Sims Vista Market and Food Centre may not enjoy the same fame as some of Singapore’s headline hawker hotspots, but that’s precisely where its charm lies. A favourite among nearby residents, this under-the-radar food enclave rewards those who venture off the main trail with a comforting mix of everyday eats and old-school flavours.
Nestled within Sims Place in eastern Singapore, the sprawling complex is home to over 70 stalls, spanning local favourites to humble neighbourhood specialties. Originally built in the mid-1970s to serve surrounding estates, the market and food centre received a thoughtful facelift in 2021. It is highly accessible by public transport (steps from Aljuneid MRT station) just 5 minutes’ walk and most important of all, it has a good food range of delicious dishes from popular food stalls.
Hollywood Duck Rice (#01-73)
Hollywood Duck Rice is one of those comforting stalls that quietly draws a steady stream of regulars. The menu centres around familiar duck-based classics, including kway chap, duck porridge, duck noodles with yellow mee or kway teow, and even yam rice for those who prefer a heartier base.
On this visit, I went with the duck rice but opted for plain white rice instead, requesting an extra drizzle of their signature braised duck sauce. That turned out to be a good call. The sauce was thick, glossy and deeply savoury, coating each grain of rice beautifully without being overpowering. It added a rich depth that made the simple bowl especially satisfying.
Each plate comes with a bowl of duck soup, which leaned slightly towards the salty side but delivered bold herbal notes. The fragrance was unmistakable, and the addition of coriander gave the broth a pleasant lift, making it a comforting companion to the rice.
Regular Duck Rice – $5
Large Duck Rice – $6
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 3:00pm (Closed on Wed)
Economic Bee Hoon & Nasi Lemak (#01-22)
Nearby, a new Economic Bee Hoon and Nasi Lemak stall has taken over the former Jing Feng Nasi Lemak space. The previous owner has since returned to help run a popular fishball noodle stall in the area.
I ordered a nasi lemak set priced at $4. The ingredients were fresh and neatly presented, from the fried items to the sambal and sides. While the coconut rice was fluffy, a stronger coconut aroma would have elevated the overall experience. Still, it remains a decent and affordable option for a simple nasi lemak fix.
Nasi Lemak / Fried Bee Hoon Set – $3.00 to $4.30
Opening Hours: 6:00am – 2:00pm (Closed on Mon)
Soon Lee Fried Carrot Cake (#01-25)
For something classic and nostalgic, Soon Lee Fried Carrot Cake is another stall worth stopping by. I chose the black version, cooked with sweet dark sauce ($3). The carrot cake cubes were soft on the inside, with a lightly crisp exterior.
The sauce struck a good balance — gently sweet without becoming cloying. Prices range from $3 to $5, making it easy to customise based on appetite. A sprinkle of chopped spring onions would be a lovely finishing touch.
Opening Hours: 6:00am – 2:00pm Daily
Al Salam Indian Muslim Stall (#01-10)
Rounding off the meal, I visited Al Salam Indian Muslim Stall for an egg prata. The prata was made only after ordering, which is always reassuring. It arrived hot, with a pleasant aroma of freshly cooked dough.
The exterior was lightly crisp, while the inside remained soft and fluffy. Paired with a robust curry that carried a bold spice profile, it made for a satisfying and comforting end to the hawker centre food trail.
Plain Prata (2 pcs) – $2
Egg Prata – $1.50
Opening Hours: 6:00am – 6:00pm (Closed on Fri)
Address : 49 Sims Place, Singapore 380049
