Circuit Road Hawker Centre may not be the first food destination that comes to mind when planning a hawker hunt, but regulars know this sprawling food haven is packed with long-standing favourites, old-school gems, and supper spots that keep locals coming back for more. Located in the heart of MacPherson, the hawker centre is home to a diverse mix of traditional street food, comforting zi char dishes, hearty soups, and late-night eats.
Whether you’re craving a steaming bowl of crab bee hoon, a plate of smoky Hokkien mee, or a comforting fish soup, there’s something here for every appetite. Here are 13 must-try stalls at Circuit Road Hawker Centre.
1. Old Fisherman 老渔翁 (#01-29)
Signature Dish: Crab Bee Hoon
Operating Hours: 5pm – 8pm (Closed Mon)
Opened by a former local actor Huang Yiliang, this humble stall has earned a loyal following for its comforting crab bee hoon. Every bowl is cooked individually upon order, resulting in an intensely flavourful broth that draws out the natural sweetness of the fresh crab. The soup is rich yet clean-tasting, while the silky bee hoon absorbs every drop of the seafood goodness.
Patrons often wait patiently despite the long queues, largely due to manpower shortages and the stallholder’s dedication to preparing every order from scratch. Besides the famous crab bee hoon, the steamed fish and homemade omelette are equally worthy of attention, showcasing old-school flavours that are increasingly hard to find.
2. Ghim Guan Fried Oyster (#01-60)
Signature Dish: Fried Oyster Omelette (Orh Luak)
Operating Hours: 4.30pm – 9.30pm (Closed Wed)
One bite and you’ll understand why queues start forming before dinner. Unlike many versions around Singapore, the oyster omelette here features extra crispy eggs paired with plump, juicy oysters that burst with freshness.
What makes this rendition stand out is the savoury gravy drizzled over the top, adding an extra layer of richness. Combined with a subtle smoky aroma from the wok, every mouthful delivers crispy, creamy, savoury and briny notes all at once. Pair it with their chilli for an extra kick.
3. SS Western 66 (#01-77)
Signature Dish: Chicken Chop, Fried Chicken Rice
Operating Hours: 11am – 7pm (Closed Sat & Sun)
Fans of nostalgic Western food will feel right at home here. The chicken chop comes with crispy fries, homemade coleslaw and a lightly toasted bun, bringing back memories of neighbourhood Western stalls from the 1980s and 1990s.
The chicken is fried only upon order, ensuring a crispy exterior while retaining its juiciness within. Portions are generous and prices remain remarkably affordable, making this one of the best-value meals within the hawker centre.
4. 328 Nan Xing Claypot Rice 南兴砂煲饭 (#01-11)
Signature Dish: Claypot Rice
Operating Hours: 12pm – 7.30pm (Closed Wed)
Few dishes capture traditional Cantonese cooking better than claypot rice, and this stall does it exceptionally well. Every pot is cooked from scratch, resulting in fragrant rice infused with savoury sauces and ingredients.
The highlight is undoubtedly the crispy crust at the bottom. Golden, crunchy and never burnt, it adds a delightful texture contrast to the fluffy rice above. Generous portions of tender chicken and salted fish complete this satisfying meal.
5. 101 Coco Delight (#01-101)
Signature Dish: Butterfly Pea Nasi Lemak
Operating Hours: 11.30am – 8pm (Closed Tue)
This relatively new addition has quickly become a favourite among nasi lemak lovers. The eye-catching butterfly pea rice is fragrant and fluffy, accompanied by crispy ikan bilis and a sambal that strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and spice.
Every component is fried fresh upon order. Whether it’s the juicy chicken wing, crispy fish, chicken cutlet or bergedil, everything arrives piping hot and packed with flavour.
6. Yong Lai Fa Ji Shu Shi 嵘来发记熟食 (#01-66)
Signature Dish: Fish Soup
Operating Hours: 12pm – 7.30pm (Closed Sun & Thu)
Long queues are common here, and for good reason. The fish slices are exceptionally fresh and tender, swimming in a naturally sweet broth that requires no heavy seasoning.
