Why Circuit Road Hawker Centre Deserves a Spot on Your Food Map

Tucked between Macpherson and Mattar MRT stations, Circuit Road Hawker Centre is one of those old-school gems that serious hawker fans have quietly kept to themselves. The two-block centre — spanning Blocks 79A and 80 — pulls in a loyal crowd of regulars who come for generous portions, wallet-friendly prices, and recipes that haven't been watered down for the masses. If you haven't made the trip yet, these ten stalls should change your mind immediately.

Circuit Road Hawker Centre

📍 79A/80 Circuit Road, Singapore 370079

⏰ Individual stall hours vary, most open 7am–9pm

🗺 View on Google Maps

The Stalls That Keep People Coming Back

1. Haji M. Abdul Rajak — The briyani here is the stuff of legend. Fragrant, deeply spiced rice served with tender mutton or chicken, plus a side of achar that cuts right through the richness. A full plate runs you around $5.50, which is frankly absurd value. 2. Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee — Thick, starchy gravy coats springy yellow noodles with chunks of braised pork, fish cake, and a generous splash of vinegar. The portions are hefty enough to carry you through the afternoon, all for under $4. 3. Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice — The wait can stretch past thirty minutes during peak hours, but that crackling layer of charred rice at the bottom of the pot makes every minute worth it. The lap cheong and waxed meat version is the one to order.

4. Roast Paradise — Glistening roast duck with crispy skin and juicy meat, paired with a punchy chilli dip. A plate of duck rice starts at $5, and the char siu option is equally impressive. 5. First Street Teochew Fish Soup — Clean, peppery broth loaded with thick slices of fresh batang fish. Choose between rice, noodles, or both — nobody judges here. Expect to pay about $5 for a satisfying bowl. 6. Kim Keat Hokkien Mee — Wok hei is everything with Hokkien mee, and this stall delivers. The noodles arrive glistening with prawn stock, studded with squid and prawns, served with a wedge of lime and sambal on the side.

More Stalls Worth the Trip

7. Ah Huat Fried Oyster Omelette — Crispy-edged and loaded with plump oysters, this is comfort food at its most indulgent. The chilli sauce served alongside has a serious kick. 8. Inspirasi — Nasi lemak done right, with fragrant coconut rice, a well-fried chicken wing, ikan bilis, and sambal that has both sweetness and heat in equal measure. Under $4 for the basic set. 9. Circuit Road Prawn Noodle — A rich, deeply orange broth that has clearly been simmered for hours with prawn heads and pork bones. The dry version tossed in lard is a favourite among regulars. 10. Traditional Hainanese Curry Rice — Think pork chop, braised cabbage, and a fried egg drenched in a mix of curry and braising sauces. This is the kind of messy, soul-warming plate that no café brunch can replicate.

The Verdict

Circuit Road Hawker Centre isn't chasing Instagram fame or Michelin stars — and that's precisely why it's so good. Prices rarely crack the $6 mark, portions are built for appetite rather than aesthetics, and the quality across the board is remarkably consistent. Bring cash, arrive before the lunch rush hits at noon, and plan to eat at more than one stall. Your best move is to grab a briyani plate, a bowl of fish soup, and an oyster omelette, then argue with your friends about which one wins. Everyone leaves happy here.