15 must-try Lau Pa Sat food stalls to tackle local & international favourites (Oct 2024 update)
Against the backdrop of Singapore’s modern architecture and high rise buildings, it’s only natural to have a scarcity of old iconic spots where we can appreciate the olden days. Lau Pa Sat is one of them. The name translates to “old market” in English and it holds a significant place in Singapore’s heritage as it was established over 150 years ago.
Now, Lau Pa Sat has been transformed into Singapore’s heritage kopitiam, offering a huge spread of varieties to locals and tourists., due to its convenient location in the CBD. If you’re unfamiliar with this Lau Pa Sat, just know that it’s a huge maze. Well, not to worry, as I’ll present some of the best stalls to tackle your local food cravings while you’re here.
In the evening, the side street of Lau Pa Sat is closed off to the public and barriers are put at the side to block traffic. The absence of light and a thick density of light grey smoke fills the air— that commences the start of the evening with “Satay Street”. Almost like we’re back in 1970, satay grills and stools are scattered throughout the street for patrons to enjoy a stick or 2 with friends and families. This is a glimpse of our kampong days.
1. Satay Street
Ready to face the crowd? Let’s go! I personally feel that Lau Pa Sat is much more exciting at night as compared to the day because of the boisterous atmosphere.
You’ll first be greeted by a row of people selling satay. You can have your pick from Stall 1 all the way to Stall 19 from different owners and hence slightly different standards. If you’ve been to Thailand or Vietnam, Satay Street is similar to Bangla Walking Street where people try to get you to have a look at their menus. Our recommendation is to patronise either Stall 7 and 8 (same owner), or Stall 10 for satays.
You can pick and choose whichever you’d like to patronise, and then, you’ll get to enjoy a budget alfresco dining experience in the middle of our CBD.
I got my share of Grilled Prawns and Satay from Stall 3. It costs 80 cents per stick so you can have a variety of protein that you’d like. Usually, a spectrum of Beef, Chicken, Mutton, and Babat (Tripe) is available as your choice of satay, so go crazy!
Daily: 7pm – 3am
2. Thunder Tea Rice (Stall 25)
Thunder tea rice isn’t the most popular dish around, but Thunder Tea Rice at Lau Pa Sat is.
For many, their impression of this acquired dish would probably be a generic impression of vegetarianism and its bland taste. However, this stall caters to the majority of our meat-eating population, having meat variations which might convince you to try out a healthy alternative.
Many steer away from this Hakka delicacy because of its nuttiness, but their Thunder Tea Special (S$9.90) is something else. With the choice of Fish Fillet, Chicken Fillet, or a Prawn Meat Roll, it balances out the raw vegetable flavours that you might not enjoy. Mixed with crunchy vegetables, minced nuts, chai po, and a herby broth, it is a healthy alternative to your local fare of cai png!
Not impressed? They have a Basil Chicken with Egg set (S$8.80) and Basil Sambal Chicken/Sotong/Prawn with Egg set (S$11.50), too. It’s as if they were reading our minds to have more variation. This is something that is extraordinary in comparison to other thunder tea rice stalls that I frequently patronise; it’s rare to see such a wide variety!
+65 8887 0859
Daily: 7am – 11pm
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3. Thunder Spize (Stall 25)
Next up on my list is Thunder Spize. If you notice the similarities in store names, yes, it is the sibling stall of Thunder Tea Rice. No prizes for guessing what their speciality is. The spices really pack a punch!
Something special in their fiery menu would be the Lemongrass Chicken (S$9.90).
Possibly Vietnamese-inspired, this is a dish that isn’t common in Singapore and calls out to the adventurous, especially if you’re looking to stray away from the typical Singaporean fare. It tastes similar to Malay rendang (a meat curry dish), but with very prominent hints of strong lemongrass flavour.
+65 8887 0859
Daily: 7am – 11pm
4. Butter & Cream (Stall 5 & 6)
Time for dessert break! Butter & Cream is probably a stall that warrants one of the longest queues in the area. Their stall covers all 3 sides, so you can imagine how large of a spread of pastries and bakes that they have, all of which are freshly handmade.
