After a long stroll around Chinatown or the CBD, most folks usually head to a nearby hawker centre to fill up. But if you ask me, hunting down the best food in China Square Food Centre is just as satisfying, maybe even better. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, and one of my personal favourites when I'm after something tasty without the crowds.

Fancy checking it out too? Here are some of my top recommendations.

Pasta Craft puts a quirky Singaporean spin on classic pasta dishes. Their Mala Carbonara is a cheeky blend of creamy and spicy, while the Laksa Pasta delivers bold, coconut-rich flavours with a familiar local kick. Honestly, I didn’t expect fusion to work this well, but sure it does.

If you’re craving that wok hei (smoky wok flavour), this stall has got you covered. Their char kway teow is greasy in the best way — loaded with Chinese sausage, cockles, and egg. Proper comfort food that hits the spot every time.

Muthiah Restaurant brings traditional Indian flavours to the heart of the CBD. While details on pricing are limited, expect hearty dishes that stay true to their South Indian roots.

Nice Rice offers a creative Japanese-French fusion experience, specialising in premium rice bowls. The Fish Bowl with grilled sea bass belly and a truffle egg add-on stands out for its aromatic short-grain rice, perfectly crisped fish, and melt-in-your-mouth eggplant. The garlic confit adds an unexpected but welcome burst of flavour. Though portions lean smaller, the quality is undeniably impressive.

A reliable go-to for punchy Sichuan flavours, Sichuan Alley delivers consistently good fare. Crowd favourites include the fried diced chicken, juicy dumplings, and their standout eggplant dish. Service is warm and efficient, and the food continues to impress visit after visit.

This humble chicken rice stall is a hidden gem. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the rice is fragrant without being greasy—a rare combo. Service is quick and friendly, even during peak hours. Portions could be a bit larger for those with big appetites, but it’s still fantastic value for money in the CBD.

This spot dishes out authentic Xi’an-style noodles in generous portions. Whether you’re into dry, spicy, or cold varieties, the flavours are bold and satisfying. The soup noodles, with their tangy, fermented spice, are a standout. Vegetarian options are available upon request. Come hungry—one bowl is more than enough.

As its name suggests, Super Simple champions clean, wholesome meals with a gourmet twist. Their Picanha steak and roast chicken are expertly cooked, and the accompanying vegetables add balance and freshness. Perfect for those who crave honest, uncomplicated food done right.

Don’t be fooled by the modest presentation—this Thai-style wanton mee packs a punch. The original version comes loaded with flavourful char siew, crispy wantons, pork lard, and sausages. Skip the black sauce and go for the authentic Thai preparation. It’s a satisfying, no-frills option with soul.

Location: Stall #01-02

Price: Mains from $7.30 to $10.30; sides from $7.30

Halal: Not Halal Certified

There’s nothing quite like proper claypot rice — smoky, crispy bits at the bottom and juicy marinated chicken on top. It takes a few minutes to cook, but the payoff is totally worth the wait.

China Square Central is a bustling commercial hub right in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD). It’s a mixed-use development filled with office towers, retail shops, and plenty of dining options, where China Square Food Centre is located.

This hawker centre is popular for serving up a variety of affordable, tasty local delights. Located on the ground floor of the complex, it’s easily accessible and often buzzing with the lunch crowd looking for the best food in China Square Food Centre.

Planning a trip to Singapore? I found that picking the right area to stay really makes a difference. I personally love places like Bugis because it has everything.. If you're after a more cultural vibe, areas like Chinatown or Little India are full of colour, great food, and cool little shops to explore.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, I always turn to Traveloka. They've got loads of hotel options, whether you're after a fancy stay with a view of the skyline or something more strategic like hotels near Orchard Road, hotels near Singapore National Stadium, or hotels near Universal Studio Singapore.

The best bit? You can book everything through Traveloka from your hotels, flights, even attraction tickets. It's honestly so convenient having it all in one place, and I’ve scored some pretty decent deals that way too. Makes planning a lot less stressful, especially when you just want to enjoy your time in the Lion City.