The morning starts, you’re a little peckish, and your mind immediately drifts to one place: Tampines Round Market & Food Centre. It’s more than just a place to grab a meal; it’s a true neighbourhood institution, a place filled with nostalgia and some of the best hawker food in the entire country.
I’ve been a regular here since I was a kid, so I’ve had my fair share of bowls, plates, and cups of goodness from these stalls. To save you from decision paralysis (because, let’s be honest, there are SO many good options), I’ve compiled a list of my all-time favourite stalls at this iconic Tampines food hub. Get your tummies ready!
What to Eat at Tampines Round Market
1. Yummy Sarawak Kolo Mee (砂捞越哥捞面)
My #1 right off the bat. There’s always a constant queue so you know you cannot miss having their kolo mee if you’re at Tampines Round Market for the very first time. This stall serves up springy, QQ noodles tossed in fragrant shallot oil and lard, then topped with an impressive spread of char siew, dumplings, braised pork ribs, fried wantons, and veggies. Their signature Kuching kolo mee set is the must-try, but the spare ribs or chicken feet versions are just as satisfying if you prefer heartier bites. Light yet flavourful with a savoury-sweet balance, each bowl hits the spot, and if you’re a spice lover, their fiery chili will take things up a notch.
When I’m simply too hungry to queue or when the line gets unbearably long, I’ll then turn to the many other worthy stalls around the market instead!
2. Lao Lee Pig’s Viscera Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle (老李猪什排骨虾面)
Go for their Pork Ribs Prawn Noodles. Lao Lee is beloved for its rich, slow brewed broth made with pork bones, prawn heads, garlic and spices, giving every spoonful a comforting depth. The prawns are sweet and juicy while the pork ribs are tender and fall off the bone, pairing beautifully with your choice of noodles whether you like it with yellow mee, bee hoon or kway teow. The broth is lighter than some of the heavier prawn soups out there yet still manages to be full of flavour, making it easy to finish right down to the last sip. It is the kind of bowl that feels both hearty and homely, the perfect way to start the morning at the Round Market.
3. Teo Kee Mushroom Miced Pork Noodle (潮记香菇肉脞面)
I have a love-hate relationship with this stall because I’m usually never early enough to catch it before it closes. Teo Kee is run by a meticulous husband-and-wife team and is beloved for its rich braised meats sourced from multiple slow cookers, each simmering a different ingredient so that every bite is perfectly infused with that sweet, earthy braise. The pork ribs are melt-in-the-mouth tender with a herbal five-spice kick that seeps deep into the meat and cartilage. The noodles are thin, chewy mee kia tossed in fragrant lard, drizzled with a fiery chilli and sprinkled with fried garlic for aromatic crunch. For something lighter, the mushroom minced meat noodle showcases braised shiitake and savory minced pork in a deep, earthy sauce that’s a welcome twist from the usual bak chor mee fare.
If noodles aren’t what you’re craving, don’t worry! Just a few steps away, you’ll find a comforting bowl of congee that’s equally legendary
4. Chai Chee Pork Porridge (菜市猪肉粥)
This is my go-to for a comforting breakfast or a rainy day treat. The porridge here is incredibly smooth and flavourful, and they are generous with the ingredients. The Century Egg and Pork Porridge is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, honest, and just hits the spot every single time. The silky congee is topped with tender slices of pork and a rich century egg, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Add a crispy you tiao for that perfect crunch, and you’ve got a bowl that warms both the body and soul.
5. 137 Lor Mee Prawn Mee (137卤面虾面)
The lor mee here is a standout, featuring a rich, starchy gravy that clings to the flat yellow noodles, creating a comforting and indulgent dish. Generous portions of deep-fried fish chunks add a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth broth. The addition of minced garlic, black vinegar, and a touch of sambal provides a delightful balance of tanginess and spice, elevating the dish to new heights. Whether you prefer it with a dry or soup base, this stall consistently serves up a satisfying meal that keeps me coming back for more.
6. Xin Xing Carrot Cake (欣興菜頭粿)
Xin Xing Carrot Cake is a beloved classic that has moved from its original home at 201C Tampines to its current spot in Tampines Round Market, carrying along all its loyal fans. The stall is known for generous portions, especially when it comes to the eggs that make each bite rich and satisfying. The White Carrot Cake is soft with delightfully crispy edges, creating the perfect contrast in texture, while the Black Carrot Cake is my personal favorite thanks to its sweet and savory glaze that coats each piece beautifully. Every bite offers a comforting, homely flavor, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or a mid-morning treat. Xin Xing Carrot Cake consistently delivers a satisfying and flavorful experience that keeps us coming back for more.
7. Ri Ri Sheng Mala Pot (日日昇麻辣香锅)
Ri Ri Sheng Mala Pot is the latest addition to Tampines Round Market, relocating here from its old home at 823A Tampines Street 81 where it was a wildly popular stall that saw long queues. This move has only added to the buzz at the Round Market, giving easties another reason to return. The stall is known for its bold and addictive mala bowls that balance fiery spice with that unmistakable numbing tingle. Customers pick from a wide spread of vegetables, meats, and noodles, and each bowl arrives generously portioned and bursting with flavor.
What makes Ri Ri Sheng stand out is how the heat never overwhelms but instead enhances the freshness of the ingredients, creating a meal that is both satisfying and memorable. Whether you are a die-hard mala fan or just looking for something exciting to spice up your morning, this stall is worth braving the queues for.
8. Hai Chang Fish Head Steamboat (海昌鱼头炉)
When the sun sets at Tampines Round Market, Hai Chang takes center stage as the most popular stall at night, with every table filled by families and friends huddled around bubbling pots of fish head steamboat. The broth here is simmered over charcoal, a detail that gives it a deep, smoky richness that only gets better as the fresh fish, yam, cabbage, and tofu slowly release their flavors into the soup. Diners can choose from red grouper, pomfret, or snapper, each bringing its own sweetness and texture, and the result is a comforting, hearty pot that warms you from the very first sip.
What makes Hai Chang so special is not just the food but the entire atmosphere of a hawker centre transformed by chatter, clinking chopsticks, and clouds of fragrant steam that make it feel like one big communal dining room. It is the kind of meal worth waiting for and a true reason why the Round Market is as lively at night as it is in the morning.
A Little History Lesson Before You Visit
Did you know that Tampines Round Market has been around since 1983? It was one of the earliest parts of the estate to be built, and many of the hawkers here actually moved as a group from a market in Toa Payoh that was making way for the MRT line. This is why there’s such a strong sense of community and camaraderie here, and it’s something you can really feel when you visit.
Ready to Eat?
Tampines Round Market & Food Centre at 137 Tampines Street 11, Singapore 521137, is a true gem for food lovers and a must-visit if you are wondering what to do in Tampines. Most of the crowd-favourite stalls open only in the mornings and early afternoons, so plan to head down for breakfast or lunch if you want the full experience. Queues are common, especially on weekends, but they are part of the charm and proof of just how beloved the food is.
So, the next time you are craving authentic hawker fare in Tampines, this is the place to be. Come hungry, bring a friend or two, and be ready to feast your way through a spread that reflects the best of our local food culture.
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