One of the most popular hawker centres in Singapore, Maxwell Food Centre is one of those food places that draws in both tourists and Singapore locals alike. Even though many food places can get overly touristy and commercialized, Maxwell Food Centre remains one of the places to savour authentic Singaporean food. Here are some must-try stalls!
Zhen Zhen Porridge (#01-54)
For over three decades, Zhen Zhen Porridge has been serving up Singaporeans’ favourite comfort food. If you enjoy your porridge thick, creamy and in broken grains, you would surely enjoy Zhen Zhen Porridge. Every spoonful is flavourful and packed with ingredients such as chicken, pork or fish. Be prepared to wait, and sometimes for quite a long time, as the stall seems to have perpetual queues! But you know what they say – good things are worth the wait.
Zhen Zhen Porridge is listed as one of the best porridge stalls in Singapore. Do you agree? Vote here and let us know!
Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon (#01-77)
Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon is another long-time tenant at Maxwell Food Centre, serving up delicious Cantonese-style fish soup with a comforting, flavourful and milky broth that can be paired with fried or white fish. This stall is very popular amongst the working crowd especially during lunchtime, so be prepared to wait for 20 minutes and up during peak hours.
Tong Xin Ju Special Shanghai Tim Sum (#01-92)
Having moved from the now-demolished Margaret Drive Food Centre, Tong Xin Ju Special Shanghai Tim Sum continues to serve up yummy dumplings at affordable prices in Maxwell Food Centre. They are handmade, made to order and served piping hot with well-marinated fillings. We can't pick between the steamed or fried dumplings, so make sure to try them both if you still have the stomach space for it!
Hup Kee Wu Xiang Guan Chang (#01-97)
Here's a jawdropper: Hup Kee Wu Xiang Guan Chang has been in existence for over 70 years, and it was originally a pushcart stall which started before World War II. Today, they are one of two remaining stalls that still serve the Hokkien version of ngoh hiang, as opposed to the usual Teochew style which is common in Singapore. Some other must-try include the pink sausage, liver rolls and neng kway (egg lard cakes) which are all handmade everyday.
Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake (#01-05)
Before this I have never tried Fuzhou oyster cake! Apparently, it's a dying piece of culture and food, so we're glad to have it here in Maxwell. As the stall name suggests, they only serve oyster cakes that make a perfect savoury snack when you don't want a full meal. It has satisfyingly crispy edges, a doughy middle and a flavourful filling of minced pork, prawns, celery and of course, oysters.
Tian Tian Chicken Rice (#01-10)
No list on Maxwell Food Centre is complete without Tian Tian Chicken Rice, and it's arguably one of the most popular chicken rice stalls in Singapore! American celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain has even said that the chicken rice here is so fragrant and delicious that it can be eaten on its own. Although the rice at Tian Tian is highly raved about, their chicken is also tender, juicy and smooth and makes a great companion with the rice, chilli and dark soy sauces.
Ye Lai Xiang Tasty Barbecue (#01-94)
Ye Lai Xiang has decades of experience behind them, and some even say that they are the pioneers in bringing Hainanese western food into local hawker centres, starting from Tanglin Halt and Margaret Drive. They're well known for their special house sauce that's said to be developed by the late master chef, who served in the British Navy. The food is delectable, portions are generous and the pricing is reasonable. Arguably one of the best Hainanese western food in town.
Hainanese Curry Rice (#01-68)
Craving a plate of curry rice? Get ready for a party in your mouth with Hainanese Curry Rice. We love the pork chop that's crispy, tender and not too oily. The curry that's generously drenched over every inch of the plate had a mild spiciness that's not too overpowering, and paired perfectly with the braised dark gravy. The best part? A plate of rice with cabbage, braised taupok and pork chop cost just slightly over $3!
Popo and Nana’s Delights (#01-70)
Popo and Nana’s Delights is a humble Peranakan joint offering a mix of Peranakan and Eurasian food fix, featuring a menu of rice sets that are rotated daily. Due to Covid-19, they've also started offering online delivery and pick up orders, of which you can find the menu on their Facebook page. We've heard many great things about their Ayam Buah Keluak!
Marina South Delicious Food (#01-35)
For some good wok-hei staples, look no further than Marina South Delicious Food. You'll find the usual suspects like char kway teow, hokkien mee, carrot cake and oyster omelette here. We must say, it's rather uncommon to find a stall serving all these dishes together! But judging from the awards that they've gained along with the recognitions from the media, we bet they're pretty good.