Discover the best Tiong Bahru food now
Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s oldest housing estates and pioneers in modern urban development. As you wander its streets, expect a culinary fusion blending tradition with innovation, reflecting Singapore’s rich culinary heritage.
From legendary hawker stalls serving delectable classics to chic cafes redefining local favourites, this guide spotlights the best Tiong Bahru food.
Tiong Bahru Bakery
Address: 56 Eng Hoon St, #01-70, Singapore 160056 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6562203430
Hours: Daily, 7.30 AM–8 PM
Price: $$
No visit to Tiong Bahru is complete without a stop at the renowned Tiong Bahru Bakery. Indulge in its must-try croissants and kouign amann—a heavenly blend of sweet caramelised goodness with a perfect crunch and chew.
It’s the ideal accompaniment to your cup of coffee with its glaze that’s simply divine. Speaking of coffee, the shop uses Man Coffee Roasters an Asia-famous speciality brand that yields meticulously crafted, smooth brews.
Pro-tip: The bakery introduces new seasonal flavours to its kougin amann like green apples, so keep your eyes peeled for those.
Tiong Bahru Market
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Address: 30 Seng Poh Rd, Singapore 168898 (Google Maps)
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Daily (except Mondays), 9.30 AM–3 PM
Price: $
At Tiong Bahru Market, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the array of hawker-style fare. But don’t miss the must-try fried Hokkien prawn mee, which has people queuing up even before the stall (Hong Heng) is open!
It features semi-wet noodles stir-fried with prawns in a flavourful broth and served with sweet sambal chilli on the side. The dish is also a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee with options of S$3, S$4, and S$5 servings.
Pro-tip: Morning visits are recommended for a chance to explore the fresh market below the hawker centre and pick up some groceries.
Merci Marcel
Address: 56 Eng Hoon St, #01-68, Singapore 160056 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6562240113
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 8 AM–11 PM; Thursday to Saturday, 8 AM–midnight
Price: $$
Merci Marcel offers casual French-inspired cuisine, including its unique French mac and cheese. This creamy delight combines lightly seasoned cheese macaroni with a buttery, flaky pastry, ham chiffonnade, and cheese crisps.
Despite its richness, it’s surprisingly light and offers a nice mix of textures. We like pairing it with a light salad for a satisfying brunch experience.
Pro-tip: There’s a gorgeous patio section if you want to dine in natural light.
micro bakery kitchen
Address: 78 Yong Siak St, #01-12, Singapore 163078 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6590889873
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 8 AM–4 PM
Price: $$
Despite its small storefront and simple menu, micro bakery & cafe offers bread fit for royalty. Its galette de rois (king cake), a popular French pastry, is a good example.
The baked good features two circles of puff pastry filled with frangipani and a hidden fève (small trinket). Whoever finds the fève in their slice earns the crown and the title of king or queen for the day, making it both a pastry and a party game!
Pro-tip: Lines form early by 8.30 AM, but the service is swift.
House of Peranakan Petit
Address: 42 Eng Hoon St, Estate 169785 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6562221719
Hours: Daily (except Tuesdays), noon–3 PM and 6–10 PM
Price: $$
House of Peranakan Petit offers elevated Nyonya cuisine at an affordable price. The decor reflects signature Peranakan style with iconic mint and pink colours and Chinese influences evident in displayed utensils and clothing.
While the menu features traditional favourites, its curry fish head, made with freshly steamed red snapper, is a standout. The dish boasts a rich Peranakan-style curry with coconut milk, lady’s fingers, and eggplants, delivering a delightful blend of flavours.
Pro-tip: The place is quite small, so it’s recommended to book first before visiting.
Por Kee Eating House 1996
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Address: 69 Seng Poh Ln, #01-02, Singapore 160069 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6562210582
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM–2.30 PM and 5–10.45 PM
Price: $$
Since 1996, Por Kee Eating House has been a beloved destination for Cantonese-style zi char (small dishes). Known for its nostalgic flavours and robust wok hei (smokey flavour), its extensive menu offers a variety of fresh Chinese dishes.
When we’re here, we always order the signature cereal prawn. It features sweet and crunchy cereal generously coated over fresh prawns—a true delight that pairs well with any protein option.
Pro-tip: The place almost always gets filled, so try to get there as early as you can.
