In the heart of one of Singapore's most charming neighborhoods lies a place where the past and present collide in the most delicious way. This is Tiong Bahru Market, a culinary institution that perfectly captures the spirit of Singapore for foodies. It is a place where legendary hawker masters, who have been perfecting their recipes for decades, operate alongside trendy cafes and modern bakeries. The market is a vibrant, living testament to Singapore's evolving food scene.
For any food lover visiting the Lion City, a trip to Tiong Bahru is essential. It offers a unique experience where you can start your day with a traditional breakfast of chwee kueh and kopi, then wander through art deco buildings to find a perfect artisanal croissant. This guide will take you through the sights, sounds, and, most importantly, the tastes of Tiong Bahru Market, a true paradise for food enthusiasts.
A Neighborhood Steeped in History
To truly appreciate Tiong Bahru Market, you must first understand the neighborhood it calls home. Tiong Bahru Singapore is one of the oldest housing estates in the country, built in the 1930s. Its name reflects Singapore's multicultural heritage, with "Tiong" meaning "cemetery" in Hokkien and "Bahru" meaning "new" in Malay, as it was built on former burial grounds.
The area is famous for its distinctive pre-war architecture, a blend of Streamline Moderne and local shophouse design. The low-rise buildings with their clean curves, flat roofs, and spiral staircases create a unique, nostalgic atmosphere. The market itself has been a central part of the community for decades, originally operating as a simple wet market before being redeveloped into the modern, two-story complex it is today. This rich history provides a beautiful backdrop for a culinary scene that honors tradition while embracing the new.
The Heart of Tradition: Must-Try Hawker Stalls
The second floor of Tiong Bahru Market is a sprawling hawker centre, home to some of Singapore's most celebrated food stalls. Many of these businesses have been passed down through generations, making it a hotspot for authentic local flavors. This is the perfect place to experience a classic morning ritual for food lovers in Singapore for foodies.
Jian Bo Shui Kueh
A true institution, Jian Bo Shui Kueh has been serving its famous steamed rice cakes (chee cheong fun) since 1958. These soft, wobbly rice flour cakes, known as chwee kueh or carrot cake (chai tow kway), are topped with a generous serving of savory preserved radish (chai poh) with dried shrimp and a dollop of spicy chili paste. The dish is often enjoyed with a side of soft boiled eggs and kopi from nearby coffee shops. This simple yet incredibly satisfying dish is perfect to start your day and is a must-try at this renowned hawker centre.
Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
No visit is complete without trying the roasted chicken rice or lemon chicken rice in Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice. This Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient serves up incredibly tender and succulent poached chicken alongside fragrant rice cooked in chicken fat, garlic, and pandan leaves. The accompanying chili sauce, dark soy sauce, and ginger paste are perfectly balanced, completing this iconic Singaporean meal. The long queue is a clear sign of its quality and popularity among meat lovers who appreciate roast pork and char siew as well.
Loo's Hainanese Curry Rice
Loo's Hainanese Curry Rice offers a different but equally beloved Hainanese classic. A hearty plate of fluffy white fragrant rice is drenched in a mild, aromatic curry gravy made with coconut milk and palm sugar. The dish is accompanied by an assortment of fried fish, pork belly, and other savory toppings. It is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, showcasing the rich flavors of traditional Peranakan food.
Lor Mee 178
Famous for its thick, flat yellow noodles in a flavorful viscous gravy, Lor Mee 178 is a staple at the hawker centre. The lor mee is topped with fish paste, tofu stuffed with meat, and bean sprouts, creating a satisfying and hearty meal. The slightly charred aroma and balanced sauce make it a go-to comfort food for many.
Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee
Known for its hokkien mee, Hong Heng specializes in stir-fried flat yellow noodles and rice noodles with prawns, squid, and bean sprouts. Cooked to order with a smoky wok hei, this dish is served with sambal chili and a squeeze of calamansi. It is one of the best hawker stalls to try hokkien mee in Singapore.
Grandpa Homemade Cheung Fun
Grandpa Homemade Cheung Fun is known for its colorful chee cheong fun made with natural ingredients like spinach and dragon fruit, giving the rice noodles a vibrant green or pink hue. The chee cheong fun is served with a variety of fillings including char siew and fish paste, accompanied by a savory soy-based sauce.
