20 Must-Try Stalls at Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre

When it comes to Geylang Serai, most of us would think of the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar. However, at the heart of Geylang Serai is one of the most interesting food hubs in Singapore. One of Singapore’s oldest Malay settlements, Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The market was a makeshift hawker shelter during the pre-war years, which was turned into an amusement park during the Japanese Occupation. After the war, the makeshift street hawker-market returned. And by the early 1950s, the residents of the nearby Kampong Melayu started to visit this “Malay” market frequently for their marketing needs. The great leap forward came in the 1960s when the government announced urban development of the area and a sheltered market was erected. Since then, the market and food centre has only grown in popularity, drawing in shoppers and diners during Hari Raya, not just from Singapore but also across the Causeway! Today, Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre houses some of the best Malay food you can find in Singapore, and here are 20 stalls you have to try!

#1 Kueh Talam Asli

Love traditional kuehs? Then you most definitely have to check out Kueh Talam Asli. They are best known for their variety of kueh talam, a two-layer Malaysian dessert that's made of rice flour and coconut milk infused with pandan. Their Kueh Salat is also a hit amongst customers with its green hue, great texture and robust pandan aroma.

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-148, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 8 am–3 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#2 Otak-Otak Kampung

Serving old school otak-otak made the traditional way, this stall has been operating since the 1950s and makes their otak-otak without any flour. Chunks of fish are held together with coconut milk and grated coconut wrapped in attap palm leaf, and it is mildly spicy and sweeter than the typical ones made with flour. They only make a limited quantity every day, so if you’d like to have a taste of authentic traditional otak-otak, make sure to head there early!

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-165, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#3 Warong Solo

Warong Solo commands one of the longest queues in Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre, and they specialise in a variety of Malay staples such as Mee Rebus and Mee Soto. They are also the only place in Singapore that serve Laksa Siglap, which is made with a variety of thicker noodles that’s reminiscent of udon. The gravy is made with fish, rempah and coconut milk and it truly sets it apart from other versions of laksa sold locally.

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-123, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 6 am–4 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#4 Sajian Mak Dara

Sajian Mak Dara serves two standout items. The first is their Bubur Kampung, a bowl of plain porridge that comes with a separate plate of ingredients – ikan bilis, chopped chye poh, peanuts, sambal kangkong, salted egg and a dollop of the meanest homemade sambal belacan. The dish might be simple but it is hearty and comforting, though we have to say it is not made for chilli wimps. The other popular item is their Nasi Lemak, made with fragrant and fluffy basmati rice with a light coconut richness, but again it is really the chilli which is the star here. Together with the crispy fried chicken, fried egg, ikan bilis and cucumber slices this is easily one of the best nasi lemak in Singapore.

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-108, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#5 Geylang Briyani Stall

You’ll find several stalls selling briyani at Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre, but Geylang Briyani Stall stands out with its host of great reviews. With a history dating back to 1964, the humble family business has been around for three generations. The menu is simple with three options: Mutton, Curry Chicken or Fried Chicken. Your choice of meat is then paired with a generous helping of basmati rice that is incredibly fragrant with notes of cinnamon and clove!

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-146, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 10:30 am–3 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#6 Rojak & Mee Siam by A.H. Food Corner

Stand aside, Chinese rojak. If there’s one dish that is synonymous with Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre, it’s Indian Rojak. One of the most popular stalls here is Rojak & Mee Siam. Crowd favourite items include the tepong telur and tempeh, but what truly sets this long-established stall apart is their special sauce that is made with sweet potatoes! 

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-126, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 9 am–4 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#7 Iqbal Soup Kambing

Iqbal Soup Kambing is a boon for mutton lovers. They serve various spicy lamb dishes, but their Sup Kambing is the star here. Thick, velvety soup is loaded with spices and aromatics, along with a subtle underlying mutton fragrance which isn’t gamey. The tender mutton is fall-off-the-bone and incredibly flavourful. The stall also has tongue, bone marrow and brains… if you are up for it!

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-128, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 9 am–4 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#8 Azizah Briyani

Another great briyani stall in Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre, Azizah Briyani has over 20 years of history serving briyani that are made with healthier ingredients, giving it a lighter taste. It is also served with a bowl of dalcha and fruit achar. There are three items on the menu: Mutton, Masala Chicken or Fried Chicken Briyani. Prices are higher than other briyani stalls here, but it comes in quite a large serving. 

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-127, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 11 am–5 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#9 Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang

Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang serves a fine Nasi Padang with lots of side dishes options, all cooked in the traditional Kapau style. Must-try dishes include their beef rendang, ayam panggang, and crunchy beansprouts with fried grated coconut. The spices are well balanced and exquisite. The food is delicious, but expect to pay a higher price for finer quality ingredients and superior skills in preparation!

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-137, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 11 am–5 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#10 Nasi Ayam Sambal

Nasi Ayam Sambal is the Malay version of the beloved Chinese chicken rice, except that the chicken is fried to a golden brown crisp. Their Nasi Ayam features succulent chicken with crispy skin, and the rice is fragrant having been cooked in chicken stock. Paired with their signature house made sweet, spicy and sourish sambal, this is a well-rounded bite that is sure to delight.

