lemiA “salad bowl” rather than a melting pot of cultures, Singapore is a diverse city-state known as one of the world’s top destinations
Rollin’ With The Popiah
Singapore
Popiah (薄餅) is a fresh spring roll originating from Fujian, China. It means “thin wafer” in Teochew and Hokkien, describing the paper-like wrap that neatly bundles everything inside. The roll is sliced crosswise before serving, giving you a peek of its delicious filling. You’ll mostly find fresh greens in there, along with bean sprouts, carrots, and shredded turnip. Some recipes also add prawns, hard-boiled eggs, or lap cheong (臘腸, “Chinese sausage”); while its sweet bean or shrimp paste sauce ties all the flavors together. In Singapore, locals do “Popiah parties” at home where ingredients are spread out, and guests make their rolls to their liking. The beloved spring roll isn’t too difficult to find when you’re in the city, though. In fact, we’re taking you through some of Singapore’s best Popiah joints! Ready your chopsticks, it’s going to be a tasty ride!
Everything is made from scratch at this famous popiah spot along Joo Chiat Place. Three generations of the Quek family have managed this diner for over 70 years, but their Popiah remains a classic. Bite into crisp, well-seasoned turnips encased in a chewy wrap cooked fresh every day. Restaurants, hotels, and locals from around the city buy their popiah skins here, so drop by anytime between 9:00AM and 2:00PM to score a bundle for yourself.
- +65 9620 2000
54 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore
- https://www.joochiatpopiah.com/
Fuel your shopping spree on Bugis Street with a healthy snack of Popiah at Qiji. They offer refuge to locals and tourists in need of a yummy pick-me-up and a little air conditioning. Qiji’s Popiah is a pleasant medley of textures packed in a thin wrap. Their stewed turnips and fried bits fill each bite with a crunch, while a generous amount of prawn and egg (should you ask for some) balances everything out. Savor a potent sweet and spicy sambal (Malaysian chili paste) that kicks in each mouthful.
- +65 6338 4410
160 Rochor Road, Singapore
- https://www.qiji.com.sg/
For less than SGD2 (USD1.75), you’ll get a serving of the Popiah from Qin Carrot Cake & Popiah. Find it in Old Airport Road Food Centre, one of the city’s biggest hawker centers. All the local staples are here, including the underrated popiah. Stuff yourself with all the fresh spring rolls you can stomach or pair with a plate of stir-fried noodles from the neighboring stalls. Even with the rushed crowds, Qin makes their rolls structurally sound (no spills!) without compromising the flavor.
100 Old Airport Road, #01-156 Old Airport Road Food Centre, Singapore
After a refreshing day at the Botanic Gardens, grab a quick bite at My Cosy Corner. The diner is a laid-back spot to recharge on Peranakan (Chinese-Malay) dishes like Mee Siam (noodle soup), Laksa, and Popiah. My Cosy Corner uses little rice in their spring rolls for an added crisp to each bite, while their chili stays hot and spicy. Their Popiah sells out by 7:00PM, so come early!
- +65 6463 8286
587 Bukit Timah Road, #02-02 Coronation Shopping Plaza, Singapore
- http://www.mycosycorner.com.sg/
Popiah is generally a healthy dish, but Old Long House takes it a step further. They commit to a no MSG, preservatives, or artificial coloring Popiah recipe. They don’t use any seafood, pork, or lard, either. Their turnip filling is juicy and saucy, but there are still those little bits that make the spring roll dry and crispy. At SGD1.50 (USD1.13), your budget will be as fit as you are when dining here. Old Long House is proving to have unlocked the secret to a long life as it has been open since 1930.
- +65 9171 7157
22 Lorong 7 Toa Payoh, #01-03 Kim Keat Palm Market and Food Centre, Singapore
- https://www.oldlonghouse.com/
ABC Popiah is a guilt-free alternative to the other offerings in Toa Payoh’s hawker centers. Keeping up with the health-conscious craze, ABC has reduced its sweet sauce and oil use. Instead, they’ve chosen to indulge in more vegetables to pack inside their Popiah. Mushrooms, crab meat, and minced fried fish grains add a bit of umami flavor to the spring roll. Of course, the must-haves like turnips, bean sprouts, and lettuce are all always present and fresher than ever.
93 Toa Payoh Lorong 4, #01-34 Toa Payoh Lorong 4 Hawker Centre, Singapore
You’ll know you’re in Jit It Thai San Popiah as soon as you spot the snaking lines. The intel on this hidden gem’s Popiah: soft skin, garlicky filling, and fiery chili sauce. When we say their chili packs a mean punch, it is vicious! Keep your order terse and simple—it’s been said the elder woman that runs the store can be short-tempered. Patience pays off in the end, so brave that queue!
449 Clementi Avenue 3, Singapore
There aren’t many words left to say about popiah when it is done well. At Yi Ping Xiang Popiah, everything is made just right that it will render you speechless. Turnips are well-seasoned, textures are balanced, and the Popiah itself is wrapped nice and tight. The stall hides away in one of the city’s many hawker centers. It’s easy to overlook, but you definitely shouldn’t!
280 Bishan Street 24, Singapore
Popiah’s origins lie in China, but its journey to the Southeast Asian region has brought a few welcome changes. Glory Catering Nonya Popiah uses a thicker wrap that uses egg in its batter. You won’t find any crispy bits in here either; the crunch mainly comes from the abundance of lettuce. Those who love their sauce will like the heavy hand that applies Glory Catering’s sweet gravy.
- +65 6344 1749
139 East Coast Road, Singapore
By now, you’ve tasted popiah in all its authentic glory—stewed turnips, handmade skins, sweet sauces, and all. Meanwhile, Souperstar offers something a little naughty for you to nibble on. They’ve broken the rules of popiah and fused it with flavors from across the map. They still serve the traditional Popiah, but since you’re already here, you might as well try something new! Order their Sweet Thai Chicken or Seafood Wasabi Mayo Popiah, and pair them with their hearty soups. You haven’t tasted popiah quite like this before!
3 Simei Street 6, Singapore
- https://www.souperstar.com.sg/
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