Last Updated on 25/04/2023 by iEat&Eat Team
Your mother was correct in emphasizing the importance of breakfast as it sets the tone for your day. To fully experience the best of Singapore’s breakfast offerings, consider heading to one of these local breakfast spots.
Despite the emergence of trendy brunch destinations, we have compiled a list of local eateries that open before 11 am, serving everything from simple kaya toast to more complex xiao long baos.
We have scoured Singapore to bring you the country’s top-rated local breakfast spots, and you can also save and access this list on TripAdvisor.
1. River South (Hoe Nam) Prawn Noodles 河南肉骨大虾面
31 Tai Thong Crescent, Singapore 347859 | +65 6281 9293
Nestled within the bends of Tai Thong Crescent is a humble coffee shop, bustling with constant activity despite its unassuming appearance. River South (Hoe Nam) Prawn Noodles 河南肉骨大虾面 has been garnering attention from food enthusiasts for its straightforward and uncomplicated bowls of delectable prawn noodles.
The Big Prawns and Pork Rib Noodles (S$5.50) boasted a hearty soup that was rich and flavourful, with an intensity that kept us yearning for more after just one sip. The broth was crafted by boiling an abundant amount of fresh prawns and pork bones for over 24 hours, resulting in a delectable and mouth-watering broth.
The noodles were well-prepared, coated in a thick and flavourful zhup that complemented the soup impeccably. There are a variety of ingredients to choose from, such as pork ribs, pigtail, and baby abalone, to accompany your fresh prawns.
2. Ng Ah Sio Pork Ribs Soup Eating House 黄亚细肉骨茶餐室
Singapore boasts several exceptional bak kut teh stalls, featuring succulent pork ribs cooked in complex broths of herbs and spices. Among these establishments is Ng Ah Sio Pork Ribs Eating House 黄亚细肉骨茶餐室.
Their signature herbal Pork Ribs Soup (S$7.50) possesses a strong yet not overpowering flavour, allowing the distinct aromas of pepper and garlic to shine through. The combination of pork ribs, a medley of herbs, and these spices results in Ng Ah Sio’s trademark robust taste.
Renowned for its classic Teochew coffee shop ambience and high-quality pork ribs, this restaurant is a popular destination, even during breakfast hours. Expect crowds to be a constant presence.
3. Afandi Hawa & Family Mee Rebus
14 Haig Road, Haig Road Cooked Food Centre, #01-21, Singapore 430014
Haig Road Food Centre offers an opportunity to savour a bit of Malay culture through a modest bowl of mee rebus from Afandi Hawa & Family Mee Rebus.
The yellow noodles are covered in a thick and savoury broth, boasting a delicious flavour. Though I am not typically a fan of yellow noodles or mee rebus, the noodles at this eatery are truly exceptional. Cooked to perfection with an al dente texture and a springy consistency, they are a delight to the taste buds.
4. Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice
71 Seng Poh Road, #01-49, Singapore 160071
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a plate of rice smothered in thick curry, and Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice has mastered the art of this beloved dish.
Nestled in the heart of Tiong Bahru, Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice is located in a charming coffee shop that exudes a nostalgic ambience with its old-school decor, including traditional turquoise metal gates.
Since 1946, Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice has been a Tiong Bahru staple, now helmed by the industrious Mr Loo Kia Chee for the past four decades. The unassuming Hainanese Curry (S$2) may not look like much, but it packs a flavorful punch.
Upon taking a bite, you’ll be greeted by the strong aroma of coconut milk, followed by an unusual and mild spiciness that is derived from the generous use of ginger, without being overpowering. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal of steaming white rice blanketed with rich curry that hits all the right spots.
5. No. 1 Adam’s Nasi Lemak
Adam Road Food Centre #01-01, 2 Adam Road, Singapore 289876
No. 1 Adam’s Nasi Lemak is a beloved breakfast dish among locals, offering a plethora of set meal options to satisfy every craving.
Among the many choices, we opted for the Sutra Special (S$4.50), which included a chicken wing, a piece of otah, fried ikan bilis and peanuts, an egg, and rice. While all the ingredients were delicious and the chilli was incredibly aromatic, the standout component was undoubtedly the rice.
