11 best old-school Western food spots in Singapore
Forget interesting fusion styles, sous vide meats, fanciful plating and all the fluff. It’s time to travel back to the 80s and 90s when things were much simpler and straightforward.
Whether you’re savouring a deep-fried spring chicken or grilled chicken chop, old-school Western food is hearty and unpretentious. It usually comes accompanied by a humble fried bun of sorts, baked beans and coleslaw (at least that’s what I remember growing up with).
And with that, I’ve compiled a food guide on the 11 best old-school Western Food spots in Singapore.
1. Vincent Western Food
Whenever I’m at Ang Mo Kio Central and craving Western food, Vincent Western Food is always at the top of my list. The stall, which opened in the 1990s, has been a personal favourite since my secondary school days. Recently, the stall only operates for 5 hours, starting from 4pm, as uncle Vincent is not in the pink of health (get well soon!).
The vast menu has over 30 old-school Western dishes including sides like Cheese & Mayonnaise Fries (S$3.50). For a mouth-watering sizzling affair, the Combo Grill (S$10.50), Sirloin Steak w/ Black Pepper (S$10) and Black Pepper Lamb Chop (S$10) are served on hot plates, which turn heads at the food centre.
If you dislike the breading of Fish & Chips (S$7), you can opt for the battered Crispy Fried Fish (S$7) instead.
I enjoyed the Black Pepper Sliced Beef w Rice (S$7), which came with plain rice, sliced beef, baked beans and coleslaw. The beef was tender and the black pepper sauce wasn’t overwhelming, perfect for slathering over the rice.
On the other hand, the Chicken Chop (S$7) had a great charred surface with crispy skin, which enhanced its aroma. The meat was also well marinated and soft. It was served with coleslaw, baked beans, and crispy crinkle-cut fries; perfection on a plate.
724 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, Ang Mo Kio Central Market & Food Centre, #01-08, Singapore 560724
Tue to Sun: 4pm – 9pm
Closed on Mon
2. Zi Jia Xi Can
Zi Jia Xi Can at Kovan is operated by a senior husband and wife duo. Before their current location, they operated at 2 other kopitiams around the vicinity. Ever since the first place, they have gained a string of regular followers who have supported them
If you’re seeking simple Western fare, this place brings back nostalgic memories. Each of their proteins comes paired with fries, coleslaw, baked beans and a fried bun, in true old-school fashion.
Prices are pretty reasonable too, with the Chicken Wing Rice costing only S$3.50!
The Beef Steak (S$8) comes with a generous drizzle of savoury brown sauce that’s served with either rice or fries. The meat is also flavourful and slightly peppery. The portion size of the Chicken Cutlet (S$6) is massive and it’s fried to golden-brown perfection— ideal for those with huge appetites.
The chicken meat is tender and juicy, and pairs excellently with its crispy crust. The shoestring fries are nice and crisp with a good amount of salt. The coleslaw is light, creamy and refreshing as well— no complaints!
118 Hougang Avenue 1, Singapore 530118
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
3. Yummy Western
Yummy Western is a family-run old-school Western food stall running for over 40 years at 409 AMK Market & Food Centre. It occupies 2 stalls side-by-side, with the left stall preparing grilled and deep-fried mains while the other dishes out fried rice and spaghetti entrées.
The menu has 25 mains, an all-day breakfast Sausage & Egg (S$4.30) set, and 4 kinds of finger food such as Onion Ring (S$3 for 8 pieces), Chicken Nuggets (S$4 for 8 pieces) and Cheese Fries (S$4).
Be warned, though, that the wait can be as long as 30 to 40 mins, especially during peak periods. You can choose to indulge in their priciest items like the Lamb Chop or Beef Steak at S$13 each.
Instead of the fried bun, a half piece of buttered toast is served for most mains (except the rice options), accompanied with french fries, baked beans and coleslaw.
You can also opt for the Half Spring Chicken with Rice (S$6.50), or, like me, you can choose to replace the rice with french fries, without the coleslaw, for the same price. The skin is golden brown and sufficiently seasoned, with moist and delicious flesh within.
409 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, 409 AMK Market And Food Centre, #01 29, Singapore 560409
+65 9003 6723
Tue to Sun: 3pm to 9.30pm
Closed on Mon
4. Hock Kee Western
Nestled within Kimly kopitiam at 327 Hougang Ave 5 lies Hock Kee Western. It’s managed by a friendly uncle and aunty who have been selling old-school Western delights for 25 years, and have no plans to retire and stay home as their children have all grown up. Previously, they were located at another coffee shop in Hougang as well.
