Location: 32 New Market Road, People’s Park Complex Food Centre, Singapore 050032
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (NE4/DT19)
Overview
People’s Park Food Centre remains criminally underrated in Singapore’s hawker landscape. While most visitors flock here solely for the Instagram-famous Ri Ri Hong Ma La Xiang Guo, they’re missing out on a treasure trove of exceptional hawker fare that spans traditional Cantonese classics, authentic Sichuan specialties, and some of the best value-for-money eats in the CBD fringe. This comprehensive review explores 12 standout stalls that make this food centre worth the pilgrimage.
The Must-Try Stalls
1. Jin Feng Mei Shi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unit #01-1130 | Daily 10:30am-9pm
Specialty: Handmade Xiao Long Bao ($4.50/6pcs), Dumplings ($5/10pcs)
Jin Feng Mei Shi delivers what xiao long bao enthusiasts dream about: perfectly executed soup dumplings at hawker prices. At $4.50 for six pieces, each handmade bao is a delicate parcel of joy, filled with savory meat and piping hot broth that bursts satisfyingly in your mouth. The skin maintains that crucial balance between thin enough to appreciate the filling and sturdy enough to contain the precious soup. Pro tip: don’t skip the ginger and vinegar accompaniments—they cut through the richness beautifully. Their dumplings are equally impressive at $5 for 10 pieces, making this stall exceptional value.
Value Rating: 5/5 | Taste Rating: 4.5/5
2. Yong Xiang Xing Dou Fu ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unit #01-1084 | Tue-Sun 12:30pm-4pm (or until sold out)
Specialty: Fixed-set Yong Tau Foo ($6/bowl)
This legendary stall operates on a simple premise: take it or leave it. There’s no customization here, just perfectly crafted fixed sets of handmade yong tau foo in a surprisingly flavorful clear soup. What makes this place special is the commitment to handmade quality—every piece is prepared fresh, and the broth, despite being clear, packs impressive depth and umami. The perpetual queue during their limited three-hour window speaks volumes. Arrive early or risk disappointment, as they regularly sell out before closing time.
Value Rating: 4.5/5 | Taste Rating: 5/5
3. Ri Ri Hong Ma La Xiang Guo ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Unit #01-1152 | Mon-Sat 10am-9:30pm, Sun 10:30am-9:30pm
Specialty: Ma La Xiang Guo (portions: $1 vegetables, $2 meat, $3 seafood)
With over 1,500 Google reviews, this is the stall that put People’s Park on the map for many Singaporeans. Their unique portion-based pricing system (rather than weight) makes it easier to budget and encourages variety. The zhong la (medium spice) level hits the sweet spot—enough fiery kick to satisfy spice lovers without overwhelming the complex numbing ma la flavors. Come with friends to maximize variety and value. The quality remains consistently high despite the popularity, though peak hours can mean longer waits.
Value Rating: 5/5 | Taste Rating: 4.5/5
4. Zhen Zhu Fang Roasted Delights ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unit #01-1098 | Fri-Wed 9am-9pm
Specialty: Roasted Pork Rice ($3.80), Wanton Mee ($4)
The perpetual queue here isn’t by accident. Zhen Zhu Fang’s roasted pork rice at $3.80 is a masterclass in hawker value—crispy, golden-brown skin shatters to reveal succulent meat beneath. The char siew-to-rice ratio is generous, and everything is properly seasoned. Their wanton mee deserves equal acclaim, with springy noodles coated in their signature savory sauce and satisfyingly plump wantons. This is comfort food executed with precision.
Value Rating: 5/5 | Taste Rating: 4.5/5
5. Chop Hean Kuan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unit #01-1018 | Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
Specialty: Handmade Dim Sum (Char Siew Bao $1.20, Siew Mai $1.20, Egg Tart $1.50)
Over 100 years in business means Chop Hean Kuan has mastered the art of traditional dim sum. Their pricing seems frozen in time—everything under $2.50 is remarkable given today’s inflation. The char siew bao and red bean bao at $1.20 each are pillowy soft with generous fillings. Perfect for breakfast or tea time, this stall represents old-school craftsmanship that’s increasingly rare in modern Singapore. The egg tarts and glutinous rice are equally worthwhile.
