Tian Tian Chicken Rice (#01-10/11)
Photo by Burppler Cecil Dulam
For Award-Winning Chicken Rice
Surely you've heard of Singapore's most famous chicken rice stall? Tian Tian boasts a Michelin star and a winning formula of fluffy fragrant rice that's good enough to eat alone with its slightly tangy chili sauce, and delicious steamed chicken that's tender, juicy and savoury all at once.
Marina South Delicious Food (#01-35)
Photo by Burppler Zed W
For Solid Wok Staples
Marina South Delicious Food specialises in expertly-fried dishes with plenty of wok hey. We're talking Char Kway Teow, Carrot Cake, Hokkien Mee, as well as Oyster Omelette that start from an affordable $3. Burppler Zed W tried everything here and said "The verdict? The carrot cake takes the... uh, cake."
Sisaket Thai Food (#01-85)
Photo by Burppler Adrian Chee
For Tasty Thai Fare
Look no further than Sisaket Thai Food for authentic Thai classics. The Basil Leaf Rice ($4.50) is a community favourite with. We also love their creamy Green Curry Rice ($4.50), rich and spicy-sweet and perfect on a bed of steamed rice. Burppler Mii soh also recommends the "yummy Tom Yum Noodle Soup ($5)."
Maxwell Fu Zhou Oyster Cake (#01-06)
Photo by Burppler NUS FAT Club
For A Rare Heritage Snack
This is where you'll find some of the last oyster cakes in Singapore. Dig into the crispy golden fried cakes of succulent oysters, prawns, celery and minced meat, with a winning batter to boot. Burppler Yabin Wang describes it as "great for a snack, as you bite into this savoury cake and overall very fragrant dough!"
Popo And Nana’s Delights (#01-70)
Photo by Burppler Khaw Han Chung
For Eurasian and Peranakan Favourites
If you can't get enough of traditional Eurasian and Peranakan dishes, Popo And Nana’s Delights will surely satisfy your cravings. There are only four dishes each day, with sets that go from just $6. Burppler Khaw Han Chung recommends going for their Eurasian Chicken Devil’s Curry ($6). Other dishes on rotation include Pork Rib Buah Keluak ($8), Ayam Masak Merah ($8), and Nyonya Chap Chye ($6).
Tong Xin Ju Special Shanghai Tim Sum (#01-92)
Photo by Burppler Terence Ong
For Chinese Dumplings
Boasting family recipes that are now four generations old, Tong Xin Ju Special Shanghai Tim Sum is a Maxwell stalwart for handmade fried dumplings ($4 for 8 pieces) that will amaze you with their crunch and flavour – even better with their special chilli sauce. As Burppler MichelleLIN T puts its, "there’s a special place that tong Xin Ju has in my heart."
Xing Xing Ondeh Ondeh (#01-31)
Photo by Burppler Vanessa Kou
For A Stellar Kueh Selection
Xing Xing Ondeh Ondeh has solidified its place in Maxwell Food Centre for more than 40 years now, simply selling traditional homemade kueh from as low as $0.40. They’re most popular for their ondeh ondeh, which boast a oozy gula melaka centre, although their selection of other kueh is also very good. They usually sell out early, so you'll want to head down as early as possible.
Chee Cheong Fun Club (#01-38)
Photo by Burppler Cecil Dulam
For Specialty Chee Cheong Fun
If you've never tried Kuala Lumpur-style Curry Chee Cheong Fun, the fresh ones ($4) from Chee Cheong Fun Club is a must try. Or go for their signature Hong Kong’s Memory Lane ($3.50), featuring silky soft noodles with a housemade sauce combining Singapore sweet sauce, Malaysian black sauce, and Hong Kong sesame sauce. Burppler eggs & xi :D calls the noodles "very soft and chewy, pairing well with the sauce which was savoury sweet and pretty fragrant."
Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon (#01-77)
Photo by Burppler Khaw Han Chung
For Creamy Fish Soup
Cantonese-style fish soup from just $4? Yes, please. Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon commands one of the longest queues at Maxwell Food Centre, thanks to a broth that’s rich with flavour (ask them to add evaporated milk for even more creaminess!). "Overall a comforting bowl for a rainy weather," according to Burppler Irene Arieputri.
