What to Eat at Balestier Singapore
Welcome to Balestier, Singapore – the hub of delicious and flavourful dishes! Located in the heart of the city, Balestier has become a popular destination for locals, tourists and food lovers alike. From traditional Chinese dishes to classic Western offerings, Balestier is a melting pot of culinary delights. In this article, we will explore some of the best dishes to try when you visit this vibrant neighbourhood.
Table of Contents
#1 – Boon Tong Kee
Introduction:
In 1979, Mr Thian Boon Hua started a small stall in Chinatown serving Cantonese chicken rice. Building upon the popularity of his silky white sauce chicken rice and emphasis on quality service, he rallied his family members to establish Boon Tong Kee’s first restaurant at Balestier Road in 1983.
In its second year of operation, the restaurant started to garner rave reviews and accolades from industry luminaries and customers. Before long, outlets at MacPherson Road, Whampoa West, River Valley Road, Cheong Chin Nam Road and East Coast Road followed in rapid succession.
The company diversified its operations in 1999 to include “Zi Char” (home-style cooked food) and eateries. From the traditional Balestier Road outlet to the upscale River Valley branch, Boon Tong Kee has enthralled Singaporeans and tourists alike with its delectable food and friendly staff.
Menu Items:
- Chicken Rice Combo Set (Price $7++)
- Drumstick Chicken Rice Combo Set (Price $9++)
- Chicken Rice Combo Set with Extra Meat (Price $9++)
- Non Meat Combo Set – White Rice with Spinach, Broccoli and Fried Beancurd (Price $9++)
- Vegetarian Fried Rice served with Broccoli and Deep Fried Beancurd (3 pcs) (Price $13++)
Location:
399, 401 & 403 Balestier Road
Singapore 329801 ( From Toa Payoh MRT Station Board SBS Bus No.145 )
Blk 34 Whampoa West #01-93
Singapore 330034 (Beside Boon Keng MRT Station Exit B )
425 River Valley Road Singapore 248324
Contact:
Balestier Road: +65 6254 3937
Whampoa West: +65 6299 9880
River Valley Road: +65 6736 3213
Website: Website Link Here
#2 – Founder Bak Kut Teh
Introduction:
Founder Bak Kut Teh “發起人骨茶” have been serving aromatic “Rou Gu Cha，肉骨茶” (also known as Bak Kut Teh in the Hokkien/Teochew dialect) for over 40 years, Founder Bak Kut Teh has established a reputation as one of the best Bak Kut Teh in Singapore.
The customers come first and foremost for the Bak Kut Teh, and hail from all over Singapore as well as the regional countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, etc.). The multitude of celebrity photographs that fill the walls of the eatery and the crowds that throng the restaurant during its opening hours are proof of Founder Bak Kut Teh appeal and the authenticity of the food served.
The secret to the quality of Founder’s Bak Kut Teh is in the insistence of its founder (Mr Chua Chwee Whatt), in using only the freshest meaty pork ribs, simmered in a specially formulated broth of herbs and spices. In fact, Founder’s broth is created using a recipe created by Mr. Chua himself and perfected over many years of serving the wonderfully peppery dish. Hence, the naming of the business as “Founder Rou Gu Cha”.
The flagship outlet is located in Balestier (operated by Mr. Chua’s son). By embarking on franchising, the Company aims to bring the Founder Rou Gu Cha dining experience closer to its loyal customers as well as new fans in various countries throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.
Menu Items:
- Founder Bak Kut Teh
- Founder Popularity Bak Kut Teh
- Mixed Organ Soup
- Claypot Mixed Organ
- Pig’s Trotter
- Lettuce with Oyster Sauce
- Steam Mince Meat
- Prawn Paste Chicken Wing
- Vermicelli Noodles Soup
*Please kindly contact them for more pricing information.
Location: 347 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329777
Contact: +65 6352 6192
Website: Website Link Here
#3 – Loy Ke Best Chicken Rice
Introduction:
The journey began in the 1950s when our grandpa, Mr. Loy Nie In, left his hometown in Hainan Island, in pursuit of a better life in Singapore. With the culinary skills picked up earnestly during his time working in a ship’s kitchen, grandpa started a porridge stall to make ends meet.
Shortly after, their grandma, Mdm Qua Tee joined him in Singapore. Out of her dedication and foresight, she suggested they sell chicken rice. Together, they worked to formulate the unique recipe for our Hainanese Chicken Rice. In 1953, they opened their first permanent stall at Raymond Market and launched the Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice. Soon, word of their delicious fare spread far and wide and this marks the beginning of a popular local dish that is well-loved by Singaporeans till today.
Menu Items:
- Loy Kee Deluxe Couple Set 2-3pax (Price $41)
- Loy Kee Deluxe Family Set 4-5pax (Price $69.70)
- Loy Kee Deluxe Family Set 4-5pax (Price $66.30)
- Loy Kee Jumbo Family Set7-8pax (Price $121.35)
Location: 342 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329774
Contact: +65 6252 2318
Website: Website Link Here
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#4 – Bee Kia Seafood Restaurant
Introduction:
Bee Kia Seafood Restaurant is where they spent most of their time. Located just opposite Thomson Medical Centre, this coffee shop has been around for as long as them can remember.
