Isaac 
For a mere $5, you can get a plate of delicious char kway teow at Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, one of the most popular hawker centres in Singapore East. This is just one of the many affordable and options available at this busy food hub.
| Place | Area | Price | What to Order | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre | Bedok | $3-$8 | Char Kway Teow, Hokkien Mee | Local Favourites |
| East Coast Lagoon Food Village | East Coast | $4-$15 | Satay, Seafood | Beachside Dining |
| Changi Village Hawker Centre | Changi | $3-$10 | Nasi Lemak, Fried Chicken | Nasi Lemak Lovers |
| Tampines Round Market & Food Centre | Tampines | $3-$8 | Char Kway Teow, Rojak | Busy Office Workers |
| Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre | Bedok | $3-$8 | Laksa, Kaya Toast | Quick Breakfast |
| Geylang Serai Market | Geylang | $3-$10 | Halal Food, Malay Kueh | Halal Food Options |
| Old Airport Road Food Centre | Geylang/East | $3-$10 | Wanton Noodles, Carrot Cake | Local Hawker Favourites |
| Simpang Bedok | Bedok | $4-$12 | Sup Tulang, Roti Prata | Late Night Supper |
What Makes Tampines Round Market & Food Centre Stand Out?
Tampines Round Market & Food Centre stands out from other hawker centres in Singapore East due to its wide variety of stalls and affordable prices. With over 100 stalls to choose from, visitors can find everything from traditional Singaporean dishes like char kway teow and laksa to international cuisine like Thai and Vietnamese food. The centre is also air-conditioned, making it a comfortable spot to dine at any time of the day. As noted in our most famous hawker dishes guide, Tampines Round Market & Food Centre is worth visiting for any food lover.
But what really sets Tampines Round Market & Food Centre apart is its commitment to quality and hygiene. The centre has received numerous awards for its cleanliness and food safety, including the prestigious National Environment Agency (NEA) Clean Bill of Health award. This ensures that visitors can enjoy their meals with peace of mind, knowing that the food is prepared and handled in a safe and hygienic environment.
How to Order Like a Local at Tampines Round Market & Food Centre
To order like a local at Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, it’s essential to know some basic Mandarin and Hokkien phrases. For example, to order a plate of char kway teow, you can say “char kway teow, zhao diao” (炒粿条, 抓雕), which means “stir-fried noodles, with ingredients”. To ask for no chili, you can say “bu yao la jiao” (不 要 辣 椒), which means “no chili”. By using these phrases, you can show respect for the hawkers and their culture, and you may even get a few extra ingredients or a discount.
Another tip is to order during off-peak hours, such as between 2 pm and 5 pm, when the crowds are smaller and the hawkers are more relaxed. This is also a good time to try some of the lesser-known stalls, which may offer unique and delicious dishes that are not as well-known as some of the more popular stalls. As mentioned in our 10 best hawker foods under $5 guide, some of the best dishes can be found at these smaller stalls.
1. Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre — Bedok
Best for: Local Favourites
Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre is a popular hawker centre in Bedok, known for its delicious and affordable food. One of the must-try dishes here is the char kway teow, which is stir-fried to perfection with a mix of noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein. The price is around $3-$5 per plate, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. As a local, I can attest that this is one of the best char kway teow in Singapore East, and it’s a great place to start your hawker food journey.
One unique aspect of Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre is its wide variety of stalls, offering everything from traditional Singaporean dishes to international cuisine. However, be aware that the centre can get very crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the crowds. You can find Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre near Bedok MRT station, making it easily accessible by public transport. Please note that some stalls only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand. Additionally, the char kway teow stall often has a long queue, especially during lunch hours, so be prepared to wait.
2. East Coast Lagoon Food Village — East Coast
Best for: Beachside Dining
East Coast Lagoon Food Village is a beachside hawker centre located in the East Coast area, offering stunning views of the sea and a wide variety of food options. One of the must-try dishes here is the satay, which is grilled to perfection and served with a side of peanut sauce. The price is around $4-$6 per serving, making it a great option for those looking for a delicious and affordable meal. Please note that East Coast Lagoon Food Village is a cash-only establishment, so be sure to have some cash on hand. Additionally, the centre can get very crowded during weekends and holidays, so it’s best to visit during weekdays if you want to avoid the crowds.
Another unique aspect of East Coast Lagoon Food Village is its seasonal offerings, such as the annual Singapore Food Festival. During this time, the centre offers a wide range of special dishes and promotions, making it a great time to visit. However, be aware that the centre can get very crowded during this time, so it’s best to plan your visit in advance.