Their offerings include your quintessential Chicken Chop (S$8.50) and Chicken Wing Set (S$5). You can also pair your grilled or fried proteins with plain rice or fried rice too. Take your pick with options like Grilled Fish Fried Rice (S$8.50) and Spring Chicken Rice (S$8).
Though the Fish & Chips (S$8.50) and Chicken Cutlet (S$8.50) are a little on the pricier side, the main stars are deep fried to a golden-brown crisp without being oily. It’s served with the usual suspects: french fries, baked beans and coleslaw.
Instead of the regular sliced presentation, the coleslaw is finely diced, which reminded me of the ones served at KFC. My only gripe was that the Fish & Chips didn’t come with tartar sauce and lemon, which left me slightly underwhelmed. Fortunately, it tasted good on its own.
327 Hougang Avenue 5, Singapore 530327
+65 9858 1477
Wed to Mon: 11am – 9.30pm
Closed on Tue
5. Rasa Sayang Western Food
Established back in 1994, the original location of Rasa Sayang Western Food was at 711 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, where it operated until 2017. The stall gained quite a reputation and had long snaking queues daily. However, due to escalating rental costs, they announced their closure in 2017, much to the dismay of their regular customers.
Then in 2021, they reappeared on the food scene at 347 Ang Mo Kio Ave3, where they operate till this day. They dish out an assortment of Western favourites such as Sirloin Steak (S$13.90) and Fish with Spaghetti (S$8.50). The Chicken Cutlet (S$8.50) is known to be thin and crispy without being dry.
My Pork Chop (S$8.50) was tender and drenched in a luxurious brown sauce topped with mushrooms. The meat tasted flavourful on its own, even without the sauce. It came with a crispy garlic bread that was simple and comforting. The crinkle-cut fries are crispy and not too over-fried, while the coleslaw is fresh and appetite-inducing, making the meat less jelak.
347 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, #01-2142, Singapore 560347
Thu to Tue: 11.30am – 2pm & 5pm – 9pm
Closed on Wed
6. Wanted Western Delights
Wanted Western Delights at Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market & Food Centre is operated by a middle-aged couple for the past 15 years. The ex-Shatec student met her current husband at Marche where they worked together.
Besides the usual run-of-the-mill Western specialties like Grilled Fish with Mushroom Sauce Set (S$8), and Pork Chop with Black Pepper Sauce Set (S$8), the stall offers 4 kinds of Japanese curry rice such as Pork Cheese Sausage with Japanese Curry Rice (S$7.50) and Chicken Cheese Ball with Japanese Curry Rice (S$7).
The Fish and Chips with Homemade Tartare Sauce (S$8) features 2 massive pieces of breaded fish with fries, baked beans and coleslaw. The fish is fluffy and satisfyingly crispy with a thin layer of batter.
I also dabao-ed the Breakfast Set (S$7) at lunchtime, which included scrambled eggs, bacon, a hotdog, and 2 slices of toast. Despite not having it on the spot, the eggs remained soft and creamy, with some heat from the black pepper. The grilled buttered toast was simplicity at its best, but it was even better when I sandwiched the egg in between.
210 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market & Food Centre, #01-55, Singapore 310210
Wed to Mon: 12pm – 9pm
Closed on Tue
7. Chicken Supremo
Chicken Supremo is an affordable Halal Western stall in Jurong West Street 41 which started way back in 1992. The stall fell victim to the fire that destroyed the Jurong West wet market and coffee shop in 2016.
If you’re seeking a convenient on-the-go snack, they have Fish, Chicken and Beef Burgers at S$2.50 each, Onion Ring (S$2 for 8 pieces) and Sotong Ball (S$2 for 5 pieces). Having a gathering or birthday celebration? You can feast on delicious fried chicken with the Family Box (S$28 for 16 pieces) and Picnic Box (S$38 for 22 pieces); perfect for such occasions.
We tried the Chicken Wing (S$1.20) with Cheese Fries (S$2). The chicken had crispy skin with juicy flesh. The shoestring fries were warm and crispy with a generous drizzle of generic cheese sauce and mayo. For S$2, we would say that its value-for-money.
The Black Pepper Chicken Chop (S$5.50) was served with baked beans, fries, a fried bun and creamy coleslaw. The skin was nicely charred, which added a smoky hint of flavour that complemented the tender meat.
493 Jurong West Street 41, #01-02/03, Singapore 640493
Mon to Fri: 1.30pm – 9.20pm
Facebook
8. KK Western Food
Though KK Western Food at Golden Mile Food Centre is a new player on this list, having just opened on 1 Dec 2023, it has adopted a more old-school approach to keep things traditional.
