Amoy Street Food Centre: A Gourmet Journey Singapore's CBD

Amoy Street Food Centre, nestled amidst the bustling skyscrapers of Singapore's central business district (CBD), is an unassuming gastronomic haven, serving a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary fare. Not just a foodie’s paradise, but this food centre also holds historical significance that dates back to the post-war era.

Brief History Of The Amoy Street Food Centre

In the 1950s, the locale, known as Amoy Street Food Centre, was a street-food hub teeming with itinerant hawkers. However, Singapore’s government sought to regulate and improve the sanitary conditions of the hawker scene during the 1970s, leading to the establishment of this food centre in 1983. Since then, Amoy Street Food Centre has stood the test of time, becoming an iconic symbol of Singapore's rich hawker culture, with a remarkable journey that mirrors the evolution of the nation's food scene.

Amoy Street Food Centre Role In Singapore’s Food Scene

Amoy Street Food Centre is a vibrant hotspot for office workers and food connoisseurs alike, owing to its unique amalgamation of traditional food stalls and hipster cafes. Its distinct charm stems from the diverse array of local dishes served, many of which carry a storied past and reflect Singapore's multicultural heritage.

What makes this food centre a culinary landmark is the emphasis on preserving traditional cooking methods while integrating modern twists to cater to evolving palates. A testament to its culinary prowess, some of its stalls have even garnered international recognition with the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Popular Must-Try Dishes

From hearty bowls of Teochew Fish Ball Noodles and succulent Hokkien style Bak Zhang (rice dumplings) to more contemporary offerings like Singapore-style Ramen and handmade burgers, each dish at Amoy Street Food Centre has its unique story to tell. Traditional dishes, prepared using age-old recipes passed down generations, sit comfortably alongside modern fare, a testament to Singapore's culinary evolution.

Han Kee Fish Soup: A comforting bowl of fish soup is what you get at Han Kee. Their signature dish boasts generous portions of fresh fish, soaked in a rich and flavorful broth that’s a perfect antidote to a long workday.

Wah Kee Noodle: Wah Kee Noodle is another popular stall. Known for their big prawn noodle dish, it's a hearty bowl of spicy, savoury broth with springy noodles, succulent prawns, and a variety of other toppings. The robust, prawn-infused soup is the star of the dish, having been simmered for hours to achieve its deep, umami flavour.

J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff: For those looking for a quick snack, J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff offers delicious crispy curry puffs. Each puff pastry is handmade, filled with a mix of curry potatoes, chicken, and a slice of hard-boiled egg, then deep-fried to a golden brown. The result is a delightful combination of a flaky exterior and a savoury, spicy filling.

Piao Ji Fish Porridge: Piao Ji Fish Porridge is another standout at Amoy Street Food Centre. They serve a comforting bowl of fish porridge, which consists of fresh slices of fish cooked in a clear, flavourful broth served with rice. It's a simple dish but prepared with such skill that it keeps customers coming back.

A Noodle Story: This stall stands out with its Singapore-style Ramen – an innovative twist to traditional hawker fare. A recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand, their noodles come with char siew, wanton, potato-wrapped prawn, and an onsen egg, providing a satisfying blend of local and Japanese flavors.

Koryori Hayashi: Providing a taste of Japan, Koryori Hayashi offers a decent variety of Japanese dishes such as dons, udon, ramen, and pasta. Each dish is prepared with the utmost attention to detail and provides a burst of authentic Japanese flavours.

Coffee Break: For those who need a caffeine kick, Coffee Break is the place to be. Offering a variety of traditional and unique toasts, such as kaya toast, and an array of local and artisanal coffee options, this stall is a favourite among the breakfast and tea crowd.

Kin Men Seng Heng Hokkien Braised Duck: This stall serves up a delectable braised duck, bathed in a flavorful sauce. The tender duck meat paired with yam rice makes for a complete, wholesome meal.

San Lao Hor Fun: San Lao Hor Fun is another stall that draws a crowd. Known for their flavourful hor fun (rice noodles) dishes, they offer a variety of toppings like seafood, beef, and more. The rice noodles are smooth and slippery, drenched in a savoury sauce that makes every bite irresistible.

Ah Tee Ko Ko Mee: Experiencing a hiatus from ramen! The freshness of the soup was striking, the noodles offered a pleasing chewy texture, commonly referred to as 'Q-pop' and the barbecue meat was tender to perfection!

Kheng Fatt Hainanese Beef Noodles: Kheng Fatt Hainanese Beef Noodles is the go-to stall for beef noodle lovers. Their beef noodles come with tender slices of beef and a flavourful broth. You can also choose from either rice noodles or yellow noodles, both of which perfectly soak up the tasty broth.

Amoy Street Food Centre is home to many other food stalls, each offering their unique take on Singaporean and international dishes. The variety of food choices ensures there's something for everyone, from the most adventurous foodie to those who prefer traditional flavours.

How to Get There

Amoy Street Food Centre is located at 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111. It is centrally located in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District (CBD), making it easily accessible via various modes of transport.

MRT: If you're travelling by MRT, the nearest station is Telok Ayer on the Downtown Line. From there, it's just a short walk to the food centre.

Driving: If you're driving, there are several parking lots available in the vicinity, including the public carpark at Market Street and Golden Shoe Car Park. However, given the food centre's prime location in the CBD, parking rates may be higher than average.

Bus: Finally, numerous bus services stop near Amoy Street Food Centre, including services 57, 131, 167, 186, 400, 402, 700, and 971E, among others.

Practical Information

Opening Hours: Most stalls are open from Monday to Friday, with a few stalls open on Saturdays. The food centre is generally busiest during lunch hours (11am to 2pm) and it's worth noting that many popular stalls may sell out before the official closing time. To avoid disappointment, it's best to go early.

Payment: Cash is widely accepted at all stalls, while some stalls also accept electronic payments. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Etiquette: In typical Singaporean food centre fashion, you may find locals practicing 'choping', a system where they reserve seats using tissue packets or other small items. Respect this system and do not take seats that have been 'choped'.

Lastly, always clear your table after eating to maintain cleanliness and ensure the next person has a clean space to dine.

Amoy Street Food Centre Conclusion

Visiting Amoy Street Food Centre is truly a feast for the senses. From the delicious array of food to the buzzing atmosphere, it offers a slice of Singapore's vibrant food culture that's not to be missed. Whether you're a foodie or a casual diner, there's something for everyone at Amoy Street Food Centre. So take your taste buds on an adventure and discover the delights this food centre has to offer.