If you’re thinking of a hawker breakfast, then Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre is a must visit. Fun fact: before undergoing a two-year revamp in 2004, this hawker centre initially existed as a wet market (Seng Poh Road Market) that hosted non-permanent hawkers and nearby coffee shops under its roofs. Recently re-opened after a three-month renovation, this iconic venue is home to many morning crowd favourites including Jian Bo Shueh Kueh (#02-05) — known for their ultra soft, melt-in-your-mouth Chwee Kueh ($2 for five pieces) topped generously with fragrant preserved radish (chye poh) and chilli sauce on the side. For something more substantial, look no further than Zhong Yu Yuan Wei Wanton Noodles (#02-30). Despite the auntie’s grumpy demeanour, this stall is famous for its premium Char Siew Wanton Noodles ($5), featuring thick, juicy pieces of caramelised pork. It’s also said that the char siew here is more tender than most, as the meat is taken from the armpit of the pig (as compared to the commonly used pork shoulder). While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out 178 Lor Mee (#02-23) for their Lor Mee (from $3) — yellow noodles drenched in slurpy, flavourful gravy paired with crispy shark meat nuggets and deep-fried batter bits — comfort food at its best.
Photos by Burpplers Jasen Tay, Eat Dreamlove and Reiko Lee