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What to Eat at Old Airport Road Food Centre in Singapore For a Hearty Meal You Don’t Want to Miss

| Last Updated: July 13 2024

One sunny afternoon, I explored the vibrant neighborhood of Geylang, known for its rich cultural tapestry and bustling street life.

As I wandered through the lively streets, the aroma of spices and sizzling meats captivated my senses.

My curiosity led me to the legendary Old Airport Road Food Centre, a cornerstone of Singapore’s hawker culture.

The moment I entered, I was greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Rows of food stalls stretched as far as the eye could see, each one brimming with tantalizing dishes that made my mouth water instantly. 

I thought, “I only have one stomach; how am I supposed to choose?”

Regardless, I made it a point to try as many of the dishes as I could without getting into a food coma. And I’m excited to share my favorites that I think you absolutely must try the next time you visit Old Airport Road Food Centre. 

Wanton Mee at Hua Kee Hougang Stall #1-35

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Website: Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wanton Mee

Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, #01-35

Contact details: +6584682931

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Price: $$

One of my most memorable experiences at Old Airport Road Food Centre was trying the Wanton Mee from Hua Kee Hougang.

This stall is known for its delicious food, which is why there is usually an extensive queue outside.

The Wanton Mee is a dish with springy, perfectly cooked noodles, char siu (barbecued pork), and plump wantons. The noodles are coated in a light, savory sauce that beautifully balances sweetness and umami.

With each bite, the juicy wontons reveal their delightful filling, and the spicy kick of the chili sauce adds an irresistible excitement.

When I tried this, I couldn’t resist exclaiming, “Wanton Mee? More like ‘want-on more, Mee!” It was a culinary experience that left me craving another bowl.

Pro tip: 
Wanton Mee is often available in dry and soup versions. If you haven’t tried both, consider ordering one dry and one with soup to compare and see which you prefer.

Char Kway Teow at Lao Fu Zi Stall #01-12

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Website:  Lao Fu Zi Char Kway Teow

Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, #01-12 Food Centre

Contact details: 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 11:45 AM – 10:00 PM

Price: $$

Char Kway Teow is a masterful combination of flat rice noodles stir-fried to perfection with an array of ingredients that bring out the best in each other. The key to its appeal is the wok hei, or “breath of the wok,” which imparts a distinctive smoky flavor.

Lao Fu Zi is renowned for its exceptional rendition of this classic stir-fried noodle dish, often drawing a dedicated crowd of food lovers.

They cook each ingredient perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that makes this Char Kway Teow stand out. It’s spicy, sweet, and umami all at once, with a delightful hint of smokiness that lingers on the plate.

Pro tip: 
Seating can be limited during peak times, so don’t hesitate to share a table with strangers. It’s a common practice in hawker centers and can lead to interesting conversations and food recommendations.

Hokkien Fried Mee at Nam Sing Stall #01-32

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Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068097437051

Address:  51 Old Airport Rd, #01-32

Contact details: +65 6440 5340

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Price: $$

The key to Nam Sing’s version of Hokkien fried mee is its broth, simmered for hours to extract maximum flavor.

Each mouthful is a delight; the noodles are perfectly cooked to retain a slight chewiness. The prawns and squid are fresh and tender, adding a delightful seafood sweetness to the dish. 

Topped with a squeeze of lime and sambal chili, it offers a zesty and spicy punch that’s simply irresistible. 

The balance of flavors and textures truly sets Nam Sing’s Hokkien Fried Mee apart. It’s a comforting yet exciting dish.

Pro tip: 
Pair your Hokkien Mee with other popular dishes from the Old Airport Road Food Centre for a more varied dining experience. Try the satay, popiah, or BBQ chicken wings from neighboring stalls.

Albert Street Prawn Noodle Stall #01-10

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Website: https://www.instagram.com/albertstreetprawnnoodle/

Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, #01-10

Contact details: 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Price: $$

Albert Street Prawn Noodle’s rich and flavorful prawn noodle soup is renowned for delivering an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

The broth is the star—deeply savory with a robust prawn flavor, complemented by hints of pork and a subtle sweetness. It’s patiently simmered to extract flavor from the prawns and pork bones. 

