The Best Foods in Toa Payoh I Can’t Get Enough of
When I first moved to Toa Payoh, I was eager to explore its vibrant food scene. From bustling hawker centers to family-run eateries, each day brought delicious discoveries.
The variety and quality of food quickly made me fall in love with the neighborhood.
After weeks of indulging in these culinary delights, I compiled a list of the best foods in the area. This food guide will help you navigate the neighborhood’s top culinary offerings, whether you’re a local or a visitor.
Teochew Handmade Pau
Website: www.teochewhandmadepau.com.sg
Address: 127 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh #02-02
Contact details: +65 6254 2053
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 6 AM to 2 PM
Teochew Handmade Pau, a family-run Toa Payoh business since 1993, thrives as others close. Richard, the second-generation hawker, left engineering to continue the legacy, successfully standardizing recipes for consistent quality.
The fluffy steamed buns’ skin is exceptional, thanks to the meticulous balancing of ingredients and hand kneading. I appreciate that they use leaner pork and grill their barbecue, catering to health-conscious diners while preserving traditional flavors.
They also offer delicious sides like fried fish cake, fish balls, and tender pork ribs.
Pro tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lime for a tangy zing and a spoonful of their sambal chili with ground-dried prawns for a spicy kick!
Come Daily Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comedailyfhpm/
Address: Blk 127 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh #02-27
Contact details: +65 9671 7071
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 8 AM to 2:30 PM
Come Daily Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee is a spot that’s been around since the 1970s. Run by the same family for decades, they’re known for their perfectly cooked noodles and prawns. The broth, a blend of pork and prawn stock, really stood out.
The Hokkien Prawn Mee is served fresh and hot, in generous portions, and at reasonable prices. I loved customizing my dish with their condiments like chili, garlic, and spring onions, for an extra burst of flavor.
They also offer delicious sides like fried fish cake, fish balls, and tender pork ribs. Dining there is truly a dive into Singapore’s culinary heritage at this renowned spot.
Pro tip: Enhance your experience by adding a squeeze of fresh lime for a tangy zing and a spoonful of their sambal chili with ground-dried prawns for an extra kick of savory spiciness!
Guan Kee Kway Chap
From @leptonyxscript
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guankeekwaychap/
Address: 210 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, #01-24
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Saturday: 11 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM to 8 PM
Guan Kee Kway Chap (rice noodles), an icon for almost 40 years, has gained fame for its authentic Teochew-style delights. They have even showcased their flavorful kway chap internationally!
I grabbed the one-person set—a steal! It included silky kway noodles in a hearty soup with large intestines, pork belly, pig skin, tau pok, braised egg, and fishcake. The light herbal broth perfectly complemented the tender meats and smooth noodles.
Guan Kee wowed me with squeaky-clean intestines and melt-in-your-mouth braised meats. That tangy chili sauce? It kicked the dish up a notch! They have changed my mind about kway chap. I’m already planning my next visit!
Pro tip: Add the tangy chili for a refreshing balance when eating intestines. Its sour and spicy flavors work wonders.
Hua Fong Kee Roasted Duck
From @henbaohen.bao
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huafongkee/?hl=en
Address:
- 128 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-811
- 116 Lorong 2 Toa Payoh, #01-140
Contact details:
- Lorong 1: +65 6251 5192
- Lorong 2: +65 6253 2884
Operating hours:
- Lorong 1: Daily: 8 AM to 10 PM
- Lorong 2: Daily: 8 AM to 8 PM
Hua Fong Kee Roasted Duck is a beloved fixture in Toa Payoh, known for its Cantonese roast meats. It’s a go-to spot for delicious and affordable meals like their signature roasted duck rice, complete with flavorful soup and excellent chili.
Established in 1988, it has earned a loyal following among locals. During my visit to their block 128 stall, the continuous queue highlighted its popularity.
The roasted duck rice wowed me with tender meat, fatty skin, and a rich braised sauce. The accompanying chili added a zesty kick to the dish.
Pro tip: For the best experience, try the duck rice with an extra egg. The combination of tender duck, flavorful rice, and an additional egg enhances the richness of the dish.
Swatow Seafood Restaurant
Website: http://swatow.com.sg/
Address: 181 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, #02-602
Contact details: +65 6363 1717
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 AM to 10:30 PM
Since 2010, Swatow Seafood Restaurant has been rocking the food scene with its dynamic duo: handmade Hong Kong dim sum by day and Teochew-style seafood feasts by night.
I couldn’t resist diving into their Teochew cold crab that’s just heavenly, a crispy oyster omelet bursting with juicy oysters, and those epic chilled jelly pork knuckles.