Those who are familiar with the super famous AJ Delights will be happy to know that Butter & Cream’s muffins come near.
Their Streusel Muffins vary in multitudes of flavours, bringing in new inclusions every now and then. Injecting our favourite combinations into this lovely pastry, they have Oreo Chocolate, Smores’ and Berries Muffins (S$2.60 each). Its muffins are also buy 5 get 1 free!
Alternatively, you could try out their doffins, which are a unique combination of donuts and muffins. The Cheese Me Up Doffin (S$2.90) is literally to die for. Finding a perfect balance of savoury to sweet, its cheese element oozes a molten lava of cheese into your mouth.
+65 8040 0283
Mon to Thu: 10am – 9pm
Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat: 10.30am – 10pm
Sun: 10.30am – 9pm
5. Golden Shoe Hokkien Mee (Stall 26)
Hokkien mee has been one of our iconic dishes for many years. So if you’re here with friends who are visiting Singapore and Lau Pa Sat for the first time, you have to try Golden Shoe Hokkien Mee.
Its name sounds like royalty but their menu displays a range of typical old school Singaporean fare. You have Hokkien Mee (S$7.50/S$9.50), Char Kway Teow (S$7.50), Chai Tow Kway (S$7), as well as Oyster Omelette (S$9.50)!
Well, you can’t visit Golden Shoe Hokkien Mee without having Hokkien mee. Said to serve up a good plate of traditional Hokkien mee, their dish packs a load of fresh seafood ingredients and a large spoonful of lard. Mastering the wet version, their broth is rich and tasty which leaves consumers wanting more!
+65 9625 7892
Daily: 9.30am – 9.30pm
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6. Rokus a.g.b Creative Korean Burger (Stall 24)
I am quite sceptical of trying out burgers in kopitiams, but recently I’ve given many stalls a chance. I’m glad I did. Rokus a.g.b is a fusion Korean-Western stall specialising in creative burgers.
The owner is Australian-Korean, and has imparted a fusion of both sides into his handmade burgers. Infusing strong Asian flavours into a Western burger, he has created quirky combinations like Tteokbokki Burger (S$13.90), Gojuchang Burger (S$12.90), and Myeongnan/Mentaiko Fries (S$4.90). Yes, you heard me right, tteokbokki with beef in a burger! It tastes delicious too.
While some fusion stalls might be too adventurous, Rokus a.b.g surely turned out well. Described by some to be “one of the best burgers”, they really do not disappoint. The buns are toasted on the outside and buttery soft on the inside. With their loud signboard, this stall is not to be missed.
+65 8448 0707
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 4am
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7. Ipoh Hainanese Chicken Rice (Stall 14)
Name your top 3 favourite Singaporean dishes. I’ll go first. Ranked first on my placement is our delicious chicken rice. It’s simple, affordable and absolutely delicious.
Ipoh Hainanese Chicken Rice sells exactly that and it is Halal as well. Offering more than just your typical fare of chicken rice, the stall also has Ipoh Curry Chicken Noodles (S$5.90), Shredded Chicken Prawn Ipoh Hor Fun (S$5.50) and your side dishes of vegetables and bean sprouts.
A Chicken Rice Set goes for S$7.50. You’ll attain a plate of juicy chicken doused with savoury soy sauce, fragrant jasmine rice and a plate of oyster sauce vegetables. A balanced meal that comforts your soul.
The downfall is probably your waiting time. Because this stall has probably the longest queue in Lau Pa Sat, it is obvious that there’s a hype around chicken rice. I guess the whole of Singapore agrees with me on what their favourite dish is!
Daily: 11am – 9pm
8. Turkish Cuisine (Stall 70)
Who says that Lao Pa Sat is for local cuisine only? You’ll get a taste of international flavours in their octagon maze that leads you to 8 radial passageways. Take a pick and you’ll find yourself surprised with the number of cuisines and delicacies available here! You can opt for a taste of Turkish delights at Turkish Cuisine.
