Maxwell Food Centre
Maxwell Food Centre
4
8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Monday
8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Friday
8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Full view
About
Singapore, Singapore
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Maxwell Food Centre
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
3,383 reviews
Excellent
1,328
Very good
1,571
Average
406
Poor
59
Terrible
19
VRNPerth
Perth, Australia165 contributions
Jan 2020
After spending Sunday morning walking around Gardens by the Bay, went in for lunch at Maxwell Road food centre. Maybe because it was Sunday, there were quiet a few stalls that were shut. But among the ones that were open, the queue of people at the Tian Tian chicken rice stall was indication that this was one of the better ones.
Stood in line to get the food while the boss went hunting for something to drink and a place to sit down for lunch.
The line snakes its way around the tables and first stop is the first window of the stall where you've got to place your order and pay for the food. The second window is where you hand over the ticket and the food is trayed up for you.
Again, maybe a Sunday afternoon is supposed to be a quiet time or what, I don't know, but the people at both the windows were pretty rude. The one at the payment window was very shirty about the fact that it took me all of 30 seconds to decide on what to order. And the one at the food counter wouldn't allow me to take any plastic cutlery as he had already placed them in the tray of food that he was preparing for me. The tray was inside the stall and I did not have a sight of the same till he presented me with the food.
Apart from the "Customer Service" issues there was nothing to fault with the food. The rice was full of flavour and could be eaten on its own. Again, it would have been better, warmed up. The chicken was moist, soft and wonderfully cooked. Adding the chilli vinegar sauce definitely jazzed up the rice and chicken.
The sugarcane juice went down a treat with the rice. You do end up paying a bit more for this juice if you ask for it without ice. But much better that way.
The birds flying around the seating area have stopped bothering me too much, although when I see one approaching my table, I am ready to swat it.
Stood in line to get the food while the boss went hunting for something to drink and a place to sit down for lunch.
The line snakes its way around the tables and first stop is the first window of the stall where you've got to place your order and pay for the food. The second window is where you hand over the ticket and the food is trayed up for you.
Again, maybe a Sunday afternoon is supposed to be a quiet time or what, I don't know, but the people at both the windows were pretty rude. The one at the payment window was very shirty about the fact that it took me all of 30 seconds to decide on what to order. And the one at the food counter wouldn't allow me to take any plastic cutlery as he had already placed them in the tray of food that he was preparing for me. The tray was inside the stall and I did not have a sight of the same till he presented me with the food.
Apart from the "Customer Service" issues there was nothing to fault with the food. The rice was full of flavour and could be eaten on its own. Again, it would have been better, warmed up. The chicken was moist, soft and wonderfully cooked. Adding the chilli vinegar sauce definitely jazzed up the rice and chicken.
The sugarcane juice went down a treat with the rice. You do end up paying a bit more for this juice if you ask for it without ice. But much better that way.
The birds flying around the seating area have stopped bothering me too much, although when I see one approaching my table, I am ready to swat it.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin M
Ballajura, Australia215 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We miss the days from 30 years ago and the super Hawkers that was at the now over commercialised Clarke Quay. This one has been here a very long time (1940’s I believe), and is a cracking and cheap place to eat. Don’t let looks deceive you, this place is in the middle of an office district and very near to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple \ Chinatown and gets packed at lunchtime (when we went). Packed means popular, popular means some Hawker stalls have huge queues! Although they always say pick the popular ones, we threw caution to the wind and had Aliff Rojack’s fair..... Yum, just a Nasi Goreng (spicy for me, bland as can be for the wife) and at S$4 each, it was too Mitch food for lunch but tasted superb. Both paper plates cleared (some rice flicked over to the local bird life 😉). I’m pretty much sure they are all great value and great food, Singapore has probably the safest street food vendors in the world. Don’t miss out, pop here for lunch when you’re hot and sticky after traipsing around the million gift vendors in Chinatown or the Buddhist temple.