Koh Brothers Pig's Organ Soup
A Michelin Bib Gourmand stall, Koh Brothers serves a comforting pig's organ soup made with a clear broth simmered from pig bones and offal. The soup includes tender pieces of pig liver, tripe, intestines, and is flavored with salted preserved vegetables. It is a must-try for those looking to explore traditional Singaporean flavors.
Tiong Bahru Pau
For those craving steamed buns and dim sum, Tiong Bahru Pau offers a variety of freshly made pau with fillings like char siew and red bean paste. These steamed buns are a perfect snack or light meal, showcasing the blend of Chinese culinary traditions found in Singapore.
Shaved Ice and Desserts
To cool down, try the iconic ice kacang or shaved ice desserts topped with ingredients like grass jelly, red beans, palm sugar, and crushed peanuts. These sweet treats are popular throughout Southeast Asia and provide a refreshing end to a hearty meal.
Tiong Bahru Market's hawker centre is truly a melting pot of flavors and cultures, blending Chinese, Malay, and Peranakan food traditions. It is one of the best hawker stalls destinations in Singapore, offering everything from classic nasi lemak with fried anchovies and ikan bilis to bak kut teh and satay. Whether you are a local or a visitor, this food court is exactly the type of place to go for good food that satisfies all taste buds.
The Trendy Side: Modern Cafes and Eateries
Just steps away from the bustling Tiong Bahru Food Centre hawker centre, the streets of Tiong Bahru Singapore are lined with an array of trendy cafes, artisanal bakeries, and modern eateries. This unique juxtaposition is what makes the neighborhood so special for Singapore for foodies. You can start your day with a traditional meal at the hawker stalls and then find a chic spot for a coffee and dessert.
Tiong Bahru Bakery
Arguably one of the most famous bakeries in Singapore, Tiong Bahru Bakery is renowned for its French pastries. Their croissants are legendary, perfectly flaky and buttery. It is a popular spot for brunch, where you can enjoy their pastries, coffee, and a range of savory dishes in a stylish setting.
Plain Vanilla Bakery
Famous for its beautiful and delicious cupcakes, Plain Vanilla is another sweet spot in the neighborhood. Their cupcakes come in a variety of classic and inventive flavors. The charming decor and inviting atmosphere make it a perfect place to relax after exploring the market.
Kaya Toast and Kopi at Local Coffee Shops
No visit to Tiong Bahru is complete without trying kaya toast paired with traditional kopi at the local coffee shops nearby. This classic breakfast staple features toasted bread spread with kaya, a sweet coconut and pandan jam, often enjoyed alongside soft boiled eggs and a cup of strong, aromatic coffee. It perfectly complements the vibrant hawker centre experience.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Location: 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898.
- Opening Hours: The wet market on the ground floor opens early (around 7 AM), as do many breakfast stalls. Most hawker stalls are open until the evening, but some popular ones sell out by early afternoon. Cafes in the area typically open around 8 or 9 AM.
- How to Get There: The nearest MRT station is Tiong Bahru (East-West Line). From there, it is a pleasant 10-15 minute walk through the charming neighborhood to the market. Several bus services also stop nearby.
The market is an ideal destination for breakfast or brunch. Arriving in the morning allows you to experience the authentic "morning ritual" of locals doing their grocery shopping and enjoying a hearty breakfast.
Exploring Nearby Hawker Centres and Food Stalls
Beyond Tiong Bahru Food Centre, the area is surrounded by other hawker centres and food stalls where you can sample iconic Singaporean dishes such as char kway teow and fried kway teow, as well as hawker favourites like sambal stingray and bee hoon. These dishes highlight the rich diversity of Singapore’s hawker culture and are a must-try for any food lover visiting the neighborhood.
This blend of traditional hawker fare and trendy cafe culture makes Tiong Bahru a top destination for those seeking the best of Singapore for foodies.
A Must-Visit for Singapore Foodies
Tiong Bahru Market is more than just a place to eat; it is a microcosm of Singapore itself. It is where heritage is honored, tradition is savored, and modernity is embraced. The seamless blend of old and new makes it a truly unique destination that caters to every taste and budget.
Whether you are craving a time-honored local dish or a perfectly brewed flat white, you will find it here. This dynamic interplay between the traditional hawker and the trendy cafe is what makes the neighborhood a top destination for Singapore for foodies. So, on your next culinary adventure, make sure to carve out time for Tiong Bahru. Your taste buds will thank you.
