Our Morning Picks from Chinatown Complex

#singaporeguide Chinatown Complex is a true maze of food, but in the best way. With rows and rows of hawker stalls packed into one place, it’s easy to get distracted by the smells, the sizzling sounds, and the sheer number of options. We stopped by in the morning and ended up trying two stalls that really stood out: a Taiwanese-style breakfast spot called 1030 Breakfast Shop, and a crispy fried chicken stall called Big Dot Chicken.

First stop, 1030 Breakfast Shop.

This tiny stall serves Taiwanese breakfast that’s simple, hearty, and really comforting. We tried the Taiwanese egg pancake — soft and slightly chewy with crispy edges, filled with cheese and ham. It's the kind of thing that feels light but still leaves you satisfied.

The purple rice roll was packed and filling. Inside was crunchy you tiao, fluffy egg, pickled veggies, and floss, all tightly wrapped in warm, chewy purple rice. It holds together well and makes for a great breakfast-on-the-go kind of option.

We also got the black sesame toast, which was thick, slightly crisped, and generously layered with black sesame paste. Nutty, just a little sweet, and full of that old-school flavor. If you're into anything black sesame, this one’s a treat.

The menu’s actually more varied than it looks — they have other toast combos, sides, and snacks too. It’s one of those places that’s great if you want a comforting breakfast that’s a little different from the usual local options.

After walking around for a bit, we made our way to Big Dot Chicken.

There’s something about the smell of fried chicken that just stops you in your tracks. This stall keeps things simple — fried chicken, done fresh and done right. We tried the chicken cutlet, and it came hot, golden, and super crispy. The batter is light and well-seasoned, and the inside was juicy without being oily.

They fry everything to order, so you get that crunch with every bite. No frills, just really solid fried chicken. You can get it with rice or on its own, but honestly, it holds up perfectly on its own.

If you’re craving something crispy and satisfying, this stall hits the spot. Affordable, fast, and no nonsense — it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll want to go back for.

Overall, this short food trail at Chinatown Complex was a nice mix — something warm and homey to start the day, and something crispy and indulgent to end on. There’s definitely a lot more to try here, but these two are a great place to start if you find yourself wandering through the Smith Street side of the hawker center.

Post by Randomstuffsg | May 29, 2025