And let’s not forget their star dish—the Teochew-style fish with a massive silver pomfret, white flesh, plums, tomatoes, and those tangy pickled veggies. Their crispy oyster omelet also steals the show with its extra eggy crispiness from the fryer.
Pro tip: Sign up for a free lifetime membership on their website to earn rewards and cash vouchers with no strings attached!
Sin Sin Prawn Crackers
From @makoeats
Address: 210 Lor 8 Toa Payoh, #01-46
Operating hours: Daily: 11 AM to 3 PM
Sin Sin Prawn Crackers is always bustling with a long queue, which speaks volumes about its popularity and the quality of its offerings. The stall’s bright display, which showcased an array of both fried and non-fried items, caught my eye.
Fish roll, beancurd, prawn cracker, cuttlefish chip, and century egg are among the options available. After making your selection, these items are refried, and chopped into bite-sized pieces before being served with a flavorful chili sauce.
The ngo hiang stands out to me. It has crispy prawn crackers, soft fish balls, savory fish cakes, and tasty meatballs.
Pro tip: If you opt for the snacks alone, a minimum order of five pieces is required, ensuring you get a satisfying taste of delicious offerings.
Niche Savoureuse
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nichesavour/
Address: 128 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-833
Contact details: +65 9710 1469
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11 AM to 10 PM
Niche Savoureuse, tucked away next to Creamier since 2014, is a real hidden gem! They’re all about artisanal cakes, hearty dishes, and fragrant coffee.
The menu may be compact, but it’s packed with brunch favorites, pasta dishes, pizzas, and freshly baked goodies. You have to try their truffle carbonara and don’t pass up on the niche Mont Blanc Swiss roll for its comforting chestnut flavor.
Moreover, stepping into this place feels like entering a cozy vintage retreat, complete with rustic wooden décor, open windows, touches of gold, and nostalgic old-school tunes playing in the background.
Pro tip: Get customizable cakes perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings, tailored to your liking.
Toa Payoh Lucky Pisang Raja
From @foodiearchivess
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToaPayohLuckyPisangRaja
Address: 177 Toa Payoh Central, #01-176
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Toa Payoh Lucky Pisang Raja is a spot located near the Toa Payoh library. If you’re craving a taste of authentic Chinese-style banana fritters, this spot is for you.
Their must-try items include crispy goreng pisang (fried banana) made with thick, fresh bananas for a comforting sweetness. Also, try their sweet potato balls with fillings like red, mung, or yam paste wrapped in fragrant sesame seeds.
What stood out to me was their unique batter with a signature alkaline kick known as “kee,” giving their fried goodies an extra depth of flavor. Despite the thicker crust, the bananas inside remain pleasantly firm and surprisingly sweeter than expected.
Pro tip: Pair crispy goreng pisang (fried banana) with a cold glass of barley water for a refreshing complement to the sweetness.
Coffee House Banh Mi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080296295130
Address: 210 Lor 8 Toa Payoh, #01-10
Contact details: +65 8727 6799
Operating hours: Wednesday to Monday: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Step into Coffee House Banh Mi, where you’ll uncover more than just a typical drink stall. It offers a selection of banh mi sandwiches with specialty and mini stick baguettes.
I settled on the baguette specialty—a hearty baguette stuffed with two types of cold cuts, creamy pâté, tangy pickled carrots and radish, crunchy cucumber, and fragrant coriander. The crispy bread and blend of flavors made it delightful.
And their drink menu? It’s a party of its own with Thai green tea jelly with pearl, refreshing bandung, zesty sour plum, and tangy calamansi to quench your thirst and elevate your meal.
Pro tip: Don’t miss out on the sugarcane tower—a refreshing treat meant for sharing with friends on a hot day!
Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream & Coffee
Website: http://www.creamier.com.sg
Address: 131 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-02
Contact details: 8882 5106
Operating hours: Daily: 12 PM to 10 PM
Creamier in Toa Payoh has been delighting locals since 2011 with its handcrafted ice cream and legendary waffles. This buzzing café is a trailblazer, and my all-time favorite is their plain ole chocolate ice cream—smooth, rich, and utterly creamy.
Brought to life by the geniuses behind Sunday Folks, it’s a heartland hero loved by all. The recent renovation hasn’t slowed them down one bit; it’s always packed, and the mouthwatering aroma of fresh waffles hits you as soon as you walk in.
Choosing from 18 ever-changing flavors is a fun dilemma, with classics like cookies & cream and Earl Grey. Their waffles are crispy and dense, staying crunchy even after soaking up melted ice cream—pure bliss!
Pro tip: Enjoy Creamier’s delights at home with their convenient takeaway options, including ice cream pints and pre-packed waffles with heating instructions.