Singapore’s Must-Try Local Dishes Near Rochor: A Foodie’s Guide

Singapore’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry woven from its multicultural heritage. And if you’re exploring the Rochor area, you’re in luck , some of the city’s most iconic dishes are just a short walk or MRT ride away. From spicy seafood to nostalgic breakfasts, here’s your guide to the best local eats and where to find them nearby.

Chilli Crab, Singapore

🦀 Chilli Crab

📍  31 Heng Heng BBQ at Newton Food Centre

500 Clemenceau Avenue North, #01-28, Singapore 229495 

🕰️ Daily, 5:00pm – 2:00am 

🚇 Nearest MRT: Newton MRT (NS21/DT11)

A true Singaporean icon, chilli crab is messy, spicy, and utterly satisfying. At Newton Food Centre, 31 Heng Heng BBQ serves up a rich, tangy version with deep-fried mantou buns to soak up the sauce. It’s a lively spot perfect for dinner under the stars, just one MRT stop from Rochor.

Kaya Toast , Ya Kun Kaya

🍞 Kaya Toast

📍  Ya Kun Kaya Toast at City Square Mall

180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539

 🕰️Opening Hours: Daily, 7:30am – 8:30pm

 🚇 Nearest MRT: Farrer Park MRT (NE8)

This nostalgic breakfast staple features crispy toast slathered with kaya (coconut jam) and butter, paired with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of kopi. Ya Kun’s outlet at City Square Mall is just a short walk from Rochor and offers the perfect start to your day.

Laksa, Sungei Road

🍜 Laksa

📍 Sungei Road Laksa

27 Jalan Berseh, Singapore 200027

🕰️Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 6:00pm (Closed 1st & 3rd Wed)

🚇 Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar MRT (DT22)

This humble stall is a local legend. Their charcoal-cooked laksa features a light, fragrant coconut broth, thick rice noodles, and fresh cockles — all served in a plastic bowl with a spoon (no chopsticks needed!). It’s just around the corner from Rochor and a must-try for laksa lovers.

Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chin Chin Eating House

🍗 Chicken Rice

📍  Chin Chin Eating House 

19 Purvis Street, Singapore 188598

 🕰️Mon–Fri: 11:00am – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Sat–Sun: 11:00am – 3:30pm, 4:30pm – 9:00pm 

🚇 Nearest MRT: Bugis MRT (EW12/DT14)

Chin Chin is a heritage eatery known for its succulent poached chicken and aromatic rice. The chilli sauce packs a punch, and the old-school vibe adds to the charm. It’s a short walk from Bugis Junction and perfect for a hearty lunch.

Heng Carrot Cake, Newton Food Centre

🥕 Black & White Carrot Cake

📍  Heng Carrot Cake at Newton Food Centre

500 Clemenceau Avenue North, #01-28, Singapore 229495

🕰️Opening Hours: Sun–Mon, Wed–Thu: 5:00pm – 1:00am, Fri: 6:00pm – 1:00am

🚇 Nearest MRT: Newton MRT (NS21/DT11)

Despite the name, there’s no carrot involved! This savory dish is made from radish cake stir-fried with eggs and preserved radish. The white version is crispy and eggy, while the black is sweetened with dark soy sauce. Heng Carrot Cake has been serving both since 1971 and is a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient.

Bak Kut Teh, Ng Ah Sio

🍖 Bak Kut Teh

📍 Ng Ah Sio Pork Ribs Soup Eating House

208 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218453

🕰️Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

🚇 Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE8)

Ng Ah Sio Pork Ribs Soup Eating House is a legendary spot for indulging in Bak Kut Teh, Singapore’s beloved pork rib soup. With its roots tracing back to the 1950s, this eatery has mastered the art of the peppery Teochew-style broth,  an aromatic and soul-warming concoction simmered with garlic, white pepper, and tender pork ribs.

Diners are welcomed into a humble, nostalgic setting that evokes the charm of old-school Singapore. The soup is served piping hot, accompanied by sides like braised peanuts, salted vegetables, and you tiao (fried dough sticks) for dunking. Be sure to enjoy a cup of their signature kung fu tea, traditionally paired to cut through the richness and enhance the dining experience.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned fan of Bak Kut Teh, Ng Ah Sio promises a meal that’s comforting, authentic, and full of heritage.

📝 Final Thoughts

Singapore’s culinary identity is beautifully expressed in its local dishes , a delightful mashup of tradition, flavor, and culture. And in Rochor, you don’t need to travel far to taste the best of it. Whether you’re slurping up spicy laksa at a humble Jalan Berseh stall, pairing crispy kaya toast with kopi at City Square, or cracking into chilli crab beneath the lights of Newton Food Centre, every bite tells the story of a city that lives through its food.

From morning kaya toast infused with pandan to late-night carrot cake sizzling with wok hei, Rochor’s surrounding food spots make it easy to dive into the soul of Singapore. So take that stroll, follow the scent trails, and let your cravings guide you. You’re standing at the intersection of heritage and delicious.