Alexandra Village Food Centre has reopened after a few months of renovations.
As someone who has queued for my fair share of hawker meals, I had to see what had changed.
The first thing I noticed was the brighter, more open space.
Tables and chairs are new, and the whole place feels cleaner, even if the lunchtime crowd has not changed one bit.
Tiny feedback (in case the authorities are reading this): These tables are better than the wooden-looking ones at other revamped food centres, though some of the lights were flickering and a bit too glaring.
The good news is many of the old favourites have returned too (phewwwwww).
Here’s what to eat at the revamped Alexandra Village Food Centre Returns: (Note: opening hours are based on the old timings, will update after the stalls have more or less confirmed their opening hours.)
Xiang Jiang Soya Sauce Chicken
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-77
Opening Hours: 8am – 2pm (Wed – Sun), Closed Mon, Tues
There is always a long line here in the morning. The stall has also been featured in the Singapore Michelin Guide with a “Michelin Selected”.
Xiang Jiang’s signatures include the Soya Sauce Chicken Rice or Soya Sauce Chicken Noodles.
The chicken had a beautiful gloss and smooth meat with a good bite, though it may not be the best I have had.
I liked that the noodles were thin and springy, evenly coated in a soya sauce base which imparted a layer of flavour on the noodles.
You could also add on sui gao to your order, each plump dumpling filled with minced pork, prawns and black fungus.
Read more at: Xiang Jiang Soya Sauce Chicken (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Laksa
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-75
Opening Hours: 9am – 3pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sat), Closed Wed, Sun
The previously Michelin Bib Gourmand listed stall at Alexandra Village Food Centre is known for its Laksa served in a claypot, which is not quite the usual.
They removed the claypot option some years back but reinstated it.
The broth is supposedly slow cooked over two hours using a unique blend of spices and ingredients, resulting in a thicker and more flavourful gravy.
It comes with toppings including prawns, cockles and fishcakes. I remember it used to taste a lot hotter and better in the ‘good old days’ though.
Read more at: Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Laksa (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
The Old Stall Hokkien Street Famous Prawn Mee
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-58
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 2pm (Tue – Sun), Closed Mon
The combination of old-school flavours, generous portions, and the authenticity of the preparation made it a favourite spot for those looking for Hae Mee.
They included five must-eat reasons at the stall: fresh ingredients, no added MSG, value for money, mouth-watering, and a secret spicy recipe.
A bowl could include three jumbo prawns, clams, pork belly, and crispy pork lard, all topped with a dollop of house-made sambal belachan.
Simmered with prawn heads and clams, the broth infused the noodles with a deep flavour that paired well with the mix of yellow noodles and bee hoon.
Prawns were sweet and tasty but a little too overcooked for me.
The pork ribs were marinated in soy sauce before being braised, enhancing their flavour that melted in my mouth.
Tip: Do not miss adding some of their specially made chilli powder.
Dover Road Kai Kee Wanton Noodles
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-09
Opening Hours: 7am – 3pm (Wed – Mon), Closed Tues
This must be one of the most nostalgic-tasting Wanton Mee around Singapore.
A classic spot for traditional Wanton Mee, Dover Road Kai Kee is known for its old-school flavour and has been serving up plates of wanton noodles for over 30 years.
The dish featured a generous portion of mee kia noodles, accompanied by thin slices of char siew, blanched vegetables, and several well-seasoned wantons.
The noodles had a springy texture, which retained a slight bite.
Something special was the sauce, a blend of sweet and salty flavours, which lightly coated the noodles.
The wantons were filled with minced pork, wrapped in a delicate skin that added a pleasant texture contrast.
The char siew, in typical old-school Singapore wanton mee style, was on the leaner and drier side.
Read more at: Dover Road Kai Kee Wanton Noodles (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
Zhang Ji Shanghai La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-56
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 8.30pm (Wed – Sun), Closed Mon, Tues
The must-try at Zhang Ji included the Xiao Long Bao, which was very wallet-friendly.
The dumplings, made in a traditional style, came with a minced pork filling and were well marinated and rather juicy.
I found the Guo Tie comparable as well, and liked its crispy thin skin, especially wonderful when dipped in chilli sauce and paired with ginger in vinegar.
The La Mian with Fried Bean Sauce was also worth a shot, with minced meat bean sauce drizzled liberally over the freshly cooked noodles.
The stall’s reasonable prices and quality made this a popular stall, with one of the longest lines I observed during dinner time.
Read more at: Zhang Ji Shanghai La Mian Xiao Long Bao (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
Tong Le Wanton Mee
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-87
Opening Hours: 9am – 8pm (Mon – Thurs, Sat – Sun), Closed Fri
The previous Wei Min The Famous Wanton Noodle 為民馳名雲吞麵 may have closed, but the former co-owners came out to open a new stall at the front of the food centre called Tong Le Wanton Mee.
