Singapore’s hawker culture is famous for iconic dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and chilli crab—but one dish that truly captures the soul of local street food is carrot cake.
No, we’re not talking about the sweet, spiced Western dessert with cream cheese frosting. Singapore-style carrot cake, or chai tow kway, is a wok-fried medley of radish cake cubes, eggs, garlic, and preserved radish (chai poh), seasoned to perfection and often cooked until deliciously crispy at the edges.
There are two popular styles—black (with sweet dark soy sauce) and white (without soy sauce, focusing on crispy egg bits). Both versions are beloved across generations and can be found at hawker stalls island-wide. But where exactly can you find the best carrot cake in Singapore? We’ve gone in search of the top places that elevate this humble dish to something truly unforgettable.
Chey Sua Carrot Cake – A Michelin-Recognised Classic
Located in Toa Payoh Lorong 1, Chey Sua Carrot Cake is a name that often tops the list of must-try hawker stalls. This family-run stall has even earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and for good reason.
Their signature white carrot cake is unlike any other. Instead of stir-frying the radish cubes loosely, the chefs here press the mixture flat onto the griddle, achieving a crusty, golden-brown layer that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside. There’s no soy sauce in sight—just fragrant garlic, chye poh, and expertly fried egg that forms a crispy base. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form.
Address: Blk 127 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #02-30
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM–1:30 PM (Closed Mondays)
He Zhong Carrot Cake – Rich, Old-School White Style
At Bukit Timah Food Centre, He Zhong Carrot Cake is a go-to for traditionalists who prefer their chai tow kway white, eggy, and deeply savoury. Their white version comes as a firm slab of radish cake, pan-fried to achieve a satisfying crust, then topped with fluffy egg and bits of salty preserved radish.
The cake itself is soft and smooth, with a hint of natural sweetness from the radish. No overpowering seasoning, just the honest flavour of time-honoured technique and good wok skills. It’s one of those dishes where every bite reminds you of Singapore’s hawker heritage.
Address: 51 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, #02-185
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Song Zhou Carrot Cake – Your Go-To for Black or White
Tucked inside Bedok Interchange Food Centre, Song Zhou Carrot Cake offers both black and white styles—and does them equally well. Their white carrot cake is garlicky and crisp around the edges, while the black version has a generous swirl of sweet dark soy sauce, balancing savoury and sweet in every bite.
What keeps regulars coming back is their consistency. The radish cake is pan-fried with care, never mushy or overly oily. You get that signature wok hei aroma that lifts the entire plate to a different level. Perfect for breakfast or supper.
Address: 208 New Upper Changi Rd, #01-37
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Ghim Moh Carrot Cake – Charred and Full of Flavour
Another worthy contender is found at Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre. Ghim Moh Carrot Cake, run by a seasoned hawker uncle, delivers a plate full of rustic charm and wok-kissed flavour. The white version is rich and garlicky with plenty of crispy bits, while the black version is slightly caramelised, with the sweetness of soy sauce complementing the savoury egg and radish.
The texture of their homemade radish cake is slightly firmer than most, making it ideal for those who prefer their chai tow kway to have some bite. Generous portions, reasonable prices, and a smoky aroma make this a fan favourite.
Address: 20 Ghim Moh Road, #01-16
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM–2:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
Fu Ming Cooked Food – A Hidden Gem at Redhill
Redhill Food Centre is home to Fu Ming Cooked Food, a well-loved stall that has quietly built a loyal following for its carrot cake. Their white version is fluffy, eggy, and expertly charred in all the right places. But it’s the black carrot cake that truly shines—deeply savoury, sticky, and fragrant with sweet soy and garlic.
What sets them apart is their technique. The chef takes his time to caramelise the edges, resulting in glorious, crispy chunks that still remain soft inside. It’s the kind of stall you might overlook at first glance, but the flavours leave a lasting impression.
Address: 85 Redhill Ln, #01-49
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM–1:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Hock Soon Carrot Cake – Balanced and Affordable
Located at Pek Kio Market, Hock Soon Carrot Cake may not be as widely known, but it’s a favourite among nearby residents. The stall offers generous plates of black and white carrot cake, both cooked with precision and a well-balanced seasoning profile.
The black version here is especially addictive—not too sweet, not too salty, with just enough caramelization to make it stand out. The white version is fragrant and loaded with egg, offering a lighter, crispier bite. It’s unpretentious, delicious, and very affordable.
Address: 41 Cambridge Rd, #01-33
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM–1:00 PM
Conclusion: The Best Chai Tow Kway Is the One You Grew Up With
Ask any Singaporean where to find the best carrot cake, and chances are you’ll get a different answer each time. That’s the beauty of this dish—it’s rooted in nostalgia, shaped by personal preference, and perfected through generations of wok frying in tiny hawker stalls across the island.
Whether you lean towards the sweet, sticky goodness of black carrot cake or the crispy, garlicky satisfaction of the white version, there’s no shortage of expert hands ready to serve you a plate of pure comfort.
So the next time you’re out exploring Singapore’s hawker centres, skip the fancy brunch and look for that sizzling wok, that comforting smell of chye poh and egg, and the unmistakable joy of good old chai tow kway done right.
Leave a Reply