West Coast Market Square at Clementi West Street 2 is a lively neighbourhood food centre that attracts residents, students and office workers looking for affordable and comforting local meals. While it may not be as famous as some larger hawker centres, the variety of food here is surprisingly impressive — from old-school carrot cake and curry rice to handmade noodles and fragrant laksa.

If you are exploring the west side of Singapore or studying nearby at NUS, this humble food centre is worth a food hunt. Here are 10 must-try hawker stalls at 726 West Coast Market Square that locals keep returning for.

1. Gui Ji Fried Carrot Cake (鐀记菜头粿) #01-180

Few hawker dishes feel as comforting as a good plate of fried carrot cake, and Gui Ji delivers exactly that. The stall serves both the black and white versions, fried to a soft and slightly crispy texture that melts easily in your mouth.

What makes their carrot cake special is the balanced seasoning — the black version has a gentle sweetness while the white version carries a savoury fragrance from garlic and eggs. Each plate is cooked patiently on the wok, giving the radish cake a slightly charred aroma that adds depth to the dish.

The friendly stall owner is also known among regulars for his warm attitude, making the experience feel even more welcoming.

Signature Dish: Fried Carrot Cake
Operating Hours: 6:00am – 12:30pm (Closed on Monday)

2. Ji Xing Hainanese Curry Rice (吉星海南咖喱饭) #01-173

If you enjoy classic Singapore-style curry rice, Ji Xing Hainanese Curry Rice is a stall you should not miss. The stall offers a variety of comforting toppings served over fluffy white rice and generously drenched with rich curry gravy.

Popular choices include crispy pork chop, braised vegetables, fried egg and meatballs. The curry here is thick and aromatic, blending well with the rice to create that satisfying “zhup-zhup” style meal that many locals love.

It is simple, hearty hawker food that reminds many Singaporeans of old-school coffee shop meals.

Signature Dish: Curry Rice
Operating Hours: 11:00am – 8:00pm (Closed on Saturday)

3. Sliced Fish, Fish Head & Seafood Soup #01-138

For something lighter yet deeply satisfying, this fish soup stall is a solid choice. The soup is naturally sweet and flavourful, brewed with fresh ingredients that create a comforting bowl perfect for lunch or dinner.

Slices of fish are thick and fresh, giving each bite a soft and delicate texture. One standout feature here is their handmade meatballs, which add an extra layer of savoury richness to the soup.

Paired with rice or noodles, it becomes a simple but wholesome meal that many regulars swear by.

Signature Dish: Fish Soup
Operating Hours: 11:30am – 8:00pm (Closed on Saturday)

4. 88 Chicken Rice #01-137

Chicken rice lovers will feel right at home at this popular stall. The chicken is tender and silky, served in generous slices that showcase the natural sweetness of the meat.

The rice is cooked with fragrant chicken stock, giving it a rich aroma that complements the meat perfectly. Together with the signature chilli sauce and ginger paste, every bite becomes deeply satisfying.

Despite its simple appearance, this stall consistently draws crowds during lunch hours.

Signature Dish: Chicken Rice
Operating Hours: 10:30am – 2:30pm Daily

5. Wang Jiao Handmade Noodle (旺角手工面) #01-193

Wang Jiao Handmade Noodle is well known for its freshly made noodles that have a pleasantly chewy texture. Whether you order ban mian, mee sua or dry noodles, each bowl showcases the stall’s dedication to handmade preparation.

The dry noodles are often served with minced meat, anchovies, egg and chilli sambal, creating a balanced combination of savoury and spicy flavours. Their dumplings are also popular, filled generously with meat and vegetables.

For noodle lovers, this stall offers a satisfying and affordable meal.

Signature Dish: Ban Mian
Operating Hours: 10:30am – 9:00pm Daily

6. New Choy Lam Eating House (新菜林小吃店) #01-190

This stall serves comforting wok-fried dishes that are perfect for dinner. Their hor fun and fried rice are favourites among regular customers looking for something hearty after a long day.

The dishes are cooked with strong wok hei, giving them that smoky fragrance that defines good hawker stir-fried food. Portions are generous, making them suitable for sharing or a filling meal on their own.

If you enjoy classic Chinese-style zi char flavours in hawker form, this stall is worth trying.

Signature Dish: Hor Fun / Fried Rice
Operating Hours: 5:00pm – 9:00pm Daily

7. Blue Dragonfly Minced Meat Noodle (蓝蜻蜓潮州肉脞面) #01-183

Blue Dragonfly is one of the more well-known stalls in the food centre. The stall specialises in Teochew-style minced meat noodles with a well-balanced mix of vinegar, chilli and savoury pork flavours.

The noodles are cooked al dente and topped with minced pork, braised mushrooms and crispy pork lard. Another highlight is their handmade fishballs, which are softer and fresher than typical factory-made ones.

Despite its popularity, the queue usually moves quickly, making it a convenient stop for a delicious bowl of noodles.

Signature Dish: Minced Meat Noodles
Operating Hours: 12:00pm – 8:00pm (Closed on Saturday & Sunday)

8. Chef Gan H.K Bakery #01-151

Not every hawker centre has a bakery stall, which makes Chef Gan H.K Bakery a pleasant surprise. The stall sells freshly baked muffins, egg tarts and pastries that fill the air with a delightful aroma.

Their banana walnut muffin is particularly popular — soft, moist and packed with flavour. The egg tarts are also worth trying, with flaky pastry and smooth custard filling.

It is a great stop for breakfast, dessert or an afternoon snack.

Signature Dish: Muffins / Egg Tarts
Operating Hours: 5:00am – 8:00pm Daily

9. Xiang Jun Noodle House (香君面家) #01-175

Early risers often head to Xiang Jun Noodle House for a satisfying bowl of laksa. The rich and creamy broth is fragrant with coconut milk and spices, creating a comforting bowl that packs plenty of flavour.

The noodles are cooked well and paired with fresh cockles that enhance the taste of the broth. Portions are generous, making it a filling breakfast option.

Since the stall opens very early and often sells out quickly, it is best to arrive in the morning.

Signature Dish: Laksa
Operating Hours: 3:30am – 11:00am (Closed on Wednesday & Thursday)

10. Tiong Bahru Fried Fishball (中峇鲁炸鱼圆) #01-141

This stall specialises in classic fried snacks that are perfect as side dishes or quick bites. Their fried fishballs and fishcakes are crispy on the outside yet tender inside.

Other popular items include otak-otak and wantons, freshly fried and served hot. The flavour is savoury without being overly salty, making it easy to keep reaching for more.

It is a great stall to grab a few snacks while exploring the rest of the hawker centre.

Signature Dish: Assorted Fried Snacks
Operating Hours: 8:00am – 6:30pm Daily