Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Fatty Ox HK Kitchen – Beef Brisket Noodles, Dumpling Noodles
Ann Chin Handmade Popiah – Popiah, Spring Roll, Kueh Pie Tee
Chang Ji Gourmet – Economical Bee Hoon, Economical Fried Mee
The 1950’s Coffee – Ice Milk Coffee
With over 200 stalls, including several rated by Michelin, the Chinatown Complex Food Centre would require a month to explore properly but for those with limited time and other dining priorities an early stop focused on a few classics proved worthwhile if not as compelling as Hong Lim Market a few minutes away.
Spread across three floors on Smith Street, the lower ones mostly vendors selling souvenirs and Produce, those seeking Breakfast should first head to #02-84 where Fatty Ox HK Kitchen offers a wide range of plates including everything from signature Brisket to Trotters and Chicken.
Michelin recommended with bowls starting at $5. though those seeking a Soy Sauce Chicken or whole Roast Duck can order without starch, suffice it to say that simple appearing plates pack a lot of punch thanks to springy Noodles and well-stuffed Dumplings while the Brisket is appropriately fatty and good on its own but better with a bit of Chili Paste.
Onward to stall #02-112, open from 08h00 until 19h00 daily, Ann Chin Handmade Popiah also receives Michelin mention for a tradition dating back over sixty years and excellence derived from quality Ingredients including Skins made by hand daily.
Another small menu, just Popiah and fried Spring Rolls plus tiny Kueh Pie Tee cups filled with similar items, guests will be delighted by a mix of Shrimp, Eggs, Carrots and Peanuts that are plentiful and varied in terms of taste, temperature and consistency all magnified by a bit of Sauce.
Perhaps less celebrated than others, but frequently featuring a longer line of locals than anywhere else at Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Chang Ji Gourmet offers just three plates at S$1.30 with each fairly simple but crafted with care.
Not a place for proteins, though Fish and Peanut Porridge has its fans, the go-to at Chang Ji Gourmet is Rice Vermicelli called Bee Hoon or thicker Fried Mee each tender yet springy in a mix of Soya, Sprouts, Garlic and Onion with Chili Paste offered on the side.
Not about to miss a Coffee Shop, the only Michelin reviewed location at Chinatown Complex Food Centre, The 1950’s Coffee has seemingly given up on Kaya Toast in recent years but still serves Kopi Kosong plus cold or hot drinks with Milk just as they have for over 70 years.
