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Old Airport Road Food Centre Singapore

4.3
·12k reviews·Singapore, Singapore

A legendary hawker centre serving diverse, affordable, and authentic Singaporean dishes since 1973.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Old Airport Road Food Centre - Image 1

Old Airport Road Food Centre Singapore

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A legendary hawker centre serving diverse, affordable, and authentic Singaporean dishes since 1973.

4.3
(12k reviews)

"A culinary adventure with legendary stalls and unbeatable prices."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Go on a Weekday Morning

Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience .

📝 Research Stalls Beforehand

Popular stalls can sell out or have specific opening days. Check online or ask locals for recommendations .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

To-Ricos Kway Chap

To-Ricos Kway Chap

Stall #01-135

Michelin Bib Gourmand recognized for its flavorful broth and tender braised meats. Expect queues!

Roast Paradise

Roast Paradise

Stall #01-110

Famous for its succulent char siew (BBQ pork) and other roasted meats. A definite crowd-pleaser.

Tiong Bahru Lor Mee

Tiong Bahru Lor Mee

Stall #01-40

A highly recommended stall for Lor Mee, a rich noodle dish with gravy. Often cited as a must-try.

Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee

Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee

Stall #01-32

A classic Hokkien Mee with a distinct wok hei flavor. A long-standing favorite among locals.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Plan Your Visit

This bustling hawker centre can get packed, especially during peak meal times. Visiting on a weekday morning or late afternoon can offer a more relaxed experience. Some popular stalls have specific opening days, so check ahead if you have a must-try dish in mind.TikTok+1

Navigating the Culinary Maze

With over 100 stalls, deciding what to eat can be overwhelming! Many TikTok creators share their top picks, from Lor Mee to Kway Chap.TikTok+1 Don't be afraid to explore and try something new; the affordability means you can sample multiple dishes.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Avoids lunch/dinner rush
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings (post-7 PM)
Why
Local vibe, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Here is the complete list of my favorite 10 stalls at the Old Airport Food Center with a bonus at the end :) 1. Tiong Bahru Lor Mee 2. Xiang Ji Lor Mee 3. Roast paradise 4. To Rico’s Kway Chap 5. Ru Ji fish balls 6. BNR coffee 7. New EasternKim Tee 8. Freshly made Cheong fun 9. Hin Fried Hor Fan 10. Yi Ji fried Hokkien prawn mee 11. Bakes N Bites
@ericnyker
4.5K likes • 175.9K views

🎯 Go on a Weekday Morning

Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.TikTok

📝 Research Stalls Beforehand

Popular stalls can sell out or have specific opening days. Check online or ask locals for recommendations.TikTok+1

EXPLORING OLD AIRPORT ROAD HAWKER CENTRE!!! One of the more famous hawker centres📍Old Airport Rd is home to a collection of singapore favourites giving you that true hawker centre vibe you want when you visit Singapore. The dishes I got were good, nothing too life changing but hey for $4AUD there is not much to complain about! #singapore #singaporetravel #singaporefoodie #sgfoodie #travel #singapo...
@eatwithkevin
285 likes • 13.9K views
We know there’s a lot of contenders for the best fried Oyster. So please comment and let us know where has the best friend oyster! Xing Li Cooked Food # 01-28 Old Airport Road Food Centre #sgfoodie #singaporehawker #sghawkerfood
@jiabanclub
617 likes • 54.6K views

💰 Affordable Eats Galore

Hawker food is incredibly budget-friendly, allowing you to try multiple dishes without breaking the bank.Reddit

🪑 Save Your Seat Wisely

Near the entrance is breezy. Avoid the middle as it can be warm. Use fans for comfort.Reddit

มันอร่อยมากจริงๆ อยากกลับไปกินอีก!!! ใครไปสิงคโปร์ไปลองดูนะ 📍Roast Paradise, Old Airport Road Food Centre #foodie #singaporefoodie #tiktokfood
@bingbbongbbong
9 likes • 484 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Go on a Weekday Morning

Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.TikTok

📝 Research Stalls Beforehand

Popular stalls can sell out or have specific opening days. Check online or ask locals for recommendations.TikTok+1