A cursory look at Bee Kia’s Instagram geotag suggests that almost every diner here orders their beef hor fun. And their Beef Hor Fun ($6) is really good. Filled with the earthy saltiness of fermented black beans, its sticky sauce is densely flavourful and came with a slightly sweet finish.
The beef slices, while generous, lacked chewiness and were so smooth I couldn’t identify the grain of the meat at all. It was also lacking the taste of red meat. In fact, the beef tasted more like pork, which was slightly off-putting for me. The hor fun could also have done with more wok hei.
They smelled the pungent prawn paste of their Prawn Paste Chicken ($8) before we saw it arrive. Unlike most other zi char places that use either mid-wings or drumlets, the chicken parts here seem completely random; they got two wings, some chicken breast, and the top part of a drumstick. There’s just something more satisfying about eating random fried chicken parts, and that’s a real big plus for me.
An even bigger plus was the intense crispiness of the fried chicken. Twice-fried, the chicken was also dusted with breadcrumbs, which helped make the crunch very satisfying.
Menu Items:
- Beef Hor Fun (Price $6)
- Prawn Paste Chicken (Price $8)
- Prawn Roll (Price $8)
Location: 1 Thomson Rd, #01-326 within Sin Mee Eating House, Singapore 300001
Contact: +65 6254 8490
Website: Website Link Here
#5 – Loong Fatt
Introduction:
Loong Fatt Eating House was founded in 1948 by Mr Lee Wang Long. They sell pastries and is well-known among the older generation for their Tau Sar Piah (豆沙饼).
Starting from 1948, it has been over 74 years since we began on this journey. Still, one bite and you will know that they still take the same pride and dedication to create their delectably flaky pastries and deliciously fluffy cakes.
They have kept their family’s traditional recipe for Tau Sar Piah is known for its unique flakiness that is second to none. Its flaky layers come apart at first bite, slowly revealing it’s sweet center of green bean paste that balances the slight saltiness of its buttery crust.
Menu Items:
- Tau Sar Piah (5 Sweet 5 Salty) (Price $12)
- Tau Sar Piah (10 Sweet) (Price $15)
- Custard Puff (10 pieces) (Price $10)
- Custard Swiss Roll (5 pieces) (Price $7)
- Pandan Cake (5 pieces) (Price $6)
- Almond Cupcake (5 pieces) (Price $6.50)
Location: 639 Balestier Road Singapore, Singapore 329922
Contact: +65 6253 4584
Website: Website Link Here
#6 – Pigs Fly Kitchen & Bar
Introduction:
The ultimate foodie is the worst decision-maker. Pigsfly has a way of limiting the decision making time to what they believe are the best of the hardest choices to make. Burgers, Pizzas, Thai & Indian. How can one food lover expect to be limited to only one at one time? The struggle is real, fellow foodie. They”ve got your back.
Pigsfly is a casual dining venue where people come together for the love of food and beer. They serve a variety of cuisines including Gourmet Burgers, Pizzas, Seafood, Northern Indian and traditional Thai favourites and a bar full of 50+ artisanal beer.
Menu Items:
- Garlic Beef (Price $12)
- Thai Basil Beef (Price $12)
- Green Curry Beef (Price $12)
- Red Curry Beef (Price $12)
- Dry Curry Beef (Price $12)
- Garlic Pork (Price $10.8)
- Thai Basil Pork (Price $10.8)
- Green Curry Pork (Price $10.8)
- Red Curry Pork (Price $10.8)
- Sweet & Sour Pork (Price $10)
Location: 19 East Coast Road, Singapore 428746
Contact: +65 6348 2283
Website: Website Link Here
#7 – Cavemen Restaurant & Bar
Introduction:
First started with their Butchery in February 2018. They opened CAVEMEN Coffee & Kitchen’s door in April 2018. Furthermore, they reopened as CAVEMEN Restaurant & Bar in January 2019. After that, they extended CAVEMEN Restaurant & Bar outdoor in August 2019. February 2022, CAVEMEN Weekend Brunch is only available on Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Menu Items:
Delivery:
- USDA Prime Ribeye Dry-Aged 45 Days (Price $0.30/g)
- Tiramisu Rum (Price $53.50)
- JOSE – Spiced Tuna Paté 75g (Price $6.90)
- Three Wisemen Bundle of 5 High ABV Cocktails (120ml each) (Price $85.60)
- Seramisu Small (12cm x 12cm; approx. 240g) (Price $21.40)
Dine-in:
- Steak Cuts Beef, Lamb & Pork 400g or less (Price $15)
- Grilled Surume Ika (Price $35)
- Spanish Mackerel (Price $26)
- Crisp Chicken Soft Bone (Price $28)
- Grilled Spanish Octopus (Price $32)
Location: 1 Jalan Dusun, #01-08, Singapore 329363
Contact: +65 6250 1168
Website: Website Link Here
#8 – Francesca’s Viio Balestier
Introduction:
What happens when you combine the diversity of Italian flavours, with the heartiness of Singapore home cooking? Your next meal at Francesca’s.
