Sports fans would agree when we say Kallang is home to one of the best stadiums in the world, the Jalan Besar Stadium, and the nearby Singapore Sports Hub is a destination for live performances and tournaments. The longest river in Singapore, the Kallang River, is also a scenic stretch for outdoor activities and hobbyists.
This riverside district is vibrant and full of enthusiasm, just like its residents. And where there is fun, there’s food. Skip the fancy ones for now because Kallang has some of the best grub in Singapore that won’t reap your pocket and are definitely satisfying. Under $8? We take the challenge!
1. BBQ Box
If you’re close to the Kallang MRT station and have some appetite for northeastern Chinese skewers, the flagship store of BBQ Box will make you feast on over 30 grilled items to choose from. Long-time crowd-pleasers are the roasted chicken mid-wings ($3.50), grilled beef fingers ($1.20 each), and grilled mantou slice barbecue ($1.20). And it would be a blasphemy to skip the grilled tripe ($1.90).
Address: 182 Geylang Road (Near Kallang MRT Station), Singapore 389252
Hours: 1:30 PM – 1:0 AM Daily
2. Jalan Sultan Prawn Mee
This not-your-ordinary-noodle-stall holds a Michelin recommendation, and it’s just a short walk away from Kallang MRT station. You’ll be welcomed into a simple dining area with a straightforward menu of prawns, ribs, and a selection of noodles. Team dry, or team soupy, you’ll both get a serving of succulent and sweet prawns and pork & prawns combo with your choice of noodles.
But the lovingly warm bowl of King Prawn Mee with a side of chili and a small bowl of soup just won our hearts. The price starts at $8.
Address: 2 Jalan Ayer, (Lorong 1 Geylang) Singapore 389141
Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM Daily (Closed on Tuesdays)
3. Imam Banana Leaf Restaurant
Try visiting the Imam Banana Leaf Restaurant late at night for the chicken biryani (around ($8), and you’ll forget about the sad late-night instant noodles from your cupboard. It’s a hearty serving of juicy meat covered in thick gravy and a side of crispy papadum and achar. If you’re feeling extra, try the Broom Prata (around $2), and the Milky Prata (around $2) are worth the visit.
Address: 12 Lor 1 Geylang, Singapore 389120
Hours: Open 24 Hours
4. Mongkok Dimsum
Albeit a restaurant chain, Mongkok has maintained its reputation for decent and authentic Cantonese and Zi Char dishes that are consistently good. An absolute 2-thumbs-up is the Beef Horfun (around $7.50) is super tender and coated with savory, fragrant, thick sauce and a tinge of spice. The delicate Char Siu Rolls are also lip-smackingly good; just thinking about it makes us drool.
The best part is that your craving doesn’t have to wait. Your dim sum flair is being served 24 hours.
Address: 214 Geylang Road, Singapore 389274
Hours: 24 Hours Daily
5. Tiong Bahru Yong Tau Hu
Rainy day or not, a bowl of yong tau hu is always a comforting treat. If you’re too early for a Stadium event or are off for a quick and satisfying meal around Kallang Leisure Park, Tiong Bahru Yong Tau Hu ($7) is a noteworthy stop.
The house-made fish paste is so good, you won’t be picking up the frozen ones from the grocery store again. With the delicate texture and flavor of fresh fish and tau kwa wrapped in tau kee (beancurd), each bite is a pleasure with the umami-rich soup. If it’s scorching hot outside, the dry version is just as good when dipped in homemade chili oil and sweet sauce.
Address: 5 Stadium Walk, #1-29, Kallang Leisure Park, Singapore 397693
Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Daily
Who says your $8 won’t take you far? Not all that’s expensive is good. Sometimes, the best-tasting ones are in the simplest things. You just have to know where to find them.
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