Toa Payoh may be one of Singapore’s oldest housing estates, but its food scene remains as lively as ever. While many foodies flock to the bigger and more famous hawker centres around the island, Kim Keat Palm Market & Food Centre quietly serves up some of the neighbourhood’s most beloved eats.
Kim Keat Palm Market & Food Centre
Address: 22B Lorong 7 Toa Payoh, Singapore 312022
Nearest MRT: Braddell MRT Station
If you’re exploring Toa Payoh and wondering where the locals queue for breakfast and lunch, these 12 stalls deserve a spot on your foodie checklist.
1. Lixin Teochew Fishball Noodles (立兴潮州鱼圆面) #01-20
Signature: Fishball Noodles
Operating Hours: 7am – 1pm (Closed Mon-Wed)
A long-time favourite known for its handmade Teochew fishballs that are large, springy and packed with flavour. The simple bowl comes with noodles, fishballs and crispy pork lard, proving that less can sometimes be more. At just $4 a bowl, it’s one of the best-value breakfasts in Toa Payoh.
2. Min Kee Tanjong Rhu Wanton Noodle (明记丹戎禹云吞面) #01-49
Signature: Wanton Noodles
Operating Hours: 7.30am – 2.30pm (Closed Tue)
This stall serves springy noodles tossed in a flavourful mix of chilli and dark sauce. The char siew, boiled wantons and crispy fried prawn dumplings are equally satisfying. Don’t forget the ikan bilis soup and pickled green chillies that complete the meal.
3. Lai Lai Hainanese Chicken Rice (来来海南鸡饭) #01-18
Signature: Chicken Rice
Operating Hours: 8am – 3pm (Closed Mon)
Serving traditional Hainanese chicken rice done right, this stall impresses with fragrant rice, tender chicken and a punchy chilli sauce. The comforting soup and generous portions make it a popular lunch choice among regulars.
4. Belly Shiok (食轩) #01-05
Signature: Fried Bee Hoon, Chee Cheong Fun
Operating Hours: 5am – 11am (Closed Mon & Tue)
A favourite breakfast stop offering light, flavourful fried bee hoon and silky smooth chee cheong fun. The old-school style and affordable prices keep early risers returning for a comforting start to the day.
5. Warung Mubarkah #01-41
Signature: Mee Rebus, Nasi Padang, Nasi Lemak
Operating Hours: 7am – 3pm Daily
Known for generous portions and wallet-friendly prices, this Malay food stall draws regular crowds. The thick and fragrant mee rebus is a must-try, while the nasi padang and nasi lemak offer great value without compromising on flavour.
6. Lorong 7 Kway Chap & Braised Duck (7巷粿汁卤鸭) #01-38
Signature: Kway Chap
Operating Hours: 6am – 5pm (Closed Thu & Fri)
A hearty bowl of silky kway paired with well-braised ingredients awaits here. The standout is the tender, flavourful intestines, while the rich braising sauce and chilli elevate every bite. Portions are generous and satisfying.
7. Lai Heng Economical Mixed Veg Rice (来兴菜饭) #01-07
Signature: Economical Mixed Veg Rice
Operating Hours: 6am – 8pm (Closed Sat)
One of the busiest cai fan stalls in the food centre, offering a wide variety of dishes at affordable prices. Portions are generous and the queue moves quickly. Many regulars recommend adding extra curry gravy for more flavour.
8. Ji Xiang Vegetarian (吉祥素食) #01-37
Signature: Char Siew Noodles, Laksa
Operating Hours: 5am – 2pm Daily
Affordable vegetarian food that’s both tasty and satisfying. Popular choices include the mock char siew noodles and laksa. The light herbal soup and friendly service make it a favourite among regulars.
9. Hai Nan Xing Zhou Beef Noodle (海南星洲牛肉粉) #01-06
Signature: Beef Noodles
Operating Hours: 8.30am – 3.30pm (Closed Mon & Tue)
A well-loved beef noodle stall serving tender sliced beef, tripe and tendon in a rich savoury sauce. The accompanying soup is packed with flavour, while the homemade chilli provides an extra kick.
10. Hainan Cuisine & Snacks (海南小吃) #01-35
Signature: Yi Bua, Hainanese Snacks
Operating Hours: 7am – 12pm (Closed Mon & Tue)
One of the few stalls preserving traditional Hainanese snacks. The Yi Bua, wrapped in pandan leaves, features chewy glutinous rice with fragrant coconut filling. A nostalgic treat that’s increasingly hard to find today.
11. Min Zhong Teochew Fish Soup (民众潮州鱼汤) #01-42
Signature: Fish Soup
Operating Hours: 7.30am – 7.30pm (Closed Fri)
This popular fish soup stall is known for its fresh batang fish and flavourful broth. The fish slices are thick and tender, while the soup remains light, naturally sweet and comforting.
12. Oiishii Corner #01-61
Signature: Halal Japanese Food
Operating Hours: 11am – 6pm (Closed Fri)
A rare halal Japanese stall in a hawker centre, serving ramen, donburi and sushi maki at affordable prices. The Chicken Katsu Curry Ramen is a popular choice, featuring crispy chicken paired with rich curry and springy noodles. Really hard to find halal japanese food in hawker centre.
Note: Taste is subjective and may vary from individual to individual.
