Mornings are so much easier to manage with good food, and sometimes a Breakfast Deluxe meal at McDonald’s just doesn’t cut it. Fall into the nostalgic embrace of these traditionally Singaporean breakfast places below, all best enjoyed while savouring a cuppa kopi.
Tanjong Rhu Pau and Confectionery
Though harsher on the wallet than your regular hawker pau, the ones at Tanjong Rhu Pau and Confectionery are highly raved by both pau enthusiasts and those who usually feel indifferent about steamed buns alike. Some say it’s the homemade aspect of the paus that give it that extra oomph compared to factory-manufactured ones, others say it’s the bun-to-meat ratio, which is kept to a perfect combination of thin skin stuffed with a wad of flavourful meat. 389 Guillemard Rd., open Mon-Sun, 10am-8pm
Holland V Fried Bee Hoon
Calories don’t count in the morning, even if they are slick with oil and topped with hearty sides of luncheon meat, fried chicken wings, ngoh hiang and heavy fish cakes. Holland V Fried Bee Hoon is a massive fish in the game, having had about 30 years of experience under their belt to show for. Their expertise is apparent, with loyal fans flocking down to the stall just for their tasty rice vermicelli that’s fried in lard, best had with sides that are equally delicious as they are sinful. #01-11 Holland Village Food Centre, 1 Lor Mambong, open Tue-Sun, 6:30am-1:30pm
Bedok Chwee Kueh
Most associate Chong Pang with the famous Chong Pang Nasi Lemak, but at Chong Pang Market and Food Centre, you’ll find another real gem: fresh batches of Chwee Kueh from a subsidiary of the much coveted Bedok Chwee Kueh stall. Served atop the brown waxed paper that triggers nostalgic memories of early mornings for many, the steamed rice cakes are topped with savoury chai poh, or preserved radish and a splatter of chilli, haphazardly slapped across your kuehs—just the way we like it. #01-142 Chong Pang Market & Food Centre, 105 Yishun Ring Rd., open Mon-Sun, 6:30am-8pm
Lian Yin Hot & Cold Drinks
Still at Chong Pang, another fan-favourite is the soya bean-based delights of Lian Yin Hot & Cold Drinks. While there are several above decent options to getting your soy milk fix in Chong Pang market, Lian Yin has stood its ground the longest, and the snaking line of early breakfast-goers is proof that the cheery uncle behind the large containers of soya milk has got something right. #01-148 Chong Pang Market & Food Centre, 105 Yishun Ring Rd., open Mon-Sun, 6:30am-8pm
Latiffa Huri Nasi Lemak
What makes a good Nasi Lemak? Fluffy, fragrant coconut rice that doesn’t lump together, the delicate crunch of chicken wing that’s hot out of the fryer, and the sambal that perfectly marries the holy trinity of sweetness, heat and tang. All hail sweet, sweet sambal chilli. With an average waiting time of 30-45 minutes, it’s safe to say that their many returning customers feel that Latiffa Huri has hit all of the sweet (and spicy) spots. It (almost) doesn’t get better than this. #01-426, 7 Stars Coffee Shop, 497 Jurong West St 41, open Tue-Sat, 5:30am-3pm
Sin Heng Kee Porridge
Located just around the bend of block 685, Sin Heng Kee Porridge retails only two main comestibles—beverages and its prized porridges; and that’s really all you need for an ample breakfast. These comforting bowls of congee can come as simple or as decked out as you like, with choices that range from century egg to frog legs. Best eaten on rainy mornings, or as comfort food when you’re feeling a little under the weather. #01-150, 685 Hougang St 61, open Mon-Sun, 7am-9:30pm
Mr and Mrs Mohgan Prata
The first sign that you’re going to get quality prata that’s worth your while is the opening hours of this rustic roti prata joint. Open only from 6.30am to 1pm (or even earlier, depending on the demand), rest assured that the pratas served are made by artisanal hands only. Real-life power prata couple Mr and Mrs Moghan serve up freshly flipped pratas that are entirely made by hand, starting with the making of the dough. The result is the flakiest, crispiest pratas that are chewy and mellow on the inside. Tin Yeang Restaurant, 300 Joo Chiat Rd., open Mon-Sun, 6:30am-1pm
You Tiao Man
For over 50 years, the You Tiao Man has been dishing out deep fried traditional snacks. Their fried dough fritters are made fresh on the spot, and have captured the authentic taste that many breakfast-wanderers have sought after. Find the You Tiao Man at Toa Payoh Heights for their golden-brown delectables that encase fluffy insides for that perfect morning pastry sure to perk you up. #02-05 Toa Payoh West Market & Food Centre, Toa Payoh Lorong 1, open Mon-Sun, 6am-2pm
Hai Xian Zhu Zhou
While not the cleanest location on the list, Block 163 of Bukit Panjang holds a history of being the place for hungry clubbers’ late night ventures—their go-to haunt before that lifeless crawl back into bed. Their grub of choice? Koka noodles, a.k.a. Ke Kou Mian. The dish itself is fairly simple; a packet of Koka instant noodles doused in homemade broth of your choice. Simple, but apparently effective for the high, hungry and the hungover. #01-01 Choh Dee Place, 163A Gangsa Rd., open Thu-Tue, 6am-3:30pm
