HAWKER HITS
If you’re new to the game or happen to show up in time for the lunch rush, hawker centres and food courts can be quite intimidating places to eat, especially if you have kids in tow. To make things a little simpler, we’ve compiled a handy list of hawker dishes that the family will love. #1 Chicken rice
Whenever we ask our readers to name their kids’ favourite hawker dish, chicken rice comes first by a mile. It’s not the most nutritious local dish you’ll come by, but it’s simple and filling, without a lot of ingredients, and great for fussy tummies.
#2 Fishball noodles
A medley of savoury fishcake, fishballs and (sometimes) minced meat, served atop your choice of noodles (thin or thick egg noodles, or rice noodles), this easy-to-eat dish is a popular pick with kids. A tip is to ask for the nonspicy version, which often uses tomato sauce instead.
#3 Carrot cake
Not to be confused with the American-style dessert, this fried dish is a savoury mix of rice flour, white radish and egg. Served white or black (fried with sweet dark soya sauce), carrot cake can be found in most hawker centres and food courts.
#4 Satay
Usually available in chicken, beef and pork, these meat skewers are always a hit with the whole family. Order a side of ketupat (rice dumplings), the perfect accompaniment to the peanut dipping sauce.
#5 Wonton noodles
This Cantonese noodle dish features thin and springy egg noodles, meat dumplings and leafy vegetables. Order it dry (tossed in dark sauce) or in soup (clear broth) – your kids will love it either way.
#6 Yong tau foo
This Hakka Chinese favourite lets you choose your preferred type of noodles, broth and ingredients. Consisting primarily of tofu or vegetables filled with ground meat or fish paste, it’s a dish that’s eaten dry with sweet sauce or served in a soup.
#7 Roti prata
Also known as roti canai, this Indian fried pancake is not the healthiest dish on the menu but kids lap it up. Order it with egg or banana for nutrition (but we all know cheese tastes the best!).
#8 Fried rice
Overwhelmed with the choices available? You won’t go wrong with a hot plate of fried rice, typically found at the zi char (a Chinese stall serving a wide selection of affordable dishes and seafood) of each coffeeshop. If you’re extra hungry, order some sweet-and-sour pork as a side – it goes perfectly with the rice.
#9 Kaya toast
Want a quick and hearty brekkie? Try kaya toast – toast with coconut jam and a thick slab of cold butter. Dip the bread into soft-boiled eggs for a truly local experience! Our go-to spots are Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Toast Box, but you’ll also find this popular snack at most food courts.
#10 Ice kachang
No meal is complete without dessert; wash it all down with a refreshing sweet treat to share! Featuring shaved ice, syrup, jelly, fruit and other mysterious ingredients, this rainbow-coloured dessert is a godsend for hot afternoons.