After several months of renovation, Haig Road Hawker Centre has finally reopened with a refreshed look on 23rd December 2025 — cleaner, brighter, and noticeably more comfortable. The upgraded layout improves ventilation, making the entire space breezier and more pleasant even during peak meal hours. For residents living nearby and food lovers who frequent the east, this familiar neighbourhood hawker centre now feels renewed while still keeping its old-school charm.
One of the first stalls that caught my attention was a Malay traditional satay stall. Even before tasting, the satay looked authentic — skewers lined up neatly, meat cuts visibly chunky, and a steady waft of smoky aroma drifting through the air. The stall offers three classic options: chicken, beef, and mutton, all priced at a very reasonable 80 cents per stick, which is increasingly rare these days.
The satay did not disappoint. Compared to many stalls where the meat pieces are small and overly sweet, this version stood out immediately. The meat portions were generous, tender, and well-marinated without being cloying. Each bite had a satisfying meaty texture rather than being masked by sugar. The accompanying peanut sauce was robust and fragrant, with a strong peanut flavour layered with spices that gave it depth. Served alongside were chunky cuts of crunchy cucumber and onions, which helped balance the richness of the sauce perfectly.
While walking around, I stopped by a roasted chicken rice stall and decided to give it a try. The stall offers three portion sizes — $4, $5, and $6 — and I went with the $5 option. What stood out immediately was the friendly couple running the stall, cheerfully serving customers while being extremely generous with portions. The plate came with a large serving of rice and plenty of chicken.
The rice was freshly cooked and fluffy, though it would have been even better if it were slightly more moist. For the chicken, I opted for breast meat as a healthier choice, and surprisingly, it turned out tender rather than dry. A unique highlight of this stall is a big pot of soup placed in front, allowing customers to help themselves freely. Do note, however, that the soup is not the traditional chicken broth; it tasted more like a fishball soup, which may surprise some purists.
Next, I tried a vegetarian hor fun stall. Priced at $4.50, the portion was generous and very filling. The hor fun carried a noticeable wok hei aroma, which is impressive for a vegetarian dish. Ingredients included fried beancurd, black fungus, konjac fish cake, and vegetables, all cooked together harmoniously. The dish was flavourful without being greasy, making it a solid and affordable vegetarian option.
To end the meal on a sweet note, I ordered kuih tutu for dessert. Four pieces cost $2.80, and the stall was bustling with workers busily fulfilling orders. The kuih tutu was freshly made and generously topped with fresh grated coconut. The filling was gula melaka, which tasted slightly overly sweet at first bite, but once mixed with the coconut, the sweetness balanced out nicely. The result was soft, warm, and comforting — a classic treat done right.
Overall, the newly upgraded Haig Road Hawker Centre feels like a welcoming upgrade without losing its heart. The environment is cleaner, brighter, and windier, making it a comfortable place to enjoy meals at any time of the day. With authentic flavours, reasonable prices, and a pleasant dining atmosphere, it is definitely worth a visit for those living nearby or anyone craving a satisfying hawker experience.
