Beauty World Food Centre is a hidden treasure in Singapore that offers a mix of tasty and affordable local dishes. Located in Upper Bukit Timah, this food haven attracts locals and tourists looking for authentic flavors. Many people visit for the nearby Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, but they stay for the food. This article gives you everything you need to know about it, including what to eat, where to go, and why it’s worth the trip.
Historic Place with Delicious Food
Beauty World Food Centre has been part of Singapore’s food culture since 1984. It’s located on the 4th floor of Beauty World Centre. This hawker centre offers both comfort food and adventurous dishes. Over time, it has built a strong reputation for quality, variety, and affordable prices. People enjoy the nostalgic setting, where wooden stalls and old-school signs bring back memories of earlier times. Most importantly, the food remains the main reason visitors return again and again.
Easy to Reach by MRT or Bus
You can easily reach the Beauty World Food Centre using public transport. The MRT Downtown Line will take you directly to Beauty World Station (DT5). After getting off, take Exit A and walk into Beauty World Centre. Then, head up to the fourth floor, where the food centre awaits. There are also several bus routes available. Bus services like 41, 61, and 77 stop near the entrance. Parking is limited, so it’s best to take public transport, especially during meal times.
Famous Stalls
Many stalls at beauty world food have gained loyal followings. Some dishes are so good that people are willing to wait in line for them. One popular spot is Top 1 Home Made Noodle, where customers create their own noodle bowls with soup bases like mala or tom yum. Toppings include minced pork, abalone, and prawns. Another must-try is Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle Rice, which serves tender soya chicken with fragrant noodles. The dumplings are also packed with flavor.
Tasty Japanese Ramen
If you’re a ramen fan, you should visit Buta Kin at stall #04-28. It serves quality Japanese ramen for less than S$10. Each bowl comes with chashu pork, soft eggs, black fungus, and nori. This stall is proof that you don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy great ramen in Singapore. You’ll find the broth rich and the noodles cooked to perfection.
Sweet Korean Treats
Korean food lovers can enjoy meals and desserts at Pink Candy. This rooftop stall offers dishes like kimchi stew, bulgogi, and bibimbap. Its open-air seating adds a fun touch to your dining experience. Another Korean option is Bosong Rice Cake, located in Beauty World Plaza. It sells handmade tteok (rice cakes) filled with sweet or nutty flavors.
Local Favorites
For a truly local flavor, you must try He Zhong Carrot Cake. This stall is famous for both the white and black versions of this Singapore classic. Each plate is fried to crispy perfection and served with spicy chili on the side. The mix of eggs, radish cake, and preserved radish (chai poh) gives the dish a balanced taste. It’s a favorite breakfast item but can be enjoyed any time of day.
Late-Night Cravings
Not all stalls close early. CJ Malatang, located on Cheong Chin Nam Road, stays open until 2 AM. It’s perfect for those who need a late-night fix. You can build your own bowl of spicy malatang or dry mala xiang guo. This spot feels more like a campsite than a restaurant. With fairy lights and glamping tents, it offers a cozy and memorable setting.
Budget-Friendly
Most dishes at beauty world food cost between S$4 and S$8. This makes it a popular choice for students, workers, and families. Despite the low prices, the food quality remains high.
Below is a table that shows some popular stalls and their average prices:
| Stall Name | Dish Type | Price Range (SGD) | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 1 Home Made Noodle | Noodle Soup | $4 – $6 | Mala, Tom Yum options |
| Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken | Chicken Rice/Noodles | $5 – $7 | Soya Sauce Chicken |
| Buta Kin | Japanese Ramen | $6 – $9 | Tonkotsu Ramen |
| He Zhong Carrot Cake | Local Fried Dish | $3 – $5 | White and Black Carrot Cake |
| CJ Malatang | Chinese Spicy Hotpot | $8 – $12 | Custom Mala Bowls |
| Bosong Rice Cake | Korean Dessert | $2 – $4 | Sweet and Nutty Tteok |
Variety
One of the best parts of beauty world food is the wide variety of dishes available. You’ll find Malay, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean food all in one place. Whether you’re craving spicy, sweet, or savory, there’s something for you. Some stalls serve traditional herbal soups, while others offer modern fusion meals. This diversity keeps people coming back.
Clean, Organized, and Friendly
The beauty world food experience goes beyond taste. The food centre is clean, well-ventilated, and organized. Seating is plenty, and staff are generally friendly and helpful. The center also follows good hygiene practices. Each stall has a visible cleanliness rating, and trays are collected regularly. Visitors can enjoy their meals without worry.
Locations
| Eatery Name | Address | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| CJ Malatang | 21 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599745 | Customizable malatang and mala xiang guo |
| Mentai Sens | 144 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, #04-K1 | Mentaiko-dressed donburi bowls |
| Pink Candy | 144 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, #04-60 | Homestyle Korean dishes in alfresco setting |
| Big Boys Western | 144 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, #04-25 | Western mains with generous portions |
| You Peng Noodle Dumpling House | 144 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, #04-23 | Handmade xiao long bao and dumplings |
| Bosong Rice Cake | 140 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, #02-04 | Traditional Korean rice cakes |
| Ng Kim Lee Confectionery | 4 Chun Tin Road, Singapore 599591 | Old-school bakes and traditional pastries |
| SSADA GIMBAB | 170 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, #B1-14 | Homestyle Korean dishes in an alfresco setting |
| Myungga II | 1 Jalan Anak Bukit, #B1-55 | Affordable Korean fare, including donkatsu |
| Boon Tong Kee | 18 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599742 | Signature boiled chicken and crispy beancurd |
These establishments, along with Beauty World Food Centre, contribute to the rich culinary landscape of the Bukit Timah area. Whether you’re craving traditional hawker fare or international delights, this neighborhood offers a plethora of options to satisfy your palate.
Final Thoughts
Beauty world food represents the heart of Singapore’s culinary identity. It’s not just a place to eat—it’s a place to connect with culture. From handmade noodles to sizzling carrot cake, every stall offers a new adventure. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, the food centre never fails to impress. You can taste the passion and pride in every dish.