Value Rating: 5/5 | Taste Rating: 4.5/5
6. O Kee Roasted Duck ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unit #01-1014 | Tue-Sun 11am-6pm
Specialty: Roasted Duck Rice ($5.50), Whole Duck ($42)
Formerly Toh Kee Roasted Duck, this decades-old establishment justifies its slightly premium pricing with quality. The roasted duck rice features paper-thin, crispy skin giving way to tender, juicy meat that’s properly seasoned throughout. At $5.50, it’s pricier than most hawker duck rice, but the execution warrants the extra dollars. Their whole ducks at $42 are ideal for family gatherings or special occasions when you want restaurant quality at hawker prices.
Value Rating: 4/5 | Taste Rating: 5/5
7. Hong Peng La Mian Xiao Long Bao ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unit #01-1064 | Daily 11am-9pm
Specialty: Shanghai Xiao Long Bao ($5/6pcs), Hand-pulled Noodles (from $4)
This Michelin-mentioned stall offers another excellent xiao long bao option, with six plump dumplings for $5. The hand-pulled noodles showcase impressive technique—springy, fresh, and with that characteristic chew that machine-made noodles can’t replicate. Their noodles with bean paste ($4) and chicken cutlet noodles ($5.50) are popular for good reason. While slightly pricier than Jin Feng Mei Shi, the hand-pulled noodle specialization gives them a distinct identity.
Value Rating: 4/5 | Taste Rating: 4.5/5
8. Loh Mei Specialist ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unit #01-1106 | Daily 12pm-8pm
Specialty: Loh Mei (Fermented Bean Curd Stew) ($5/$7/$9)
This is heritage food at its finest. Loh mei was popular in the 1950s-60s but has nearly vanished from Singapore’s food scene. This stall might be the only hawker keeping this Cantonese tradition alive. The fermented bean curd stew is an acquired taste—funky, savory, and deeply complex, featuring chicken, mushrooms, pig skin, and cuttlefish. It’s not for everyone, but for those seeking authentic old-school flavors or culinary education, this is invaluable. A taste of living food history.
Value Rating: 4/5 | Taste Rating: 4/5 (subjective)
9. Chuan Wei Fang Xiang La Xie ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unit #01-1040 | Daily 10:30am-9pm
Specialty: Chongqing Grilled Fish ($22, with add-ons from $3)
Bringing Chongqing-style grilled fish to the hawker setting is ambitious, and this stall pulls it off admirably. The $22 fish comes swimming in ma la broth with generous portions of enoki mushrooms, lotus root, and bean curd skin. While pricier than typical hawker fare, it’s perfect for sharing and significantly cheaper than restaurant versions. The option to add sliced beef ($4), potatoes ($3), or vermicelli ($3) makes it customizable. Great for groups seeking something different.
Value Rating: 3.5/5 | Taste Rating: 4/5
10. Si Chuan Ming Xiao Chi ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unit #01-1042 | Daily 10am-10pm
Specialty: Spicy Beancurd ($2.50), Beef Noodles ($5), Braised Pork Rib Noodles ($5)
Authentic Sichuan specialties are rare at hawker centres, making this stall a welcome discovery. The spicy beancurd is a revelation—soft silken tofu topped with soy sauce, chili flakes, and crunchy peanuts creates a play of textures and that characteristic Sichuan heat-meets-numbing sensation. Don’t confuse this with tau huay dessert! The beef and pork rib noodles are solid, hearty options for those seeking comfort food with a spicy kick.