3. Changi Village Hawker Centre — Changi
Best for: Nasi Lemak Lovers
Changi Village Hawker Centre is a popular hawker centre in Changi, known for its delicious nasi lemak and other Malay dishes. One of the must-try dishes here is the nasi lemak, which is with a mix of coconut milk, spices, and herbs. The price is around $3-$5 per plate, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. Please note that Changi Village Hawker Centre is a bit off the beaten path, so it’s best to take a taxi or ride-hailing service to get there. Additionally, some stalls may have limited seating, so be prepared to wait or take your food to go.
One unique aspect of Changi Village Hawker Centre is its wide variety of halal food options, making it a great place to visit for those looking for halal cuisine. However, be aware that the centre can get very crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the crowds. Some stalls may also have limited hours of operation, so it’s best to check ahead of time to confirm their hours.
4. Tampines Round Market & Food Centre — Tampines
Best for: Busy Office Workers
Tampines Round Market & Food Centre is a popular hawker centre in Tampines, known for its wide variety of food options and affordable prices. One of the must-try dishes here is the char kway teow, which is stir-fried to perfection with a mix of noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein. The price is around $3-$5 per plate, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. Please note that Tampines Round Market & Food Centre can get very crowded during lunch hours, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the crowds. Some stalls may also have limited seating, so be prepared to wait or take your food to go.
One unique aspect of Tampines Round Market & Food Centre is its air-conditioned dining area, making it a great place to visit during hot weather. However, be aware that the centre can get very crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the crowds. Some stalls may also have limited hours of operation, so it’s best to check ahead of time to confirm their hours.
5. Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre — Bedok
Best for: Quick Breakfast
Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre is a popular hawker centre in Bedok, known for its wide variety of breakfast options and affordable prices. One of the must-try dishes here is the kaya toast, which is toasted to perfection with a mix of butter, kaya, and eggs. The price is around $2-$4 per serving, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. Please note that Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre is a bit small, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the crowds. Some stalls may also have limited seating, so be prepared to wait or take your food to go.
One unique aspect of Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre is its wide variety of breakfast options, making it a great place to visit for those looking for a quick and delicious breakfast. However, be aware that the centre can get very crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the crowds. Some stalls may also have limited hours of operation, so it’s best to check ahead of time to confirm their hours.
6. Geylang Serai Market — Geylang
Best for: Halal Food Options
Geylang Serai Market is a popular hawker centre in Geylang, known for its wide variety of halal food options and affordable prices. One of the must-try dishes here is the nasi lemak, which is with a mix of coconut milk, spices, and herbs. The price is around $3-$5 per plate, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. Please note that Geylang Serai Market is a bit off the beaten path, so it’s best to take a taxi or ride-hailing service to get there. Additionally, some stalls may have limited seating, so be prepared to wait or take your food to go.
One unique aspect of Geylang Serai Market is its wide variety of halal food options, making it a great place to visit for those looking for halal cuisine. However, be aware that the centre can get very crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the crowds. Some stalls may also have limited hours of operation, so it’s best to check ahead of time to confirm their hours.
7. Old Airport Road Food Centre — Geylang/East
Best for: Local Hawker Favourites
Old Airport Road Food Centre is a popular hawker centre in Geylang/East, known for its wide variety of local hawker favourites and affordable prices. One of the must-try dishes here is the wanton noodles, which are with a mix of noodles, wantons, and vegetables. The price is around $3-$5 per serving, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. Please note that Old Airport Road Food Centre is a bit small, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the crowds. Some stalls may also have limited seating, so be prepared to wait or take your food to go.
One unique aspect of Old Airport Road Food Centre is its wide variety of local hawker favourites, making it a great place to visit for those looking for traditional Singaporean cuisine. However, be aware that the centre can get very crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the crowds. Some stalls may also have limited hours of operation, so it’s best to check ahead of time to confirm their hours.
8. Simpang Bedok — Bedok
Best for: Late Night Supper
Simpang Bedok is a popular hawker centre in Bedok, known for its wide variety of late-night supper options and affordable prices. One of the must-try dishes here is the sup tulang, which is with a mix of beef bones, spices, and herbs. The price is around $5-$10 per serving, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. Please note that Simpang Bedok is open 24/7, making it a great place to visit for those looking for a late-night snack. However, be aware that the centre can get very crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the crowds.
One unique aspect of Simpang Bedok is its wide variety of late-night supper options, making it a great place to visit for those looking for a delicious and affordable meal after hours. However, be aware that some stalls may have limited seating, so be prepared to wait or take your food to go. Additionally, some stalls may only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand.