Crafted from a variety of long-grain rice known as basmati, which translates to “fragrant,” the rice boasts a pandan-like flavour that is enhanced by the infusion of coconut milk. It’s so good that it could be enjoyed on its own.
6. Toa Payoh Hwa Heng Beef Noodles 大芭窑华兴牛肉粉
29 Bendemeer Road, Bendemeer Market & Food Centre, #01-86, Singapore 330029
Toa Payoh Hwa Heng Beef Noodle 大芭窑华兴牛肉粉 is a hidden gem that only a select few locals know about.
Their Beef Noodle Dry (S$4) arrived with a bowl of soup and a serving of noodles coated in a thick and rich gravy, boasting a robust flavour. I was pleasantly surprised to discover specks of minced beef swimming in the braised gravy. It’s important to mix the noodles and broth thoroughly for maximum enjoyment.
I suspect that the beef slices were blanched raw to achieve their soft and tender consistency. The addition of kiam chye (salted pickled mustard) added a subtle sourness to the dish, preventing it from becoming too heavy.
7. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle 大华猪肉粿条面
466 Crawford Lane, Tai Hwa Eating House, #01-12, Singapore 190466 | +65 9272 3920
Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles 大华猪肉粿条面, a 1-Michelin Starred eatery, earns a spot on both my most and least favourite places to dine list. However, it truly embodies the saying “Happiness is worth the wait.”
While I wouldn’t go so far as to label it the best-minced pork noodles (bak chor mee) in Singapore, I understand why it has a massive following of loyal customers. The Pork Noodle, Dry (S$5), topped with delightful wontons, boasts a perfect combination of vinegar, pork, noodles, and chilli, resulting in an A-grade dish.
The noodles had a delightful springy consistency that grew on me with each bite. However, my only complaint is that the serving size was a bit small, leaving me famished after the long wait in line.
8. Song Zhou Luo Bo Gao 松州萝卜糕
208B New Upper Changi Rd, Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre, #01-37, Singapore 462208 | +65 9684 3555
Carrot cake is a beloved dish that almost all locals are familiar with. Since its introduction to our shores, the chai tow kuay, or white radish cakes, have taken on various forms, with some fried plain and others coated in sweet black sauce.
Unlike many of its modernized counterparts, Song Zhou Luo Bo Gao 松州萝卜糕 remains true to tradition, offering traditional servings of White Carrot Cake (S$2.50) stir-fried with eggs, preserved radish, and other seasonings without any unnecessary decorative garnishes.
Expertly fried with an ample amount of chye poh (salted white radish) and garlic, the carrot cake is a fragrant and flavorful masterpiece.
9. Li Fang Porridge 丽芳粥品
Website | 270 Queen Street, #01-78, Singapore 180270 | +65 9634 7050
Li Fang Zhou Pin 丽芳粥品 has emerged as the top contender in my “Porridge Hall of Fame,” surpassing many of its competitors. Initially located at ABC Brickworks Food Centre in Bukit Merah, this unpretentious porridge stall has since relocated to Queen Street.
What truly sets Li Fang Zhou Pin apart is the porridge’s consistency, which is dense yet incredibly smooth. Accompanied by a fried dough stick (you tiao), patrons can choose from an extensive selection of dishes to complement their porridge, ranging from shredded chicken and fish slices to even salmon.
10. Springleaf Prata Place
Facebook | Multiple Locations | [email protected]
What’s better than savouring a scrumptious serving of roti prata and Indian cuisine? Enjoying it in the comfort of an air-conditioned restaurant!
Although I may be considered a “mountain tortoise” (slang for a country bumpkin), Springleaf Prata Place was the first air-conditioned prata house I’ve ever visited.
The Cheese Prata (S$2.50) was particularly noteworthy, complementing the wide variety of curries available. The crust was thin but substantial, and the cheese was generously applied.
Fried to a delightfully crisp exterior while remaining soft and warm on the inside, this is undoubtedly one of the best pratas I’ve ever tasted.