Step into People’s Park Food Centre and you will immediately be greeted by the familiar sights, sounds and aromas of Chinatown. Woks clatter behind the counters, steam rises from bamboo baskets, and regulars weave confidently through the busy aisles in search of their favourite meals.
This well-loved food centre is especially interesting because of its wide culinary mix. You can start with traditional Teochew braised duck, snack on old-school dim sum, tuck into a comforting bowl of yong tau foo, and finish with fiery Sichuan grilled fish—all under one roof.
People’s Park Food Centre
Address: 32 New Market Road, Singapore 050032
Operating hours may change without prior notice. It is advisable to check with the individual stalls before making a special trip.
Some stalls have been serving the neighbourhood for decades, while others bring flavours from different parts of China to the Chinatown dining scene. Whether you are here for a quick lunch, an afternoon snack or a full family meal, these 13 stalls deserve a place on your food-hunting list.
1. Yong Xiang Xing Dou Fu (永祥興豆腐)
Address: 32 New Market Road, #01-1084, Singapore 050032
Signature dish: Yong Tau Foo
Operating hours: 1pm–4pm
Closed: Monday
Queues are almost a permanent feature at this Michelin-recommended traditional yong tau foo stall, but the line moves surprisingly quickly. The ordering system could not be simpler: there is only one standard bowl priced at $6, with no noodles and no choosing of individual ingredients.
Each serving arrives with an assortment of fish paste-filled tofu, fish balls and other handmade pieces swimming in a clear, gently seasoned broth. The soup is light rather than intensely savoury, allowing the freshness and natural sweetness of the ingredients to stand out.
One of the most enjoyable pieces is the soft white tofu, which has a delicate, almost silky texture surrounding a springy fish paste centre. A scattering of spring onions adds a pleasant fragrance.
Do not skip the chilli and sweet sauce combination. The heat and sweetness give each piece an extra lift, especially since the broth itself is intentionally mild. Portions are not particularly large, so this may be better enjoyed as a light meal or shared appetiser.
2. Lek Kee Authentic Teochew Braised Duck (陆记正宗潮州卤鸭)
Address: 32 New Market Road, #01-1104, Singapore 050032
Signature dish: Braised Duck Rice
Operating hours: 11am–2.30pm
Closed: Monday, Tuesday and Saturday
From around $4 for a plate of duck rice to approximately $55 for a whole bird, this traditional stall offers options for both solo diners and families planning a generous meal.
The duck is braised until tender, with the meat absorbing plenty of savoury soy-based flavour. Unlike sweeter or heavily spiced versions, the preparation follows a more balanced Teochew approach. The braising liquid carries subtle layers of spices, giving the meat depth while retaining its natural flavour.
White rice is generously dressed with gravy, making every mouthful moist and satisfying. Those with a larger appetite can add braised pork, egg, tofu, skin and other side dishes to create a more substantial platter.
The chilli provides a sharp, lively kick that cuts through the richness of the meat. Service remains organised even when the queue becomes long, although popular items may sell out before the official closing time.
3. Chuan Wei Fang (川味坊香辣蟹)
Address: 32 New Market Road, #01-1040, Singapore 050032
Signature dish: Sichuan Cuisine and Mala Grilled Fish
Operating hours: 10.30am–9pm daily
Diners who enjoy bold spices, generous portions and wallet-friendly Sichuan food will find plenty to order here. The menu includes mala grilled fish, chilli prawns, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables and other dishes designed for sharing.
The grilled fish is one of the biggest attractions. A whole fish is served in a large tray filled with vegetables, aromatics and a fiery mala sauce. Customers can usually indicate their preferred spice level, making it suitable for both cautious chilli eaters and serious mala enthusiasts.
Flavours lean towards the strong and salty side, which works particularly well when paired with rice. The chilli prawns deliver a satisfying balance of heat and savouriness, while fried beans provide a crunchy vegetable side to break up the richer dishes.
Prices remain attractive considering the size of the servings. Waiting times can stretch to around 30 minutes during busy periods, but the substantial portions make it a practical choice for groups.
4. Chop Hean Kuan (道记)
Address: 32 New Market Road, #01-1018, Singapore 050032
Signature dishes: Char Siew Bun and Egg Tart
Operating hours: 9am–5pm
Closed: Monday
This old-school dim sum counter is ideal when you want a quick snack, a takeaway treat or several small dishes to share over tea.
The char siew bao comes with a thick, fluffy exterior surrounding a savoury-sweet roasted pork filling. While the bun skin is slightly more substantial than modern restaurant-style versions, it has the familiar texture associated with traditional neighbourhood dim sum.
Seafood dumplings and siew mai offer satisfying, savoury bites, while the smooth red bean buns provide a mildly sweet finish. The red bean paste is not overly sugary, making it easy to enjoy even after several steamed items.
