Sitting along bustling Jalan Besar, Berseh Food Centre is the sort of old-school hawker centres where decades-old recipes share the same roof with comforting Western plates, fiery Thai soups and hearty Malay favourites. This hawker centre looked clean and bright as just renovated 6 months ago.
The dining area may look modest, but a walk through its two levels reveals several dishes that are becoming increasingly difficult to find elsewhere. Think chilled Teochew pig trotter jelly, handmade yong tau foo, traditional beef noodles and oyster cakes fried until crisp and golden.
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Berseh Food Centre
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208877
Nearby landmarks : Jalan Besar MRT, Rochor, Lavender, and Sim Lim Square
Whether you are arriving early for breakfast or dropping by for a late lunch, here are 14 stalls worth checking out at Berseh Food Centre.
1. Sheng Kee Curry Chicken Noodle（生記咖哩雞米粉面）
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #02-45, Singapore 208877
Signature dish: Curry Chicken Noodle
Operating hours: 6am–4pm
Closed: Monday
Do not be fooled by the bowl’s relatively simple appearance. Beneath the surface is a rich and aromatic curry broth that delivers plenty of flavour without leaving an uncomfortably oily layer on your lips.
Each serving comes loaded with tender bone-in chicken, bean sprouts, soft potatoes, tau pok and slices of fish cake. The chicken has been cooked long enough for the meat to separate easily from the bone, while the tau pok eagerly absorbs the curry like a delicious little sponge.
This is curry noodle rather than laksa, so expect a deeper savoury profile instead of the sweeter, coconut-heavy character commonly associated with laksa. Choose between noodles, bee hoon or a mixture of both for a warm and satisfying start to the day.
2. Mei Xiang Black & White Fish Soup（美香黑白鱼片汤）
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #02-44, Singapore 208877
Signature dish: Black and White Fish Soup
Operating hours: 11.30am–2pm
Closed: Saturday, Sunday and Monday
You will not find a long menu filled with different noodle combinations here. There is only one main item, prepared according to the stall’s established formula without additional requests or customisation.
The unusual “black and white” combination refers to the mixture of fried fish and fresh sliced fish. The fried pieces contribute a savoury, slightly salty flavour, while the sliced fish provides a softer and cleaner contrast.
Its broth carries the distinctive aroma of salted fish, giving it more depth than the usual clear fish soup. Every mouthful alternates between crispy-edged fried fish and tender slices, creating an interesting balance of textures.
Do note that the dish is available only for takeaway. That may sound slightly inconvenient, but the distinctive presentation and limited daily operating hours continue to attract diners who know exactly what they are coming for.
3. Kiat Traditional Hainanese Chicken Rice（傑傳統海南雞飯）
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #01-24, Singapore 208877
Signature dish: Hainanese Chicken Rice
Operating hours: 10.30am–3.30pm daily
A good plate of chicken rice does not need unnecessary decoration. It simply needs tender chicken, fragrant rice and sauces that make you reach for another spoonful.
The chicken here is smooth-skinned, juicy and pleasantly clean-tasting. Even the breast meat remains tender instead of becoming dry or fibrous. It is laid over a generous bed of crunchy bean sprouts, which provide a refreshing contrast to the soft meat.
The rice is lightly aromatic and fluffy without being excessively oily. Pair everything with the fresh ginger sauce and chilli, which offers a gentle kick without overwhelming the natural flavour of the chicken.
The complimentary soup also deserves attention. Lightly savoury and warming, it may contain slices of carrot or chicken feet, giving it considerably more character than the watery soup served at many chicken rice stalls.
4. Grandpa Western Food
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #01-07, Singapore 208877
Signature dish: Chicken Chop
Operating hours: 12pm–3pm and 6.30pm–9pm daily
Some hawker-style Western meals arrive buried under thick gravy, but the cooking here takes a more balanced approach.
The grilled chicken is nicely browned on the outside while remaining juicy and firm within. Its seasoning is comparatively restrained, making it suitable for diners who prefer their food flavourful but not excessively salty.
For something more indulgent, go for the chicken chop. The skin is cooked until crisp, while the meat retains enough moisture to prevent it from becoming tough. The accompanying black pepper sauce is the star of the plate, offering a gentle sweetness followed by a warming peppery finish.
5. Lao Liang Pig Trotter Jelly & Shark Meat（老两猪脚冻）
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #02-37, Singapore 208877
Signature dish: Pig Trotter Jelly
Operating hours: 10am–2pm
Closed: Tuesday
Pig trotter jelly is a traditional Teochew delicacy that has become increasingly difficult to find in Singapore. For curious younger diners, this is an opportunity to try a dish that once appeared much more frequently on family dining tables.
