There’s a reason why Singapore is known as food paradise. In which other country will you find a coffeeshop at every corner, open till the wee hours of the night? Bedok Block 85’s Hawker Centre (affectionately called 85), is one such food oasis. A few years ago when I was an east-sider, this was one of my favorite supper haunts. Offering a plethora of food, there’s always a little something for everyone. Of course if you happen to be extremely health-conscious and shy away from artery-clogging, cholesterol laden food this probably isn’t the place for you.
There are plenty of stalls at 85, so how do you know where to buy the best (fill-in-the-blank with your favorite hawker food)? Allow me to suggest four must-eats when you visit 85, and which stalls to patronize:
1) Bak Chor Mee
Also known as Minced Pork Noodle, this is a quintessential favorite of many supper hunters. While I usually like my Bak Chor Mee dry and with lots of vinegar, this is the only time I will eat Bak Chor Mee in soup. Expect springy yellow noodles cooked to al dente perfection, in a bath of hot piping soup. The minced meat is literally boiled to bits, and will go smoothly down your throat when you drink the soup without you having to chew much. I always ask for Chili Padi instead of the normal red chili they give because I like my Bak Chor Mee extra spicy.
My favorite stall to order from is Xing Ji Rou Cuo Mian, also referred to the ‘original’ Bak Chor Mee 85 got famous for. Prepare to wait at least 20 minutes after ordering. In the meantime, the three other dishes I’m recommending will help you kill time…
P.S.: Don’t head down on a Monday unless you want to be disappointed. Xing Ji is closed on Mondays!
2) Oyster Omelette (Or Jian)
I love oysters. These yummy molluscs are the reason why I go for buffets. No buffet is complete without oysters. I digress…
If you love oysters as much as I do, you have to order this dish! I prefer ordering the Oyster Omelette as compared to the usual starchy Or Luak with the starch because I want to leave space in my tummy for other dishes. Or Jian doesn’t contain any starch, so you’ll just be tasting a very yummy omelette with briny oysters hidden within. The accompanying chili sauce is a perfect mix of sweet and spicy. You can request for the chili to be served on the side, so you can pour as much as you like. Otherwise, the stall usually pours it all over for you.
My favorite stall to order from has a red and yellow signboard which says Bedok North 85 Fried Oyster. It spans two consecutive stalls, so you can imagine how good business is. Standard hasn’t changed in years, still tastes so damn good. They also make the most awesome carrot cake, though I didn’t order it that day. Perfectly fried, and a little blackened. Just the way I like it!
3) BBQ Sambal Stingray
Another perennial favorite of most Singaporeans, you’ll be missing out if you don’t try the BBQ Sambal Stingray. Sizzling in it’s own juices and overflowing with Sambal, your Stingray will arrive on a banana leaf lined hotplate! The exterior of the Stingray is lightly singed, however the flesh remains succulent. You can choose to squeeze some fresh lime over if you prefer a more tangy, piquant taste. Eat it with the shallots for some extra crunch. I really enjoy this dish, I could probably finish the entire Stingray by myself. I hope you’ve already ordered a cup of ice-cold Sugarcane juice, because this sambal burns (in a good way, bien sûr)!
My favorite stall to order from is Chan BBQ. Though in recent times it seems to me like there’s a slight drop in standard. The overall taste of the Stingray or sambal is not compromised, but the size of the Stingray served is smaller than what I recall. It’s still really good though. Trust me, you’ll be left scraping every last bit of flesh off the bones!
4) BBQ Chicken Wings
Last, but in no way the least… BBQ Chicken Wings! I’m sorry I don’t have a photo of the wings alone, I suppose I was too busy eating I forgot to snap one with my camera. You can see where my priorities are. These wings are the perfect side dish to anything else you order. Even if you’re full up to your eyeballs, you will make space for them! They’re that good. Glistening and charred to absolute perfection, they’re the real finger lickin’ good. Every bite is like sinking your teeth into a crispy outer layer, which gives way to tender, well-marinated flesh. The garlic chili complements the smoky taste perfectly. Totally craving some right now as I type this!
My favorite stall to order from is the one with the purple signboard which says Sin Bedok North BBQ Chicken Wings. You’ll definitely have to wait quite awhile for your chicken wings, so my advice is to go directly to the stall and order after you’ve secured seats.
Are you hungry yet?! I hope this mini guide as been helpful. Feel free to recommend any other stalls you think I should try!
Bedok Block 85 Hawker Centre is located at:
Block 85, Bedok North Street 485
Fengshan Food Centre
Singapore 460085