They serve tasty, unpretentious and affordable Italian food anyone can enjoy.
True to Italian cuisine, they insist on preparing every meal with the freshest ingredients. We then add a touch of local home cooking charm to transform classic Italian dishes into something that’s new and exciting to you.
Visit us and see why it’s a hot favourite for gourmets looking to fill their stomach and their soul.
Menu Items:
- SOUP OF THE DAY – MUSHROOM SOUP
- Cheesy Potato Croquette POTATO STICK
- CALAMARI
- MEATBALLS
- TRUFFLE WINGS
- PRAWN AGLIO OLIO
- Roasted Chicken Piadini
*Please kindly contact them for more pricing information.
Location: 520 Balestier Rd, #01-07, Singapore 329853
Contact: +65 8666 3535
Website: Website Link Here
#9 – Jiang 蔣先生 Cantonese Tapas
Introduction:
A character loosely based on the Young & Dangerous (古惑仔) Hong Kong film series. He is a rich and powerful businessman, and well respected by the Hong Kong triads. Always welcoming & forever hospitable, Mr. Jiang invites you to feast in his world blurred by the black and white rules of society.
Yes, they do love being a little dramatic….. 🙂
Choose to dine in their street level joint, where the decor mimics a traditional 1980s Cha Chann Teng. Marble furniture fills the room with dim lighting and cheesy LEDs on the walls. #classicvibes
OR
Experience Hong Kong street vibes in their basement settings. Loose old school foldable tables with retro chairs strewn across the floor. Old movie posters line the entire length of the walls with dim pendant lights. #retrovibes
So drop by or give them a call to make a reservation. They are absolutely sure you will love their food and their company. And if you listen hard enough, you might just hear their chef in the kitchen going “kam tin ngo…..” (Beyond 海阔天空) 🙂
Menu Items:
- Crispy Skin Roast Pork Noodles (Dry) (Price $6)
- Hong Kong Style Prawn Wonton Noodle (Soup/Dry) (Price $6.50)
- Crispy Skin Roast Pork Rice (Price $6)
- Curry Beef Brisket Rice (Price $7.80)
- Honey Glazed Kurobuta Char Siew (Price $10.80)
- Wok Fried French Beans with Dried Shrimps (Price $12.80)
- King Prawn Wontons in Chilli Oil (Price $14.80)
- Chilled Gui Hua Goji Jelly (Price $4.80)
Location: 456 Balestier Rd, #01-04 next to SPC gas station, Singapore 329832
Contact: +65 6518 4728
Website: Website Link Here
#10 – The Frosted Chick
Introduction:
The Frosted Chick specialises in customised cakes, dessert tables, cupcakes, macarons, cake pops, cookies and other artisanal desserts. From gender reveal parties, baby showers, birthdays, 21st birthdays, wedding cakes, anniversaries and longevity cakes, to product launches, corporate parties.
Why The Frosted Chick? Our humble origins began when in 2014, Vanessa and Aaron, both new parents then, were desperately attempting to bake a cake for their firstborn Aden. Amidst all the chaos, Aden had calmly crawled unoticed into the kitchen and got some frosting on his favourite soft toy chick. Breaking out in laughter, Vanessa and Aaron realised how fleeting these priceless moments can be, especially in their busy lives in Singapore.
Since then, Vanessa, Aaron and their creative team of bakers have been on a quest to make celebrations easier- everywhere. Their philosophy is captured in our promise: Delivering happiness, to you. Underpinning this is their large variety of customisable desserts and a commitment to quality service, to see through your event from start to finish, without a hitch.
As bakers they believe in using only the finest of ingredients, and it all starts from sustainable local sources, before finding the best from the rest in the world. Each of their products are prepared by qualified kitchen professionals, before their experienced decorators transform them into visually beautiful designs. As party designers, they have the wares to provide for your party, from a humble cake stand, to a unique over-the-top set up. Most importantly, being the parents of two children, they understand that a successful event means more than a beautiful cake or dessert table set up. From baking to delivery, they will hande all aspects of the order in-house so that you don’t have to worry, and can actually spend your precious time with the people who actually matter.
From the littlest of bites to their grandest dessert tables, they hope that you and your loved ones will be able to savour those joyous moments together, and let them, deliver happiness to you.
Menu Items:
- “I want CANDY!” Drip Cake (Price $165)
- Aladdin Princess Jasmine Cake (Price $90)
- Box of 12 Cupcakes (Assorted) (Price $36)
- Floral Cupcake Bouquet (Price $45)
- Birthday Mini Cupcakes (Price $60)
- Baby Shower Dessert Gift Box (Price $16)
- Box of 16 Macarons (Assorted) (Price $30)
Location: 194 Kim Keat Ave, #01-414, Singapore 310194
Contact: Call: +65 6250 3613, Whatsapp: +65 9176 4560
Website: Website Link Here
Have a Place to Recommend?
Your contribution is valuable to us! Are there any outstanding businesses that you believe should be added to our list? If so, please send your recommendations to us at [email protected]. Tropika Club will review your suggestions and update the list accordingly. Thank you for your help in making our list of businesses as comprehensive and accurate as possible.
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