There’s something refreshingly old-school about York Hotel Singapore’s Penang Hawkers’ Fare

There’s something refreshingly old-school about York Hotel Singapore’s Penang Hawkers’ Fare. A fixture at White Rose Café since 1986, it returned earlier this year for its 40th anniversary and is now back again from now to 20 September 2026, with familiar hawkers coming in from Penang to serve their specialties.

What I really like is that this isn’t one of those buffets with an overwhelming number of dishes. There are just 14 Penang hawker classics, but almost everything I tried was really solid. It’s an à la carte buffet too, so dishes are prepared fresh instead of simply sitting around in buffet trays.

The Penang Laksa was easily my favourite and genuinely one of the best Assam laksas I’ve had. That punchy sweet-sour, savoury flavour hit just right, and this was one dish I immediately wanted another bowl of.

The Char Kway Teow is another must, fried over roaring flames for that smoky wok hei, while the Oyster Omelette comes with that satisfying contrast of crisp edges and eggy goodness. I also enjoyed the Nasi Lemak with Inche Kabin, Cuttlefish Kang Kong and Roti Canai. There’s a nice mix of noodles, fried favourites and nostalgic Penang dishes without feeling repetitive.

And definitely leave room for dessert. Ban Chang Kueh, Chendol and Ice Kachang round off the meal in classic hawker-style fashion.

Overall, don’t come expecting a massive hotel buffet spread. That’s not really the point here. What York Hotel does well is keep the selection focused and let each hawker do what they’re good at. Quality over quantity, and for me, that Assam laksa alone makes this edition worth checking out.

📍 White Rose Café, York Hotel Singapore

📅 Now to 20 Sep 2026

☀️Lunch: 12pm to 2.30pm

🌙Dinner: 6.30pm to 10pm

💰Mon to Thu: S$38++/adult

💰Fri to Sun: S$42++/adult

Originally posted on Instagram