The dish is made by simmering pig trotters until their natural collagen melts into the cooking liquid. Once chilled, the mixture sets into a savoury jelly with pieces of meat suspended inside.
Served cold over ice, it has a smooth, delicate texture that almost melts in the mouth. Its cool temperature also makes it surprisingly refreshing, especially during a hot afternoon at the hawker centre.
Dip each piece into the special chilli sauce for a sharp and spicy lift that cuts through the richness. It may look unusual to first-time diners, but the combination of savoury meat jelly and tangy chilli explains why this old-school dish has survived for generations.
6. Yi You Shao La Yun Tun Mee（益友烧腊云吞面）
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #02-56, Singapore 208877
Signature dish: Wanton Noodle
Operating hours: 9.30am–7pm
Closed: Thursday
The noodles are cooked until pleasantly springy, giving each strand the lively “QQ” bite that wanton mee lovers look for.
Rather than using a strongly savoury Hong Kong-style seasoning, the sauce leans slightly sweet with a mild spicy edge. It coats the noodles evenly and also helps to cover the faint alkaline flavour that can occasionally be detected in traditional egg noodles.
Slices of lean char siew arrive with a roasted fragrance and subtle charcoal aroma. Although the meat may be slightly firmer due to the leaner cut, its caramelised flavour pairs nicely with the noodles.
The wantons also contain bits of water chestnut, creating a crisp little crunch within the seasoned pork filling. With a satisfying portion of noodles, char siew and wantons, this is a dependable plate for anyone craving an old-fashioned hawker-style noodle meal.
7. Chang Chun Vegetarian（长春素食）
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #0236, Singapore 208877
Signature dishes: Vegetarian Wanton Mee, Fish Slice Soup Noodle and Chicken Rice
Operating hours: 8am–6pm daily
Vegetarian food does not have to mean bland noodles covered in heavy mock-meat gravy. The cooking here keeps things simple, freshly prepared and comforting.
The vegetarian wanton mee comes with noodles cooked until al dente and coated in a well-balanced sauce. Freshly fried wantons and dou bao provide a crisp contrast, making the dish feel more substantial despite containing no meat.
There is a sense of care in the preparation, from the texture of the noodles to the way each component is served. The friendly service also adds to the experience, particularly for regular customers who return for familiar, fuss-free meals.
Besides wanton mee, diners can consider the fish slice soup noodle or vegetarian chicken rice. The variety makes this a useful stop when dining with vegetarian friends or when you simply feel like having something lighter.
8. Fu Zhou Poh Hwa Oyster Cake（福州宝华蠔饼）
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #02-34, Singapore 208877
Signature dish: Oyster Cake
Operating hours: 10.30am–6pm
Closed: Tuesday
These old-school Fuzhou oyster cakes are fried only after an order is placed, so expect a piping-hot snack with a golden, crisp exterior.
Bite through the crunchy shell and you will find a soft, savoury filling made with minced meat, seafood and vegetables. An oyster in the centre adds a briny sweetness, while pieces of prawn provide additional flavour and texture.
Peanuts scattered over the surface become deeply toasted during frying, adding a nutty crunch to every bite. Despite being deep-fried, a freshly prepared piece should not feel excessively greasy when drained properly.
Some diners may wish for more oysters, but the attraction lies in the complete combination: crispy batter, juicy filling, seafood sweetness and crunchy peanuts. It is best eaten immediately while the outer layer is still crackly and hot.
9. Aunty Sham Ayam Penyet
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #01-09, Singapore 208877
Signature dish: Ayam Penyet
Operating hours: 8am–7pm
Closed: Sunday and Monday
Located on the ground floor opposite the POSB ATM, this stall serves a complete and generously portioned ayam penyet meal.
The chicken leg is fried until the exterior develops a satisfying crispness while the meat remains tender. A shower of crunchy fried crumbs is scattered over the top, giving diners extra crispy bits to mix into the rice.
The plate also includes vegetables, tofu, tempeh, crackers and sambal, creating a well-balanced meal rather than just fried chicken with rice. A small bowl of soup completes the set.
The sambal brings the necessary heat and fragrance, while the tofu and tempeh provide softer, nutty contrasts to the chicken. With a whole leg and several side dishes, it offers solid value for anyone looking for a filling Malay-style lunch.
10. Special Chilli Yong Tau Foo（集兴酿豆腐）
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #01-17, Singapore 208877
Signature dish: Handmade Yong Tau Foo with Special Chilli
Operating hours: 5.30am–12pm
Closed: Thursday and Friday
With more than four decades of history, this family-run business has continued its handmade traditions through the second generation.
