Looks don’t matter; take Hainanese curry rice as the perfect example. Quite possibly the epitome of comfort food, this glorious dish typically features rice, pork chop, chap chye and a sunny-side-up egg, all unapologetically doused in ladle after ladle of luscious curry gravy. What’s not to love?
Without further ado, here are 11 best Hainanese curry rice stalls in Singapore that serve messy, tasty perfection. This curated guide includes a mix of time-tested gems and other crowd favourites — all well worth the trip when the craving hits.
1. Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice
Starting us off is a household name: Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice, which has been in Tiong Bahru for nearly 8 decades. Widely regarded as one of the best curry rice stalls across our island, it’s one of Tiong Bahru Market’s biggest crowd magnets.
You’ll notice that most patrons here opt to have their dishes served separately, rather than piled onto a single plate like at most other stalls featured on this list. It might take a little mess out of the equation, but rest assured, it’s delicious all the same.
Start off with a plate of Rice (S$0.80) bedecked in their addictive, aromatic curry, and pair it with as many ingredients as you please. We recommend the Sambal Sotong (S$2) and the juicy, umami-rich Meatball (S$2). And, of course, complete your meal with classics like Pork chop (from S$2), Braised Pork (from S$2) and Cabbage (from S$1.20).
30 Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru Market, #02-67/68, Singapore 168898
+65 9617 0052
Fri to Wed: 8.30am – 2.45pm
Closed on Thu
2. Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice
Ah, the poster child of Hainanese curry rice greatness in Singapore: Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice. This famed establishment has been around since 1930, with its flagship outlet holding strong at Jalan Besar ever since. That aside, they’ve got several other offshoots in Upper Thomson, Bishan, VivoCity and ION Orchard.
For the uninitiated, the stall gets its “scissors cut” name from its signature technique — snipping up ingredients into bite-sized pieces with pairs of sharp scissors. You can watch it in action while waiting for your order.
There’s no such thing as “too much curry” at Scissors Cut Curry Rice. Just take a look at that glorious mess! Their signature curry gravy has a creamy consistency with a subtle spice and aroma, while the braised gravy complements it with a light sweetness.
Where ingredients are concerned, some must-tries include the crispy, meaty Pork Chop (S$2) or its counterparts: Chicken Cutlet (S$2) and Prawn Fritter (S$1.10). The sweet Cabbage (S$1) and juicy braised Beancurd Puff (S$0.50) are also outstanding accompaniments. And don’t forget to top it all off with an Egg (S$0.80).
229 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208905
+65 9826 1464
Daily: 11am – 3.30am
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3. Beo Crescent Curry Rice
Beo Crescent Curry Rice is another stall that requires no introduction. Otherwise known affectionately as “No Name Curry Rice”, it has a glowing reputation that precedes its lack of a proper signboard.
Like Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice (#1), this stall has been a longtime Tiong Bahru fixture with decades of history and a loyal following to boot. In 2022, news of an impending move due to coffeeshop renovations sent its already-long queues into overdrive — although the stall ultimately stayed put.
Beo Crescent’s signature curry is a definite showstopper — thick, aromatic and far from jelak. You’ll wish every grain of Rice (S$0.50) was blanketed in all of its piquant, savoury goodness.
Whatever you do, don’t skip the Pork Chop (from S$2). These biscuit-like slabs are twice-fried for maximum crunch, with wonderfully fatty, flavourful meat at the core. Its Braised Pork (from S$2) relative is another great complement, with the perfect meat-to-fat ratio and a robust braise.
40 Beo Crescent, Singapore 160040
Thu to Tue: 7am – 2.30pm
Closed on Wed
4. 2ThumbsUp Hainanese Curry Rice
Who said shopping mall food can’t hold its own against hawker centres and kopitiams? 2ThumbsUp Hainanese Curry Rice sure begs to differ. With 4.3-star rating from 121 Google reviews, this Anchorpoint eatery earned a well-deserved spot on our best-rated series. The verdict? Worth every star.
Ever find yourself stressed out trying to build the perfect plate of curry rice? Fret not, 2ThumbsUp Hainanese Curry Rice has you covered with an impressive array of 15 curry rice sets, priced from S$6.90 to S$13.90. The only stress you’ll face here is being spoiled for choice.
