Liao Fan Hawker Chan is a world-renowned food stall that every traveler should experience in Singapore! The now famous chicken and rice stand was the first of its kind to be awarded the prestigious Michelin Star in 2016. Here’s what to know before your trip to Hawker Chan in Chinatown!
What is a Hawker Center?
First, we should probably explain exactly what a Hawker Center is. Singapore is widely regarded as one of the most expensive cities in Asia. Yet, in the middle of all the high-rises, financial centers, and cargo ships, hides these large food halls.
Ranging from 20 to 200 hawker stalls per building, cuisine from all over Southeast Asia is represented. Liao Fan Hawker Chan is located in the Chinatown Complex Food Centre. However, there are so many more Hawkers to enjoy in Singapore!
→ Best Hawker Centers in Singapore: 8 Must Try Food Markets
About the Michelin Star & Hawker Chan
What started off in the early 1900’s as a guide to the road for French motorists has now become the world’s premier restaurant rating book. Michelin uses a 3 star rating system to score restaurants from around the globe. In fact, it’s so well respected that the score has been known to make or break high end restaurants.
The unique part about Singapore’s Michelin Star scene is that it’s almost unheard of anywhere else for it to be given to a food stall. The only other place we’ve seen Michelin Star food this cheap is in Phuket Old Town & Chiang Mai Thailand!
Unfortunately, Liao Fan Hawker Chan Singapore lost its Michelin Star (along with a host of other amazing restaurants) after holding it for 5 years. Still, as street food fans, it doesn’t make it any less impressive!
Liao Fan Hawker Chan Singapore Story
Chef Chan Hon Meng comes from humble beginnings in Ipoh, Malaysia. He learned to cook on his family farm preparing meals which sparked his culinary spirit.
At just 15 years old, Chan left his home to find work in Singapore. It wasn’t long before he found an apprenticeship under a chef from Hong Kong and created his own soya sauce chicken recipe.
In 2009, his first stall opened at Chinatown Complex Food Centre. Chan Hon Meng believes that food should be delicious and affordable, and the idea has really taken off! Hawker Chan has recently expanded to over 30 restaurants in 9 different countries.
Original Liao Fan Hawker Chan Stall
With its global expansion came more places to eat this incredible meal around Singapore, too! There are now six different locations to try the Hawker Chan meal, including near the famous Gardens by the Bay. It will be easy to include it as a lunch stop in a 2 day Singapore itinerary like this one.
However, the original stall is located on the 2nd floor of the Chinatown Complex Food Centre we mentioned above. This is the biggest Hawker Center in Chinatown and has two other floors to explore.
You can check out the shopping hall on the 1st floor and local wet market in the basement. Also, make sure to visit Maxwell Food Centre on your visit to this part of the city.
We haven’t been to the restaurants as we wanted to try the original Hawker Chan Chinatown. To be honest, we eat 95% of our meals at Hawker Centers in Singapore anyway!
→ Is Chinatown in Singapore Worth Visiting? 7 Things to Know First
What to Order at Hawker Chan Singapore
If you’ve ever explored one of Singapore’s many Hawker Centers you know how overwhelming it can be… Especially if you’re hunting for one certain food item! Chinatown Hawker Center also happens to be the largest food court of its kind in Singapore.
So what should you order at Hawker Chan Chinatown? Well, this one’s obvious. Get the soy sauce chicken and rice! You can also switch out the rice for noodles if you’re feeling adventurous. This is the dish they’re known for and what everyone around you will likely be ordering.
The soy sauce chicken is the star of the show, and so juicy it almost melts in your mouth. We ordered a side of seasonal greens which really completes the Hawker Chan dish. They do have other delicious menu items to try like the roasted pork if you don’t eat chicken.
Hawker Chan Chinatown Juice Stand
Hungry yet?? We have one more tip for you before tasting the legendary Liao Fan Hawker Chan!
If you’re visiting during peak lunch hours there will probably be a line for the famous Michelin Star meal. Before jumping in the queue we recommend stopping at the juice stand across from Hawker Chan Chinatown.
On our last trip, we stayed in Chinatown and stopped here multiple times. Over the course of three days we must’ve tried almost ten different juices between us both!
They are all made with super fresh fruits and vegetables and are the perfect refreshment to enjoy while you wait for your Liao Fan Hawker Chan meal. Our favorite flavors are watermelon, mango, and soursop.
Is Liao Fan Hawker Chan Singapore Worth the Wait?
Yes, absolutely! For street food fans Hawker Chan is a must-try when visiting Singapore. We recommend avoiding weekends if possible, and try to get there as early as you can before the lunch rush.
We went on a Monday just after noon and waited for about 20 minutes. Honestly, the time in line only got us more excited for our Hawker Chan Singapore meal!
While Liao Fan Hawker Chan once held the title of the cheapest Michelin Star in the city, know that it isn’t the only one. In fact, over 60 hawker stalls and restaurants have earned Michelin recognition to date! If you have time be sure to try as many as possible.
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own experience at Hawker Chan Singapore? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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Where to Stay in Singapore
Luxury – Marina Bay Sands – We stayed at the Marina Bay Sands for Jake’s 30th birthday and it blew away our expectations. Aside from the luxury amenities, swimming in the rooftop infinity pool will be the highlight of your visit!
Iconic – Raffles Hotel – As one of the most historic hotels Southeast Asia, staying at the Raffles Hotel will be an experience like no other. Enjoy a Singapore Sling and take in the amazing architecture of this landmark built in 1887.
Fun Vacation– Parkroyal on Pickering– It doesn’t get much more green and lush then Parkroyal on Pickering! This fun vacation spot is literally one of the greenest hotels in the world. Plant life covers the entire property to make for a unique stay in Singapore.
Boutique – KēSa House – Located in Chinatown, this fantastic hotel was built in 1920’s. Enjoy the incredible setting in the heart of the city in a traditional building on Keong Saik Road.
Hostel – Hipstercity hostel – Fun hostel in downtown Singapore with both private and dorm rooms. Great place to meet other travelers to explore the city with.
Singapore Travel Planning
Activities: 23 Fun Things to Do – Butterfly Garden – Chinatown – Supertree Grove – Gardens by the Bay – Haji Lane – Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel – Singapore Jewel – Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
Hawker Centers: Old Airport Road – Tekka Centre – Lau Pa Sat
Light Shows: Gardens by the Bay– Marina Bay – 2 Best in Singapore
Travel Tips: Singapore Airlines Review – Using the MRT – 15 Wild Laws – Changi Airport
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Athens to Singapore for $230 USD, and Singapore to Thailand for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Singapore. You can book everything from a Singapore Highlights Bike Tour to a Gardens by the Bay E-Ticket, and even a private food tour with 10 tastings!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists! Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
Have literally just booked our first trip to Singapore for later in the year, this is being added to the must do list!
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Awesome! You’re going to have a great time. Singapore is one of our favorite places. We have tons of information/articles on Singapore so let us know if you have any questions about your trip.