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Della G
Coquitlam, Canada794 contributions
Nov 2019
Certainly a highlight of our trip to Singapore. It was a priority as a must visit and to eat at this famous food centre. So many food stalls, some famous and not so famous. It starts to get busy around 11 am and of course the line ups for special stalls begin around that time. Every stall offers an amazing taste experience, it's just that it is so darn hot and humid waiting in line. Best time probably after lunch. This centre closes pretty early in my opinion. Not too many stalls open for late night diners. Definitely one of the most popular food centres and so close to Chinatown.
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ross S
Lake Geneva, WI30 contributions
Jan 2020
Went to the Ah Tai food stall today for what was supposed to be the best Chicken Rice in Singapore ... well, it's not. The Q is around the corner and they're so busy, not only do they just slop the food on the plate but they actually gave me a small portion when I ordered and PAID FOR a large portion. When I realized it I went back and instead of making me whole, the lady at the cash register played dumb saying, "I don't know anything about that and a guy from the back cursed me out. I'm sure there was a time when this place lived up to it's reputation but be advised, that time has come to and end. There's lots of good food at the Maxwell Food Center served by pleasant, reputable vendors. Unfortunately, Ah Tai is not one of them.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eat-wander-repeat
London, UK241 contributions
Jan 2020
I have been looking forward to eating my way through Singapore's Hawker Markets for years and Maxwell's did not disappoint. Very conveniently located if you're staying in Chinatown, there's loads of different stalls to choose from, it could be a bit overwhelming. But we had done research before and decided an action plan to start with the infamous Chicken Rice, adding on classic oyster cakes and some pork Tim Sum. To say everything we ate was delicious would be an understatement. Queues moved quickly and efficiently, the seating areas were kept tidy and everyone respected the code of conduct - make sure to look up if you're not aware. Fast, cheap and delectable. How could you go wrong?!
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea J
Goole, UK205 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Ideally situated for cheap eats and sightseeing Chinatown and Club Street area.
Lots of choice, chose a long queue expecting food to be awesome but think the cook was just really slow! Nice enough haianese chicken. Cheap beers and good for people watching in spite of someone sitting opposite spitting bits of food he didn't want to swallow onto the table!!
Lots of choice, chose a long queue expecting food to be awesome but think the cook was just really slow! Nice enough haianese chicken. Cheap beers and good for people watching in spite of someone sitting opposite spitting bits of food he didn't want to swallow onto the table!!
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
schmidtmg
Switzerland1,087 contributions
Dec 2019
Maxwell Food Centre is located in Chinatown and is one of the better food courts in Singapore. My daughter and I had dinner there before the night safari at the zoo, and the Hainanese chicken rice she had and the fried oyster pancake I had were both quite good. There is also a stand with local craft beer - not exactly cheap at 10 SGD a glass, but very good. The dishes at the food stalls are all very cheap.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KylieIsTravelling
Perth, Australia4,099 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Maxwell Food Centre is a great place in Chinatown / on the edge of Chinatown near the Buddha Tooth Relic to grab a bite to eat amongst the many many stall holders.
It’s a popular spot with locals and tourists alike, and there were a few stalls closed when I was there, maybe due to the post Christmas period.
There were 2 stalls that had long lines and I did line up in one of them, but the line was very slow moving, so I found another stall which seemed popular with locals and bought my spicy chilli chicken and rice to eat.
Getting a table is hard, my recommendation is to find an empty chair or 2 at a table and ask to sit with whoever is already there. I did and got talking to a local family who gave me tips on where to eat at 313@Orchard.
The food here is cheap eats - unless you want the chilli crab and that’s around SGD35. It’s open late too til about 10pm.
It’s a popular spot with locals and tourists alike, and there were a few stalls closed when I was there, maybe due to the post Christmas period.
There were 2 stalls that had long lines and I did line up in one of them, but the line was very slow moving, so I found another stall which seemed popular with locals and bought my spicy chilli chicken and rice to eat.