A foolproof pick would be Set 1 (S$6.90), which includes Hainanese pork chop, chap chye, fried egg and a heaping portion of rice drenched in their Signature Sauces — a delicious amalgamation of curries and braised gravy. The medley is smoky, perfectly seasoned and carries just the right amount of het. Also, pro tip: have a couple pieces of pork chop before you mix everything together. It’s crispy, tender and not overly greasy.
Some other interesting options include Set 8 (S$8.90), which comes with curry mutton and potatoes, as well as the all-rounded Set 15 (S$13.90) — AKA the full package, this comes with pork chop, braised pork belly, fried dory fish fillet, chicken chop, chap chye, fried egg and rice.
370 Alexandra Road, Anchorpoint, #B1-47, Singapore 159953
+65 8852 2898
Daily: 10.30am – 9pm
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5. Hill Street Hainanese Curry Rice
If 2ThumbsUp Hainanese Curry Rice’s rating impressed you, wait till you hear about Hill Street Hainanese Curry Rice. This stall in Bukit Panjang Plaza’s Hawkers’ Street boasts an impressive 4.8-star rating from a solid 386 reviews — and it’s no wonder many flock to it for their lunch or dinner fix. I’m no different.
Hill Street Hainanese Curry Rice would win hands-down in a contest for the most gravy served, no questions asked. Each plate is doused in not one, not two but four sauces: braised gravy and three types of curry. Honestly? Carrying it back to your table can feel like a balancing act.
My go-to Pork Chop Curry Rice (S$6) features pork chop, chap chye, egg and a heap of rice — all embraced by that curry ‘tsunami’. The pork chop is easily my favourite: toothsome, crisp and seasoned just right. And as a usual vegetable hater, I’ve got to give a shout-out to the chap chye — braised to a tender softness, with a light sweetness that plays perfectly against the savoury curry. So good, I polish it off every time.
1 Jelebu Road, Hawkers’ Street @ Bukit Panjang Plaza, #03-08, Singapore 677743
Daily: 8.30am – 9pm
6. Eleven Fingers (Eu Kee) Scissors Curry Rice
Eleven Fingers (Eu Kee) Scissors Curry Rice is nestled in a nondescript coffeeshop in the heart of Bugis. Blink and you’ll miss it — if not for its snaking queues at lunchtime. Do come early, or risk missing out on the full spread of ingredients.
Why Eleven Fingers? Well, online sources say that the stall’s owner lost part of a finger in an accident and jokingly refers to himself as “eleven fingers”. Now, that’s a name that sticks!
Eleven Fingers Curry Rice doesn’t appear to have a menu of any form on display. But according to several reviews, a simple plate of Curry Rice with the usual suspects of Pork Chop, Chap Chye and Egg sets you back an affordable S$5.30, while a heartier combo with Chicken Wing, Pork Belly, Egg, Cabbage and Potato costs S$6.30. Either way, it’s sure to curry your favour.
Each plate is smothered in a moreish ‘mess’ of curry and braised gravy, noticeably darker than most — testament to just how gao and intensely flavourful it is.
269B Queen Street, #01-235, Singapore 180269
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 6.30pm
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7. Hong Seng Curry Rice
They say everything tastes better when it’s made with love, and Hong Seng Curry Rice is proof of that. Established in 1995 by the family matriarch to feed her family of 7, this humble stall has called Redhill Food Centre home ever since. It’s since grown beyond its roots with outlets in SMU and Bedok, but that home-cooked spirit lives on all the same.
Take your pick from Hong Seng Curry Rice’s 10-set selection of Hainanese curry rice — including the Fried Chicken Set (S$4.70), Braised Pork Belly Set (S$5.50) and the popular Value Meal (S$5.30), which features the usual suspects: pork chop, braised cabbage, fried egg and a liberal drizzle of curry and a crispy prawn fritter to top it all off.
Thicker than most renditions, the satisfyingly savoury curry is perfect for those who love gravy with everything. The pork chop is another standout — crusted with a layer of cream crackers and deep-fried to golden-brown perfection, each bite carries an umami hit that might just take you back to childhood.
85 Redhill Lane, Redhill Food Centre, #01-74, Singapore 150085
+65 9876 2288
Daily: 9am – 9.30pm
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8. Tian Tian Hainanese Curry Rice
Redhill residents are surely lucky; Tian Tian Hainanese Curry Rice is yet another gem in the neighbourhood, tucked inside the coffeeshop next to Bukit Merah View Hawker Centre. You’ll know you’ve got the right place when just about every table has a plate of curry rice on it.