Known for its springy and bouncy noodles, this humble stall offers its take on the classic Wanton Mee.
The star of the menu is undoubtedly the Char Siew Wanton Noodles. There was this balance of flavours, with the noodles coated in a light, yet flavourful sauce that did not overpower the natural taste of the ingredients.
The char siew was tender and slightly sweet, which paired well with the savoury wantons.
One of the unique offerings at Wei Min is the Curry Fried Chicken Cutlet Hor Fun (sometimes I would order the mee kia).
This dish featured Malaysian-style thin flat rice noodles served with a crispy fried chicken cutlet, all smothered in a rich curry sauce.
The contrast between the crunchy chicken and the silky noodles, combined with the spicy curry, could be an interesting try.
Read more at: Wei Min The Famous Wanton Noodle (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
Hor Fun Premium
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-30
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 8:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Two words: wok-hei.
Hor Fun Premium has become a favourite for its silky hor fun, which boasted a significant amount of wok hei, giving the dish a distinctive smoky flavour.
The noodles were well-charred (not over) and coated in a rich, savoury gravy, making each spoonful comforting.
I particularly enjoyed the Beef Hor Fun, featuring tender slices of beef that were generously portioned, with the beef being cooked just right, tender yet with a pleasant chewiness.
The dish was enhanced by a silky, eggy gravy that tied all the flavours together. The addition of vegetable stalks added a crunchy element to the dish.
Another highlight is the Sliced Fish Hor Fun, which used fresh toman fish and was not overly fishy.
Served in generous portions that make it great value for money. Note that this stall has moved from its previous stall location.
Read more at: Hor Fun Premium (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
Ding Sheng 鼎升
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-78
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 4pm – 8:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Taking over the former space of Hor Fun Premium, this stall sells similar items with its array of noodle and rice dishes.
Some of the signature items included Beef Hor Fun, Sliced Fish Hor Fun, and Pork Ribs Rice.
The dishes were characterised by their robust flavours and generous servings, particularly noted for their “strong flavor” (重口味), rich in seasoning and bold tastes.
Ding Sheng’s Beef Hor Fun stood out with its succulent beef slices and noodles drenched in a savoury sauce enhanced by the smoky allure of wok-hei.
Meanwhile, the Sliced Fish Hor Fun offered a slightly charred texture on silky noodles, enveloped in a smooth and rich gravy.
Read more at: Ding Sheng 鼎升 (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
Zi Jin Cheng Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice 紫金城
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-15
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 2:30pm (Wed – Sat), Closed Sun, Mon, Tues
The stall only serves the steamed chicken version, boneless as the signage suggests, without the roasted type.
It is quite well-liked by customers, with a steady flow of people lining up during lunch time.
All in all, this was a decent, above-average plate of Chicken Rice.
The chicken was cooked till juicy and tender with a good bite.
The rice itself was mildly fragrant, cooked with chicken broth to give it richer flavours. Compared to some of the famous brands out there, the grains were on the lighter and dry side and some would prefer more robustness.
Read more at: Zi Jin Cheng Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
The Thunder Tea Story 擂茶物语
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-55
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 8pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 3pm (Sat), Closed Sun
Hakka Lei Cha is a healthy dish that combines a variety of fresh vegetables, tofu, peanuts, and brown rice, served with a distinctive green tea soup.
The Thunder Tea Story is very popular with the lunch time crowd.
Each bowl comprised a standard mix of eight ingredients.
These included cabbage, chye sim, long bean with tofu, cekor manis (also known as mani cai, 树仔菜, or stargoose berry), leek with tofu, a mixture of kidney beans and black-eyed peas, salty preserved radish (chye po), and roasted peanuts.
While some people may find the lei cha soup too intense or even bitter, this version (to me at least) was quite drinkable.
Looking vibrant green, it had a rich and slightly creamy consistency that complemented the fresh vegetables and rice.
Read more at: The Thunder Tea Story 擂茶物语 (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
Hong Kong Yummy Soup 香港靚湯
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-51
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 3:15pm – 8:30pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun, PH
Hong Kong Yummy Soup 真之味 香港靚湯 has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in Singapore.
Soups offered by the stall include Spareribs Soup with Lotus Root, Spareribs Soup with Winter Melon, Brazil Mushroom Soup with Chicken, Spareribs Soup with Mushrooms, Cordyceps Flowers Soup with Chicken, and Night Blooming Cereus Spareribs Soup.
I usually ordered the Spareribs Soup with Mushrooms, which was light yet nutritious tasting, with an obvious sweetness coming from the carrots.