Chuan Kee Seafood
Address: 1091A Lower Delta Rd, Singapore 169207 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6598789924
Hours: Daily, noon–3.30 PM and 4.30–10 PM
Price: $$
For seafood lovers, Chuan Kee Seafood, established in 1975, is a must-visit spot. It’s become renowned for its iconic chilli crab.
This dish features fresh crab cooked in a sweet and tangy spicy chilli sauce. Its juicy and flavourful crab meat pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, though mopping up the gravy with mantou (steamed bun) is also highly recommended.
Pro-tip: Free dessert is offered after your meal with a choice of ice cream, soya bean curd, or popcorn.
Happy Oven
Address: 40 Beo Cres, #01-08, Singapore 160040 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6562707411
Hours: Daily, 5 AM–7 PM
Price: $
At Happy Oven, you can enjoy affordable yet delicious old-school treats. This halal bakery in Tiong Bahru is known for its homemade treats that are light on the pocket.
Its bestseller is its ondeh ondeh cake. The light and fluffy pandan cake, filled with cream, gula melaka (palm sugar) coconut centre, and fresh coconut shavings offers a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.
Pro-tip: The bite-sized cakes are perfect for those who want to sample first and order bigger portions later.
Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant
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Address: 55 Tiong Bahru Rd, #01-59, Singapore 160055 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6562230810
Hours: Daily, 4 PM–4 AM
Price: $$
At Sin Hoi Sai, efficient service provides bibs and gloves for the messy experience of eating black pepper crabs. The crabs are excellent with fleshy and juicy meat.
We were delighted that the shells are cracked for easy eating without the need for a pincer. Just be prepared for a table that looks like a food battle happened on the surface after eating!
Pro-tip: Note that some items, like the crab, are at market price, so be sure to inquire before ordering.
Starter Lab
Address: 721 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169645 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6598390408
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7.30 AM–3.30 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 7.30 AM–4 PM
Price: $$
Starter Lab’s key to success lies in baking small batches with patience. Each loaf ferments leisurely for 24 to 36 hours, allowing ample flavour development and airiness.
Its focaccia stands out as possibly the best we’ve ever tasted. This is thanks to a three-year-old mother dough starter that begins every beautiful loaf.
Pro-tip: There are reasonable portions, but small eaters might consider sharing a sandwich order.
Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles
Address: 302 Tiong Bahru Rd, #02-107, Plaza 168732 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6598278593
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $
Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles offers a straightforward menu with prices starting from S$7.50 for plain noodles or under S$10 with meat toppings. You can choose your bowl, soup or dry, and your preferred noodle type from eight options.
We love the handmade noodles with their perfect texture. Plus, the broth is deliciously umami sweet with the beef slices having just the right kind of thickness and tenderness.
Pro-tip: Add S$4 to make the noodles a set including a braised egg, a side, and a canned drink.
Privé
Address: 57 Eng Hoon St, #01-88, Singapore 160057 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6567760777
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–10.30 PM
Price: $$
We made sure to include a Tiong Bahru food entry for our vegan and vegetarian friends (of course, the food also has to have our palate’s approval!).
Privé offers an array of vegan options, from rice bowls to burgers, with indoor and outdoor seating. Despite being in urban Singapore, the atmosphere exudes a European street cafe vibe.
Be sure to ask about their vegan Special of the Day and Beyond Meat burger options for plant-based meat substitutes. Its all-day dining concept also means having breakfast menu choice any time of the day!
Pro-tip: Enjoy your coffee with a choice of alternative milk options such as oat, soy, and almond.
Skirt & Dirt
Address: 30 Seng Poh Rd, #02-66, Singapore 168898 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6584340119
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11.30 AM–8 PM
Price: $
Skirt & Dirt’s menu features a truffle mushroom beef burger for just S$8, so, of course, we had to try it! It’s a hefty creation with a variety of ingredients including a thick and juicy beef patty, sautéed mushrooms, truffle mayo, American cheese, and rocket leaves.
The combination of flavours is enjoyable without being overwhelmingly jelak. The substantial size of the beef patty also perfectly complements the soft buns.
Pro-tip: Pair your burger with a side of coleslaw, which is crisp and freshly prepared.
Jian Bo Shui Kueh
Address: 30 Seng Poh Rd, #02-05, Singapore 168898 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6567537588
Hours: Daily, 6 AM–8 PM
Price: $
When discussing Tiong Bahru Food Centre, Jian Bo Shui Kueh stands out as a must-visit stall. After all, it’s been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for three years in a row.