Many regulars swear by adding an egg into the soup, creating a silky texture that elevates the entire bowl. Pair it with rice or yee mee for a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
7. Jeun VirtueFarm 浚德田 (#01-84)
Signature Dish: Assorted Vegetable Soup
Operating Hours: 11am – 9pm (Closed Sat & Sun)
Vegetarian food doesn’t have to be boring, and this stall proves it. Offering over ten varieties of herbal and vegetable soups alongside wholesome grain rice options, every dish is thoughtfully prepared.
The soups are clear, nourishing and packed with ingredients, while the rice selections feature an impressive mix of grains, mushrooms and vegetables. It’s wholesome comfort food at its best.
8. Song Kee Fish Ball Noodle 松记鱼圆面 (#01-06)
Signature Dish: Fish Ball Noodles
Operating Hours: 5pm – 1am (Closed Wed & Thu)
When supper cravings strike, this stall delivers. The springy noodles are tossed in a flavourful sauce, complemented by handmade fish balls that are soft, bouncy and packed with fish flavour.
The addition of tau pok helps soak up the sauce, making every bite more enjoyable. It’s simple, old-school hawker fare done right.
9. Soon Kee Kitchen 顺基小吃 (#01-40)
Signature Dish: Zi Char Dishes
Operating Hours: 5pm – 10.30pm (Closed Mon & Tue)
This popular zi char stall consistently attracts large crowds seeking hearty communal meals. Dishes such as honey chicken, butter squid and curry fish head are crowd favourites.
Fresh steamed fish, sambal sweet potato leaves and claypot chicken with salted fish showcase impressive wok skills and quality ingredients, making it one of the best places in the hawker centre for family-style dining.
10. Victor Veggie 味特素食 (#01-92)
Signature Dish: Vegetarian Satay, Vegetarian Otah
Operating Hours: 2.30pm – 10.30pm (Closed Wed)
Even meat lovers may find themselves impressed here. The vegetarian satay offers a surprisingly chewy, meaty texture, complete with smoky char marks from the grill.
Served alongside a rich peanut sauce loaded with crushed peanuts, it’s one of the most convincing plant-based versions around. The vegetarian otah is equally satisfying, packed generously within banana leaves.
11. Hanjiang Seafood Square 韩江海鲜坊 (#01-63)
Signature Dish: Steamed Fish
Operating Hours: 5pm – 10pm (Closed Sun, Mon, Tue & Thu)
Health-conscious diners flock here for its steamed seafood dishes. Minimal oil, salt and seasoning allow the natural sweetness of the ingredients to shine.
Fresh fish, prawns and other seafood are expertly steamed to perfection. The Sea Bass set offers excellent value, making healthy eating both affordable and delicious.
12. Authentic Fried Hokkien Mee 正牌炒福建面 (#01-82)
Signature Dish: Fried Hokkien Mee
Operating Hours: 12pm – 6.30pm (Closed Mon & Tue)
Fans of wetter-style Hokkien mee will appreciate the rich prawn stock infused into every strand of noodle. The dish strikes a good balance between moist and dry, allowing the seafood flavours to shine.
The accompanying hay bee hiam chilli adds another layer of umami and spice, making each mouthful even more addictive.
13. Tian Seng Fried Prawn Mee 添成炒虾面 (#01-10)
Signature Dish: Fried Hokkien Mee
Operating Hours: 6pm – 11.55pm (Closed Mon & Tue)
This version leans towards the drier side, allowing the prized wok hei to take centre stage. The combination of yellow noodles and bee hoon absorbs the smoky flavours beautifully.
Fresh prawns, sliced generously and cooked just right, provide sweetness and crunch. While portions may be modest, the flavours more than make up for it.
Circuit Road Hawker Centre
Address: Block 79 & 79A Circuit Road, Singapore 370079
One of Singapore’s largest hawker centres, Circuit Road Hawker Centre remains a favourite among food lovers seeking authentic local flavours without the tourist crowds. From old-school fish ball noodles and claypot rice to sizzling oyster omelette and late-night supper options, this food haven proves that some of Singapore’s best eats are still found in the heartlands.
Note: Taste is subjective and may vary from individual to individual.