Stall owner, Jax, whose father once hawked Western Food in Punggol himself, has walked in his father’s footsteps. Having grown up with the classic style of dishes, Jax serves Western fare with generous portions that evoke a nostalgic feel.
The Pork Chop (S$7.50) comes with 2 sizeable chops doused in gravy, coleslaw, baked beans and some fries. The Chicken Chop (S$7.50) comes with the same sides too. If you dislike baked beans like me, the owner is even willing to compensate you with more fries at no extra charge— a testament to his friendly nature.
His Fried Wings w Rice (S$4.50) and Spring Chicken (S$12) are recommended, with the latter being more wallet friendly than its competitors.
505 Beach Road, Golden Mile Food Centre, #01-61, Singapore 199583
+65 8218 5177
Wed to Mon: 11am – 8.30pm
Closed on Tue
Instagram
9. Ye Lai Xiang Tasty Barbecue
Ye Lai Xiang Tasty Barbeque at Maxwell Food Centre is arguably one of the more favourable Western stalls, evident with the long queue formed in front. For the uninitiated, it has been serving authentic old-school Hainanese Western food for more than 5 decades.
Before its current location, it operated from 2 other places: Tanglin Halt and Margaret Drive Food Centre. The owner, Mr Leong, inherited all the original recipes from his late father. He now runs the stall with his wife.
The Chicken Chop (S$9.50) might be a little pricey, but its large portions justifies the price tag. It consists of 2 large slabs of chicken chop slathered in a brown sauce, deep-fried crinkle-cut fries, an assortment of mixed veggies, and a soft bun.
The brown sauce is unique and tastes like a blend of BBQ and tomato sauce, with a nice smoky tanginess to each bite. The soft bun comes with a small slab of spreadable Lurpak butter on the side.
The Fish and Chips (S$10) comes with 3 decently-sized breaded fish fillets with the same sides as the Chicken Chop, but with additional coleslaw. The fish is fresh and soft with a thin layer of breading. The special coleslaw doesn’t contain mayo and resembles achar, adding a tangy punch of flavours which help to cut down the richness.
1 Kadayanallur Street, Maxwell Food Centre, #01-94, Singapore 069184
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 8.30pm
Closed on Sat & Sun
10. Apollo Western Food
Apollo Western Food at Hougang Hainanese Village Centre has been dishing out Western cuisine for over 35 years. The business is currently being undertaken by the 2nd-gen.
If you’re craving for the usual Western classics, the menu has Chicken Cutlet (S$7), Chicken Chop (S$6.50), Pork Chop (S$7) or NZ Lamb Chop (S$13). All mains comes with fries, baked beans and bun.
The old-school bun is served warm, making it crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It comes paired with butter for spreading. I mean, who doesn’t love bread and butter, right?
Beef lovers can check out their steak offerings, which are available in 2 cuts: Chilled NZ Sirloin Steak (S$13) and Chilled Ribeye Steak (S$13).
The meats are grilled to perfection, and you can choose the doneness based on your preference. It’s served with tasty brown gravy, or you can top up S$0.50 for black pepper sauce.
105 Hougang Avenue 1, Hougang Hainanese Village Centre, #02-32, Singapore 530105
+65 6225 5632
Sun to Fri: 6am – 6pm
Sat: 6am – 7pm
11. The Little Grill
For the Westies, The Little Grill at Jurong East has an extensive menu of 34 items to leave you spoilt for choice. It fuses a mix of old-school style Western food, steaks on hot plates and mains with interesting sauces.
Enjoy your classic favourites like the O’ School Chicken Chop (S$8.50), Crispy Fish & Chips (S$8.50) and Southern Fried Spring Chicken (S$12). Or switch it up with unique offerings like Lemon Butter Grilled Fish (S$8.50), Wasabi Salmon Steak (S$13) or Teriyaki Chicken Chop (S$8.50).
The Chicken Chop Fried Rice (S$7) comes with a sunny-side up egg and a huge portion of fried rice, guaranteed to fill you up.
The steaks, such as the NZ Air-Flown Shroomy Sirloin Steak (S$15) and NZ Air-Flown Prime Ribeye (S$16.80), are cooked to your doneness and served atop a sizzling plate, just like at Jack’s Place. They come with mashed potatoes, baked beans and a grilled tomato.
215 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore 600215
+65 8950 1899
Fri to Wed: 11am – 10.30pm
Closed on Thu
Facebook | Instagram
The post 11 best old-school Western food spots in Singapore appeared first on SETHLUI.com.