The spicy chili adds a fiery kick that can send waves of warmth through your body. Each mouthful is a delightful journey transporting you to culinary bliss.

Pro tip: 
Customize your bowl with extra ingredients or spice levels according to your preferences.

Fishball Noodles at Ru Ji  Stall #01-37

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Website: https://danielfooddiary.com/2019/03/06/ruji/

Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, #01-37

Contact details: +6594350820

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM 

Price: $$

Among the myriad delectable choices at Old Airport Road Food Centre, Ru Ji stands out for its light, flavorful offerings, which showcase timeless Singaporean classic dishes.

Their famous dish, fishball noodles, is served with springy noodles, homemade fishballs, and fresh vegetables. The fishballs are the highlight—bouncy, tender, and flavorful.

The balance of flavors and textures made my experience at Ru Ji special. The noodles, fishballs, and broth came together harmoniously, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.

Pro tip: 
Ru Ji’s Fishball Noodles are extremely popular. Visit during off-peak hours like early morning or mid-afternoon to avoid long queues. 

Ricos Kway Chap at Blanco Court Stalls #135-136

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Website:https://danielfooddiary.com/2019/06/18/toricos/

Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, #135, Singapore 390051

Contact details: +6589230892

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 07:30 AM to 4:00 PM 

Price: $$

I visited Blanco Court for warm and hearty Teochew food. The rich, aromatic scent of braised soy sauce filled the air, drawing me in. 

Its best-selling Kway Chap demonstrates the chef’s braising and broth-making skills. The meal includes tender pig belly, intestines, tofu, and hard-boiled eggs simmered in a fragrant herbal broth over broad, flat rice noodles. 

The rich flavors of the dish, accompanied by a spicy chili dip, enhance the overall experience.

It embodies the heart of Singaporean hawker food—simple ingredients prepared with care and precision to create a nourishing and delightful meal. I feel like I’ve discovered a hidden treasure in the culinary world.

Pro tip: 
Blanco Court Kway Chap typically operates on a cash-only basis. Make sure to bring enough cash to cover your meal.

Char Siew & Sio Bak at Roast Paradise Stall #01-122

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Website: https://www.facebook.com/Roastparadisesg/

Address:51 Old Airport Rd, #01-121, Singapore 390051

Contact details: +65 9786 7396

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 10:30 PM to 08:00 PM

Price: $$

Roast Paradise is renowned for its succulent and flavorful char siew. The pork is marinated in a secret blend of spices and sauces before being perfectly roasted, resulting in a caramelized, slightly charred exterior and a tender, juicy interior. 

The roast pork, or sio bak, features a crispy, crackling skin and tender, flavorful meat that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!

I opted for a mixed platter of char siew and roast pork to enjoy the best of both worlds. The contrast between the sweet, caramelized char siew and the crispy, savory roast pork creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal!

Their signature roast pork and sio bak are a must-try, and I guarantee you’ll return for more!

Pro tip: 
When ordering Char Siew, you can ask for “half fat, half lean” to get a balanced mix of textures. This way, you enjoy the succulence of the fat and the meatiness of the lean parts.

Lor Mee at Xin Mei Xiang Stall #01-116

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Website: https://www.lormee.sg/

Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, #01-116

Contact details: +65 87148434 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Price: $$

Xin Mei Xiang Zheng Zong stands out for its rich, flavorful, and hearty Lor Mee. This stall has become a beloved spot for locals and tourists, offering a comforting and satisfying bowl of traditional Hokkien-style noodles.

The combination of chewy noodles, savory gravy, and a secret blend of spices creates a truly unforgettable experience. 

It reminded me of the comforting flavors my grandmother created in her kitchen. Each time I took a spoonful of their thick, starchy gravy, it was like a warm hug from the past, bringing back memories and creating new ones with every bite.

