Alexandra Village Food Centre guide: 17 of our go-to stalls

1. The Old Stall Hokkien Street Famous Prawn Mee

Why visit? The Old Stall Hokkien Street Famous Prawn Mee traces its roots back to 1943, when Stan Tan’s great-grandparents first sold prawn noodles from a humble pushcart along Hokkien Street. Today, the family legacy lives on in the form of two stalls: One run by Stan at Alexandra Village Food Centre and another by his parents at Hong Lim Food Centre.

Fresh sea prawns, pork bones, pigtail and pig skin are simmered for hours, from the break of dawn, to create a broth that’s nuanced yet robust. With no MSG being used, the natural sweet flavours come entirely from the ingredients, with the collagen-rich cuts lending a full and smooth body to the soup.

Crowd favourites: The prawn noodle soup (from S$6 for a small bowl) is just as popular as the prawn noodle dry (from S$6 for a small bowl), thanks to the rich and aromatic broth. You’ll be moved by the depth of flavours, which feels like a warm embrace.

The chilli options, which you can help yourself to, are what take the noodles to the next level. The fried chilli powder is a family recipe made with hae bee (dried shrimp), while the sambal, also a family creation, features both toasted belacan (fermented shrimp paste) and hae bee, creating a smoky kick that ties everything together beautifully.

2. The Thunder Tea Story

Why visit? Thunder tea rice, or lei cha, is a well-loved Hakka dish that is enjoyed for its wholesomeness. While the rice dish, served with confetti of vegetables, beans, nuts and tofu, and a side of green tea soup, may be a healthy, meatless dish it still manages to taste very good, as proven by the long lunchtime queues at The Thunder Tea Story. 

It used to be located at Beauty World Food Centre, but the move to Alexandra Village Food Centre doesn’t deter its regulars nor has it stopped it from gaining new fans.

Crowd favourites: Here, you’ve got two main choices: The white rice set (S$5) or the brown rice set (S$5.50), where each bowl is paired with a minty soup. Carefully presented in your thunder tea rice is a line-up of eight toppings: Cabbage, chye sim, long bean with tofu, mani cai, leek with tofu, white-eyed peas, chai po and roasted peanuts. 

But don’t stop there! Add the chai poh egg (S$1.20), a savoury, umami-laden must-have for anyone who dines there. Mix the veggies, rice, and egg up with some of the soup, and you’ve got a gut-friendly lunch that’ll keep your stomach glad for hours.

3. Desserts Pavilion

Why visit? Desserts Pavilion is a humble shop that has been quietly adored by regulars for years. The owner takes no shortcuts — pastes are hand-ground and traditional ingredients are used. Each bowl offers the taste of slow-food, a small rebellion in a city of hurry. 

Savouring the creations of Desserts Pavilion as you sit and take in the quaint, sleepy hum of Alexandra Village Food Centre (outside of the lunchtime rush) also makes the experience even more comforting.

Crowd favourites: The homemade sesame paste (from S$3.20) and homemade peanut paste (from S$3.20) are luxuriously smooth, their flavours deepened by hand-grinding the seeds and nuts. This is a richness that no machine can replicate.

Sweetness is also kept modest here. The owner uses rock sugar instead of white sugar, giving the desserts a pleasant level of sweetness. For example, the humble gingko, beancurd skin and barley soup (from S$2.80) tastes so gentle, where the natural flavours of the ingredients — the beancurd and the barley especially — shine rather than being drowned out by sugar.

4. Mr Avocado Exotic Juice

Why visit? If there’s one stall at Alexandra Village Food Centre that has achieved cult status, it’s Mr Avocado Exotic Juice. Opened in 1990, it quickly became the go-to spot in Singapore for avocado shakes. 

The stall was founded by Ah Tai, who spotted a gap in the market, and introduced avocado juice at his hawker stall at a time when the fruit was not yet popular in Singapore.

Mr Avocado’s drinks are blended with milk and gula melaka instead of sugar. The result? A shake that’s lusciously creamy, and fragrant with caramel-like notes.

Crowd favourites: The signature avocado juice (from S$3.50) is the star attraction — thick, velvety and sweetened by gula melaka, it strikes the perfect balance of richness without being cloying. It has its own legion of longtime fans who swear it’s the best avocado shake in town. 

Beyond that, the stall also offers unique blends rarely found at other fruit juice stalls, such as durian juice (from S$4.50) and soursop-strawberry juice (from S$3.50).

5. Hong Kong Yummy Soup

Why visit? Hong Kong Yummy Soup was opened in 2014 by Hilda Xie and her husband when they moved from Hong Kong to Singapore. It’s a labour of love, with the couple spending more than 10 hours a day on their feet here dishing out bowls of nourishing soup. 