Looking for something easy to eat without fuss? Turkish Cuisine has Kebab Rolls that will suit your liking— what’s best is that it’s ultra tasty too!
Differing in choice of protein, you can choose between Chicken (S$7.90), Lamb (S$8.90) or a Mix of both (S$9.90). I particularly like kebabs because of the simplicity that it holds along with its impeccable smoky, spicy taste.
If not, they also have interesting options like a Chicken Kebab Tombik (S$9) and Lamb Kebab Tombik (S$10), which are essentially like burgers in a soft flatbread.
+65 9892 9556
Mon: 10am – 8.30pm
Tue to Sat: 10am – 8pm
Closed on Sun
9. Swatow Bai Le Teochew Braised Duck (Stall 9)
Last but not least, we have a new addition to the Lau Pa Sat family. Swatow Bai Le Braised Duck has a long line of heritage since the 1970s. Find their stall name familiar? They have run a family-owned stall at Lorong 37 Geylang for many years. Since then, they have been serving traditional Teochew braised duck and kway chap that have inculcated a loyal fan base.
For those who might find Geylang out of the way, they’ve opened another outlet here at Lau Pa Sat for all you corporate workers in the CBD area— convenient and great to satisfy those duck cravings.
If you’re thinking of having something heavier for lunch, the Braised Duck Noodle Set (S$5.50) will be perfect for you. A generous portion of braised duck will be place atop your noodle of choice— ranging from mee kia, yellow noodles and kway teow kia. The noodles will be doused in a thick flavourful companion of braised sauce alongside a braised egg and tau pok.
Fancy having something lighter for lunch? They’ve got you. Just at the other side of the corner, Bai Le Kitchen sells the Kway Chap Set (S$5.50), and it’s one that you shouldn’t miss. I find this alternative very worth it because a plate includes a platter of big and small intestines, tau kwa, pork belly and skin, and so much more.
Over here, you’ll not only fill your tummy, but you’ll get a taste of comfort and home.
+65 6841 4019
Daily: 9am – 12.30am
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10. Feng Xiang Herbal Bak Kut Teh (Stall 27)
The ultra-famous Feng Xiang Bak Kut Teh & Fried Porridge has an outlet within Lau Pa Sat, where you can find all your favourite herbal soups and pork trotters. Look forward to indulging in the stall’s piping hot signature fried porridge, served in a claypot.
Choose from delectable dishes like the Mixed Pork Organ Fried Porridge (S$7.50) and the Sliced Fish Fried Porridge (S$8.50), both of which don a unique brown shade in comparison to the usual pristine white porridges elsewhere.
The signature bak kut teh dishes are not to be missed either. Opt for the Herbal Bak Kut Teh (Soup) at S$8.50 for small and S$14.90 for medium to enjoy a wholesome and hearty meal, or go for the Bak Kut Teh (Dry) at S$9.50 for small and S$16.90 for medium.
Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
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11. MaFe Tacos (Stall 8)
MaFe Tacos takes fusion food to the next level with its innovative global taco menu. Here, you can order tacos filled with ingredients and flavours inspired by various countries from S$8.90 for 3 pieces.
Enjoy the Singapore Taco (S$10.90), made with chilli crab, coriander, red onion, tomatoes, hard boiled egg, toasted fried bun bits and lime if you enjoy our local flavours. How about the Malaysian Taco (S$9.90) if you would like to enjoy nasi lemak-inspired tacos, filled with fried marinated chicken, ikan bilis, toasted nuts, cucumber, red onion, shredded egg, sambal and lime?
Other variations include the French Taco (S$9.90), Indian Taco (S$8.90), Korean Taco (S$9.90), China Taco (S$9.90), Japanese Taco (S$10.90) and Vietnamese Taco (S$9.90). Aside from tacos, MaFe Tacos also has an assortment of tortilla wraps, salads, pastas and sides to dig into.
