.80), should a large crowd exist. Otherwise, save some stomach space for the plethora of zi char dishes available here.

Good Chance Popiah Eating House is at 149 Silat Ave, #01-58, Singapore 160149. Visit its Instagram for more information.

Ann Chin Popiah was started in 1958 and the family-owned business clinched the Michelin Plate title in 2019. The popiah here is made vegetarian, so it doesn’t contain prawns that some are allergic to. The dish is also made without pork and lard. It isn’t vegan, however, as it contains hard-boiled eggs. Ann Chin Popiah has multiple branches dotted islandwide, so you can easily pop by any of its locations for a quick bite ($2.20 per roll) or get a party set for the family ($38).

Ann Chin Popiah has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its Instagram for more information.

One of the best parts of a popiah is the little crunchy bits that break up the monotony of the roll. Those bits are usually made with lard, but at Old Long House Popiah, these are made with dried flatfish mixed with garlic, flour, and egg before being fried. Started in 1930, Old Long House also prides itself on not using MSG, artificial flavourings, or preservatives to make its popiah a healthier option. Each popiah roll is priced at $2.

Old Long House Popiah is at 22 Lor 7 Toa Payoh, #01-03 Kim Keat Palm Market & Food Centre, Singapore 310022. Visit its website for more information.

Qi Ji is another popiah purveyor with various branches in Singapore. But what sets them apart further is that the food here, popiah included, is certified halal. There are four flavours of popiah to pick from here – Regular ($2.70), Prawn ($3.20), Chicken ($3.20), and Premium ($.20), which incorporates crab bits instead. If you’re still feeling peckish, Qi Ji also retails dishes ranging from Nasi Lemak to Laksa.

Qi Ji has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its Instagram for more information.

If the name hasn’t already clued you in, the hawker stall Rojak, Popiah, and Cockle is known for its three star dishes: rojak, popiah, and cockles. The hawker stall was once given the Michelin Plate recommendation, back in 2018. Popiah is sold in pairs ($3.40) here. And while you’re there, why not try the Fresh Cockles (from $8) and Rojak (from $6) too?

Rojak, Popiah and Cockle is at 1 Kadayanallur St, #01-56 Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184.

Ping Kee Popiah is a well-kept secret known largely by residents living in the vicinity. However, its location adjacent to Lower Peirce Reservoir makes it a convenient fuelling spot before or after an invigorating walk, especially since popiah isn’t too filling. Each popiah roll is priced at $2. For those who want more crunch, there is Kueh Pie Tee ($3.50 for four cups) too.

Ping Kee Popiah is at 590 Upper Thomson Rd, #01-32 Sembawang Hills Food Centre, Singapore 574419.

Ong Chin Quay started Miao Sin Popiah in 1980 along Upper Boon Keng Road. He even relocated three times before finally settling down at Balestier Market in the 2010s. There are two dishes that people flock here for. The first is the Popiah, which retails for $2 a roll. There’s also the Carrot Cake for those who want something more substantial, available in both black and white versions (from $4).

Miao Sin Popiah is at 411 Balestier Rd, #01-06, Balestier Market, Singapore 329930.

Fortune Food began life as a hawker stall in Geylang Bahru Hawker Centre. The stall still remains but Fortune Food has grown in scale to include more branches and offer party sets. They are certified halal too. Each popiah roll is priced at $2, but if you’re serving a crowd or looking for catering, check out the website for the DIY party sets, mini buffets, and bundles they have.

Fortune Food has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its Instagram for more information.

Fancy some Sweet Thai Chicken Popiah? How about Masala Chicken Popiah? These are some of the inventive flavours that Souperstar has cooked up. Founded by Hong Wei Ting and Hong Wei Ling, the sisters tap into the family’s business (Fortune Food) and push the fore with their take on hearty fusion fare. Purists need not worry as Souperstar still has the Traditional Popiah ($3.50). The fusion popiahs are sold for upwards of $5.50.

Souperstar has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its website for more information.

This article was originally published in Singapore Women's Weekly.