Getting a table is hard, my recommendation is to find an empty chair or 2 at a table and ask to sit with whoever is already there. I did and got talking to a local family who gave me tips on where to eat at 313@Orchard.
The food here is cheap eats - unless you want the chilli crab and that’s around SGD35. It’s open late too til about 10pm.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wombledavid
Headcorn, UK98 contributions
Jan 2020
If you want high quality, low cost and authentic food; this is the place to come. There is a huge range of stalls offering fabulous local dishes which are cooked fresh in front of you.
I went on a Sauturday afternoon so it was busy but there was always a table to be found. In the end I chose the stand with the longest queue which specialised in duck with either rice and noodles. It was a good sized portion cooked to perfection and cost an incredible 3.5 singapore dollars. The bustling atmosphere adds to its charm. Definitely worth a visit.
I went on a Sauturday afternoon so it was busy but there was always a table to be found. In the end I chose the stand with the longest queue which specialised in duck with either rice and noodles. It was a good sized portion cooked to perfection and cost an incredible 3.5 singapore dollars. The bustling atmosphere adds to its charm. Definitely worth a visit.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca O
England, UK151 contributions
Feb 2023
We decided to go to this Hawker Centre on our first night in Singapore purely because this centre had my husband's name (Maxwell). It was a great experience and good introduction to Singapore!
There were lots of people here for dinner (it was around 7.30 pm) and so much to choose!! We ended up getting naan bread with tandoori and butter chicken sauce and the Tin Tin Hainanese Chicken Rice (the queue was less than 10 minutes). For dessert we could NOT go past the Souffle Pancakes, these were incredible.
Top tip, if you want to save a table (hard to secure) take a packet of tissues with you to put on an empty table whilst you are getting your food, a packet is required per person for your table. Whilst tourists might not understand, the locals will!
On a tour around the city the next day, the local guide recommended this as one of the better Hawker Centres, so would definitely recommend to anyone!
There were lots of people here for dinner (it was around 7.30 pm) and so much to choose!! We ended up getting naan bread with tandoori and butter chicken sauce and the Tin Tin Hainanese Chicken Rice (the queue was less than 10 minutes). For dessert we could NOT go past the Souffle Pancakes, these were incredible.
Top tip, if you want to save a table (hard to secure) take a packet of tissues with you to put on an empty table whilst you are getting your food, a packet is required per person for your table. Whilst tourists might not understand, the locals will!
On a tour around the city the next day, the local guide recommended this as one of the better Hawker Centres, so would definitely recommend to anyone!
Written 7 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can we pay with Credit card or only with Cash?
Written 9 September 2023
What stalls are open during breakfast time? or do they only open for lunch and dinnere?
Written 4 September 2022
Do they still open between 8PM to 9PM? Do they do take away order? In case the place is busy and we can't find any place to sit.
Written 4 September 2022
Don't know the specific hours they are open but perhaps you can have the local hotel/b and b where you are staying contact them for you.
Written 4 September 2022
Is this centre open at Chinese New Year?
Written 22 January 2020
Some stalls will open and some will not, it is up to the owners.
Written 22 January 2020
Are stalls open at 8am in the morning?
Written 14 December 2019
I am told that breakfast there is very good. Many people working nearby would stop here for breakfast before going on to their offices. Almost all stalls are open and very busy for lunch
Written 1 February 2020
I don't remember seeing wine stalls, but beer is available. Or your could bring your own
Written 18 June 2019
We are staying in Singapore in feb .does anyone know what time in the morning does the maxwell open ..cheers
Written 1 June 2019
The official timming is 8am to 2am but all the stalls are not open they all have their own schedule. We went there a couple of times for the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice they open from 10am to 7pm. In the morning only the stalls that serve breakfast are open. Hope this helps have a nice trip.
Written 3 June 2019
Linh H
Hanoi, Vietnam
Can you guys list must-try restaurant in here for me please? Many thanks 🙏🙏
Written 28 March 2019
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