Over the past year, we have spent countless afternoons and evenings getting lost in the labyrinth of Fortune Centre, located at 190 Middle Road. While most people know this aging building near Bugis as a haven for vegetarian restaurants and local delights, we wanted to see if its culinary reputation truly held up beyond the famous staples.
What we found is a deeply fascinating mix of old-school comfort bowls, hidden drinking dens, and wildly innovative plant-based kitchens. If you are a food lover wondering where to spend your calories in this beloved food enclave, here is our honest, tested guide to the best of Fortune Centre food places.
Table of Contents
- Soup Curry by Ki-setsu
- New Station Rice Bar
- New Green Pasture Cafe
- Pine Tree Cafe
- Bao Er Cafe
- Tracy Juice Culture
- Izakaya Hikari
- Wawa Lala Bee Hoon
- Yuen Kee Dumpling
- Yat Ka Yan
- Pasta & Co
- Mama Patisserie
- Hangawi Korean Food
1. Soup Curry by Ki-setsu: A Filling Meal with Traditional Hokkaido Soup Curry
Among the vegetarian meals, fried Hokkien mee, salted egg chicken rice and other local comfort food that have long shaped Fortune Centre’s dining scene, Soup Curry by Ki-setsu brings a noticeably different kind of comfort to Level 4. Its traditional Hokkaido soup curry is far removed from the thick, sweet chicken katsu curry or curry rice set usually poured over rice. Here, the curry comes as a light, aromatic broth, with spice building slowly over a savoury chicken base. Made from chicken bones simmered for more than six hours, the broth contains no added MSG, relying on its long cooking process and blend of spices for depth and flavour. It has enough depth to feel satisfying, yet stays clean and easy to sip from the first spoonful to the last.
The Chicken Curry Bowl (S$14.80) is the clearest introduction. Its large chicken drumstick is simmered for hours until the meat pulls easily from the bone, soaking up the aromatic curry broth with every bite. Accompanied by half a ramen egg and approximately six varieties of vegetables, it’s the more substantial choice for diners craving a hearty meal. For vegetable option, their Vegetable Curry Bowl (S$14.80) takes a different approach. It comes with around nine varieties of vegetables alongside half a ramen egg. Expect a colourful mix of lotus root, eggplant, bell peppers, pumpkin and other seasonal produce, with the selection changing according to availability.
Both bowls come with free-flow rice, with white and multigrain brown rice options. You can drizzle the soup over their rice or dip spoonfuls directly into the rich broth, making the meal feel generous without the heaviness of conventional curry rice.
Beyond soup curry, the restaurant also offers izakaya-style dining in the evening, with Japanese small plates and drinks. The Kani Cream Croquette, is worth trying for its contrast of textures. Break through the crisp golden shell and the warm, creamy kani filling gives way underneath. For drinks, Suntory The Premium Malt’s Pilsner (S$9.80 per glass; S$7.80 during happy hour) and highballs (from S$6.80) make pairing a few small plates with a drink an approachable option for an after-work meal.
Soup Curry by Ki-setsu is officially opened at Fortune Centre’s Level 4 on October 8, 2026. You can now stop by for a comforting lunch or return after work for a more relaxed meal over Japanese bar bites and drinks.
Follow Soup Curry by Ki-setsu on Instagram for the latest menu and availability.
A Yes for: Diners curious about regional Japanese cuisine food, or anyone looking for a warming, hearty meal that still feels relatively light.
Avoid if: You only want thick curry sauce, crispy katsu or a conventional Japanese curry plate.
Insider’s tip: Resist pouring all the rice into the broth at once. Alternating between a spoonful of curry, a little rice, chicken and vegetables lets the textures and spice come through much more clearly.
2. New Station Rice Bar: Salted Egg Chicken Rice and Local Comfort Food
At #03-04 in Fortune Centre Singapore, New Station Rice Bar takes the familiar flavours of the family’s New Station Snack Bar and reshapes them into hearty rice bowls for solo lunches and casual dinners. The salted egg chicken rice (S$13.50) is an easy place to start: juicy chicken cubes are coated in a rich salted egg sauce that is creamy, savoury and full-flavoured without overwhelming the steamed rice. A fried egg on the side makes the bowl even richer once the yolk is broken through the sauce.
