Last Updated: August 19, 2026
Did you know that just a stone’s throw from the glitzy malls of Orchard Road lies a building that time seems to have forgotten? Fortune Centre is a quiet, unassuming complex on Middle Road that most shoppers walk right past. Yet, within its walls, you will find one of the most fascinating and diverse food scenes in all of Singapore. It is a place that defies easy categorization, a culinary crossroads where old-school hawkers, pioneering vegetarian restaurants, and vibrant new eateries coexist in perfect harmony. Fortune Centre is a go-to spot for traditional Chinese desserts, specialty waffles, and artisanal breads.
For years, this building has been a well-kept secret among those in the know. It is often labeled as a vegetarian paradise, which it certainly is, but that’s only half the story. The Fortune Centre food offerings provide a genuine slice of Singaporean life, a stark contrast to the polished food courts in nearby malls like Orchard Plaza. Fortune Centre is also known for its affordable prices, making it accessible to a wide range of diners. In this guide, we will pull back the curtain on this hidden gem and show you why it deserves a top spot on your foodie bucket list.
Fortune Centre Food Places: Best Food, Local Dishes, Different Cultures
1. Soup Curry by Ki-setsu: Hokkaido Comfort Food Is Coming Soon
Fortune Centre has always rewarded curious diners, and one of its most interesting new additions is still taking shape on the fourth floor. Soup Curry by Ki-setsu is slated to open later this year, bringing a traditional Hokkaido-style soup curry concept to Singapore.
We usually think of Japanese curry as a thick and slightly sweet sauce poured over rice. Hokkaido soup curry takes a different route. It is more broth-like, aromatic and spice-led, served with rice and colourful seasonal vegetables that are flash-fried to bring out their texture and natural flavour. Diners can expect comforting choices such as a vegetable bowl and chicken thigh bowl.
- Price: $12+
- Location/Landmark: #04-13, on the fourth floor of Fortune Centre
- Recommended Food: Chicken thigh soup curry and seasonal vegetable soup curry.
- Pro-tip: Follow their Instagram for more updates on its opening.
2. New Station Rice Bar and Its Second Outlet: A Local Favorite
If you are new to exploring Fortune Centre food, New Station Rice Bar is one of those places I would keep in mind when you want a filling meal without overthinking it. Tucked away on the third floor of Fortune Centre Singapore, the small eatery takes familiar zi char-style local dishes and turns them into satisfying rice bowls.
The salted egg chicken rice is an easy place to start, with crispy chicken coated in a rich, savoury salted egg sauce and served with rice and a fried egg. The pork belly rice is another comforting choice if you prefer something richer, while dishes such as Mapo Tofu and chicken katsu bring more variety to the menu.
For me, this is the kind of local comfort food that suits a quick weekday lunch or casual dinner: bold flavours, generous portions and relatively affordable prices.
- Price: Around $8.50
- Location/Landmark: Located on the third floor of Fortune Centre, easily accessible from nearby MRT stations like Bencoolen and Bras Basah.
- Recommended Food: Salted Egg Chicken Rice with Fried Egg, Pork Belly Rice, Mapo Tofu, Chicken Katsu.
- Pro-tip: Visit during dinner hours for the best experience, but be prepared for crowds as it is a popular spot among locals looking for a satisfying meal.
3. EN Seeds: Customisable Bowls for a Balanced Meal
Not every meal at Fortune Centre needs to be rich or indulgent. On the second floor, EN Seeds is a useful option for health conscious diners looking for something fresher while exploring Fortune Centre food.
The concept is simple: build your own bowl by choosing a base, protein, fresh vegetables and dressing, so you can keep things light or turn it into a more substantial meal. There are also ready-made combinations featuring rosemary chicken, smoked duck and baked salmon if you would rather skip the decision-making.
I like that there is enough flexibility here for different appetites and dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options. Compared with some of the heavier Fortune Centre food places, EN Seeds is the sort of spot I would pick when I want a balanced lunch that still feels satisfying.
- Price: Bowls start from around $10.80
- Location: Second floor of Fortune Centre, accessible from Bencoolen MRT
- Recommended Food: Customizable bowls with various bases and proteins, warm salads
- Pro-tip: Try combining different bases and dressings for a balanced, nutritious meal.
