20 Must-Try Stalls at Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre
When it comes to Geylang Serai, most of us would think of the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar. However, at the heart of Geylang Serai is one of the most interesting food hubs in Singapore. One of Singapore’s oldest Malay settlements, Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The market was a makeshift hawker shelter during the pre-war years, which was turned into an amusement park during the Japanese Occupation. After the war, the makeshift street hawker-market returned. And by the early 1950s, the residents of the nearby Kampong Melayu started to visit this “Malay” market frequently for their marketing needs. The great leap forward came in the 1960s when the government announced urban development of the area and a sheltered market was erected. Since then, the market and food centre has only grown in popularity, drawing in shoppers and diners during Hari Raya, not just from Singapore but also across the Causeway! Today, Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre houses some of the best Malay food you can find in Singapore, and here are 20 stalls you have to try!
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Alhambra Heritage & Original Satay Club
Located at Geylang Serai, Alhambra Satay is currently run by its second-generation owner who continues to hand make satay the traditional way. The stall is the original Alhambra Satay stall which traces its roots back to 1948 Satay Club, located beside the now-defunct Alhambra Cinema along Beach Road that made way for the Shaw Towers. Here you’ll find satays with three different meats: chicken, mu...
Alrahman Kitchen
Alrahman Kitchen serves up a variety of traditional Malay rice and noodle dishes. One of their most popular items is the Mee Rebus, which comes with a decadent gravy which clings to the thick yellow noodles very well. The dish is topped with fried beancurd, crunchy green chillies, as well as fragrant shallots. We highly recommend topping up for a begedil! The stall is also popular for their Gado G...
Azizah Briyani
Another great briyani stall in Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre, Azizah Briyani has over 20 years of history serving briyani that are made with healthier ingredients, giving it a lighter taste. It is also served with a bowl of dalcha and fruit achar. There are three items on the menu: Mutton, Masala Chicken or Fried Chicken Briyani. Prices are higher than other briyani stalls here, but it comes...
Cendol Geylang Serai
Established in 1952, Cendol Geylang Serai is one of the pioneers in the local scene for Indonesian-style cendol. Unlike other cendol, you won’t find tons of toppings here such as red beansl. Instead, a typical bowl of cendol consists of just handmade green jelly infused with pandan, coconut milk, crushed ice and gula melaka. A yummy reprieve from the sweltering heat! Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #...
G.S.Oli Thosai & Food Stall
This is probably one of the best apom in Singapore! For the uninitiated, apom is an Indian pancake with a soft, fluffy centre and thin, crispy edges. It is usually accompanied by the two condiments provided – red sugar and grated coconut. Their Thosai and Masala Chicken are also popular, and these three dishes typically sell out by lunch time. A true testament to their popularity! Address: 1 Ge...
Gerai Nenek Obek
Gerai Nenek Obek is a Geylang Serai stalwart since 1963 with its roots in Surabaya, now helmed by its fourth-generation. They specialise in rice with side dishes, curries and sambals in various forms such as Nasi Jenganan, Nasi Rawon and Nasi Ambeng. Their array of over 30 side dishes are all cooked with the same traditional recipes since day one! Expect a queue during lunch hours, but the wait wi...
Geylang Briyani Stall
You’ll find several stalls selling briyani at Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre, but Geylang Briyani Stall stands out with its host of great reviews. With a history dating back to 1964, the humble family business has been around for three generations. The menu is simple with three options: Mutton, Curry Chicken or Fried Chicken. Your choice of meat is then paired with a generous helping of basmat...
Geylang Serai Chee Kong
Geylang Serai Chee Kong stall serves a popular cheng tng which is loaded with lotus seeds, gingko nut, candied winter melon, longan, barley and white fungus. Chee kong is the Malay term for cheng tng, and the one that they serve here is not overly sweet and will suit many taste buds! Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-149, Singapore 402001 Opening Hours: 10 am–4 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon
Iqbal Soup Kambing
Iqbal Soup Kambing is a boon for mutton lovers. They serve various spicy lamb dishes, but their Sup Kambing is the star here. Thick, velvety soup is loaded with spices and aromatics, along with a subtle underlying mutton fragrance which isn’t gamey. The tender mutton is fall-off-the-bone and incredibly flavourful. The stall also has tongue, bone marrow and brains… if you are up for it! Address:...
Kacang Pool Mustafa
Kacang Pool is a lesser-known breakfast food that has Middle Eastern roots. A thick, savoury bean stew made of fava beans, it is topped with an egg, raw onions and green chilli. You also get a side of french loaf to dip into the bean stew and eat alongside your Kacang Pool! A hearty and wholesome dish, it is a great way to fill you up with everything you need for the day. Address: 1 Geylang Ser...