Our hunt for good, authentic Malay food brought us to Geylang Serai Market. Even from the outside, the Malay Minangkabau architecture of the market is indicative of the rich culture and heritage that goes on within its walls. The food is mainly located on the second story, whereas wet market shenanigans take place on the first floor. Pasar Geylang Serai, or Geylang Serai Market houses a wide array of Malay and Indian food. You’ll also be glad to know that most of the stalls here are halal! Here are the 10 Best Indian & Malay Food At Geylang Serai Market!
What’s Good At Geylang Serai Market
1. G.S.Oli Thosai & Food Stall (#02-138)
This has got to be arguably the best Apom in Singapore! For those who don’t know, apom is a pancake with a soft, fluffy centre and thin, crispy edges. It is best accompanied by the two star condiments provided – red sugar and grated coconut. Their Thosai and Masala Chicken are also popular, and these three dishes typically sell out by lunch time – a true testament to their popularity!
Hours: Tues – Sun (5:45am – 3pm)
Phone: +65 9328 3837
Website:Â https://www.facebook.com/gs.thosai/
2. Rojak & Mee Siam by A.H. Food Corner (#02-126)
Move aside, Chinese rojak. Indian rojak is the way to go! You can pick and choose your ingredients from the array of seafood cake, egg in dough fritter, bean curd, cuttlefish and more. Throw in some raw onions and chilli, dip the ingredients in their homemade chilli sauce and enjoy your rojak! Their “secret sauce” makes them one of the best Indian rojaks in Singapore!
Hours: Mon – Sun (8am – 4pm)
3. Haig Road Putu Piring (#01-02)
Who grew up eating putu piring? We know we did! Traditional Haig Road Putu Piring’s kuehs are super fluffy and made from rice flour, filled with a warm gula melaka filling that has crystallised bits. You can also get some coconut flakes on the side to accompany your Putu Piring order! It is quite popular during their peak hours, but we’d recommend going when there’s a queue to ensure that your Putu Piring is made to order!
Location: Mr. Teh Tarik Coffee Shop
Hours: Mon – Sun (9am – 8pm)
Phone:Â +65 9797 5635
Website:Â https://www.facebook.com/haigroadputupiring
4. Kacang Pool Mustafa (#02-118)
A typical comfort food here, Kacang Pool is a thick, savoury bean stew. It is topped with raw onions, green chilli and eggs to make it extra fulfilling. You also get a side of french loaf to eat alongside your Kacang Pool or to dip into the bean stew! A tip is to squeeze in some lime juice to add a bit of tanginess to the otherwise savoury dish!
Hours: Mon – Sun (6:30am – 2pm)
5. Otak-Otak Kampung (#02-165)
Far from the typical otak-otak we are accustomed to seeing nowadays that are smooth and solid, this place sells traditional otak-otak. What is the difference? There is no flour added and is made up mostly of coconut. There are also chunks of fish in every bite. However, because it is made up of more coconut, it carries a stronger coconut taste which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Hours: Tues – Sun (10am – 6pm)
Phone: +65 9380 0696
Website:Â https://www.facebook.com/otak2kampungsingapore
6. Hajjah Mona Nasi Padang (#02-166)
From afar, you can easily spot this stall with a neon signboard and a variety of dishes on display at the storefront. Hajjah Mona is one of the popular Nasi Padang stalls at Geylang Serai Market because of their coconut-based dishes. You can pick and choose which of the many dishes you want with your rice. We’ve heard that the Beef Rendang here is excellent. Other popular dishes are the Chicken Rendang and Ayam Opor.
Hours: Mon – Sun (7:30am – 5:30pm)
This satay stall has a history dating all the way back to 1964. It was started by a Javanese owner, and his original Javanese satay recipe has lived on to this day. There is another satay stall by the same name at Mr. Teh Tarik coffeeshop on Level 1, but the main stall upstairs in the hawker centre is said to be better. Three varieties of satay are available – typical chicken, mutton and beef satay that is nicely seasoned with herbs and spices.
Hours: Mon – Sun (9:30am – 7:45pm)
8. Cendol Geylang Serai (#02-107)
Cendol is a local favourite dessert that is made with the signature green jelly, coconut milk, palm sugar and red beans. However, this stall features a big sign that aggressively says “NO RED BEANS” – great for fellow red bean haters. Their cendol is simply made with just a few ingredients, but adequately captures the taste of the cendol. Simple yet good is the way we like our cendol!
Hours: Mon – Sun (8:30am – 6pm)
Phone: +65 9485 5845
9. Geylang Briyani Stall (#02-146)
This Briyani stall has endured for three generations! All you have to do when ordering is to choose how you want your protein! There are three options: Mutton, Curry Chicken or Fried Chicken. After laying your protein of choice on the plate, they pile your plate with a generous heap of basmati rice. The rice may just be the true star here! It is flavourful and perfectly cooked with lots of spices!
Hours: Tues – Sun (10:30am – 4:30pm), Closed Mon
Phone: +65Â 9170 9700
10. Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang (#02-137)
There’s always a long queue at Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang. During lunch hour, you’ll probably spot the queue before you see the stall itself! The popular dishes are Ayam Panggang (BBQ Chicken), Terong Balado (Sambal Eggplant), Begedel (Potato Patties), Beef Rendang, Sambal Quail Eggs and Jackfruit Curry. Their Oxtail Soup is also famous for its deliciousness from the various herbs and spices used in the soup. If you haven’t tried out this Nasi Padang stall yet, it’s definitely worth a try!
Hours: Mon – Sun (9am – 8pm)
Phone: +65 9067 8907
Also read:Â Must-Try: 10 Best Hawker Stalls At The Famous Amoy Street Food Centre
10 Best Eats At Geylang Serai Market
You can get a great variety of Indian and Malay dishes that are traditional and authentic all within Geylang Serai Market, making it a one-stop hawker centre for many Singaporeans living in that area. Plus, you can also do your wet market shopping there! No wonder it’s such a popular eating location in Singapore among Easties! What is your favourite stall in Geylang Serai Market? Let us know in the comments!