The menu goes beyond salted egg. The Chicken Katsu Curry Rice pairs hand-breaded fried chicken with the kitchen’s own spice blend and an onsen egg, giving the curry a smooth finish. For something more old-school, the pork belly rice (S$13.50) uses slowly stewed pork and simple seasoning, while the Mapo Tofu with Minced Meat Rice (S$14.50) brings more heat. Black garlic chicken soup and the house-made radish cake omelette round out a menu built around local comfort food rather than light bites.
A Yes for:. A substantial meal with familiar zi char flavours in a convenient rice-bowl format.
Avoid if: You want fancy presentation or proper fine dining.
Try this: Don’t overlook the Mapo Tofu or house curry chicken cutlet, both are popular “specials” that sell out at peak lunch.
3. New Green Pasture Cafe: Thunder Tea Brown Rice and Organic Vegetarian Food
At #04-22 in the fourth floor of Fortune Centre, New Green Pasture Cafe is one of the building’s longest-running choices for wholesome vegetarian food. The New Green Pasture Cafe focuses on menu that covers noodles, salads, rolls and brown rice bowls, but the Thunder Tea Rice (S$11.50) remains the clearest place to start.
The bowl is colourful without feeling overworked: chewy brown rice, peanuts, savoury preserved radish, tofu skin and several kinds of fresh vegetables sit beside a green herbal broth with a light minty edge. Pouring a little broth over the fluffy rice softens everything without turning it soggy, while keeping some aside makes the final spoonful particularly refreshing. It is a filling meal, but one that stays relatively light on the palate.
Other plant based food meals include the Brown Rice Set, Miso Mee Sua, Korean-style bibimbap and mee hoon salad, giving health-conscious diners options beyond thunder tea rice. The cafe’s focus on organic ingredients, whole grains and vegetable-heavy dishes makes it noticeably different from mock-meat-heavy vegetarian restaurants.
A Yes for: Health-conscious diners or vegetarians needing a fresh, restorative lunch
Avoid if: You want a banquet or late night meal, closes by 8pm and leans toward solo or small-group eats.
Insider’s tip: For the Thunder Tea Rice, add the herbal broth gradually rather than pouring in the whole bowl at once.
4. Pine Tree Cafe: One of Fortune Centre’s Go-To Vegetarian Eateries
- Signature item: Hakka Leicha Rice (S$8) and Vegetarian Versions of Local Classics
If you crave heartier plant-based vegetarian dishes at wallet-friendly prices, Pine Tree Cafe is tough to beat. Located on level two, this is one of the OG vegetarian stalls in Fortune Centre, simple, cheerful, with a massive following for its Hakka leicha rice, and vegetarian nasi lemak (S$6), packed with greens, tofu, black fungus, mock meat, and fried beancurd skin.
The leicha bowl combines rice, vegetables, crisp toppings and herbal thunder tea broth. For something bolder, the Sambal Petai Fried Rice (S$6) has more wok-fried richness, with the unmistakable aroma of petai and sambal giving each spoonful a savoury kick. The rotating menu also includes vegetarian chicken rice (S$6), nasi lemak with fragrant coconut rice (S$6), curry fish head (S$7), fried kway teow and mock-meat rice, depending on the day.
What works here is familiarity. These are vegetarian meals built around the flavours of everyday hawker and home-style cooking rather than elaborate meat substitutes.
A Yes for: Anyone needing filling vegetarian comfort food (especially for lunch or brunch).
Avoid if: You’re a strict carnivore or want a lavish ambiance. This is functional, delicious eating, not date-night dining.
Try this: Try both the Hakka Leicha rice and their Thai green curry rice, regulars often alternate between the two for variety.
5. Bao Er Cafe: Fried Hokkien Mee and Prawn Noodle Soup at Fortune Centre
- Signature item: Kaya Butter Toast Set (from S$7.50) and Jeremy’s Beef Hor Fun (S$14.10)
If your day doesn’t start without old-school Singaporean breakfast, Bao Er Cafe on the second floor is happiness in a cup and a plate. Mornings are built around crisp kaya butter toast, soft-boiled eggs and kopi, while lunch brings out the wok-fried local dishes that have made the cafe better known among regulars.