Every bowl is made from scratch, with no MSG, and made with herbs that are good for health, meticulously selected by the couple, no less. 

In fact, the level of care has garnered Hong Kong Yummy Soup the Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction a few times, including in 2025 — in recognition of its naturally sweet, tangy soups made using only wholesome ingredients.

Crowd favourites: There are six types of soups here, but the best-sellers are the spareribs soup with mushrooms (S$4.50) and Brazil mushroom soup with chicken (S$5.50). In both soups, you get fall-off-the-bone tender meat with light, clear broths that are free of lingering oil or fat. 

A few side dishes round out the menu, including the pumpkin steamed minced pork (S$4) — a delicate and ungreasy dish, despite the nature of the protein, which pairs so well with rice!

6. Ibu Endang

Why visit? Ibu Endang, opened just a year ago in September 2024, has been quickly gaining popularity for its authentic Indonesian cuisine, so make a visit before the queues get too long! Here, the rich, spicy offerings of Padang cuisine from West Sumatra and East Javanese favourites such as ayam penyet take centre-stage.

An array of vibrant, tempting dishes greets you as you approach the stall; you won’t face a shortage of choice here. It’s clear the stall owners take pride in creating every dish, with its visitors — both regulars and new diners alike — praising not only the variety she offers but also the quality she manages to dish these out at, despite the numerous offerings. Servings are generous here, too!

Crowd favourites: The ayam bakar balado (S$6.50) bursts with flavour, its slight char balanced by the punchy chilli paste that is not overly sweet. The ayam penyet (S$6.50) here is freshly fried to golden crisp perfection, with tender meat underneath. The accompanying sambal, true to Indonesian cuisine, is fiercely spicy but utterly yums.

The nasi padang (price varies by dishes selected) is also a safe bet, with the soft, rich rendang beef and the classic sambal goreng proving perennial favourites.

7. Zi Jin Cheng Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice

Why visit? When Zi Jin Cheng first appeared in Singapore’s Michelin Guide in 2023, a few eyebrows were raised. After all, it isn’t exactly a household name for Hainanese chicken rice in Singapore. But the stall has always been unapologetically focused, serving just one thing: Hainanese boneless chicken rice, steamed only, with no roasted chicken here. It continues to hold its place in the 2025 guide as well. 

What makes Zi Jin Cheng’s version extraordinary is the quiet, simple freshness of the ingredients — a rarity these days, as heavy-handed cooking and overbearing flavours become the norm. The chicken here is tender and juicy, paired with a lightly sweet, savoury sauce with no starchiness and mildly fragrant rice. The chilli has a kick with a hint of calamansi, there is fresh ginger dip as well, and the soup’s gentle pepperiness is comforting. Nothing is overdone — just real flavours letting the ingredients speak for themselves.

Crowd favourites: Set meals are available from S$3.50 for 1 person, to S$13.50 for 3 persons, each including the signature boneless chicken, rice and soup. 

Prices have hardly budged over the years, making this not only one of the best chicken rice spots in town, but also one of the most affordable.

8. Lye Bo Toss Noodle

Why visit? Run by a husband-and-wife team with a knack for healthier hawker fare, Lye Bo Toss Noodle serves Hong Kong-style roasted meats without artificial colouring or MSG. The menu keeps things simple: Oven-baked (read: healthier) meats come paired with lamian or rice, finished with vegetables, and an optional onsen egg.

With reasonable portions at wallet-friendly prices, it’s little wonder the stall has quietly built a following since it opened in 2018. It has all the makings of a social media sensation, so best to come before the already long queues get even longer!

Crowd favourites: Each meat selection can be paired with rice or noodles. Options range from char siew and roasted pork belly to grilled chicken and minced pork. A popular choice for those who want a bit of everything is the two-meat combo (S$6 with rice, S$6.50 with noodles).

Most go straight for either the char siew noodles (S$5) or roasted pork belly noodles (S$5). Unlike the usual yellow egg noodles, these slurp-worthy noodles are springier and lighter on the stomach. They are tossed in a homemade sauce and beautifully presented with the rest of the toppings. 

9. AJ Delights

Why visit? It’s hard to miss AJ Delights, with the inviting aroma of fresh bakes wafting through the air. Best known for its housemade muffins, this halal-certified stall was founded in 2012 by Amy and Jerry, a couple who left their office jobs to pursue their passion for baking — hence their initials “AJ” in the stall name.

The muffins are freshly baked every morning using quality ingredients, promising a little happiness in every bite. For over a decade, AJ Delights has remained a favourite at Alexandra Village Food Centre, delighting fans with its wide variety of flavours. The display presents so many muffin choices, making it really hard to pick just one! 

