Last Updated: July 9, 2026
Fortune Centre, at the intersection of Middle Road and Bencoolen Street, may look like an ordinary 1980s building, but inside lies one of Singapore's best-kept culinary secrets.
For expats seeking affordable, authentic flavors, this unassuming complex offers a rich food crawl experience featuring diverse local delights, vegetarian food, and international cuisines. For a comprehensive guide to these cheap and good eats, check out the detailed recommendations here.
The atmosphere buzzes with the sounds and aromas of wok-fried noodles, fried chicken, and simmering broths. Fortune Centre is famed for its budget-friendly meals, with many rice sets and local dishes priced under $10. Most popular dining spots are on the second and third floors, including hidden gems serving everything from authentic clam noodles to vegetarian specialties.
Table of Contents
- New Station Rice Bar: Affordable Rice Sets and Local Dishes
- Wawa Lala Bee Hoon: Classic Singapore Comfort Noodles
- Bodhi Deli: A Vegetarian Restaurant Hidden Gem
- Eizaburo (栄三郎): Japanese Izakaya Classics and Don Bowls
- Tracy Juice Culture: Mushroom Udon and Wild Rice Congee
- Yat Ka Yan Dessert: Traditional Desserts and Durian Chendol
- New Green Pasture Cafe: Organic Ingredients and Vegan Options
1. New Station Rice Bar: Affordable Rice Sets and Local Dishes
I started at New Station Rice Bar, an evolution of the beloved new station snack bar concept originally from Orchard Plaza, where the smell of fried egg and sizzling chicken lured me in like a magnet.
Menu Highlights & Signature Dishes: Salted Egg Chicken Rice with Fried Egg, Chicken Cutlet Rice featuring a rich chicken katsu curry, Eggplant with Minced Meat over Rice, and the flavorful sambal petai fried rice. Their fried rice and coconut rice are perfect companions, and the fish soup rounds the meal with a soothing warmth. This spot is a favorite among those seeking a substantial meal and local comfort food at reasonable prices.
Food Quality & Flavors: Generous portions, bold local flavors, and a comforting balance of savory and umami. The salted egg sauce clings lovingly to the chicken, while the eggplant melts into the minced meat topping. The thick mushroom soup served here adds an extra layer of warmth to the meal.
Dining Experience & Atmosphere: Casual, bustling, and bright — perfect for office workers who want a hearty, no-fuss lunch.
Service Experience: Quick and efficient, letting you grab your tray and settle in without delay.
Why It Stands Out: New Station blends classic flavors with wallet-friendly pricing, making it a staple among Fortune Centre food places and a go-to for those craving traditional local classics.
2. Wawa Lala Bee Hoon: Classic Singapore Comfort Noodles
Location: #01‑11/12, Fortune Centre, Singapore 188979
This humble stall proves that sometimes the simplest dishes, like a well-made bowl of glass noodles and bee hoon, leave the biggest impression.
Menu Highlights & Signature Dishes: Known for its comforting bee hoon (thin rice noodles) served with savory broth and simple toppings that hit exactly the kind of nostalgic spot you didn’t know was missing. Local favorites include steaming bowls of plain bee hoon, soup versions with vegetables, and light noodle dishes that pair beautifully with the building’s many other savory spots.
Food Quality & Flavors: Reviewers often highlight the homey, honest taste — broth that’s gentle yet flavorful, noodles with a soft, welcoming texture, and portions that are just right for a midday reset.
Dining Experience & Atmosphere: Wawa Lala offers a simple, no‑frills counter service vibe popular with regulars and visitors alike. The seating spills right into the bustle of Fortune Centre, so you’re always part of the lively lunch crowd.
Service Experience: Fast and efficient, with a straightforward ordering process, perfect for that kind of lunch where you just want to dive into a bowl before heading back out.
What Makes It Stand Out: In a building filled with vegetarian gems and fusion eateries, Wawa Lala is a trusted comfort noodle stall that’s remained popular precisely because it doesn’t overthink things, it just does the basics really well. Their prawn noodle soup and fresh cockles in homemade garlic butter sauce are local classics that seafood lovers cherish.
3. Bodhi Deli: A Vegetarian Restaurant Hidden Gem
Location: Level 3, #03-26A
Menu Highlights & Signature Dishes: Vegetarian mapo tofu, Lor Mee with thick noodles, plant-based meatballs, and faux pork belly, finished with black vinegar and chili paste. They also feature vegan versions of local dishes and fried beancurd skin for added texture.
Food Quality & Flavors: Rich, garlicky, and deeply satisfying. The mock meats carry flavor and texture, while the gravy hugs each noodle strand.
Dining Experience & Atmosphere: Lively and casual, no frills, perfect for diners seeking bold local flavors without the meat.
Service Experience: Friendly, approachable staff who help you navigate the menu.
Why It Stands Out: Bodhi Deli reinvents traditional Singaporean dishes for vegetarians, making it a must-visit for adventurous and conscious eaters looking for vegetarian meals and vegan versions.
4. Eizaburo (栄三郎): Japanese Izakaya Classics and Don Bowls
Location: Level 3, #03‑16, Fortune Centre, Singapore 188979
For diners craving a touch of Tokyo in Singapore, Eizaburo delivers comforting izakaya classics and Japanese dishes in a cozy setting.
Menu Highlights & Signature Dishes:
- Mega Chicken Karaage Don — A towering bowl of crispy, juicy chicken karaage sprawled over steaming rice — the kind of dish that hits you first in the nose before it even cools enough to eat.