The egg tart is the item that should not be overlooked. Its crisp, flaky pastry shell gives way to a smooth egg custard centre, creating a lovely contrast of textures. Besides steamed dim sum, the display also includes baked pastries, fried snacks and buns suitable for eating on the go.
5. Poy Kee Yong Tau Foo (培记酿豆腐)
Address: 32 New Market Road, #01-1066, Singapore 050032
Signature dish: Yong Tau Foo
Operating hours: 11am–7pm
Closed: Saturday and Sunday
Having served customers for more than four decades, this traditional counter offers the flexibility that many yong tau foo lovers appreciate. Diners can select from mee kia, mee pok, bee hoon or kway teow, followed by a choice of dry or soup preparation.
The ingredients are prepared at the stall before being steamed, fried or blanched. Expect familiar pieces such as stuffed tofu, vegetables and fish paste items, all carrying the handmade character of old-fashioned yong tau foo.
The soup version is especially comforting. Its lightly seasoned broth draws much of its flavour from ikan bilis and soybeans, resulting in a clean and homely taste that does not feel too salty. The mild broth also allows the individual ingredients to remain the focus of the bowl.
Ordering can move quickly, so it helps to decide on your noodles and preparation style before reaching the front. Speak clearly, especially during busy periods when the stallholders are managing multiple orders at once.
6. Hometown Hainan Fen (家乡海南粉)
Address: 32 New Market Road, #01-1100, Singapore 050032
Signature dish: Gravy Hainan Noodle
Operating hours: 10am–5pm daily
This is not the dark, heavily coated Hainanese beef noodle commonly found at local hawker centres. Instead, the signature noodle dish features a lighter-coloured, semi-thick gravy with a distinctly different flavour profile.
Thick rice vermicelli is combined with thinly sliced meat, preserved vegetables, bamboo shoots and peanuts. The peanuts contribute a welcome crunch, while the preserved vegetables add a mild tanginess that keeps the gravy from becoming too heavy.
The sauce has a gentle fermented-bean quality and a smoother, lighter consistency. Once everything is tossed together, the noodles absorb the gravy and become increasingly flavourful. Bird’s eye chilli or chilli oil can be added for extra heat, giving the otherwise mellow dish a sharper edge.
A dry or “cold” noodle version is also available. It uses thinner noodles with similar ingredients, although it is served closer to room temperature rather than properly chilled. Diners who dislike the distinct aroma of bamboo shoots may wish to request that they be left out.
7. Uncle Louis Famous Chicken Rice (传统海南鸡饭)
Address: 32 New Market Road, #01-1120, Singapore 050032
Signature dish: Hainanese Chicken Rice
Operating hours: 9am–10pm
Closed: Friday
A good plate of chicken rice does not need to be overly complicated. Here, the focus is on tender chicken, fragrant rice, punchy chilli and reasonable prices.
The chicken is moist and succulent, with a soft texture that makes it easy to eat. A $5 portion already comes with a respectable amount of meat, while diners with bigger appetites can pay extra for additional chicken.
The rice is aromatic without being excessively oily, so it complements the meat rather than competing with it. The chilli sauce brings a satisfying mix of heat and acidity, while the ginger paste adds its familiar fragrant sharpness.
Depending on the meal set, diners may also receive a bowl of soup. The chicken soup is particularly hearty, offering more depth than the standard clear broth often served with chicken rice. Service is efficient, and the queue generally moves at a comfortable pace.
8. Steamed Society (蒸食会)
Address: 32 New Market Road, #01-1112, Singapore 050032
Signature dishes: Steamed Meat Patties and Steamed Set Meals
Operating hours: 10am–10pm daily
For days when you want something lighter than fried noodles or rich braised meats, this stall specialises in simple steamed dishes at affordable prices.
One of the most attractive choices is the value set, which may include rice, soup and a steamed meat patty for around $5.50. Although individual portions are not particularly large, the combination provides a reasonably complete meal without stretching the budget.
Flavours are kept subtle and clean. The meat patties are gently seasoned, while the steaming method helps retain moisture without requiring excessive oil. The accompanying soup and rice make the meal comforting.
Those accustomed to strong sauces and intense seasoning may find the dishes mild. However, diners who prefer home-style cooking or a less greasy lunch may appreciate this straightforward approach.
9. Fried Oyster, Fried Kway Teow Mee & Fried Carrot Cake
Address: 32 New Market Road, #01-1136, Singapore 050032
Signature dish: Fried Carrot Cake
Operating hours: 12pm–6.30pm
Closed: Saturday and Sunday
The lengthy signboard gives diners several familiar hawker favourites to choose from, but the fried carrot cake is a dependable option for a satisfying afternoon meal.