Crowd favourites: We had quite a few favourites, but if we really had to choose, the apple streusel (S$3.35) is reminiscent of an apple crumble, with a crumbly top and soft apple bits at its centre. 

The vanilla streusel (S$3.35) remains a firm crowd favourite, while the green tea monster (S$3.65) delivers the bittersweet notes of Japanese matcha. The wild berries streusel (S$3.65) also packs a tangy, fruity punch that’s difficult to resist!

10. Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Laksa

Why visit? The original owner of Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Laksa, Madam Ang Siew Yan, began serving laksa in claypots at Depot Road in 1995. The claypots keep the dish hot to the very last bite, preserving its full flavour. 

When Madam Ang retired due to ill health, her nephew Zhang Ji Lin took over, learning the recipe from scratch. Since then, the stall has been a four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, with its last recognition in 2019.  

That said, cooking in claypots isn’t without its challenges. Each portion requires extra time (to heat up the claypot) and breakages — sometimes even causing injuries — can occur during preparation or cleaning. It’s no secret that the stall has to buy new claypots almost every month, and continues to offer laksa in this vessel despite the rigour. 

Crowd favourite: The claypot laksa (from S$6 for a small portion) features a thick gravy made from fresh ingredients including chilli padi, blue ginger, turmeric, belachan, shrimp paste and lemongrass, slow-cooked for over two hours. The stall doesn’t hold back on the freshly squeezed coconut milk either, using a generous amount for extra richness. The result is a hearty sauce that clings to every strand of rice noodle. 

If you’re short on time or prefer something simpler, the stall also serves laksa (from S$5.50 for a small portion) in a regular bowl.

11.  Xiang Jiang Soya Sauce Chicken

Why visit? Mr Fung Shu Sun, a former chef with a five-star hotel in Singapore, set up Xiang Jiang Soya Sauce Chicken close to two decades ago. Once listed in the Michelin Bib Gourmand, this stall highlights soya sauce chicken noodles as well as shrimp dumplings and shrimp wantons.

It’s one of the few places in Singapore that stays true to authentic Hong Kong noodles, serving up extra springy, slightly elastic, yet lighter and less dense noodles than most other stalls which hawk egg noodles here. 

The magic of these noodles lies in the ability to soak up sauce while staying firm, something Xiang Jiang excels at.

Crowd favourites: The dry soya sauce chicken noodles (S$6) feature well-marinated, moist chicken slices coated in a savoury-sweet sauce that lifts the noodles without overwhelming them. The balancing act performed by the sauce is artful, making the dish flavourful without being cloying.

Despite its namesake, the true star here, though, is the shrimp dumpling soup (S$6). You can expect huge dumplings packed with shrimp and minced pork, alongside crunchy chestnuts and shredded black fungus for texture and flavour contrast, in a peppery broth that is layered in taste.

12. Hor Fun Premium

Why visit? The stall’s name does not exaggerate. Hor Fun Premium truly puts the “premium” in hor fun, with noodles that carry evident wok hei (with some even claiming that the smoky aroma lingering throughout the food centre comes from this stall), generous strands of silky egg and a smooth, moreish gravy that’s never too salty.

The owner, Mr Leo, learned his craft from his father and began cooking at a zichar stall at just 17 years old. Venturing out on his own, he founded Hor Fun Premium, and since then, Singaporeans have been treated to some of the city’s best hor fun. It goes without saying that you should be prepared to queue!

Crowd favourites: The signature beef hor fun (S$5.50) is a must-try, with every noodle strand infused with wok hei, and delightfully tender morsels of beef.  

The fish hor fun (S$5.50) is just as popular, with a rich gravy complementing the fresh slices of mild-flavoured fish.

13. New Market Teochew Braised Duck Rice

Why visit? New Market Teochew Braised Duck Rice has been a mainstay at Alexandra Village Food Centre for years, attracting regulars who swear by the comforting flavours and honest cooking.

The Teochew-style braising at is what really sets it apart — the duck is simmered in a light yet flavourful soy-based stock infused with herbs and spices such as star anise and cinnamon, resulting in a tender finish. Authentically Teochew, the fragrant gravy is thin in consistency yet deeply flavourful, and goes great with the fluffy rice without ever feeling greasy.

Crowd favourites: The braised duck rice (from S$5.50) comes with generous slices of meaty, succulent duck laid over fluffy rice and drizzled with the savoury-sweet braising sauce. The stall’s tangy chilli sauce elevates the dish further, balancing richness with a bright, zesty kick.

