Old Airport Rd Food Centre: 10 Best Restaurants Nearby
Old Airport Road Food Centre is a gastronomic organization in Singapore, with over 160 sellers offering a rich tapestry of local cuisines. Established in 1973, this hawker center has become a mecca for foodies looking for authentic and reasonably priced Singaporean cuisine. Following a recent refurbishment completed in September 2024, the centre now has improved ventilation, lighting, and facilities, offering a comfortable dining experience for all patrons.
How to Get There:
10 Best Restaurants Nearby
Nam Sing Hokkien Mee (#01-32)
A stalwart since 1963, Nam Sing Hokkien Mee is renowned for its distinctive dry-style Hokkien Mee. Utilizing thin bee hoon noodles that absorb the rich seafood stock, the dish is further elevated by the use of peanut oil, imparting a unique aroma. Be prepared for long queues, as this stall is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Famous Dishes:
- Hokkien Mee: Dry style noodles infused with seafood stock, using thin bee hoon and peanut oil for a unique flavor.
Western Barbecue (#01-53)
Serving Hainanese-style Western cuisine since 1974, Western Barbecue is famous for its Mixed Grill, which includes pork, chicken, and lamb, all smothered in a signature garlic sauce. The Sirloin Steak is another popular choice, known for its tenderness and flavor.
Famous Dishes:
- Mixed Grill: A hearty combination of pork, chicken, and lamb, topped with their signature garlic sauce.
- Sirloin Steak: Tender and flavorful, a favorite among steak lovers.
Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee (#01-116)
This stall offers a unique take on Lor Mee, featuring thick, flavorful gravy and generous toppings of flaky white fish. The addition of garlic enhances the dish’s depth, making it a must-try for noodle lovers.
Famous Dishes:
- Signature Lor Mee: Thick yellow noodles with braised pork, fried fish, and braised egg, drenched in a flavorful braised sauce.
- Chicken Cutlet Lor Mee: A variation featuring crispy chicken cutlet atop the traditional Lor Mee.
- Cod Nugget Lor Mee: Lor Mee topped with fried cod nuggets for a seafood twist.
Toa Payoh Rojak (#01-108)
Toa Payoh Rojak delivers a well-balanced mix of crispy dough fritters, fresh fruits, and a robust prawn paste sauce. Optional add-ons like cuttlefish and century eggs provide an extra layer of flavor to this traditional dish.
Famous Dishes:
- Classic Rojak: A mix of pineapple, cucumber, turnip, beansprouts, dough fritters, and tau pok, all drenched in a shrimp paste sauce and sprinkled with crushed peanuts.
- Add-ons: Customize your rojak with cuttlefish or century egg for added flavor.
Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow (#01-138)
Dong Ji’s char kway teow is a less oily, Penang style version that boasts a smoky wok hei flavor. Each plate is individually prepared, ensuring a consistent and satisfying taste.
Famous Dishes:
- Char Kway Teow: Lightly seasoned noodles with subtle touches of dark soy sauce and fish sauce, enhanced by garlic and pork lard, delivering a smoky flavor.
Roast Paradise (#01-121)
Specializing in Malaysian-style char siew, Roast Paradise offers caramelized, tender pork slices that are both juicy and flavorful. The stall’s dedication to quality has earned it a loyal following.
Famous Dishes:
- Char Siew: Caramelized, tender pork slices with a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness.
- Roast Pork: Crispy skinned pork with juicy meat, a delight for roast meat lovers.
Ricos Kway Chap (#01-135)
To-Ricos serves silky rice noodles in a herbal broth, accompanied by a variety of braised meats and offal. The comforting and hearty meal is a testament to traditional Singaporean flavors.
Famous Dishes:
- Kway Chap Set: Silky rice noodles served with a selection of braised meats, including pork belly, intestines, and tofu, all in a rich herbal broth.
Wang Wang Curry Puff (#01-126)
Offering handmade curry puffs with flaky pastry and flavorful fillings like sardine and curry chicken, Wang Wang is a go-to for a quick and satisfying snack. The stall’s commitment to quality has made it a favorite among locals.
Famous Dishes:
- Curry Chicken Puff: Flaky pastry filled with spicy curry chicken and potatoes.
- Sardine Puff: A yummy option with sardine filling, offering a tangy and spicy flavor.
- Black Pepper Chicken Puff: For those who enjoy a peppery kick, this puff is filled with black pepper chicken.
Freshly Made Chee Cheong Fun (#01-155)
This stall is renowned for its silky rice noodle rolls filled with ingredients like char siew or prawns, drizzled with a savory soy based sauce. The freshness and quality of the chee cheong fun make it a standout choice.
Famous Dishes:
- Pig Liver Chee Cheong Fun: Thick and meaty pig liver slices wrapped in silky rice rolls.
- Egg Chee Cheong Fun: Steamed egg variant offering a unique twist with a curd-like texture.
- Century Egg Chee Cheong Fun: A delightful combination of century egg and rice noodle rolls.
- Otah Chee Cheong Fun: Spicy otah chunks meld beautifully with the translucent rice rolls.
- Handmade Prawn Rolls: Crispy delights stuffed with pork, prawn, and water chestnuts.
Minced Pork Bros (#01-162)
A modern take on traditional bak chor mee, Minced Pork Bros incorporates premium ingredients like scallops and ikura, offering a contemporary twist to a classic dish. The innovative approach has garnered attention from food lovers.
Famous Dishes:
- Signature Bak Chor Mee: Traditional minced pork noodles elevated with premium ingredients like scallops and ikura.
- Truffle Bak Chor Mee: A luxurious version infused with truffle oil for an aromatic experience.
Visiting Tips for Old Airport Road Food Centre
Final Words
Old Airport Road Food Centre serves a wide variety of gastronomic delicious foods to suit all tastes. The hawker centre encapsulates Singapore’s rich cuisine culture, including traditional foods and modern adaptations. Whether you’re a native or a tourist, a trip to this legendary food wonderland ensures an unforgettable eating experience.