The Signature Fried Hokkien Mee (S$11.50) is the dish to start with. Yellow noodles and bee hoon are cooked in a seafood-rich stock until slightly moist, with prawns and wok hei giving the noodles a savoury, smoky finish. For something more brothy, the Prawn Noodle Soup (S$6) offers an affordable bowl of rice noodles with a warmer, lighter character.
The Fortune Centre outlet also has dishes that go beyond the original breakfast formula, including Jeremy’s Beef Hor Fun (S$14.10) and Prawn Paste Chicken Cutlet Fried Rice (S$13). The hor fun brings silky noodles and wok aroma, while the fried rice is the more substantial choice when a quick plate of local comfort food is needed.
A Yes for: Classic breakfast, brunch, or quick coffee breaks; great way to fuel up before a Bugis shopping spree.
Avoid if: You want a high-end brunch or plan to linger for hours (it gets busy!).
Try this: Pair the Peanut Butter Toast with their kaya version for a perfect sweet-savory combo,locals know this move.
6. Tracy Juice Culture: Mushroom Udon, Fruit Juice Curry and Fresh Fruit Juices
- Signature item: Special Mushroom Udon (S$12.90) and Fruit Juices
If you want something truly different for lunch, Tracy Juice Culture is Fortune Centre’s most out-of-the-box healthy eatery. Their chewy, thick udon noodles in a deep, thick mushroom soup that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Cherry tomatoes and broccoli add freshness and color, while mock meatballs provide texture.
For something more unusual, the Fruit Juice Curry Udon combines curry with fruit and vegetables, giving the broth a sweet-tangy edge alongside gentle spice. It sounds a bit strange on paper, but the contrast works better once everything comes together in the bowl. Pair either noodle dish with one of Tracy’s fresh fruit juices; current choices include Pine Lemon (S$5.90), Guapple (S$6.90) and Creamy Beetroot (S$6.80).
There are lighter options too, including Peach Gum Cheng Tng (S$5.90), making this a useful stop for health-conscious diners seeking vegetarian meals beyond the usual mock meat or brown rice.
A Yes for: Health-focused or veg-friendly diners, or anyone curious about Singapore’s next food trend.
Avoid if: You want hearty meats, late dinners (closes early), or a long, unhurried meal.
Try this: Go for the Fruit Juice Curry if you want something more unusual, combining thick udon, tofu, tau pok and fresh fruit with a tangy curry broth.
7. Izakaya Hikari: Grilled Dishes, Pork Belly Skewers and Hearty Donburi
- Signature item: Chicken Thigh Yakitori with Leek
Among all the plant-based and local staples, Izakaya Hikari feels like a little slice of Tokyo in the third floor of the building, complete with sake, grilled dishes, and the comforting clatter of skewers at the counter. The yakitori selection here has drawn us back for more than one work-week wind-down (skewers average S$3–5).
We’s recommend start with their kushiyaki. Chicken thigh, chicken-and-leek negima, tsukune and pork belly skewers are S$3.90 each, with lightly charred edges and enough savoury richness to make ordering one more skewer very easy to justify. The Kushiyaki Moriawase (S$23.90) brings seven assorted skewers and works well for sharing. For something crispier, Tori Karaage (S$7.90) uses fried chicken thigh, giving a crunchy exterior with juicy meat underneath.
Izakaya Hikari is also good for a more substantial meal. The Salmon Mentaiko Donburi (S$17.90) combines salmon with creamy, salty mentaiko mayo over rice, while the Chicken Karaage & Tsukune Donburi (S$12.90) offers a heartier option. Add miso soup (S$2.50) if you want something warm alongside.
A Yes for: Laid-back group dinners, lively catch-ups, or a proper Japanese izakaya night out.
Avoid if: You need a super-quick meal or prefer quiet, empty dining rooms.
Try this: Counter seats offer the best view of the action, the chefs’ grilling technique alone is worth the reservation.
Discover more Japanese food with us as we continuously dine through Singapore’s myriad of delicious curry restaurants that are perfect for in-between meetings.
8. Wawa Lala Bee Hoon: Authentic Clam Noodles with Chinese Wine and Fresh Seafood
- Signature item: Authentic Clam Noodles with Chinese Wine
If you love fresh clams and fresh cockles, Wawa Lala Bee Hoon is a must-visit. Known for its authentic clam noodles with Chinese wine, the restaurant serves generous portions of rice noodles and glass noodles bath. The Signature Authentic Clam Noodles with Chinese Wine (S$9.90) arrive with plenty of fresh clams in a clear broth that carries natural shellfish sweetness, gentle spice and a noticeable warmth from the Chinese wine. You can choose rice noodles or glass noodles; both soak up the broth well without taking attention away from the lala.
