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.
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.
New Station Rice Bar
- Signature item: Salted Egg Pork Rice (S$8.80) with Fried Egg
New Station Rice Bar has quickly become a fixture for comfort food hunters, especially if you love a good saucy rice bowl. This spot was opened by the daughter of the famed New Station Snack Bar family from Orchard Plaza and brings their zi char expertise to a cozy third-floor unit.
We also like their Mapo Tofu with Minced Meat (S$9.90), which delivers a familiar tongue-tingling, peppery kick.
A Yes for: Affordable comfort lunch or dinner, easy weekday meals.
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.
New Green Pastures Cafe
- Signature item: Green Pasture Rice Set (S$14.90) with Organic Ingredients
For an escape from greasy, heavy meals, New Green Pastures Cafe is our go-to. Tucked up on the fourth floor, it serves wholesome vegetarian fare with a health-focused, organic ingredients tilt. What wins locals over is the balance between clean eating and genuinely enjoyable flavor, especially in dishes like the Green Pasture Rice Set (S$14.90), which features a bright array of veggies, brown rice, and house-made sauces.
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 8:30pm and leans toward solo or small-group eats.
Try this: Always ask if they have any off-menu or herbal soup specials, regulars swear by the hidden options.
Pine Tree Cafe
- Signature item: Thunder Tea Rice (S$7.50) and Vegetarian Versions of Local Classics
If you crave heartier plant-based classics 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 thunder tea rice and vegetarian nasi lemak (S$6.80), packed with greens, tofu, black fungus, mock meat, and fried beancurd skin.
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 thunder tea rice and their Thai green curry rice, regulars often alternate between the two for variety.
Bao Er Cafe
- Signature item: Kaya Toast Set (S$5.80) and Local Classics
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. It’s here because it manages to blend traditional kaya toast with wok-fried dishes you’d usually only find at heartland coffee cafe bars.
If you’re in the mood for something more, Fortune Centre’s branch offers items like Hokkien mee, fried rice, and pepper pasta.
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.
Madness Nasi Lemak
- Signature item: Nyonya Pork Rendang Set (S$9.90) with Fried Chicken
Madness Nasi Lemak is Fortune Centre’s answer to Malaysian coconut rice cravings, with attitude. Don’t be fooled by the simple setup; it packs bold flavors using quality coconut milk, punchy sambal, and a rotation of creative proteins including fried chicken. The rendang sauce is rich, slightly spicy, perfectly coating each bite of tender pork belly, and the rice itself is delightfully fragrant.
A Yes for: Comforting, creative nasi lemak at a good price; ideal for a quick, hearty lunch.
Avoid if: You’re halal-only, or want strictly light, healthy fare.
Try This: Go for the rendang over the berempah pork, locals say the sauce makes all the difference.
Tracy Juice Culture
- Signature item: Special Mushroom Udon (S$9.90) 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.
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: Always ask about the Fruit Juice Curry Udon, even if it’s not on the menu, the team will make it if ingredients are available.
Izakaya Hikari
- Signature item: Chicken Thigh Yakitori with Leek
Among all the plant-based and local staples, Izakaya Hikari feels like a little slice of Tokyo, 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).
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.
Wawa Lala Bee Hoon
- 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 bathed in a flavorful broth. The fresh clams are cooked to perfection with their signature wawa special sauce, while the fresh cockles come marinated in a spicy, tangy sauce that leaves a lasting impression.
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.
Yuen Kee Dumpling
- 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. Many office workers order two dishes to enjoy a balanced and filling meal without breaking the bank.
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.
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.
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.
Pasta & Co
- Signature item: Fresh Pasta including Squid Ink Tagliatelle and Beetroot Fusilli
For those craving Japanese dishes with an Italian twist, Pasta & Co on the second floor offers artisanal fresh pasta with unique flavors like squid ink tagliatelle and beetroot fusilli. Their cacio e pepe is a crowd favorite, served in tasting and full portions. Pair your meal with a selection of craft beers for a casual yet refined dining experience.
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 mushroom risotto is another hearty option worth trying.
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.
