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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Kueh Talam Asli
Love traditional kuehs? Then you most definitely have to check out Kueh Talam Asli. They are best known for their variety of kueh talam, a two-layer Malaysian dessert that's made of rice flour and coconut milk infused with pandan. Their Kueh Salat is also a hit amongst customers with its green hue, great texture and robust pandan aroma. Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-148, Singapore 402001 Openi...
Nasi Ayam Sambal
Nasi Ayam Sambal is the Malay version of the beloved Chinese chicken rice, except that the chicken is fried to a golden brown crisp. Their Nasi Ayam features succulent chicken with crispy skin, and the rice is fragrant having been cooked in chicken stock. Paired with their signature house made sweet, spicy and sourish sambal, this is a well-rounded bite that is sure to delight. Address: 1 Geyla...
Otak-Otak Kampung
Serving old school otak-otak made the traditional way, this stall has been operating since the 1950s and makes their otak-otak without any flour. Chunks of fish are held together with coconut milk and grated coconut wrapped in attap palm leaf, and it is mildly spicy and sweeter than the typical ones made with flour. They only make a limited quantity every day, so if you’d like to have a taste of a...
Pak Din Nasi Ayam Bakar
Pak Din Nasi Ayam Bakar is somewhat of a hidden gem and underrated stall at Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre. Named after the owner’s late father, the stall has been serving Nasi Ayam Bakar for the last six years. The chicken is first poached in a fragrant stock before it is put on a grill to impart a smoky and crispy exterior, then topped with a sweet and viscous kicap manis. The rice is cooked...
Rojak & Mee Siam by A.H. Food Corner
Stand aside, Chinese rojak. If there’s one dish that is synonymous with Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre, it’s Indian Rojak. One of the most popular stalls here is Rojak & Mee Siam. Crowd favourite items include the tepong telur and tempeh, but what truly sets this long-established stall apart is their special sauce that is made with sweet potatoes! Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-126, Singapo...
Sajian Mak Dara
Sajian Mak Dara serves two standout items. The first is their Bubur Kampung, a bowl of plain porridge that comes with a separate plate of ingredients – ikan bilis, chopped chye poh, peanuts, sambal kangkong, salted egg and a dollop of the meanest homemade sambal belacan. The dish might be simple but it is hearty and comforting, though we have to say it is not made for chilli wimps. The other popul...
Shaliza Kitchen
Find a variety of nasi dishes at Shaliza Kitchen such as Nasi Padang, Nasi Campur, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Rawon, Nasi Ambeng and Nasi Samabal Goreng. The quality of food is good, with a wide variety of dishes to choose from. The Rawon gravy also comes with meat trimmings unlike many other places that sell theirs without. They are generous with their portions despite the price increase, and you’re sure t...
Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang
Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang serves a fine Nasi Padang with lots of side dishes options, all cooked in the traditional Kapau style. Must-try dishes include their beef rendang, ayam panggang, and crunchy beansprouts with fried grated coconut. The spices are well balanced and exquisite. The food is delicious, but expect to pay a higher price for finer quality ingredients and superior skills in preparation...
Warong Solo
Warong Solo commands one of the longest queues in Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre, and they specialise in a variety of Malay staples such as Mee Rebus and Mee Soto. They are also the only place in Singapore that serve Laksa Siglap, which is made with a variety of thicker noodles that’s reminiscent of udon. The gravy is made with fish, rempah and coconut milk and it truly sets it apart from othe...
Warung Yes Boss
Warung Yes Boss serves Roti Jala, a savoury crepe that stands out for its bright yellow colour from turmeric powder, and a cool net design that’s apparently inspired by the nets of Malaysian fishermen. It’s usually served with potato, chicken, fish or mutton curry. You’ll also find other dishes here such as Ketupat, Nasi Sambal Goren, Kentang Ball and Nasi Rawon. Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-1...