The clams are kept live before cooking, which shows in their plump, tender texture. For something punchier alongside the noodles, the Fresh Cockles in Wawa Special Sauce (S$12.90) are served chilled, with the fresh cockles picking up a savoury, spicy kick from the dressing. Garlic Butter Clams (S$9.90) and Power Sambal Clams (S$9.90) offer richer alternatives.
It is straightforward seafood, but done in a way that makes a surprisingly substantial meal without feeling overly heavy.
A Yes for: Seafood lovers craving local classics and substantial meals at reasonable prices.
Avoid if: You dislike shellfish or strong flavors from Chinese wine.
Try this: Try the fresh cockles marinated in wawa special sauce for a spicy kick.
9. Yuen Kee Dumpling: Juicy Chive Pork Dumplings and a Filling Meal Under S$10
- Signature item: Chive Pork Dumplings and Two Dishes for a Substantial Meal
This well-loved eatery on the first floor is famous for its chive pork dumplings, packed with juicy pork, chives, and black fungus. The Yuen Kee Dumplings come with a chewy dough and are best enjoyed with their homemade chilli oil and vinegar.
Sauce makes a big difference here. The popular viral mixed sauce with chilli oil adds nutty, savoury richness, while chilli oil and vinegar keep things sharper if the mixed sauce feels too heavy. For more texture, the Shrimp & Vegetables Pork Dumplings combine pork with sweet shrimp, chives and black fungus. They can also be paired with springy egg noodles or la mian for a more substantial meal.
Despite the queues, the portions and affordable prices explain why Yuen Kee works so well for office lunches. One plate is enough for light bites; add noodles and it quickly becomes a proper filling meal.
A Yes for: Those seeking affordable, hearty dumplings and light bites.
Avoid if: You prefer more elaborate or fusion dishes.
Try this: The viral mixed sauce with chilli oil la mian is a must-try alongside the dumplings.
10. Yat Ka Yan
- Signature item: Traditional Chinese Desserts like Yam Paste and Silky Smooth Almond Cream
For dessert lovers, Yat Ka Yan is a hidden gem specializing in traditional Chinese desserts. Located on the second floor, it offers silky smooth treats like yam paste, pumpkin porridge, and chendol with a rich durian twist. The desserts are made using family recipes and are a perfect way to round off a meal at Fortune Centre.
The menu works well for sharing, especially when diners want to compare warm dessert soups, chilled bowls and thicker nut or yam pastes. Portions are suited to a light finish after lunch, while the variety makes it easy to choose between something refreshing and something more substantial.
A Yes for: Fans of authentic, comforting traditional desserts.
Avoid if: You prefer Western-style sweets or modern fusion desserts.
Try this: Try the Mini Set of 3 to sample a variety of their best soups and pastes.
11. Pasta & Co: Fresh Pasta, Cacio e Pepe and Singapore-Inspired Flavours
- Signature item: Fresh Pasta including Squid Ink Tagliatelle and Beetroot Fusilli
For those craving fresh pasta with Asian-inspired flavours, Pasta & Co on the second floor offers artisanal fresh pasta with unique flavors like squid ink tagliatelle and beetroot fusilli.
For a first visit, the Cacio E Pepe (S$14.90 tasting / S$19.90 full) keeps things simple: Parmigiano and Pecorino coat the pasta with a savoury, creamy finish, while the house pepper mix gives each forkful a gentle heat. The Laksa (S$16.90 / S$21.90) is more playful, bringing coconut-rich laksa broth, taupok and tiger prawns into pasta form. It sounds unconventional, but the familiar spicy, creamy flavours come together surprisingly naturally.
The Mentaiko (S$17.90 / S$24.90) adds scallops, green tobiko and shredded nori for something richer, while Vongole uses clams, dashi, mirin, sake and bonito for a lighter, more savoury profile.
A Yes for: Pasta lovers seeking fresh, affordable options with a creative flair.
Avoid if: You want purely Asian cuisine or quick street food.