+65 9010 2279
Daily: 10am – 11pm
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12. Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang (Stall 71)
Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang has made a name for itself as one of Singapore’s best nasi lemak stalls. Today, you can find it in multiple locations across the country, including Lau Pa Sat. This MICHELIN-recognised stall stuns with its variety of nasi lemak dishes, in which diners can choose which type of protein and sauce they want.
The titular Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang (S$8.20) is their most popular dish— served with coconut rice, a chicken leg topped with taliwang sauce, fried peanuts, fried dried anchovies, an egg and nasi lemak sambal, this hearty creation will be sure to wow your tastebuds. Other variations are the Nasi Lemak Ayam Balado (S$8.20), Chicken Wing Set with Begedel (S$7.20) and Ayam Goreng Kremes Set (S$8.50). You can even get curry rice, priced from S$6.50 onwards.
+65 8750 5240
Daily: 9am – 12am
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13. Mr. Rice Pao Fan & Fried Rice (Stall 18)
Mr Rice Pao Fan & Fried Rice is a haven for pao fan lovers. While some of the more well-known pao fan places in Singapore only offer seafood pao fan, this stall also has pao fan with chicken, luncheon meat and pork.
Delight yourself in pao fan served with Seafood (S$9.90), Pan Fried Pork Chop (S$8.50), Deep Fried Luncheon Meat (S$6.50) and even Dark Beer Pork Chop (S$8.50).
Aside from pao fan, this Lau Pa Sat stall has fried rice too! The Egg & Wild Fungus with Fried Rice (S$5.50) is a good choice for vegetarians. Other proteins you can get with your rice are Crispy Chicken Cutlet (S$7.50), Mala Chicken Steak (S$7.50) and Deep Fried Luncheon Meat (S$6.50).
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10pm
Closed on Sat & Sun
14. Munchi Pancakes (Stall TA)
Munchi Pancakes has solidified itself as my all-time favourite min jiang kueh spot in Singapore, and with good reason. This innovative pancake stall stuns with its creative flavours and incredibly generous fillings. This pancake brand has now come to Lau Pa Sat and is located in the enclosed Food Folks area separate from the open space dining hall.
Traditionalists can opt for the classic Min Jiang Kueh with fillings like Peanut ($1.60), Coconut (S$1.60) and Red Bean (S$1.60), while those who prefer modern flavours should go for the titular Munchi Pancakes, which are individually sandwiched by hand.
Flavours include Oreo Cheese, Strawberry Cheese, Thai Milk Tea, Matcha, Earl Grey, Black Sesame and Belgian Chocolate for S$2.20 each. The Biscoff (S$2.80) flavour is slightly more expensive but so worth it as it is stuffed super generously with crunchy biscoff filling.
+65 8312 6203
Daily: 8am – 8.30pm
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15. Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow (Stall 74 & 75)
Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow is a well-known stall in Old Airport Road hawker centre but has also made its way into Lau Pa Sat. Hurray commercialism! The stall name draws inspiration from the classic Lao Fu Zi comic character all Singaporeans are familiar with. A hit amongst locals, they have even gotten a Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendation for multiple years.
Their signature dish is the Singapore-style Black Fried Kway Teow (S$7.50), famous for its wok-hei and sweet flavours, thanks to the perfect stir-fry of noodles, egg, and Chinese sausage as well as cockles for that slight brine. You could also opt for the White Fried Kway Teow (S$7.50) which offers a fresh, aromatic blend of garlic, chives, and seafood without the use of sweet dark sauce. This version is more akin to the Malaysian-style of char kway teow.
For those craving spice, their Laksa (S$7.50) is a must-try, with a rich coconut broth and a satisfying portion of noodles. Laksa is technically not their signature dish but they still do a pretty good version. Standard isn’t as good as the original stall of course due to different cooks, but it’s still worth trying a famous local brand.
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri & Sun: 11:45 am – 10 pm
Closed on Wed & Sat
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