Located on the eastern side of Central Singapore, Geylang promises an adventure to whoever dares to brave the neighbourhood. It is unfortunate that it is predominantly known for being a red-light district when Geylang is much more than just this. It is heaven on earth for food lovers and off the beaten track enthusiasts.
Be it dim sum or duck rice, soupy noodles or beefy meats, turtle soup or frog porridge, this place has it all. If you’re in the mood for some gratifying street food, then you don’t need to cross any street other than this. Expat Choice compiles this list of some of the best street food joints in Geylang to check out. Keep reading to find out all there is to know about this colourful destination. Image Credit: Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant Facebook Page
Sean Kee Duck Rice
How cool would it be to actually find a place which specializes just in duck rice? There is something for loners as well as groups. People dining alone can order a plate of regular duck rice, but the more the merrier indeed! Come to Sean Kee Duck Rice with a big group and get treated to an entire platter which comprises a healthy portion of duck braised to perfection, tofu, eggs and delicious, crispy vegetables swimming in thick and luscious gravy. If this is not deep satisfaction, I don’t know what is! Image Credit: Misstamchiak.com
Swee Guan Hokkien Mee
There is nothing better than delicious, zesty Hokkien Mee to tame your hunger pangs, and there is no other place in Singapore which does it better than Swee Guan Hokkien Mee. Devour mouthfuls of noodles fried over charcoal for a strong smoky flavour that is going to leave your sinuses intoxicated for hours. Not only that- these noodles come with a rich, prawn broth bursting with flavours, loaded with chunky squid rings and deep fried pork lard on the side. Image Credit: Swee Guan Hokkien Mee Facebook Page
a. 5 Lor 29 Geylang, Singapore 388060
s. www.facebook.com/pages/Swee-Guan-Hokkien-Mee/188813567824125
Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant
You are sure to eat healthy at a restaurant which prides itself over using herbs not only in their cooking but also in the name. Large claypots brimming with soups and meat are waiting to be consumed here at Tan Ser Seng. The soup is made from scratch everyday using a recipe that dates back to 1946. (Vintage!) Another rarity is their speciality of turtle meat. This along with the rich, creamy soup makes it extremely healthy and is great for lowering blood pressure and detoxification of the blood. Yay for them health buffs! Image Credit: Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant Facebook Page
L32 Handmade Noodles
Imagine a day where it is biting cold and it is pouring cats and dogs everywhere. Well, at least you have the comfort of food to fall back on. What better than a steaming hot bowl of handmade Ban Mian noodles to keep you company! These noodles are slow cooked in a broth free of MSG for about eight hours, which is a beautiful palate cleanser to go with the doughy noodles. Finishing touches on the dish include everything that comes in a classic Ban Mian dish- crunchy Ikan bilis, minced pork and pork slices. Image Credit: L2 Handmade Noodles Facebook Page
126 Dim Sum Wen Dao Shi
Food that will leave you licking your fingers and smacking your lips without drilling a hole in your pocket! This is arguably the best place for a dim sum in Singapore. Having been serving delicious dim sums since 1985, it feels like home what with the constantly chattering staff and diners in the background, the modest menu card and cute mini plates like siew mai and hargow to start with. Moreover, a great deal of variety can be seen in the bowls of porridge, soup and rice for those people who are feeling particularly famished. Image Credit: 126.com.sg
a. 126 Sims Ave, Singapore 387449
w. 126.com.sg/
Geylang Lor 9 Fresh Frog Porridge
Choose between two mouthwatering flavours at Geylang Lor 9 for a dining experience which will leave your taste buds craving for more. Get fiery nostrils and smoky ears with the dried chill and spring onion mix which comes with a spicy twist for the heat lovers out there. Either that or settle for the regular sweet soya sauce with ginger and spring onions. It doesn’t matter which one you order though. Both variants come with a piece of meat which is marinated with a really addictive sauce- the perfect way to complement the Cantonese congee which comes on the side. Besides, this is probably the only restaurant to take orders from across the street as well. Order the extremely filling beef hor fun noodles if you’re feel like you could eat a mammoth. Image Credit: Geylang Lor 9 Frog Porridge Singapore Facebook Page
J.B. Ah Meng Restaurant
The resume of this restaurant is as healthy as its menu card. Having received critical acclaim from stalwarts like Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain, the chef/owner has a knack of cooking up mind blowing Malaysian styled Chinese dishes. This is probably what makes this restaurant one of the most sought after in the entire Geylang area. There is no way that you can miss out on ordering the signature dish- San Lou Bee Hoon, a wok fried rice dish and the red hot White Pepper Crab. Well, what are you waiting for? Dig in! Image Credit: JB Ah Meng Restaurant Facebook Page
Sik Bao Sin
The people at Sik Bao Sin take food seriously. That is evident from the name itself which translates to Eat First in English. Not the most exhaustive of menus, the restaurant serves only as many as 13 delicacies but you will not go hungry from here on any account. The chef takes pride in each of these dishes which is prepared with absolute perfection. Order the collagen rich Steamed Fish Head accompanied with a healthy dollop of fermented bean paste, and lard and shallots on the side, or some other exciting signature dishes like the Tofu Prawns swimming in creamy, runny eggs which is a burst of flavours as soon as it hits the mouth. Doors for dinner open as early as 5.30 pm and for good reason. The place is infamous for swarming with people as soon as they open. Image Credit: Sik Bao Sin Eating House Facebook Page
a. 592 Geylang Rd, Lor 36 Geylang, Singapore 389531
s. www.facebook.com/Sik-Bao-Sin-Eating-House-653473831353641
