Best Food Centre Chinatown Singapore: A Gastronomic Haven in the Heart of the City

Introduction

Singapore has long been regarded as a foodie’s paradise, and for good reason – the city-state is home to an incredibly diverse culinary scene, with a plethora of mouth-watering dishes from all corners of the world. One of the most popular food destinations in Singapore is undoubtedly Chinatown, a vibrant and bustling district that is rich in history, culture, and of course, food. At the heart of Chinatown lies the Best Food Centre, a hawker center that has become a gastronomic haven for locals and tourists alike. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Best Food Centre and explore what makes it such a must-visit destination for foodies in Singapore.

The History of Best Food Centre

Originally established in the 1970s, the Best Food Centre has a long and storied history in Singapore’s culinary landscape. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and upgrades, but it has always remained a popular destination for those seeking authentic Singaporean cuisine. Today, the hawker center is home to over 100 stalls, each offering a unique and delicious range of dishes.

The Best Stalls at Best Food Centre

With so many stalls to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start when visiting Best Food Centre. To help you navigate the vast array of options, we’ve put together a list of some of the most popular and highly recommended stalls.

🍚 Fu Zhou Poh Hwa Oyster Cake: A must-try for seafood lovers, this stall serves up delicious oyster cakes that are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.

🍜 He Ji Braised Duck Rice: This stall is famous for its tender and flavorful braised duck, which is served up with fragrant rice and a selection of tasty side dishes.

🌶️ Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow: This stall is a favorite among locals for its deliciously spicy fried kway teow, which is cooked up with a generous helping of fresh seafood and vegetables.

🍛 Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice: This stall is renowned for its succulent and juicy chicken, which is served up with fragrant rice and a selection of tasty sauces.

The Atmosphere at Best Food Centre

One of the things that makes Best Food Centre so unique is its lively and bustling atmosphere. The hawker center is a hub of activity, with vendors calling out to customers and the smell of sizzling food filling the air. It’s a great place to soak up the local culture and get a taste of the real Singapore.

All You Need to Know About Best Food Centre

Best Food Centre is located in the heart of Chinatown, at 2 Smith Street. The hawker center is open daily from 8am to 10pm, and is easily accessible by public transport – simply take the MRT to Chinatown Station and follow the signs to the hawker center.

What Kinds of Food Can You Expect at Best Food Centre?

Best Food Centre is home to a wide variety of cuisines, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western. You’ll find everything from traditional Singaporean dishes like laksa and chicken rice, to international favorites like pizza and fried chicken.

How Much Can You Expect to Spend at Best Food Centre?

One of the best things about dining at a hawker center like Best Food Centre is that the food is incredibly affordable. You can expect to spend around $5-$10 per person for a full meal, depending on what you order.

Is Best Food Centre Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans?

While Best Food Centre is primarily known for its meat and seafood dishes, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available as well. Look out for stalls that specialize in traditional Chinese vegetarian cuisine, such as mock meat dishes and tofu-based dishes.

Is Best Food Centre Halal?

While there are several halal-certified stalls at Best Food Centre, not all of the stalls are halal. We recommend checking with the individual vendors to ensure that the food you’re ordering is suitable for your dietary requirements.

Can You Take Away Food from Best Food Centre?

Yes, you can! Most of the stalls at Best Food Centre offer both dine-in and take-away options, so you can enjoy your food on the go if you prefer.

Are There Any Must-Try Dishes at Best Food Centre?

Absolutely! Some of the most popular dishes at Best Food Centre include the oyster cake from Fu Zhou Poh Hwa, the braised duck rice from He Ji, and the fried kway teow from Lao Fu Zi. But really, the best way to experience the hawker center is to wander around and try a little bit of everything – you never know what delicious surprises you might discover!

Is Best Food Centre Child-Friendly?

Yes, it is! Best Food Centre is a great place for families with children, with plenty of options to suit even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the lively atmosphere and bustling crowds are sure to keep kids entertained.

Is Best Food Centre Accessible for Wheelchair Users?

While Best Food Centre is located in an old heritage building and does not have dedicated accessibility features, it is still possible for wheelchair users to navigate around the hawker center with some assistance. However, we recommend checking with the individual vendors to ensure that their stalls are accessible before ordering.

Is There Parking Available Near Best Food Centre?

Unfortunately, there is no dedicated parking available near Best Food Centre. However, the hawker center is easily accessible by public transport, so we recommend taking the MRT or bus instead.

Can You Pay with Credit Card at Best Food Centre?

While some of the stalls at Best Food Centre may accept credit card payments, it is always a good idea to bring cash with you, as not all vendors have credit card facilities.

Are the Stalls at Best Food Centre Clean and Hygienic?

Yes, they are! The stalls at Best Food Centre are regularly inspected by the National Environment Agency to ensure that they meet strict standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Is Best Food Centre Tourist-Friendly?

Absolutely! Best Food Centre is a fantastic destination for tourists who want to experience the local Singaporean food scene. With its wide variety of cuisines and bustling atmosphere, it’s a great place to get a taste of the real Singapore.

What Are Some Local Customs to Be Aware of When Dining at Best Food Centre?

When dining at a hawker center like Best Food Centre, there are a few local customs to be aware of. Firstly, it’s common to chope or reserve a table by placing a packet of tissues or other small item on the table. This lets others know that the table is occupied and should not be taken. Secondly, it’s important to return your dishes and cutlery to the designated collection points after you’ve finished your meal. This helps to keep the hawker center clean and tidy for the next customer.

Conclusion

All in all, Best Food Centre is an absolute must-visit destination for any foodie in Singapore. With its incredible range of cuisines, lively atmosphere, and affordable prices, it’s no wonder that it’s become such a beloved institution in the local food scene. So what are you waiting for? Head down to Chinatown and experience the culinary delights of Best Food Centre for yourself!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. However, please note that things may change, and we recommend double-checking with individual vendors before making any purchasing decisions. Additionally, we cannot be held responsible for any adverse effects that may result from consuming food at Best Food Centre or any other hawker center in Singapore.