Why West Coast Food Centre Still Has My Heart (and Appetite)

The early ducks catch the worm, or maybe the other way around? 

West Coast Food Centre is one of those humble neighbourhood markets that only those in the know will know about. A stone’s throw away from NUS and home to many visitors hailing from Clementi to Ayer Rajah, what I’ve noticed that sets this market apart is the variety of visitors. 

From both local and international office workers, university students, the regular seniors to school children who just got out of school. This market offers hawker food at its core, boasting a majority of local delights ranging from Chinese classics to Malay munchies.

He Ji Braised Duck

The stall you’ll notice immediately is He Ji Braised Duck. Opened in 1979, the lines are always the first to catch your eye. A lucky day is when the line has not reached the stage of snake-ing around into an L shaped queue of people clamouring for their famous dishes. Very rarely would every dish be a hit but thanks to He Ji Braised Duck absolutely nailing their braised duck recipe, I can confidently say this. 

After some 30 minutes, I finally reached the end of the line. Many patrons like myself fall susceptible to sunk cost fallacy here and decide to order more to make up for the queueing time. In this scenario, that decision will pay off. 

We ordered their signature Braised Duck Rice Set ($4.50) and a dish I grew up with, their Kway Chap. At $4.50, you’ll get a plate of yam price served with duck slices, tau kwa (extra firm tofu) and half a boiled egg all covered in a rich sticky gravy. Did I also mention a side of soup? Definitely budget approved!

Thinly slices of lean duck meat with just the slightest fatty skin layer coated with the rich sauce, bouncy tofu and creamy egg all make for that bite that makes you deflate in bliss. Paired together with a clear soup that boasted a slightly herbal aroma but an overall umami taste made it the harmoniser with the rich main dish. 

For a lighter option, opt for the Kway Chap Set ($4.50). An assortment of pork belly, pig innards, tofu skin and fish cake are served with a bowl of silky smooth kway chap served with the umami and slightly herbal sauce. Remember to grab a saucer of chilli sauce if you prefer an extra zing to your meal! 

Soon Lee Fishball Noodle

Now, if you're looking for something lighter on the palate, look no further Soon Lee Fishball Noodle. Fun fact: The father and son duo both own respective fishball noodle shops in this market! The father's stall (which is the one we've decided on today) caters more to the traditional palate, while his son caters more to the a younger palate.

After a (relatively) short queue, we got to ordering a portion of Minced Meat Noodles ($3.50). At an absurdly affordable price, you'll get a bowl of al-dente noodles smothered in your sauce of choice topped with a mix of minced meat, fishcakes cakes and a side of fishball soup.

We went with ketchup on our noodles this time and you would expect the dish to be drowned out by the one dimensional ketchup. But, interestingly enough, what we had was a multi-dimensional dish that made me want more! The sweetness of the ketchup coated each noodle but somehow the dish still retained the umami-ness of the vinegar, broth and pork lard.

Hani Food Stall

What I love about West Coast Market as well is the sheer variety of cuisines the market boasts. For some home-cook Malay fanfare, Hani Food Stall is the way to go.

We picked up a portion of their Soto Ayam ($3.70) with a side of Fried Chicken ($0.70) and Curry Pok ($0.70).

A bowl of Soto Ayam features ketupat rather than the yellow noodles of Mee Soto. The chicken broth had delightfully light earthy taste but still packed a spiced kick as it goes down. Inside, you'll find your large rice cake chunks, shredded chicken, beansprouts and a whole Begedil. Get a piece of everything and don't forget the crispy shallots for the perfect bite!

What we unique about both the Fried Chicken and Curry Pok was in its marination. The chicken wing was marinated with what I suspect is a mix of sambal and tamarind which gave it a slightly orange look that slight spiced sweetness in taste.

Likewise, for the Curry Pok. The filling looked redder that what you'll find in your usual puffs thanks my suspicion of sambal. I loved that it gave a deeper flavour to the potato mix that the regular curry, I loved it so much I bought another 3 home for my breakfast over the next few days.

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West Coast Market is the place to be if you’re looking for delicious local delights that evoke the sense of nostalgia and won’t break the bank. Whether you’re a student, a resident nearby or looking for somewhere new to have lunch, check out West Coast Food Centre and fall back in love with all your local favourites. 

📍726 Clementi West Street 2 West Coast Market Square, Singapore 120726 Singapore