The spareribs were fall-off-the-bone and would go well with a light dip of soya sauce with cut chilli padi.
Read more at: Hong Kong Yummy Soup (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
Ma La Xiang Guo 麻辣香锅
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-42
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)
There was a period when I kept craving Ma La Xiang Guo, and this was one of the top recommended stalls.
They offer four levels of spiciness, from slightly, mild, normal to extreme. The mala here was particularly fragrant, with a bold and enticing aroma that hinted at the spicy kick.
The level of spiciness, even for the “xiao la” or small spice level, was quite intense for locals, living up to its name and satisfying those who crave that numbing sensation typical of Sichuan cuisine.
A standout feature compared to other stalls was the level of smokiness and wok-hei.
However, I felt the meat could be a bit tough, which might be a consideration for those with specific texture preferences.
There were also heartier items like Twice-Cooked Pork, Spicy Boiled Fish, and Hot & Sour Rice Noodles.
Xiao Gang Western Food
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-29
Opening Hours: 11am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 9pm (Mon – Thu), 11am – 2:30pm (Sat – Sun), Closed Fri
A wide range of classic Western dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes.
Items include Grilled Fish, Fish & Chicken Cutlet, Black Pepper Sirloin Steak, Pork Chop, Salmon Fish, Lamb Chop, and Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese.
You can choose to pair with rice, fries or spaghetti.
The food was prepared quickly and served hot, typically with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and fries.
One standout dish was the Mixed Grill, which included a generous portion of grilled chicken, pork, and fish.
The chicken chop was not bad for its tenderness and flavour, while the steak, though slightly tough, still satisfied with its well-seasoned exterior.
Lye Bo Toss Noodle
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-27
Opening Hours: 9am – 2pm (Mon – Sun)
Not your typical wanton mee stall. This modern-looking stall, which has been around for many years, specialises in Honey Glazed BBQ Pork Noodle and Minced Pork Noodle with Onsen Egg.
Appearance-wise, the char siew was glossy with a caramelised glaze. I could taste the hint of honey and five-spice on the char siew.
The leaner cut of meat was tender and juicy. It might lack the smoky flavour of traditional char siew, but I was fine with it as the other layer was not so charred.
The noodles had a springy texture that paired well with the sweet soy sauce and the rich, velvety onsen egg.
Pu Tian Delights 莆田美食
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-88
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed
A taste of authentic Putian cuisine in Singapore. Despite its modest size, this corner stall offers a diverse menu of over 20 traditional dishes.
This includes Putian Lor Mee and Heng Hwa specialties. The dishes are characterised by their simplicity, with a focus on fresh ingredients that deliver homely and comforting flavours.
Among the highlights were the Putian Lor Mee, a take on the noodle dish with a light, seafood-infused broth, and the Xing Hwa Bee Hoon, which provided a similar flavour profile with thin vermicelli.
Read more at: Pu Tian Delights (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
Lau Phua Chay Authentic Roasted Delicacies
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-20
Opening Hours: 11am – 7pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
When I noticed almost every table at this side of the hawker centre had that green plate with a pile of ‘mess’ on the rice, I knew I needed to hunt for it.
Lau Phua Chay serves traditional Teochew style char siew, roast pork belly and roast duck, all drenched with a thick, gooey sauce.
Unlike most other roast meat stalls, the char siew here is also darker in colour compared to the reddish hue that other char siew stalls tend to have.
This is due to the Teochew style of marinade and cooking, which uses a sweeter version of the sauce made by caramelising bean paste and malt sugar.
The char siew has a good balance between lean meat and fats, and the marinade provides a flavourful punch. I wished the meats were cut in thicker slices though.
Tai Liok Claypot Chicken Rice
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-66
Opening Hours: 5pm – 10pm (Thurs – Sun), Closed Mon – Wed
The stall used to be located at Level 2 of Margaret Drive Food Centre and has moved to Alexandra Village Food Centre. Many regulars have continued supporting this stall.
It sells the fragrant dish of Claypot Chicken Rice, which comes with a generous portion of lup cheong and boneless chicken meat.
The rice is fragrant and considered wetter than the typical version, which is usually on the drier side, topped with generous portions of chunky yet soft chicken meat.
You can also add side dishes including Oyster Sauce Vegetables, Pig Stomach with Pork Rib Soup, Watercress with Pork Rib Soup, and Herbal Black Chicken Soup.
Tiong Bahru Lien Fa Shui Jing Pau
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-10
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 2pm (Tues – Sat), Closed Sun, Mon
This Michelin Guide listed stall (not awarded stars) sells Teochew dumplings filled with turnip and vegetable, red bean, or taro.
They are called Crystal Dumplings due to their translucent, delicate skin.
