If you’re working in Singapore’s CBD, you would have experienced the bittersweet feeling that floods you when lunch hour arrives. Your growling tummy has been waiting all morning for food, but you secretly crave something other than typical local dishes like hokkien mee or chicken rice – you want something different.
Fear not, for we have collated 6 different types of cuisines in various CBD hawker centres (and a bonus Italian store at the end!) that you can try during your next lunch break. And don’t worry, they won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
1. Mamacitas @ Lau Pa Sat or Amoy Street Food Centre (Costa Rican food)
If you’re working in the Tanjong Pagar or Raffles Place area, chances are you already know about or have tried Mamacitas. But their store is definitely unique enough to deserve another mention!
Since 2012, Costa Rican owner Ms Cindy Castro Vega has been serving up traditional Costa Rican cuisine such as beef burritos ($6.90), crispy taco bowls ($7.90, pictured), chicken fajitas ($6.80) and their signature dish, arroz con mariscos (seafood fried rice, $6.80).
And remember, all these prices include a side of rice and stewed potatoes! So trust us when we say a meal at Mamacitas is value for money.
And where else in Singapore can you get a generous topping of avocado for just $1? 😉
18 Raffles Quay
Lau Pa Sat Stall 6
Singapore 048582
11:30am – 09:00pm (Daily)
2. A Noodle Story @ Amoy Street Food Centre (Japanese/Hong Kong noodles)
Run by 2 Shatec-trained chefs who have worked for top restaurants like Iggy’s, A Noodle Story is dedicated to serving gourmet noodles at affordable prices.
Coming in 3 different sizes ($5.50, $6.50 and $7.50), their Singapore Style Ramen is an ingenious fusion of HK style wonton noodles and Japanese ramen.
Dig into a delectable bowl of chinese egg noodles, pork cha-su, hot spring egg, HK style wontons and potato prawn fritters. And don’t slurp up the accompanying bowl of pork broth too quickly!
Whilst waiting for your order, take a peek into the kitchen: A Noodle Story uses unique cooking techniques such as an immersion circulator for precision cooking of the eggs and cha-su.
ADDRESS
Amoy Street Food Centre
7 Maxwell Road
#01-39
Singapore 069111
OPENING HOURS
11.15am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 7.30pm (Mon-Fri)
10.30am – 2.00pm (Sat)
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
3. Soi 55 @ Golden Shoe Food Centre (Thai drinks)
https://www.instagram.com/p/8uyH5VsYDb/?taken-at=328387006
We really have to hand it to this young couple for bringing another treasured piece of Thailand’s food/drink scene to Singapore.
Soi 55 serves famous Thai drinks such as Thai Milk Tea, Thai Milk Coffee, Thai Rose Milk Tea and Thai Green Milk Tea at very affordable prices (Hot for $2.30, Cold for $2.50). They are also well-praised for taking it easy on the milk, sugar and ice, thus creating the perfect balance.
Top ups of sago, red ruby and pearls are available (50c each) to add some texture and childhood nostalgia.
ADDRESS
50 Market Street
Golden Shoe Food Centre#02-19,, Singapore 048940
OPENING HOURS
8:30am – 5:00pm (Mon-Fri)
Closed on Sat and Sun
4. Taqueria @ Golden Shoe Food Centre (Mexican tacos)
Cheap. Halal. Mexican. Tacos.
Need we say more? 😉
If you’re feeling peckish, opt for an individual taco – you can choose from chicken ($2.50), breaded fish ($3), prawns ($3.50) and grilled steak ($4).
Each taco come with a generous serving of pico de gallo (a Mexican topping of diced tomatoes, onions and cilantro) and are wrapped in soft tortillas that are handmade every morning with love. The considerate owners even provide plastic gloves for a hygienic eating experience.
a $12 set of all four variations is available for those looking for a complete meal. What’s more, you get free mild or hot salsa AND guacamole!
ADDRESS
50 Market Street
Golden Shoe Food Centre #03-29,
Singapore 048940
OPENING HOURS
11.30am – 2pm (Mon-Fri)
Closed on Sat and Sun
5. Fork N’ Fingers @ Chinatown Complex (Japanese Izakaya-style bites)
Located in one of Chinatown’s most famous eating hubs, Fork N’ Fingers is a Japanese store selling izakaya-style food (that goes perfectly with #6 on this list!)
If you’re looking for something heartier, dig into a bowl of Oden – a mild japanese stew of shitake mushrooms, hard boiled egg, daikon and carrots in a dashi broth ($3). Pair this with a plate of Hae Bee Hiam Rice ($3) to meet your daily carb requirements.
Don’t forget to try the Spicy Sesame Tofu with Spinach ($2)- served cold. You’ll love this refreshing side dish that is great for Singapore’s sweltering heat.
6. The Good Beer Company @ Chinatown Complex (Craft beers)
Yes, beers count as a cuisine. Especially when it comes to the huge variety of craft beers, which The Good Beer Company serves up at its humble hawker stall. With over 50 different types of beers and ciders from all over the word, you will definitely be spoilt for choice!
Unfortunately, it’s not open for lunch. But why not swing by after a hard day’s work to chill out with your colleagues?
ADDRESS
335 Smith Street
Chinatown Complex Food Centre #02-58
Singapore 050335
OPENING HOURS
6pm – 10pm (Mon-Sat)
Closed on Sun
https://www.instagram.com/p/95QXQBGoIR/?taken-at=354619407
[BONUS] 7. Ah Bong’s Italian @ Tiong Bahru
For those who don’t mind travelling a teensy bit further or who work in the Tiong Bahru area, you’ve surely heard of Ah Bong’s Italian. This non-pretentious and simple eatery serves up super affordable Italian fare – where else can you get Basil Pesto Pasta or Squid Ink Pasta for just $7-$10?
We can’t give you the exact items/prices because their menu changes every single day. Guess you’ll just have to head down there to check it out yourself 😉 Trust us, it is definitely worth the extra distance.
ADDRESS
56 Eng Hoon St
#01-46
Singapore 169793
OPENING HOURS
10am – 2pm (Daily)