The radish cake pieces are fried until soft and tender rather than overly firm. Generous amounts of egg coat the pieces, producing a pleasant combination of fluffy egg and smooth carrot cake.
Seasoning is controlled, so the dish does not become excessively salty. The lighter flavour allows the natural sweetness of the egg and radish cake to come through, while the lightly browned edges provide small bursts of wok-fried fragrance.
It may not arrive with dramatic presentation or elaborate toppings, but it delivers the simple comfort many diners look for in a plate of traditional hawker-style carrot cake.
10. Loh Mei Specialist (湿卤味)
Address: 32 New Market Road, #01-1106A, Singapore 050032
Signature dish: Loh Mei and Loh Kai Yik
Operating hours: 12pm–8pm
Closed: Tuesday
Loh kai yik is becoming increasingly difficult to find in Singapore, making this long-running stall an important stop for diners interested in traditional Cantonese flavours.
The dish consists of a varied collection of ingredients such as pork innards, squid, bean curd, gizzards and vegetables. Everything is braised until soft and tender, allowing the different textures to absorb the savoury bean-paste broth.
Rather than leaving every ingredient sitting permanently in one large pot, each serving is assembled and prepared separately using the displayed ingredients. This helps control the portions while ensuring that diners receive a balanced mixture.
The broth is hearty, savoury and packed with flavour developed from years of preparation experience. Rice and noodles are available at an additional cost for those who want to turn the dish into a fuller meal.
With around 50 years of dedication behind the recipe and no certainty that there will be a successor, this is one traditional hawker dish worth experiencing while it is still available.
11. Satay Beehoon (传统古早味)
Address: 32 New Market Road, #01-1016, Singapore 050032
Signature dish: Satay Bee Hoon
Operating hours: 12pm–8pm
Closed: Tuesday
Satay bee hoon is one of those old-fashioned local dishes that can instantly bring back memories of neighbourhood food centres and family meals.
A medium plate, priced at around $5.50, comes generously loaded with ingredients. Expect cockles, kang kong, sliced pork, cuttlefish, pig liver, tau pok and bee hoon, all covered in a thick satay gravy.
The sauce is rich, nutty and slightly salty, clinging closely to the noodles and ingredients. Tau pok absorbs plenty of gravy, while cuttlefish and cockles contribute contrasting chewy and juicy textures.
Portions are generous enough to satisfy a hungry diner. Those who do not eat certain ingredients—especially cockles or liver—should inform the stallholder early so the plate can be adjusted before preparation.
The food centre can become crowded during lunchtime and on weekends, so visiting slightly outside peak periods may result in a more comfortable experience.
12. Hong Peng La Mian Xiao Long Bao (洪鹏拉面小笼包)
Address: 32 New Market Road, #01-1064, Singapore 050032
Signature dishes: Xiao Long Bao and Beef La Mian
Operating hours: 11am–10pm daily
Large portions and affordable prices are the biggest surprises here. The noodle bowls can be enormous, and even diners with healthy appetites may find that one serving is enough to share.
The beef la mian comes with pleasantly chewy noodles sitting in a clear, flavourful broth. Unlike local beef noodles heavily scented with herbs and spices, this version has a cleaner profile that remains savoury without becoming overwhelming.
Generous slices and chunks of beef make the bowl especially filling. The meat has a slightly springy, tendon-like bite that pairs well with the noodles and lighter soup.
Xiao long bao and fried dumplings are also affordably priced, with approximately 10 to 12 pieces available for around $5. The dumpling fillings are meaty and mildly seasoned. The wrappers are thicker than delicate restaurant-style versions, but the value is difficult to ignore.
Fried dumplings arrive hot and freshly cooked, with crisp exteriors and savoury fillings. Add black vinegar and shredded ginger for extra acidity and fragrance.
13. Jia Chang Xiao Chi (家常小吃)
Address: 32 New Market Road, #01-1148, Singapore 050032
Signature dish: Mixed Vegetable Rice
Operating hours: 11am–7pm
Closed: Sunday
Long lunchtime queues are common at this economical rice stall, especially when office workers from the surrounding Chinatown area arrive for their midday meal.
The selection includes a broad range of vegetables, meats, eggs, tofu and home-style cooked dishes. Diners can point to their preferred combination and build a meal according to their appetite and budget.
The flavours are straightforward and familiar, resembling the kind of everyday dishes that might appear on a family dining table. Rather than relying on elaborate presentation, the appeal comes from variety, generous portions and sensible prices.
It is especially suitable for diners who want a balanced plate with rice, vegetables and protein without spending too much. The queue may look intimidating during peak hours, but service usually moves steadily as most customers already know what they want.