Renowned for long queues, fans flock to this Tiong Bahru stall for its delectable steamed rice cakes topped with chye poh (preserved radish) and house-made sambal chilli. The shui kueh is prepared daily, so you know you’ll get it fresh.
Pro-tip: The shui kueh is priced at S$3 for 5 pieces, S$4.80 for 8, and S$6 for 10, so it’s tummy and wallet-friendly!
Caffe Pralet
Address: 17 Eng Hoon St, #01-04 Eng Hoon Mansions, Singapore 169767 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6583180698
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–6 PM
Price: $$
The Cheeky Avocado sandwich at Caffe Pralet came highly recommended to us for its fresh ingredients and generous portion size. We tried it and found it extremely satisfying to the palate and tummy.
The sandwich features crispy sourdough bread filled with grilled chicken breast, cashew chipotle pesto, avocado, tomatoes, Bombay onions, gherkins, baby spinach, and garlic (phew!). The sourdough bread has an easy-to-bite consistency too.
Pro-tip: Finish your meal with the signature Pralet cake that resembles Ferrero Rocher in sweetness and creaminess.
Min Nan Pork Ribs and Prawn Noodles
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Address: 30 Seng Poh Rd, #02-31, Singapore 168898 (Google Maps)
Contact: Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM–2.30 PM
Hours: +65 9767 2233
Price: $
Min Nan offers dry and soup noodles with choices including prawn only, prawn and ribs, and pig’s tail soup. The $5 set, comprising dry noodles, prawns, and ribs with a bowl of soup, boasts generous servings.
Each dish is adorned with two good-sized prawns, two large pork ribs, fried shallots, and lard croutons. The prawns are sizable and shelled, while the ribs impress with their tender, moist meat and juicy fat, reminiscent of those found at bak kut teh stalls.
Pro-tip: Queues can get especially long, so plan to visit as early as you can.
Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries
Address: 18 Jln Membina, #01-06, Singapore 164018 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6562716056
Hours: Daily, 7.30 AM–7.30 PM
Price: $
We adore desserts with a delicate sweetness, like the fluffy skin egg tarts at Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries. Their light, flaky crust perfectly complements the just-right eggy sweetness of the filling.
The pastel yellow shade of the egg custard offers a silky, creamy texture and delightful sweetness. Additionally, the shop offers Western-style egg tarts with a harder shell and a more subtle taste (though we prefer the HK version).
Pro-tip: You’ll get one free tart if you buy ten pieces!
Tow Kwar Pop
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Address: Tiong Bahru Road, 30 Seng Poh Rd, #02-06 Market, Singapore 168898 (Google Maps)
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30 AM–3 PM
Price: $
Hidden within Tiong Bahru Market is Tow Kwar Pop, a rojak (salad dish) stall featured in the Michelin Guide 2023. It offers old-school rojak with its speciality that includes tow kwar (beancurd skin).
The two kwar is stuffed with bean sprouts and cucumber, then grilled over charcoal for a smoky char. You can enjoy a few pieces tossed with fresh fruit for S$3 or opt for the full rojak set priced at S$4 or S$5.
Pro-tip: There are long queues daily, so it’s best to go before noon.
Canjob Taproom
Address: 50 Tiong Bahru Rd, #01-03 – 168733 Link Hotel, Singapore 168733 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6593853497
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 5–10.30 PM
Price: $$
Canjob Taproom, Singapore’s first taproom with a canning machine, offers takeaway cocktails, craft beers, and spirits from draft taps into cans. Great way to not overdo it with the alcohol and enjoy your drink at home!
But before indulging in drinks, try its seriously good 10-inch bratwurst, slathered in mustard and chilli sauce. It comes with a crispy bun and a bed of fried shallots for added crunch and texture.
Pro-tip: Ask the bartender for small beer samples before ordering.
Covent Garden Kway Chap
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Address: 22A Havelock Rd, #01-05 Cooked Food Centre, Singapore 161022 (Google Maps)
Contact: +65 6271 2936
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6 AM–1 PM
Price: $
Covent Garden Kway Chap, operating for nearly six decades, specialises in kway chap (flat noodles). It offers various toppings like intestines, pig skin, braised egg, and tau pok (tofu puff).
Prices start from just S$3 for a one-person portion. This comes with a standard platter of ingredients including pig intestines, pig skin, tau pok, and half an egg, served with a generous portion of kway.
Pro-tip: Customisation is allowed here. Specify preferred items and indicate the number of diners with the option to add extra toppings for a small fee.