Value Rating: 4.5/5 | Taste Rating: 4/5
11. Yi Pin Beef King ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unit #01-1074 | Daily 8am-9pm
Specialty: Beef Noodles ($5-$6), Braised Beef Rice (price TBD)
For beef lovers, this stall delivers satisfaction. Their beef noodles feature tender meat in a savory, aromatic broth that warms the soul. The real star, however, is the braised beef rice—chunks of melt-in-your-mouth brisket over rice, all coated in a dark, savory sauce that’s borderline addictive. The early opening hours (8am) make this perfect for those seeking a hearty breakfast or lunch.
Value Rating: 4/5 | Taste Rating: 4.5/5
12. Nanyang Lor Mee ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unit #B1-80A | Daily 9am-4pm
Specialty: Chicken Karaage Lor Mee ($4), Red Snapper Lor Mee ($5-$6), Cod Fish Lor Mee ($6.50)
Famous for their trust-based payment system where customers make their own change, this stall also deserves recognition for innovative lor mee variations. Chicken karaage, red snapper, and cod fish options elevate the traditional dish into something more refined. The rich, savory gravy coats the slippery noodles perfectly, and regulars swear by the consistency. The creative protein options show how traditional dishes can evolve while respecting their roots.
Value Rating: 4/5 | Taste Rating: 4/5
Final Verdict
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
People’s Park Food Centre deserves its place among Singapore’s top hawker destinations. The sheer variety—from century-old dim sum to modern fusion lor mee, heritage Cantonese loh mei to fiery Sichuan specialties—ensures something for everyone. Most impressively, prices remain remarkably reasonable, with quality eats starting from just $1.20.
Strengths:
- Exceptional variety spanning multiple Chinese regional cuisines
- Outstanding value-for-money across most stalls
- Mix of heritage establishments (100+ years) and popular modern vendors
- Central location near Chinatown MRT
- Many stalls open extended hours (some until 9-10pm)
Considerations:
- Popular stalls like Yong Xiang Xing Dou Fu sell out early
- Peak lunch hours (12-2pm) can mean longer queues
- Some stalls closed on specific days (check before visiting)
- Basement can feel humid during peak hours
Recommended Visit Strategy:
- First-timers: Start with Jin Feng Mei Shi (XLB), Zhen Zhu Fang (roasted meats), and Chop Hean Kuan (dim sum)
- Spice lovers: Ri Ri Hong Ma La, Si Chuan Ming Xiao Chi, Chuan Wei Fang grilled fish
- Heritage food hunters: Loh Mei Specialist, Chop Hean Kuan
- Budget-conscious: Everything here is reasonable, but Chop Hean Kuan and Zhen Zhu Fang offer incredible value
Who Should Visit:
- Xiao long bao enthusiasts seeking quality without the wait
- Ma la xiang guo fans (obviously)
- Anyone interested in traditional/heritage Chinese cuisine
- Office workers seeking variety beyond typical CBD options
- Food adventurers wanting authentic regional Chinese specialties
The Bottom Line: People’s Park Food Centre punches well above its weight. While it may lack the historical prestige of Maxwell or Lau Pa Sat, it compensates with remarkable culinary diversity, consistent quality, and prices that seem increasingly rare in modern Singapore. Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or simply seeking a satisfying meal, this food centre delivers. Just remember: come hungry, come with friends, and don’t limit yourself to just the ma la stall.
Note: All stalls mentioned are not halal-certified. Prices and operating hours are accurate as of April 2024 but may change. Always call ahead or check social media for the most current information.
- Limited Information: Most establishments appear to be dine-in focused
- Takeaway Available: Several hawker stalls and coffee shops
- No Delivery Mentioned: For most locations
Tourist Accessibility:
- Highest Value: Maxwell Food Centre, Tong Ah Eating House, Original Katong Laksa, Atlas Bar
- Moderate Accessibility: Most hawker centres and established restaurants
- Advance Planning Required: The Ampang Kitchen, Burnt Ends reservations
Cultural Significance:
- Historical: Tong Ah (1939), Singapore Zam Zam (1908), Song Fa (1969)
- Heritage Preservation : Kim Choo Kueh Chang, Tan’s Tu Tu Coconut Cake
- Modern Innovation: Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet, % Arabica
Cooking Techniques Highlighted:
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