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-129, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 8 am–2 pm Wed to Sun. Closed Mon & Tues

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#11 Gerai Nenek Obek

Gerai Nenek Obek is a Geylang Serai stalwart since 1963 with its roots in Surabaya, now helmed by its fourth-generation. They specialise in rice with side dishes, curries and sambals in various forms such as Nasi Jenganan, Nasi Rawon and Nasi Ambeng. Their array of over 30 side dishes are all cooked with the same traditional recipes since day one! Expect a queue during lunch hours, but the wait will be well worth it.

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-137, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#12 Alrahman Kitchen

Alrahman Kitchen serves up a variety of traditional Malay rice and noodle dishes. One of their most popular items is the Mee Rebus, which comes with a decadent gravy which clings to the thick yellow noodles very well. The dish is topped with fried beancurd, crunchy green chillies, as well as fragrant shallots. We highly recommend topping up for a begedil! The stall is also popular for their Gado Gado which features rice cubes, fried tofu and tempeh blanketed in a thick peanut and spicy sauce.

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-139, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 5:30 am–3:30 pm Thurs to Tues. Closed on Wed

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#13 G.S.Oli Thosai & Food Stall

This is probably one of the best apom in Singapore! For the uninitiated, apom is an Indian pancake with a soft, fluffy centre and thin, crispy edges. It is usually accompanied by the two condiments provided – red sugar and grated coconut. Their Thosai and Masala Chicken are also popular, and these three dishes typically sell out by lunch time. A true testament to their popularity!

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-138, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 5:30 am–3 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#14 Kacang Pool Mustafa

Kacang Pool is a lesser-known breakfast food that has Middle Eastern roots. A thick, savoury bean stew made of fava beans, it is topped with an egg, raw onions and green chilli. You also get a side of french loaf to dip into the bean stew and eat alongside your Kacang Pool! A hearty and wholesome dish, it is a great way to fill you up with everything you need for the day.

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-142, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 7 am–1 pm daily

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#15 Pak Din Nasi Ayam Bakar

Pak Din Nasi Ayam Bakar is somewhat of a hidden gem and underrated stall at Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre. Named after the owner’s late father, the stall has been serving Nasi Ayam Bakar for the last six years. The chicken is first poached in a fragrant stock before it is put on a grill to impart a smoky and crispy exterior, then topped with a sweet and viscous kicap manis. The rice is cooked with ginger, chicken stock and turmeric to impart its signature yellow colour. The dish also comes with a side of sambal which is incredibly powerful – fans of spice should most definitely give it a try!

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-151, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 8 am–5 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#16 Shaliza Kitchen

Find a variety of nasi dishes at Shaliza Kitchen such as Nasi Padang, Nasi Campur, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Rawon, Nasi Ambeng and Nasi Samabal Goreng. The quality of food is good, with a wide variety of dishes to choose from. The Rawon gravy also comes with meat trimmings unlike many other places that sell theirs without. They are generous with their portions despite the price increase, and you’re sure to get a satisfying meal here.

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-147, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 10 am–4 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#17 Warung Yes Boss

Warung Yes Boss serves Roti Jala, a savoury crepe that stands out for its bright yellow colour from turmeric powder, and a cool net design that’s apparently inspired by the nets of Malaysian fishermen. It’s usually served with potato, chicken, fish or mutton curry. You’ll also find other dishes here such as Ketupat, Nasi Sambal Goren, Kentang Ball and Nasi Rawon.

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-141, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 10 am–4 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#18 Geylang Serai Chee Kong

Geylang Serai Chee Kong stall serves a popular cheng tng which is loaded with lotus seeds, gingko nut, candied winter melon, longan, barley and white fungus. Chee kong is the Malay term for cheng tng, and the one that they serve here is not overly sweet and will suit many taste buds!

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-149, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 10 am–4 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#19 Cendol Geylang Serai

Established in 1952, Cendol Geylang Serai is one of the pioneers in the local scene for Indonesian-style cendol. Unlike other cendol, you won’t find tons of toppings here such as red beansl. Instead, a typical bowl of cendol consists of just handmade green jelly infused with pandan, coconut milk, crushed ice and gula melaka. A yummy reprieve from the sweltering heat!

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-107, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 10 am–8 pm Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon

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#20 Alhambra Heritage & Original Satay Club

Located at Geylang Serai, Alhambra Satay is currently run by its second-generation owner who continues to hand make satay the traditional way. The stall is the original Alhambra Satay stall which traces its roots back to 1948 Satay Club, located beside the now-defunct Alhambra Cinema along Beach Road that made way for the Shaw Towers. Here you’ll find satays with three different meats: chicken, mutton and beef. They are marinated in a blend of secret spices before they are grilled to smoky perfection, then served with a satay sauce that contains a generous amount of crushed peanuts.

Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-145, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: 9:30 am–7:45 pm daily

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