4. New Green Pasture Cafe: Quiet Vegetarian Comfort Food
Up on the fourth floor, New Green Pasture Cafe has long been a quiet spot for vegetarian food away from the busier stalls downstairs. The menu leans towards simple, homely vegetarian cuisine, with dishes ranging from thunder tea rice and brown rice bowls to herbal soup mee sua, crunchy greens salads, hand rolls and sandwiches.
Its Hakka-style lei cha is a good choice if you enjoy wholesome vegetarian meals packed with herbs, vegetables and plenty of texture. There are also lighter options for days when you only want light bites, while dishes featuring mock meat give diners a little more variety beyond the usual rice-and-vegetable combinations.
What I like about New Green Pasture Cafe is that the food does not try too hard. It is straightforward, comforting and especially suited to anyone looking for vegetarian meals that feel filling without being overly rich.
- Price: Around $10 and above
- Location: #04-22, Fortune Centre Level 4
- Recommended Food: Lei cha, herbal soup mee sua and Golden Pillow sandwich
- Pro-tip: Explore the sandwiches and rolls if you want something beyond the usual rice or noodle meal.
5. Tracy Juice Culture and Chicken Rice: Comfort in a Bowl
On the first floor of Fortune Centre, Tracy Juice Culture is a vegetarian juice bar known for fresh fruit and vegetable juices alongside simple plant-based meals.
The signature Special Mushroom Udon is the dish to try first. Thick udon noodles come in a rich mushroom soup with broccoli, baby tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms and house-made soya balls. It is vegan-friendly and substantial enough for a proper meal.
For something gentler, the Wild Rice Congee combines five types of organic rice with herbs, wolfberries, corn, mushrooms and seaweed. The menu also includes freshly prepared juices and traditional-style desserts such as Peach Gum Cheng Tng and hot red bean with lotus seeds.
- Price: Mushroom Udon at $9.90; other dishes vary moderately.
- Location/Landmark: First floor of Fortune Centre, easily accessible from Bencoolen MRT.
- Recommended Food: Mushroom Udon, Pumpkin Porridge, Chicken Rice.
- Pro-tip: Try the Fruit Juice Curry Udon for a unique blend of fruity and savory flavors; perfect for a substantial meal in hot weather.
6. Yat Ka Yan: Traditional Desserts and Sweet Treats
Tucked away on the second floor of Fortune Centre, Yat Ka Yan is a reliable stop when you want something sweet after a meal. The menu covers both hot and cold traditional Chinese desserts, alongside more modern creations.
For the classics, there is Chendol, Cheng T’ng, sesame paste, walnut paste and black glutinous rice with coconut milk. If you prefer something more indulgent, the Durian Chendol adds durian pulp to the familiar combination of chendol jelly, red beans, gula melaka and coconut milk. The Yammy Purple Rice, served with yam paste, sago and taro and sweet potato balls, is another substantial option for food lovers with a sweet tooth.
- Price: Desserts range from $3.50 to $8.50, with options like the Yammy Chendol priced at $6.50 and the Mini Set of 3 desserts at $6.80.
- Location/Landmark: Located at #02-08, Fortune Centre, easily accessible from Bencoolen MRT.
- Recommended Food: Yammy Chendol, Mini Set of 3 desserts, smooth tofu pudding, Hot and Cold Peach Gum Cheng Tng.
- Pro-tip: Try the Mini Set to sample multiple desserts in smaller portions; ideal for sharing or tasting different flavors.
7. Bao Er Cafe: Hokkien Mee, Fried Hor Fun and Kopitiam Favourites
brings a broad kopitiam-style menu to the second floor of Fortune Centre, so it is a useful stop when everyone at the table wants something different. Its signature is Fried Hokkien Mee, cooked in prawn stock, alongside kaya butter toast, fried rice and bee hoon.
If fried hor fun is more your thing, the Fortune Centre outlet has Jeremy’s Beef Hor Fun and Seafood Hor Fun, both as the outlet's exclusive dishes. There are plenty of smaller add-ons too, including Fried Tau Kee (crispy fried beancurd skin) ngoh hiang, fish cake and otah.