Regulars also often opt for add-ons such as braised pork (S$3.50), pig skin (S$3), and egg (S$0.80), all braised in the same aromatic gravy. These little extras turn a simple duck rice into a full, hearty feast.

14. Zhang Ji Shanghai La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Why visit? This stall is absolutely worth braving the queues for. Recognised as a Michelin Selected spot in the latest guide for Singapore, Zhang Ji Shanghai La Mian Xiao Long Bao has been drawing crowds to Alexandra Village Food Centre for years with its authentic Chinese fare.

Founded by a husband-and-wife team from Nanjing, China, the stall recreates homestyle flavours that easily rival a solid restaurant. 

From the delicate folding of xiao long bao skins to the careful seasoning of the fillings, everything is done from scratch daily. While the stall also serves lamian dishes as its name suggests, the dumplings remain the undisputed stars.

Crowd favourites: The xiao long baos or steamed mini buns (S$6 for six pieces) are a must-order! Each dumpling is plump with a rich, naturally sweet broth that bursts out the moment you bite in. The skin is thin enough to hold the soup but not fragile, artfully toeing the fine line between delicate and satisfying. 

Another highlight is the pan-fried dumplings (S$8 for 10 pieces). The golden, crispy bottoms give way to juicy, well-marinated pork and chive fillings that release a savoury aroma as you break into them. The contrast

15. Ashes Burnnit

Why visit? By now a familiar name with a few locations across Singapore, Ashes Burnnit is patronised not just for its budget-friendly burgers but for also hardly compromising on flavour. 

Opened by Lee Syafiq, once a co-founder of the popular Project Warung, the stall’s burgers are instantly recognisable by its black buns. Fret not, they’re not burnt, just charcoal-infused.

Ashes Burnnit’s signature is its “smash” burger, with minced beef that starts as a ball before being pressed flat on the griddle with a spatula. The technique, popularised by joints such as Shake Shack, results in patties with a crisp, caramelised crust and a juicy interior.

Crowd favourites: Indulge in the Ashes cheese burger with fries (from S$8.40 for a single patty burger). Expect soft buns crisped at the edges and a well-seasoned patty at the centre. Beyond this signature, there are plenty of playful options, too, from the truffle shroom (from S$10) to chilli short ribs (from S$10.50) and fried onion cheese (from S$9) burgers.

The stall also serves sides like the classic mac & cheese (S$6), which has a torched sauce comprising a blend of three cheeses — smoked cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan — which is then topped with crispy bacon and green onion.

16. Wei Min The Famous Wanton Noodle

Why visit? If you prefer Malaysian-style wanton mee with its dark, glossy sauce base, Wei Min The Famous Wanton Noodle is worth a stop. The noodles here have an addictive bounce, while the sauce is lifted with the fragrance and mild sweetness of shallots.

The portion isn’t too large, which makes this the perfect dish if you want to leave room for sampling other stalls at the hawker centre. The noodles are also light on the stomach, so you won’t feel weighed down. Simply put, it’s a satisfying, easy dish you can happily return to again and again.

Crowd favourites: The signature char siew wanton noodles (S$4.50) are coated in a light yet flavourful dark sauce that complements rather than overwhelms the ingredients. The char siew itself is average, but the soup is robust and comes with small, plump wantons that are fresh and well-seasoned.

The curry fried chicken cutlet hor fun (S$5.50) here is also a hit. It features crispy, juicy chicken paired with a savoury, spicy curry that comes with potatoes and tau pok. The curry is on the thinner side but still packs luscious, aromatic notes.

17. Leon Kee Claypot Pork Rib Soup

Why visit? Leon Kee Claypot Pork Rib Soup is another one of Alexandra Village Food Centre’s Michelin-recognised gems that was most recently featured as a Michelin Selected spot in the Michelin Guide Singapore 2025. The stall is loved for its Hokkien-style claypot bak kut teh, which leans towards the Malaysian version — a darker, more robust soup with strong Chinese herbal notes.

Beyond bak kut teh, Leon Kee also serves a range of comforting claypot dishes, too, such as sesame chicken (S$6) and pig trotter (S$7). 

Crowd favourites: The signature Hokkien bak kut teh (S$7) is known for its meaty pork ribs that fall off the bone, steeped in an earthy broth with a distinctive herbal depth balanced by a gentle peppery kick. 

For those who enjoy variety, the pig organ soup (S$7) is a standout, brimming with cuts that add both texture and richness to the broth. Another popular choice is the claypot rice (S$8), which arrives sizzling with fragrant grains flavoured by salted fish and layered with Chinese sausage, juicy chicken and a caramelised crust at the bottom that regulars swear by.