Pregnant and have constant cravings? Singapore’s the best to be, thanks to its plethora of round-the-clock food options!
You’ve never really liked the smell of durian but now it’s all you can think about. And what about that late-night nudge you often find yourself giving your husband, suggesting that you go out for a quick nibble ― actually, bowl of bak chor mee chockfull vinegar and chilli.
Yes, indeed, when you gotta have it, you gotta have it.
Food cravings, part and parcel of being pregnant, happen frequently in the first trimester, but often last through the whole pregnancy. No one really knows what your desire for certain tastes and foods are so strong, but some experts say that it boils down to the shift in hormones during pregnancy, while others say that cravings ensure that a pregnant woman gets key nutrients for the mum-to-be’s and child’s survival.
So, if you’re experiencing an unquenchable urge to chow down on a Big Mac and fries (hello, 24-hour McDonald’s drive-through!), your body could be short of sodium.
Whatever foods you have a yen for, you’ll probably be able to appease that specific hunger on anytime anywhere, even in the dead of the night. If fast food won’t cut it and only street nosh will do, we’ve rounded up several of the best 24-hour (or those that have extended operating hours) eateries you might soon find yourself making a beeline to…
1. R K EATING HOUSE
1 Kensington Park Road, 6289-5379, open 24 hours daily
This popular halal-certified supper haunt is nestled in the heart of the Serangoon Gardens estate. The prata ― $1.10 for a kosong prata, $1.70 for an egg prata ― here is fresh and crisp, and if you feel like you need a protein boost, order the chicken murtabak ($9), which is packed with chunks of meat. Then, if you’re there with several buddies, share the 5-litre Teh Tarik tower, $17, since you’ll need watch your caffeine intake as you’re preggers! If you feel that getting out of the house takes too much effort, simply order in.
2. ROCHOR BEANCURD HOUSE
745 Geylang Road, 6748-3989, open 24 hours daily
This humble $1.50 bowl of tau huay is the comfort food for many an expectant mum. If you’re craving something warm and sweet, head down to Geylang for this sweet treat. The beancurd here is silky and smooth and goes perfectly with crunchy you tiao (Chinese crullers).
3. 126 DIM SUM (WAN DOU SEK)
126 Sims Avenue, 6746-4757, open 24 hours daily
Still in the Geylang area and feeling peckish? Stop by this nondescript Hong Kong street-styled dim sum eatery and pick your choice of dian xin from its extensive menu. There’s a constant flow of customers, which also means that the food is freshly cooked and served piping hot. A basket of siew mai goes for $3.20, while $3 will get you a comforting bowl of century egg porridge.
4. MENG’S KITCHEN (MING FA FISHBALL)
246b Upper Thomson Road, Thomson Garden Estate, 6455-4890, open 9am – 5am Daily
If you can’t get enough of bak chor mee, swing by Meng’s Kitchen for your favourite Teochew fix. Though parking can be a nightmare, especially during peak hour supper times, it’s well worth it. The $4 bowl of savoury goodness is packed with firm, springy noodles, minced meat, pork liver and braised mushrooms. Top this ambrosia with more chilli and vinegar ― and we’re sure you’ll soon be back for more.
5. NANA ORIGINAL THAI FOOD
#01-51 Golden Mile Complex, 5001 Beach Rd, 6297-8498, open 24 hours daily
Sweet, sour and spicy ― sounds like just what you need after a nasty bout of nausea! If you love the taste of Thai food regardless, Nana is the place to be. Located at Golden Mile Complex (the place to be if you want authentic Thai food, you can get anything from a refreshing plate of Thai mango salad ($5) to pad thai with fresh prawns ($5) if you’re feeling hungry. Wash it all down with a glass of Thai milk tea ($1.50). Yum!
Bak kut teh and nasi lemak…coming right up. We feel hungry just thinking about these dishes!
6. 333 BAK KUT TEH
567 Balestier Road, 6352-6192, open 24 hours daily
A piping hot bowl of clear bak kut teh broth with a peppery kick on a cool, rainy night really hits the spot, doesn’t it? Order the spare ribs soup ($7), which boasts fall-off-the-bone tender meat. Dip them in a dark soy sauce with sliced red chilli padi and gobble it down with a bowl of steaming white rice. Hey, you’re pregnant, so you have the perfect excuse to carb-load, even at 2am.
7. FEI FEI WANTON MEE
72 Joo Chiat Place, 6440-5013, open 24 hours daily, except Thursday
If you live in the East, you’ll know that there’s an abundance of good food. Among them is Fei Fei, (the famed wanton mee, prices start at $4 a bowl). The springy noodles are topped with a spicy chilli sauce that packs a powerful punch! Order a plate of fried wanton ($5) as a side ― these are super addictive!
8. HAN’S CAFÉ AND CAKE HOUSE
Springleaf Garden, 906 Upper Thomson Road, 6708-6765, open 24 hours daily
This big chain-restaurant has several outlets island-wide, but only the ones in Thomson and Bedok are open round the clock. The extensive menu includes local favourites like beef hor fun ($9.30) and silver fish fried rice ($8.80), as well as burgers ($5.50 for a cheeseburger with egg) and pastas ($11.50 for aglio olio with chicken).
9. FONG SENG NASI LEMAK
22 Clementi Road, 6774-1429, 6am to 4am daily, except Sunday.
You’ll love the fragrant and moist coconut rice served with sides like otak, fried chicken wings and ikan bilis. A meal will probably set you back $4 to $5.
Crowds last till the wee hours of the morning ― most patrons are probably students from the nearby National University of Singapore. Sedap!
10. SOON LI YONG TAU FOO
115 Bukit Merah View, open midnight to 3am every day, except Monday
This stall isn’t open 24 hours, but where else can you get yong tau foo in the wee hours of the morning? A word of warning though, there is a mad rush for tongs and bowls the minute the shutters open at midnight, and the snaking queues often go on till closing time. Located at Bukit Merah View Hawker Centre, it’s the flavourful ikan bilis broth and unique ingredients like pork belly, dried cuttlefish and pig’s intestines that keep the hordes coming. Depending on what you pick, the average price is usually $7 to $10 per person.
Photos: iStock and Hans, Ming Fa, Rochor Beancurd House
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