If you want top recommendations for halal hawker stalls in Singapore there’s no better foodie to ask than the people behind the The Halal Food Blog. Started in 2012 by Adam Shah and his wife, Maryah, after realising a dearth of information about halal food options in the Lion City, the site now has 91.5k followers on Instagram and more than 42.7k likes on Facebook. It was also named one of Singapore’s top food blogs in 2021 by local website Best in Singapore.
With a 2019 report on Muslim consumer behaviour and halal (an Arabic word that means “permissible”) food trends estimating the halal dining market in Singapore at S$1 billion in 2019, there is no better time to tuck into the Little Red Dot’s thriving halal scene at these hotspots, which includes recommendations by Adam.
1. Ayam Penyet from Pondok Pantai Timur
Ayam Penyet – a famous dish of East Javanese origin comprising smashed fried chicken served with vegetables sambal, tofu and tempeh – is high on the list for many when it comes to tasty hawker fare. “While there are quite a few variations (rice served with different types of meat such as beef and fish), few come close to Pondok Pantai Timur in checking all the boxes,” says Adam. “Flavourful rice, a spicy (and shiok!) sambal spread across a wooden plate, plus a crisp fried chicken that’s crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside – all of the above result in heaven on a plate and a hawker experience that’s hard to resist.”
Blk 301 Ubi Avenue 1, Yummy Food Point. Nearest MRT: Ubi
2. Satay from Satay Haron 55
Located at East Coast Lagoon Food Village, Satay Haron 55 has been grilling satays since the 1980s and their offerings have consistently gotten the thumbs up from foodies. It is no surprise why – they have been using the same recipe and techniques for over 40 years, even though the business is now managed by the founder’s daughters. The meat is first marinated before being grilled on charcoal, producing a nice charred finish. The result: succulent and delicious satay paired with a peanut gravy that packs a punch. “We think this is one of the best satays you’ll ever have,” he adds.
1220 East Coast Park, stall 55, East Coast Lagoon Food Village. Bus: 401.
3. Abang Western Power
If you’re after halal hawker fare that’s a little out of the ordinary, Abang Western Power is well worth a visit. As their name suggests, this halal hawker stall serves Singaporean Western fare (a cuisine distinct from typical Western restaurants) including favourites like lamb chops, spaghetti and meatballs and fried chicken wings with rice. What distinguishes Abang Western Power from their peers are subtle Asian touches to the dishes. The Oppa Burger (available with a chicken or beef patty) comes with a generous portion of spicy and sour kimchi that cuts through the fattiness of the cheese and meat. There’s also a prawn linguine arrabbiata that gains a spicy edge from the addition of chilli padi. Of course, classics like fish and chips aren’t neglected – you’ll even have the option of choosing either the traditional UK-style battered fish or the crumbed version that’s more popular in Singapore.
11 Yishun Industrial Street 1, #01-120, Canteen 2, Yishun North Spring Bizhub. Buses: 670, 811, 811T
4. Mee Goreng from Rabia Muslim Food
Mee Goreng, or fried noodles, is a quintessential dish served in most halal food stalls. There are many different variations of this humble plate of fried noodles but a top hawker favourite is the Mee Goreng Mamak – an Indian-Muslim version distinct for its bright red stir-fried noodles. Rabia Muslim Food, a hidden gem in Circuit Road Food Centre, serves one of the best renditions of the dish. “Each order is cooked fresh, presented piping hot, and is awesome on so many levels,” he shares. “It’s flavourful and has just the right amount of spice – plus you can even tweak it with your choice of noodles and meat. Whatever you go for, you’re guaranteed a great meal.”
79A Circuit Road, #01-96, Circuit Road Food Centre. Nearest MRT: Mattar
5. Big Bowls Project
Looking for a halal-certified hawker stall that offers meals that are both healthy and easy on the wallet? Big Bowls Project is conveniently located Amoy Street Food Centre, a popular spot for the CBD lunch crowd, and offers a range of hearty rice bowls with premium ingredients like salmon, chicken and ribeye prepared with different sauces and seasonings. If you want to get creative, you can also customise a salmon bowl with your choice of brown jasmine rice or spinach as a base, two sides, salmon and an onsen egg. There are also vegetarian options like the Szechuan black bean bowl.
7 Maxwell Road, #02-90, Amoy Street Food Centre. Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer
6. Soup Kambing from Haji M. Abdul Razak
When it comes to sup kambing (rich mutton soup), most insiders will point you towards Haji M. Abdul Razak, a stall in Upper Boon Keng Road Market and Food Centre. It’s nondescript, until you spot the long queues during lunch hour. Since 1955, Haji M. Abdul Razak has been selling only sup kambing, although they offer a variety of parts for your choosing – meat cubes, shank, ribs, tongue and brains – with a side of bread. “The folks helming it brew the soup for hours, resulting in a rich and tasty dish comprising oh-so-tender meats and a rich broth that brings warmth to your tummy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the mutton brain or mutton tongue soup. You just might like it!”
Block 17 Upper Boon Keng Road, #01-03, Upper Boon Keng Road Market and Food Centre. Nearest MRT: Kallang
7. Bounce Teochew Fishball Noodles
It’s not often you find a halal hawker stall that specialises in Chinese food. If you’re craving a comforting bowl of fishball noodles, Bounce at Tampines Mall is one of the few that offers a halal version of the dish. The stall opened in 2022 and is a halal concept under the original LiXin Teochew Fishball Noodles brand, famed for their springy yellowtail fishballs that are freshly made twice a day. Keep things simple with the classic fishball noodles or opt for the Bounce Signature which includes a half-boiled egg and jumbo wanton. Other menu items include halal versions of minced meat noodles and ngoh hiang.
4 Tampines Central 5, #04-27/28/29. Nearest MRT: Tampines.
8. Nasi Ayam from Mat Noh & Rose
Mat Noh & Rose is legendary among the Muslim community (and even outside of it). “They have operated at several locations over the decades but true fans will always know where and how to find them,” says Adam. Known for their nasi ayam, or ginger-fried chicken rice, this dish might sound unimpressive but their version is phenomenal. “Their fried chicken is aromatic, with a crispy skin enveloping tender and juicy meat within that boasts hints of ginger. It’s paired with fragrant basmati chicken rice and a chilli sauce that has just the right kick. It’s so delicious, you’ll want to order a second serving. Bonus tip: be sure to add on a serving of their crispy chicken skin and chicken giblets. You will not regret it.”
#01-27 Whampoa Drive Food Centre, 91 Whampoa Drive. Buses, 21, 24, 125, 130, 131, 139, 145, 186
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.