Pro tip: 
Pair their signature Lor Mee with handmade fish dumplings for a complete experience.

Rojak at Toa Poyah Stall #108

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Website: https://ginkakuji.com.sg/

Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, #01-108

Contact details: +6569589380

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM 

Price: $$

As you bite into the crunchy tiao and succulent fruits, the explosion of flavors in your mouth takes you on a journey through the vibrant streets of Singapore. 

The tangy prawn paste dances with the refreshing lime juice, while the fruits’ sweetness and the vegetables’ earthiness create a symphony of flavors.

The heart of any good rojak is its sauce, and Toa Payoh excels in this department. The sauce is a rich blend of prawn paste, tamarind, lime juice, and sugar, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Each bite is not just an act of eating but a personalized experience that immerses you in Toa Payoh’s rich culinary heritage.

Pro tip: 
Mix the ingredients thoroughly with the sauce and toppings. This ensures that each piece is evenly coated and flavorful. 

Braised Beef Noodle at J&J Stall #01-162

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Website: bit.ly/TripAdvisor-JnJBeef162

Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, #01-162

Contact details: +65 9862 7592

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Price: $$

J&J promises a hearty and satisfying meal. Renowned for its rich broth and tender beef, this stall is a must-visit for beef noodle enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of this beloved dish.

The heart of beef noodle soup is its broth, which is slow-cooked for hours with a blend of beef bones, herbs, and spices. Served with springy noodles, the dish also features crunchy bean sprouts and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, creating a balance of textures. 

The result is a deep, flavorful, and aromatic broth that is comforting and invigorating.

It’s a favorite among food enthusiasts seeking a comforting and flavorful hawker meal in Singapore.

Pro tip: 
If you’re in a hurry or want to enjoy the dish later, consider getting it to-go. The noodles and broth travel well, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal at home or work.

XO Fish Head Bee Hoon at Hua Ji Stall #01-118

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Website: N/A

Address: 51 Old Airport Rd #01-118

Contact details: +65 6737 5021

Operating hours: 

  •  Monday to Sunday:  12:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Closed on Thursday

Price: $$

XO Fish Head Bee Hoon is a dish that captures the essence of Singaporean culinary excellence. 

The milky broth is creamy and fragrant, with a delicate balance of fish essence and hints of ginger and Chinese wine. The bee hoon (rice vermicelli) is perfectly cooked, soaking up the soup’s flavors.

As I took the first sip of the broth, the richness enveloped my taste buds, a comforting warmth that felt like a hug from within. The fish head, tender and succulent, offered a delightful contrast to the smooth texture of the noodles.

The addition of crispy fried shallots and fresh cilantro enhanced the dish’s depth and freshness, improving its overall appeal.

It exemplified the mastery of seafood cooking and the bold flavors that define Singaporean cuisine, promising a memorable dining experience that celebrates tradition and innovation.

Pro tip: 
If you enjoy certain ingredients, like tofu or vegetables, ask for an extra portion. Hua Ji stall offers customization for a small additional fee.

Herbal Seafood Soup at Jun Yuan House Of Fish

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Website: https://www.facebook.com/JunYuanHouseOfFish

Address:  51 Old Airport Rd, #01-69

Contact details: +65 8161 8825

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Price: $$

Jun Yuan House of Fish is a well-known stall at Old Airport Road Food Centre, celebrated for its delicious fish and soups, particularly its Herbal Seafood Soup. 

This signature dish features a rich and aromatic herbal broth made with a blend of traditional Chinese herbs. It usually includes a generous serving of fresh seafood, such as prawns, fish slices, and clams. 

The herbs give the soup a deep, comforting delicious flavor. 

Jun Yuan House of Fish is highly praised for its commitment to using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods, ensuring that each bowl of soup is rich and flavorful.

Pro tip: 
The soup is often generously portioned, making it perfect for sharing. Bring a friend or two and enjoy a variety of dishes from the food center while sharing a hearty bowl of Herbal Seafood Soup.
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