I like the variety here: you could drop by for kaya toast and kopi in the morning, then return for noodles or wok-fried dishes later.
- Price: Around $6–$13 for most mains
- Location: #02-06, Fortune Centre Level 2
- Recommended: Signature Fried Hokkien Mee, Beef Hor Fun and Kaya Butter Toast
- Pro-tip: The hor fun dishes are specific to this Fortune Centre outlet.
What Makes Fortune Centre Food Special
Fortune Centre’s magic lies in its unique identity. While most buildings in the area have modernized, it has proudly retained its old-world charm. Its location on Middle Road, just a short walk from Bencoolen MRT station and Waterloo Street, places it at the edge of the bustling Orchard Road shopping district. This makes it a surprising and welcome escape from the commercial frenzy.
What truly sets the Fortune Centre food scene apart is its dual personality. On one hand, it is arguably the most important hub for vegetarian food and restaurants Singapore has to offer, with a strong presence on the first four floors. On the other, it is a treasure trove of affordable and delicious local food, served up by hawkers who have been perfecting their craft for decades. Many eateries here offer a no frills, casual dining experience that emphasizes simplicity and affordability.
Whether you are craving hearty dishes like chicken rice and salted egg chicken, or looking to enjoy fresh pasta and authentic cacio e pepe, Fortune Centre has something for everyone. The presence of nearby temples also contributes to the popularity of the vegetarian restaurants, making it a vibrant food destination at all times of the day. For those who appreciate a good tea to accompany their meals, many eateries here offer a selection of refreshing drinks, enhancing the overall dining experience.
For dessert lovers, don't miss out on exploring the best hawker centre desserts and sweet treats in Singapore that perfectly complement your Fortune Centre food adventure.
Practical Tips for Exploring Fortune Centre Food
Ready to explore this underrated food haven? Here is everything you need to know.
- Location: Fortune Centre is located at 190 Middle Road, Singapore 188979.
- How to Get There: The easiest way is via MRT. It is a 5-minute walk from Bencoolen Station (Downtown Line) and Bras Basah Station (Circle Line). It is also a short walk from Bugis Station (East-West & Downtown Lines) and Waterloo Street.
- Operating Hours: Most hawker stalls operate from morning until early evening on weekdays, catering to the office crowd. The full-service restaurants are typically open for lunch and dinner, often with a break in between. It is always a good idea to check the specific hours of the restaurant you plan to visit.
- Best Times to Visit: To avoid the biggest crowds, try to visit just before or after the weekday lunch rush (12 PM to 2 PM). Weekends are generally quieter, making it a more relaxed experience.
- Tips for First-Timers: Do not be afraid to explore. Start on the ground floor and work your way up. Bring cash, as many of the smaller stalls do not accept cards.
Conclusion
Fortune Centre is a true hidden gem in Singapore's vibrant food landscape but why does this matter? It stands as a proud testament to something fascinating: how a city can hold onto its heritage while embracing the new. What happens when different cultures, cuisines, and communities intersect in one space? You get a dining experience that reveals itself as both diverse and deeply authentic.
More than just a mall food court, Fortune Centre offers something educational in every bite. Here's what makes it special: affordable and delicious fried rice and rice noodles that tell stories of adaptation, alongside authentic clam noodles that connect you to coastal traditions. You'll discover fresh pasta that bridges cultures and hearty dishes featuring brown rice and fresh vegetables that speak to health-conscious evolution. Craving spicy local favorites like char kway teow? This dish alone unpacks decades of culinary migration. Looking to savor dishes paired with fragrant chinese wine and fresh cockles? Each combination teaches you about flavor relationships that developed over generations. This food haven doesn't just feed—it educates.
What emerges is a destination that tells a story worth understanding: family legacies, culinary innovation, and the enduring power of good, honest food working together. So, the next time you find yourself near Orchard Road, ask yourself this: why not take a small detour? Step into Fortune Centre, indulge in a la carte dining or share full portions with friends and discover what these delicious secrets reveal about Singapore's food evolution. You will learn something and you will not be disappointed.