💰 Affordable Eats Galore

Hawker food is incredibly budget-friendly, allowing you to try multiple dishes without breaking the bank.Reddit

🪑 Save Your Seat Wisely

Near the entrance is breezy. Avoid the middle as it can be warm. Use fans for comfort.Reddit

♻️ Clear Your Table

Be courteous and return your trays and tableware to the designated shelves at the back.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(12k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the exceptional quality and affordability of food at Old Airport Road Food Centre, with many stalls being long-standing local favorites. While the environment might be aging, the culinary experience is consistently praised, making it a must-visit for authentic Singaporean hawker fare. Some find the sheer number of choices overwhelming, and popular stalls can have significant queues.

"Made a trip to Old Airport Food Market for the kway chap, touted by many to be the best. I was actually introduced to it a little more than two years ago as my favourite place for this food was in Jurong West.

There was a snaking queue when I arrived and I almost stood at the wrong queue because the lines of two other stalls seemed to intertwined each other. I got to order after about 30 minutes and asked for three-person serving x 2 plus eight bowls of kway. Damage $56/- but it's extremely worth it. Pity that the salted veg and peanuts sold out. 😔

The six of us began tucking in straightaway and our chopsticks went non-stop to and fro our bowls of kway and the plates of deliciously cut meat, tou kwa, offals, eggs etc. Each mouthful was a delight that instantly recharges the happiness level on an already relaxing TGIF.

The food here does not have the "piggy" as compared to a lot of the other stalls in different places. There is no aftertaste as well.

Left the place after lunchtime a very happy girl and the stall sold out before 2pm. 🤗

P.S The uncle has pasted a "time-table" on the days his stall opens and I have attached it here as well. Avoid going to visit the stall on the days that are striked off."

Minmin Li

"The Old Airport Food Center was my first taste of hawker center dining in Singapore. There were so many choices that i found it hard to choose the food I want to eat! We settled at the first stall and ate fish and i found a stall at the back that sold beef stew and xia long bao. The place is spacious and there were a lot of people and black birds!
Tips: Save your spot near the entrance. Its breezy here with the giant fans. Avoid dining in the middle because its too warm. Also, take your tray and tableware to the shelves at the back as a courtesy to the next customers.
Food here us affordable. I only spent less than 8 dollars for my meal."

Lee Mijares

"Car-parking is by the new HDB parking app without the barrier. More lots are being made in view of the 24-hour NTUC supermarket that wld be located in the food centre. The carrot cake and the fried Hokkien mee are must-trys. Also, Ban Mian we got has evenly-sliced ban mian and well-cooked too as they don’t stick together."

GK T

What People Like

Authentic hawker food
Affordable prices
Wide variety of stalls

What People Dislike

Crowded during peak hours
Aging environment
Stalls selling out

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is via MRT to Dakota station (Circle Line), followed by a short walk or bus ride. Buses also serve the area directly. Many visitors find it convenient to use ride-sharing apps as well.TikTok

Yes, there is car parking available, with more lots being made. You can use the new HDB parking app for payment.Reddit

Absolutely! It's well-connected by MRT and bus services, making it easy to reach from most parts of Singapore.

For first-timers, taking the MRT to Dakota station and then walking or taking a short bus ride is a straightforward option. Ride-sharing is also a good choice if you prefer direct transport.

It's located near the Singapore Badminton Hall and is a well-known landmark in the Kallang area.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Old Airport Road Food Centre is free. You only pay for the food you order from the various stalls.

The food centre itself is generally open from early morning until late at night, but individual stalls have varying operating hours. Some stalls may close by mid-afternoon.TikTok+1

Yes, many stalls have rest days or specific operating schedules. It's advisable to check the opening days for your must-try stalls beforehand, as some are not open every day.TikTok+1

There is no admission fee. The food centre is a public space for enjoying local cuisine.