The hawkers make them fresh by the hour, and only for a few hours per day.
I still love the chilli, though I think that the skin was much thicker than during their heydays.
Read more at: Tiong Bahru Lien Fa Shui Jing Pau (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
Star Yong Kwang BBQ Seafood
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-04
Opening Hours: 3pm – 9:45pm (Mon – Sun)
Star Yong Kwang BBQ Seafood is helmed by Mr Eng and his son, who had already taken over the wok and learnt the tricks of the trade by the time he turned 16.
The stall has a wide range of offerings, and some of the all-time favourites include Sambal Sotong, Har Cheong Kai, Salad You Tiao, and Salted Egg Yolk Pork Ribs. I find the prices slightly on the higher side.
Most customers come for their signature BBQ Sambal Stingray, served with a thick layer of sambal chilli on top, with chunky flesh below.
All their dishes are based on their own recipes, perfected over the years.
Old Punggol Satay
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-52
Opening Hours: 4pm – 8pm (Mon – Fri), 12pm – 7pm (Sat – Sun)
Originally located in Punggol, the stall was closed for some time until the son of the original owners decided to restart the family business.
The stall sells chicken, pork, and mutton satays as well as ketupats.
The satay is known for its meat with a light, flavourful marinade. What sets this stall apart is its peanut sauce, served with the addition of mashed pineapple, adding a sweet and tangy layer to the rich, nutty dip.
There are some mixed reviews though, particularly about the consistency of the satay’s char and portion size.
Mr Avocado Exotic Juice
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-19
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Tues – Fri, Sun), Closed Mon, Sat
There are at least four stalls selling Avocado Juice at Alexandra Village Food Centre.
Mr Avocado Exotic Juice is probably my favourite spot for its creamy and refreshing avocado shakes.
Known for using fresh avocados blended with milk and a touch of gula melaka, the shakes here strike a balance between sweet and creamy. The use of gula melaka instead of regular sugar adds a distinct touch that sets this shake apart from others.
The result is a smooth, rich beverage that is not too thick or watery, making it quite refreshing to drink.
However, I would recommend drinking it soon as when the ice melts, it may become too diluted.
Despite the occasional wait during peak hours, the stall’s efficiency ensures that the queue moves quickly.
Aside from the signature avocado shake, Mr Avocado also offers other interesting fruit juices like durian and mango.
Read more at: Mr Avocado Exotic Juice (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
Desserts Pavilion
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-69
Opening Hours: 12am – 8pm (Tue – Sun), Closed Mon
Not your usual dessert stall, Desserts Pavilion 糖水亭 in Singapore offers an array of traditional Chinese desserts. I am actually surprised that no websites have really written about it yet.
Desserts include Lily Bulb, Lotus Seed with White Fungus Soup, Ginger Soup with Longan and Rice Balls, Green Bean with Sago Soup, Red Bean Soup, and Homemade Sesame Paste.
Go for its pure-tasting and creamy Black Sesame Paste, which is not overly sweet.
Prices are slightly above average for hawker food, but the quality is there and they generally taste not overly sweet.
AJ Delights
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-82
Opening Hours: 11am – 7pm or till sold out (Mon – Sun)
AJ Delights is popular for its freshly baked, soft and moist muffins, topped with a signature crumbly streusel.
Bestsellers include Green Tea Monster, Apple Streusel, and Walnut Banana Double Chocolate. I like the Double Chocolate and Walnut Banana Double Chocolate.
The muffins are known for their consistent texture, generous fillings, and thoughtful use of quality ingredients.
The flavours are balanced, not overly sweet, and appeal to both adults and kids.
Ah B Bakery
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-35
Opening Hours: 8am – 8.30pm (Mon – Sun)
Ah B Bakery is a spot for pastry lovers, offering a wide range of freshly baked goods. I find some items in this halal bakeshop pretty different from the usual, like the Orh Nee Muffin.
Their muffins stand out for their soft, fluffy texture and generous fillings. The Blueberry Walnut and Apple Crumble Muffins have balanced sweetness and fresh ingredients.
The bakery also excels in its Danishes and tarts. I was particularly fond of the Burnt Custard Danish. The crisp pastry was so buttery, and it was satisfying to get the smooth, sweet custard filling inside.
The Curry Potato Tart is a savoury option that stands out for its fusion of flavours, although it can be a bit crumbly.
I was told that I should pay a visit to their other outlet in Bukit Gombak and try their Instagram-worthy Chicken Curry croissant. Maybe another time.
Other Related Entries
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Pasir Panjang Food Centre Food Guide
Yuhua Market & Hawker Centre Foo Guide
Bukit Merah Central Food Guide
Bukit Timah Interim Food Centre Hawker Guide
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