Tian Tian Curry Rice offers 6 basic sets, including Pork Chop + Veg (S$4.50), Curry Chicken + Veg (S$4.50) and Sotong + Veg (S$8), with a huge array of add-ons such as Egg (S$1), Prawns (S$3) and Omelette (S$2).
I opted for the Pork Chop + Veg set with an Egg, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that the Pork Chop blew me away. Crusted in just the right amount of savoury batter, each delightful piece keeps its audible crunch even after soaking in the aromatic curry. We promise you’ll be wishing you ordered extra.
116 Bukit Merah View, #01-253, Singapore 151116
+65 9821 0200
Tue to Sun: 10am – 9pm
Closed on Mon
9. Golden Mile Curry Rice
Located on the top floor of Golden Mile Food Centre, the eponymous Golden Mile Curry Rice is a pretty lowkey one — with barely any media presence and even official opening hours listed on Google. Nonetheless, it’s a trusty go-to for many office workers and residents nearby to snag their curry rice fix.
The Hainanese curry rice at Golden Mile Curry Rice is possibly the most affordable you can find in this, with its sets priced as low as S$3.90. If I worked nearby, you bet I’d be eating here every day!
I went for the Braised Pork Rice Set (S$3.90), a simple plate loaded with rice, chap chye, braised pork slices, egg and curry. And yes, it punched way above its price point; especially the tender braised pork with its unctuous, melt-in-your-mouth fat, and that gobsmacking curry.
Other sets on offer include the Pork Chop Rice Set (S$3.90), Chicken Cutlet Rice Set (S$3.90), Curry Chicken Rice Set (S$4.40) and Fried Fish Rice Set (S$5.50).
505 Beach Road, Golden Mile Food Centre, #01-110, Singapore 199583
Tue to Sun: 11am – 8pm
Mon: 10am – 8pm
10. Legend Scissors Cut Curry Rice
Legend Scissors Cut Curry Rice is tucked away in humble old Yishun. Behind the stall is a legendary duo of friends — one with decades of experience manning the wok at mixed rice stalls, and the other with a background in the high-end restaurant scene.
Legend Scissors Cut Curry Rice keeps things straightforward with a menu of 6 curated sets, though you’re free to go ham with add-ons as you please. Don’t know where to start? Follow the huge thumbs-ups next to Set B (S$4.50) and Set D (S$5.50). The former is a simple combo of braised pork, egg and cabbage, while the latter ups the indulgence with a slab of chicken cutlet or pork chop.
Albeit modest in size, the chicken cutlet is tender and flavourful, with a crisp, well-seasoned exterior. The braised pork is equally enjoyable — tender, savoury and full of bite. And of course, we can’t skip the curry: lightly spicy with a hint of coconut milk, its savoury profile ties everything together beautifully. Don’t forget to tear into that oozy egg yolk for an extra pop of creaminess!
732 Yishun Avenue 5, #01-380, Singapore 760732
Thu to Tue: 10.30am – 7.30pm
Wed: 10am – 7.30pm
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11. Havelock Hainanese Curry Rice
Last but certainly not the least is Havelock Hainanese Curry Rice in Sims Vista Food Centre, which has been around for more than half a decade. The elderly power couple at its helm are lightning on their feet, preparing each plate with a whole lot of love and impressive efficiency.
Their curry leans on the runnier, sweeter side, perfect for those who prefer it light rather than thick. Their fare’s incredibly wallet-friendly too, with a standard plate of rice, 1 meat, 1 vegetable and 1 fried egg going for just S$4.50.
Take your pick from a wide variety of Hainanese curry rice classics in the likes of Pork Chop (S$2.50), Sotong (S$2.50), Egg (S$0.70) and Cabbage (S$0.80), or opt for interesting additions like juicy pork patties and hefty slabs of otah.
Of all the options, the Pork Chop is a must-try. Each piece is coated in a crunchy batter that possesses a uniquely savoury, almost nutty flavour.
49 Sims Place, Sims Vista Market & Food Centre, #01-70, Singapore 380049
Tue to Sun: 6.30am – 3.30am
Closed on Mon
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