Reservations are generally not possible at hawker stalls. It's a first-come, first-served system, and you may need to queue for popular items.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Highly recommended dishes include Kway Chap from To-Ricos, Char Siew from Roast Paradise, Lor Mee from Tiong Bahru Lor Mee, and Hokkien Mee from Nam Sing.TikTok+3

While many stalls focus on meat and seafood, you can often find stalls selling vegetarian dishes like carrot cake or some noodle options. It's best to inquire directly at the stalls.

Food is very affordable, with most main dishes costing between S$4 to S$8. You can enjoy a full meal for under S$10.Reddit

Kway Chap is a traditional dish of flat rice noodles served in a savory broth with braised pork offal, tofu, and eggs. To-Ricos stall is particularly famous and Michelin-recognized.TikTok

Yes, there are stalls offering old-school Western barbecue and other Western dishes, though they might not be the primary draw for most visitors.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling hawker stalls, close-ups of delicious food, and the lively interactions between vendors and customers.TikTok

Yes, it's generally acceptable to take photos of the food and the general ambiance. Be mindful of not obstructing other diners or vendors.

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting and fewer crowds, making for better photos. However, the vibrant energy during peak hours also makes for dynamic shots.

Stalls with colorful ingredients, intricate preparations, or long queues often make for interesting photographic subjects. The vibrant signage of many stalls also adds to the visual appeal.

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is usually sufficient. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, consider a versatile lens that can handle both wide shots and food close-ups.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Old Airport Road Food Centre offers a fantastic opportunity for families to experience authentic Singaporean food in a casual setting. The affordability means kids can try a few different things without parents worrying about the cost. Look for stalls with milder flavors or dishes like chicken rice or fried noodles that are generally kid-friendly. While the bustling environment can be exciting, keep an eye on younger children, especially during peak hours. Remember to clear your trays after eating to teach good habits.Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This is a paradise for budget travelers! You can enjoy a delicious and filling meal for just a few Singapore dollars.Reddit The variety means you can eat here for multiple meals without getting bored. Focus on trying a few different stalls to get a taste of Singapore's diverse hawker culture. The low cost allows you to splurge on trying multiple recommended dishes without overspending.

🍜 Food Enthusiasts & Explorers

For serious foodies, Old Airport Road Food Centre is a pilgrimage site. Dive into the extensive list of recommended stalls, from Michelin-recognized Kway Chap to legendary Char Siew.TikTok+1 Use resources like TikTok videos and Reddit threads to plan your 'food crawl' and discover hidden gems. Be prepared for queues at popular spots, as they are often a sign of quality. Don't be afraid to ask vendors about their specialties or try something completely new.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Hawker Experience

Old Airport Road Food Centre is a quintessential Singaporean hawker experience, established in 1973.Reddit It's a place where locals and tourists alike gather to savor a vast array of traditional dishes. The sheer number of stalls, each with its own specialty, creates a vibrant and sometimes overwhelming culinary landscape.TikTok Many TikTok creators highlight the importance of researching stalls beforehand, as popular ones can sell out or have specific opening days.TikTok+1 This dedication to authentic, affordable food is what makes hawker centres like this a cornerstone of Singaporean culture.

Must-Try Dishes and Culinary Gems

The food centre is renowned for several iconic dishes. To-Ricos Kway Chap has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its rich broth and tender braised meats, often drawing long queues.TikTok Roast Paradise is celebrated for its exceptional char siew (BBQ pork).TikTok+1 For a comforting bowl of Lor Mee, Tiong Bahru Lor Mee is a top recommendation.TikTok+1 Don't miss Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee for its classic wok-hei infused noodles.Reddit Other popular mentions include Wanton Mee, Carrot Cake, and fresh Prawn Noodles.TikTokReddit

Navigating the Atmosphere and Etiquette

The atmosphere at Old Airport Road Food Centre is lively and bustling, reflecting the energy of Singapore. While the food quality is exceptional, some reviews note that the environment might show signs of age and isn't always the most pristine.Reddit To enhance the experience for everyone, visitors are encouraged to practice good hawker etiquette. This includes clearing your own trays and tableware to the designated shelves at the back after finishing your meal.Reddit Finding a seat can also be a strategic move; some Redditors suggest sitting near the entrance for better airflow from the large fans, while avoiding the warmer central areas.Reddit