Elevated versions of Singaporean classics aren’t anything new, but in recent months we saw a strong focus on individual dishes that got us pretty excited: from nasi lemak specialist The Coconut Club to wanton mee fetishists Wanton Seng’s Noodle Bar. Smith Street Taps finally got some hawker craft beer competition in the form of 3rd Culture Brewing Company, and the atas kopitiam at Bukit Merah Lane got blown out of the water with the arrival of Timbre+. Here are eight of the hipster-est hawkers in Singapore. 

3rd Culture Brewing Co.

There’s now a craft beer stall at Maxwell. The 12-tap selection changes often, but they’ve stocked Yeastie Boys and Tiny Rebel, among others. Best part: Tian Tian chicken rice is nearby. #01-33 Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur St. 

Coffee Break

It has been in operation for decades, but this hawker center coffee spot serves butter pecan latte or a sea salt mint latte, To eat, get the Earl Grey toast. #02-78 Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd.

The Coconut Club

This Instagrammable kopitiam of Ann Siang Hill dishes out premium nasi lemak, made with MAWA coconuts, northeastern Thai jasmine rice, Malaysian ikan bilis and chicken. Top up with the otak otak. 6 Ann Siang Hill. 

Day & Night 

This kopitiam turns into a cozy Italian joint by night, with a self-service counter where you can order pizzas, burgers and pastas like vongole and tom yam. #01-46 56 Eng Hoon St.

Garcons Express

Their Immanuel Kitchen at the Bukit Merah Lane kopitiam is an original hipster hawker, but Garcons Express is even better. Try their homemade charcuterie. #01-37 Timbre+, 73A Ayer Rajah Cres.

A Noodle Story

A hip hawker specializing in Singapore style ramen, the culinary school graduates here serve fixings like sous vide char siew, HK-style wanton, potatowrapped prawn and more. #01-39 Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd.

Smith Street Taps

Our enduring favorite place for giant pints of craft beer from Japan, the UK, Hawaii and elsewhere, and that too for under $15. Pro tip: the Michelin-starred HK Soya Sauce Noodle stall is a few doors down. #02-062 Chinatown Complex, 335 Smith St.

Wanton Seng's Noodle Bar

Wanton mee gets cool at Wanton Seng’s, with its wooden bartop and high-end ingredients. Mix and match your mee with honey-roasted char siew, and Batalong egg, among other yummy sides. There are craft beers and cocktails, too. 52 Amoy St.