Try this: The Laksa is a good pick if you want to try Pasta & Co’s more playful Asian-inspired side, combining laksa broth, taupok, coconut and tiger prawns with fresh pasta.
12. Mama Patisserie: Char Siew Pizza, Signature Chocolate Bowl and Fresh Bakes
Mama Patisserie is the sort of small bakery that is easy to walk past, then surprisingly difficult to leave with just one item. Prices stay approachable, with most breads and loaves working well as breakfast, light bites or something to bring home after lunch.
The Char Siew Pizza (S$3) is the most unusual place to start. Soft bread is topped with savoury char siew-style flavours, creating a sweet-salty combination that feels familiar despite the unexpected pairing. For something gentler, the popular Sesame Yam Bun (S$2.80) is soft and fluffy, with mild yam sweetness rather than an overly sugary filling.
The larger bakes are useful for sharing or taking home. Both the Signature Chocolate Bowl (S$6.80) and Beet Root Loaf (S$6.80) are among the bakery’s better-known choices, alongside the Nutty Currant loaf at the same price.
With its affordable prices and wide bread selection, Mama Patisserie makes a useful final stop on a Fortune Centre food crawl.
A Yes for: Fresh bread, inexpensive snacks and something sweet or savoury to take away.
Avoid if: You’re looking for a sit-down café experience, a full meal or somewhere to linger over coffee.
Insider’s tip: The Char Siew Pizza is the one to try if only picking up a single item.
13. Hangawi Korean Food: Affordable Korean Soups and Bibimbap at Fortune Centre
For delicious food that doesn’t put too much pressure on your lunch budget, Hangawi Korean Food on the second floor deserves a place in this Fortune Centre food guide. Popular with students and nearby office workers, this modest Korean eatery serves rice bowls, barbecue sets and warming soups. The dining experience is straightforward, with counter ordering, simple seating and occasionally long queues during peak lunch hours.
The Sul Rung Tang Set (S$7.90) is a comforting place to start. This traditional Korean beef bone soup comes with sliced beef, glass noodles and rice, offering a delicate yet savoury broth that feels especially satisfying on rainy afternoons. Another dependable choice is the Bibimbap (S$7), which combines rice, vegetables, a fried egg and your choice of meat. It’s a colourful, filling option for anyone looking to bring a little balance to their daily life without sacrificing flavour.
For something heartier, the Ginseng Chicken Soup (S$11.90) features half a chicken simmered with ginseng, garlic, red dates and glutinous rice. Its herbal broth makes it a particularly appealing choice when well-being and comfort are on your mind. Most meals also come with kimchi and seasoned anchovies, adding extra variety to the spread. While the barbecue meats can vary in texture, the soups offer reassuring quality for the price.
A Yes for: Affordable Korean lunches, comforting soups and quick meals between errands or office breaks.
Avoid if: You prefer spacious restaurants, attentive table service or a leisurely dining experience away from lunchtime crowds.
Try this: Order the Sul Rung Tang with its kimchi side dish. The tangy crunch provides a welcome contrast to the mild, savoury beef broth.
Local Dishes Haven: The Oasis for After Temple Visits
Beyond these highlights, Fortune Centre also features vegan versions of local dishes such as char kway teow and chicken katsu, alongside specialties like cold natto soba and mentaiyaki salmon don. Its affordable prices and diverse offerings attract a wide range of diners, from temple-goers visiting nearby Cho Temple and Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple to food enthusiasts seeking Japanese izakayas and other restaurants with unique flavors.
Fortune Centre Food Places: The Center of Diverse Culinary Offerings
Fortune Centre stands out as a unique culinary destination in Singapore. While it may lack the sleekness of modern malls, it more than compensates with its rich variety of authentic and affordable dining options.
Whether you’re embarking on a budget-friendly lunch crawl starting at Bodhi Deli, indulging in the renowned clam noodles at Wawa Lala Bee Hoon, or finishing off with traditional desserts at Yat Ka Yan, this food hub offers something for every craving. For a lively evening, head to Japanese izakayas for grilled skewers and sake.
Don’t be deceived by its retro facade, step inside, bring your appetite, and explore the vibrant food scene. Fortune Centre promises a fulfilling experience with local dishes, Japanese izakayas, and more, leaving you satisfied and eager to return.