The yong tau foo ingredients are prepared fresh daily, and the difference is noticeable in their textures. The fish balls have a lively bounce rather than the soft, uniform consistency of mass-produced varieties, while vegetables such as bitter gourd are generously filled with fish paste.
The clear soup may appear simple, but it carries a clean umami flavour without leaving you excessively thirsty afterwards. Diners can also request minced pork for additional richness.
Its special chilli sauce is equally important. Bright, punchy and appetising, it gives the handmade ingredients an extra lift without masking their freshness.
Having relocated several times due to renovations in the surrounding area, the stall remains a familiar name to long-time customers. Arrive early, as its short operating hours mean the food can disappear well before lunchtime.
11. Northern Thai
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #01-25, Singapore 208877
Signature dish: Creamy or Clear Tom Yum Soup
Operating hours: 10.30am–3.30pm
Closed: Sunday
The straightforward menu allows diners to choose between clear or creamy tom yum, followed by rice, instant noodles or bee hoon.
The creamy red version is thick, rich and aromatic, with a manageable level of spiciness that should suit diners who enjoy tom yum without wanting their mouths set on fire. It carries the familiar balance of sourness, sweetness and spice, although those who prefer a sharper broth may find it slightly sweet.
Each bowl is packed with ingredients such as prawns, sliced fish, tofu and fried fish. The fried fish is particularly enjoyable because its light batter retains some crispness even after meeting the soup.
For a lighter and more refreshing experience, choose the clear version. For something richer and more comforting, the creamy broth delivers the full experience. Friendly service from the lady boss makes the meal even more welcoming.
12. Beef Kway Teow Mee（结霜桥牛肉粿條麺）
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #01-28, Singapore 208877
Signature dish: Beef Kway Teow Soup
Operating hours: 10.30am–3pm
Closed: Friday
Only the soup version is served here, placing all attention on the carefully prepared broth and beef ingredients.
The broth is mild, comforting and gently herbal rather than strongly medicinal. Its flavour suggests long hours of simmering bones, herbs and spices, resulting in a bowl that feels especially satisfying on a rainy afternoon.
Portions are generous, with tender beef, clean-tasting tripe and soft tendon accompanying the smooth kway teow. The meat is cooked sufficiently to become tender without turning dry, while the tripe retains a pleasant bite.
Pickled mustard greens add acidity and crunch, helping to brighten the otherwise soothing soup. Dip the beef into the tangy, slightly sour chilli sauce for an appetising contrast.
This is not a bowl that attempts to impress with overpowering seasoning. Instead, it wins diners over with a comforting broth, generous ingredients and familiar old-school flavours.
13. Kelantan Kway Chap · Pig’s Organ Soup（吉蘭丹粿汁·猪什汤）
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #02-39, Singapore 208877
Signature dish: Kway Chap
Operating hours: 7.30am–7pm
Closed: Monday
Recognised with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, this stall is known for its clean preparation and well-balanced braised dishes.
The sheets of kway are silky, tender and served in a light broth that does not overpower the accompanying ingredients. Their smooth texture makes them easy to slurp up, especially after they have absorbed some of the braising sauce.
A typical set includes pork, intestines, pig skin, tau hu and braised egg. Each ingredient is carefully cleaned and prepared, avoiding the unpleasant gamey flavour that sometimes discourages diners from ordering offal.
The braising liquid is savoury without being excessively salty, allowing the natural textures of the pork and intestines to remain noticeable. Its homemade chilli sauce brings a strong sour punch, cutting through the richness and making each bite more appetising.
For diners who prefer something lighter, the peppery pig’s organ soup offers a cleaner alternative while still delivering plenty of warmth and flavour.
14. Fatt Noodles（阿肥面家）
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #02-60, Singapore 208877
Signature dish: Fish Ball and Minced Meat Noodle
Operating hours: 7am–8pm
Closed: Monday
A bowl of minced meat noodles should be springy, spicy and loaded with enough ingredients to make every mouthful interesting. This one checks all three boxes.
The noodles are cooked precisely, retaining a lively bite instead of becoming soft or sticky. They are tossed with a chilli mixture that leans towards the spicier side, so diners with a lower heat tolerance may wish to request less chilli.
Each serving comes with a generous selection of minced pork, pork slices, liver, fish balls and meatballs. The fish balls are firm and bouncy, while the fish cake stands out for its savoury flavour and satisfying texture.
The accompanying soup is light and not excessively salty, providing a refreshing break from the bold chilli-coated noodles. With its substantial portion and wide variety of ingredients, this is a hearty, value-for-money meal suitable for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
