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After months of anticipation, the iconic Old Airport Road Hawker Centre will finally reopen on 1 October 2024 following extensive renovations. With a fresh look and upgraded facilities, this historic food hub is set to welcome back hungry customers. While the improvements are exciting, the real star remains the incredible variety of food stalls that have made this hawker centre legendary.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, here’s a guide to some of the must-try stalls that continue to serve up Singapore’s best hawker fare.

What to Eat at Old Airport Road Hawker Centre

1. Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow

Famous for its rich, smoky flavour, Lao Fu Zi’s char kway teow (fried rice noodles) is a must-try. With perfectly wok-fried noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, and cockles, this dish is a quintessential Singaporean favourite. Lao Fu Zi’s masterful wok hei (the signature char from high-heat stir-frying) ensures that each bite is filled with intense flavour. The queue is usually long, but it’s well worth the wait!

What to try: Signature Fried Kway Teow with cockles.

2. Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee

Nam Sing’s Hokkien Fried Mee is arguably one of the best in Singapore. Their version of this beloved noodle dish is lighter and less greasy than others, but still packed with rich seafood flavours. Cooked with prawns, squid, and a hearty broth, the noodles are braised to perfection, giving them a rich depth that’s impossible to resist. Don’t forget to ask for some sambal chilli and lime on the side to elevate the dish!

What to try: Hokkien Mee (with sambal chilli).

3. Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wanton Mee

If you’re craving wanton noodles, Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wanton Mee has you covered. Their noodles are springy, with a delightful bite, paired with tender char siew (roast pork) and plump wantons. The balance of the savoury-sweet sauce, crispy fried wanton, and fresh greens make it one of the most satisfying bowls of wanton mee you’ll find.

What to try: Wanton Mee (dry).

4. Western Barbecue

For those who crave something a little different, Western Barbecue serves up classic Western dishes with a local twist. Their grilled chicken chop, drenched in a savoury garlic sauce, is a crowd favourite. Served with a side of crinkle-cut fries and baked beans, it’s hearty, satisfying, and affordable. It’s one of those comfort meals that hits the spot every time.

What to try: Chicken Chop with garlic sauce.

5. Whitley Road Big Prawn Noodle

Looking for a dish with a rich, flavourful broth? Whitley Road Big Prawn Noodle delivers just that with their signature prawn noodle soup. The soup is packed with umami flavour from the prawns and pork ribs, and the noodles are cooked to a perfect texture. Each bowl comes with big, juicy prawns that will leave you slurping until the last drop.

What to try: Prawn Noodle Soup.

6. Albert Street Prawn Noodle

Another strong contender for prawn noodles, Albert Street Prawn Noodle offers a slightly different take, but no less delicious. The broth is slightly sweeter, and the noodles come with your choice of pork ribs or prawns. Their dry version is also worth trying, with a spicy, savoury sauce that pairs beautifully with the chewy noodles.

What to try: Prawn Noodles (dry or soup).

7. Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee

For fans of lor mee, Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee is the stall to head to. This dish, with its thick starchy gravy, comes packed with ingredients like braised pork, fried fish, and boiled eggs. The robust flavours and perfect texture of the noodles make this one of the top lor mee stalls in the country. A dash of vinegar and minced garlic elevates the dish to another level, giving it a complex but utterly comforting taste.

What to try: Lor Mee with extra vinegar and garlic.

8. To-Ricos Guo Shi (Kway Chap)

Kway chap is a dish for the adventurous eater, and To-Ricos Guo Shi does it justice. Offering a platter of braised pork belly, intestines, tau pok (fried beancurd), and eggs, this dish is served alongside silky smooth kway (flat rice noodles) in a light herbal broth. If you’re new to kway chap, this is a great place to start, as the flavours are not overly pungent, but still deliver that deep braised taste.

What to try: Kway Chap with mixed braised items.

9. Zhao An Granny Grass Jelly

Cool down with a refreshing bowl of grass jelly from Zhao An Granny Grass Jelly. This sweet, herbal dessert is perfect for Singapore’s hot weather. Their grass jelly is silky smooth and pairs wonderfully with their gula melaka syrup. Add a dash of evaporated milk for an extra creamy treat. It’s a simple, satisfying way to end a hawker meal.

What to try: Grass Jelly with gula melaka.

Key Improvements at Old Airport Road Hawker Centre

After four months of renovations, Old Airport Road Hawker Centre has received several notable upgrades to enhance the overall dining experience:

•Fresh Coat of Paint: The building exterior has been revitalised with bright, new colors.

•Upgraded Fixtures: New floor tiles, tables, stools, and bird management systems like spikes and netting have been installed.

•Enhanced Ventilation: To combat the heat, 21 high-volume, low-speed fans were installed on the first floor, improving airflow.

•Better Lighting & Air Filtration: Additional light fittings have been added for a brighter atmosphere, and a new air filtering system helps to freshen the air.

•Upgraded Toilets & Exhaust System: The toilets have been renovated, and the common exhaust ducting has been cleaned of grease.

These improvements aim to provide a more comfortable, modern environment for diners while maintaining the charm of this beloved food centre.

Conclusion

With its array of beloved food stalls, the reopening of Old Airport Road Hawker Centre is a cause for celebration. Whether you’re after classic Singaporean hawker fare like Hokkien mee and fried kway teow, or more adventurous dishes like kway chap, this food paradise has something for everyone. As one of the country’s largest and most famous hawker centres, it remains a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Singapore’s food culture.

Be sure to visit from 1 October 2024 onwards to rediscover old favourites and explore new ones!

If you’re planning your visit to Old Airport Road Hawker Centre, check out our full list of reviews to make the most of your culinary adventure!