- Mentaiyaki Salmon Don — Grilled salmon topped with creamy mentaiko sauce, perfectly balancing richness and freshness.
- Sashimi & Sushi Picks — Fresh cuts that balance the heartiness of the don bowls with cleaner, ocean‑fresh notes.
- Yakitori Skewers — Grilled dishes featuring chicken katsu and other grilled delights keep locals coming back.
Food Quality & Flavors:
- Expect crispy textures meeting soulful simmered sauces; chicken karaage that’s crunchy on the outside yet tender inside, and don bowls rich with umami.
- Presentation leans homespun rather than pretentious, like a favourite neighbourhood izakaya where the food isn’t staged, it’s simply good.
Dining Experience & Atmosphere:
- Dimmer lighting and cozy tables set it apart from the bright hawker chaos around it, giving that mini Tokyo corner vibe amid a Bugis weekday.
- It’s convivial and relaxed — perfect for lingering over a bowl after a long morning in town.
Service Experience:
- Staff are attentive without being intrusive — they bring the sort of helpful warmth that makes you feel like a returning regular.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- In a building known for vegetarian heavyweights and noodle bowls, Eizaburo offers a solid gateway to Japanese izakaya classics and don bowls, giving savory, comforting fare with a slightly more distinctive dining ambiance. Craft beers and other drinks complement the experience.
5. Tracy Juice Culture: Mushroom Udon and Wild Rice Congee
Location: Level 1, #01-34
The earthy aroma of mushrooms and the gentle steam of broth greeted me at Tracy Juice Culture.
Menu Highlights & Signature Dishes: Mushroom Udon with thick noodles, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, mock meatballs, and broccoli; Wild Rice Congee. Their thick mushroom soup broth is especially noteworthy.
Food Quality & Flavors: Organic ingredients shine through — the broth is hearty, the noodles perfectly cooked, the vegetables tender but crisp.
Dining Experience & Atmosphere: Calm and restorative, ideal for solo diners or health-conscious lunch breaks.
Service Experience: Quick, unobtrusive, and helpful.
Why It Stands Out: A meat-free comfort haven in the midst of Fortune Centre’s bustling lanes, offering vegetarian meals and fresh fruit juices that refresh and nourish.
6. Yat Ka Yan Dessert: Traditional Desserts and Durian Chendol
Location: Level 2, #02-08
No lunch adventure is complete without dessert.
Menu Highlights & Signature Dishes: Durian Chendol, Classic Chendol — icy, sweet, and refreshing with coconut milk, pandan jelly noodles, red beans, and gula melaka syrup. The popular Yam Paste is a must-try traditional Chinese dessert.
Food Quality & Flavors: Sweet and creamy, yet balanced; durian adds an indulgent depth.
Dining Experience & Atmosphere: Cozy and simple, a sweet respite from savory meals and Singapore’s tropical heat.
Service Experience: Efficient, with desserts served promptly to beat the melting ice.
Why It Stands Out: Yat Ka Yan delivers authentic traditional Chinese desserts in a casual, inviting environment, including favorites like kwan im thong hood and yam paste.
7. New Green Pasture Cafe: Organic Ingredients and Vegan Options
Location: Level 4, #04-22
The final stop was New Green Pasture Cafe, a quiet oasis above the hubbub.
Menu Highlights & Signature Dishes: Brown rice sets, pumpkin porridge, cold natto soba, vegan sushi rolls, and plant-based takes on salmon sashimi and unagi don.
Food Quality & Flavors: Clean, fresh, and thoughtfully balanced. Each dish is nourishing and visually appealing, with textures from creamy porridge to crisp vegetables.
Dining Experience & Atmosphere: Peaceful and contemplative, perfect for a slow lunch or light dinner.
Service Experience: Attentive, patient, and knowledgeable, especially helpful for vegan diners navigating the menu.
Why It Stands Out: Fortune Centre’s organic and plant-based hub, ideal for health-conscious and mindful diners seeking wholesome meals, including vegetarian versions and vegan versions of local classics.
Additional Notable Spots:
- Pine Tree Cafe is a favorite for its vegetarian versions of local dishes, including the signature Hakka leicha rice and sambal petai fried rice, offering a calm respite from the busier food stalls.
- Bao Er Cafe serves as a morning-friendly coffee cafe bar with comforting kaya toast and light bites, perfect for starting the day or a casual lunch.
- Madness Nasi Lemak offers a rich take on the classic nasi lemak with crispy pork belly, a must-try for those craving hearty local flavors.
- Pasta & Co delights with its fresh pasta options like beetroot fusilli and squid ink tagliatelle, providing Italian flair amidst the Asian fare.
- The nearby Cho Temple and Orchard Plaza add cultural and shopping highlights, making Fortune Centre a well-rounded destination for food and exploration.
- Other restaurants within Fortune Centre continue to expand the culinary landscape, ensuring there’s always something new to discover for every palate.
Conclusion: Your Next Food Crawl at Fortune Centre
Fortune Centre offers affordable, authentic, and diverse food options for both expats and locals. From hearty fried rice and vibrant vegetarian dishes to fresh seafood like cockles and clam noodles, it caters to varied tastes and diets.
Generous portions and traditional local favorites such as thunder tea rice and plant-based char kway teow ensure satisfying meals for food lovers.
The mix of Japanese izakayas, Korean eateries, and local stalls creates a lively, communal dining atmosphere. This unpretentious food hub is a must-visit for those seeking quality meals without breaking the bank. For more curated dining experiences for expats, discover more here.
