10 More High-Protein Hawker Meals to Try in Singapore
You’ve mastered our first 10 high-protein hawker meals, but your hawker centre journey doesn’t stop there.
From chicken rice and satay to mixed rice, our first guide covered some of the most popular high protein hawker food choices Singaporeans enjoy. There's a whole world of hawker centre meals waiting to help you hit your protein goals.
Whether you’re a busy professional grabbing lunch between meetings or simply trying to make healthier food choices, you don’t need to give up the local flavours you love. Many familiar hawker meals can become more balanced with a few simple swaps, such as adding extra protein, choosing better ingredients, or being more mindful of sauces and cooking methods.
In this follow-up guide, we’re sharing 10 more high-protein hawker meals, complete with estimated protein and calorie ranges, ordering tips, things to watch out for, and practical ways to make each meal work better for your lifestyle.
Missed Part 1? Read 10 High-Protein Singapore Hawker Meals before diving into this list.
10 More High-Protein Singapore Hawker Meals
1. Yong Tau Foo
Estimated protein: 20–26g
Estimated calories: 300–450 kcal
Yong Tau Foo is one of the easiest hawker meals to turn into a high-protein option because you get to choose exactly what goes into your bowl. By selecting more protein-rich ingredients like tofu, fish-based items, eggs, and vegetables, you can create a meal that is filling, customisable, and suited to your preferences. It's a great example of how hawker food protein content can vary widely based on your choices. The final nutritional value depends heavily on what you choose, so building your bowl with more whole-food ingredients can make a big difference.
Best for
Weight management
Light, balanced lunches
Highly customisable meals
Order it like this
Choose soup instead of dry if available.
Pick tofu, fish-based items, eggs, and plenty of vegetables.
Limit fried items and highly processed ingredients.
Watch out for
Fried beancurd skin
Fish paste products can be higher in sodium, so enjoy them in moderation.
Sweet sauces can add extra calories.
Drinking all the soup can significantly increase your sodium intake.
2. Fishball Noodle Soup
Estimated protein: 15–20g
Estimated calories: 330–430 kcal
Fishball noodle soup is a familiar everyday meal that many Singaporeans turn to when they need something quick and comforting. While it may not be the highest-protein choice on the menu, a few small changes can make it a more filling and nutritious meal. Choosing extra protein instead of extra noodles is a simple way to make the meal more satisfying while keeping it closer to your nutrition goals.
Best for
Everyday office lunch
A lighter noodle meal
Moderate protein intake
Order it like this
Ask for extra fishballs, fish cake, or an egg.
Add vegetables if available.
Skip extra noodles if you're aiming for more protein.
Watch out for
The broth can be high in sodium, so avoid drinking all of it.
Fishballs and fish cake are processed foods, so enjoy them in moderation.
3. Bak Chor Mee
Estimated protein: 20–25g
Estimated calories: 500–650 kcal
Bak Chor Mee may not be the first meal that comes to mind when you think of high-protein hawker food, but the combination of minced pork, meatballs, and liver provides a surprisingly generous amount of protein. It can be a satisfying option, especially after exercise, although the dry version is typically higher in oil and calories.
Best for
High-protein noodle lovers
Post-workout meal
A filling lunch
Order it like this
Choose the soup version if available to reduce added oils, but avoid drinking excess broth to control sodium intake.
Add vegetables or an egg.
Request less oil or sauce for the dry version.
Watch out for
Dry versions are usually higher in oil.
Liver is nutrient-rich but should still be eaten in moderation.
4. Wanton Mee
Estimated protein: 18–22g
Estimated calories: 450–600 kcal
A classic hawker favourite, Wanton Mee combines springy noodles with char siu and pork-filled wantons for a satisfying meal. While protein levels can vary between stalls, choosing the right add-ons can make it a stronger choice for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Best for
Quick office lunch
Balanced everyday meal
Moderate protein intake
Order it like this
Ask for extra char siu or wantons if available.
Ask for less sauce.
Add vegetables if offered.
Watch out for
Sweet sauces add sugar and calories.
Portion sizes of char siu vary between stalls, so ask for leaner cuts if possible.
5. Bak Kut Teh
Estimated protein: 20–25g
Estimated calories: 400–550 kcal*
Bak Kut Teh is naturally one of the more protein-rich hawker choices, thanks to its generous serving of pork ribs. It’s hearty, satisfying, and can be a good option if you’re looking to increase your protein intake. However, the broth and fattier cuts of pork can also contribute a significant amount of sodium and saturated fat, so a few mindful choices can help you enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
Best for
Building muscle
Comfort food with higher protein
A satisfying meal
Order it like this
Choose leaner pork ribs where possible.
Pair with vegetables.
Skip the youtiao if you're watching your calories.
Opt for a clear Teochew-style pepper broth instead of a richer Klang-style herbal broth to help keep calories in check.
Watch out for
The broth can be very high in sodium, so avoid drinking the entire pot.
Pork ribs may contain more saturated fat depending on the cut.
6. Briyani
Estimated protein: 25–32g
Estimated calories: 700–900 kcal
Briyani stands out as one of the more substantial hawker meals on this list, often coming with a generous serving of chicken, fish, or mutton. This makes it a popular choice for those who need a more filling meal or have higher energy needs. While it can provide a good amount of protein, the fragrant rice, ghee, and rich gravies also make it one of the more calorie-dense options.
Best for
Highest protein option
Post-workout meal
Bigger appetites
Order it like this
Choose chicken or fish over mutton when possible.
Enjoy a smaller portion of rice.
Add vegetables or salad if available.
Watch out for
Ghee and rich gravies can increase calories—ask for gravy on the side or use it sparingly.
Large portions can easily exceed your daily energy needs.
7. Nasi Padang
Estimated protein: 20–30g*
Estimated calories: 550–850 kcal*
Nasi Padang gives you the freedom to build your own plate, making it one of the easiest hawker meals to customise based on your preferences. By choosing your protein first and adding vegetables alongside it, you can create a more well-rounded meal while keeping richer curries and heavy gravies in check.
Best for
Build-your-own balanced plate
Flexible protein choices
Muscle building
Order it like this
Pick your protein first (aim for two solid protein options, such as grilled chicken breast, fish, tofu, or tempeh, to reach around 20–30g of protein).
Fill the rest of your plate with vegetables.
Ask for less gravy.
Watch out for
Coconut-based curries and fried dishes are often higher in calories and can easily push your meal past 850 kcal.
It's easy to underestimate portion sizes.
8. Braised Duck Rice
Estimated protein: 18–24g
Estimated calories: 500–700 kcal
If you enjoy rice-based meals but want something different from the usual chicken rice, Braised Duck Rice is another option that can provide a decent amount of protein. The duck meat contributes most of the protein, while the braising sauce adds much of the flavour. Choosing leaner cuts and using less sauce can help reduce excess fat and sodium while still letting you enjoy the dish.
Best for
A satisfying rice meal
Higher-protein lunch
Comfort food
Order it like this
Choose leaner cuts with less skin (removing the skin reduces a significant amount of the fat content).
Add vegetables if available.
Ask for less braising sauce.
Watch out for
Duck skin contains most of the fat.
Braising sauce can be high in sodium and sugar.
9. Vegetarian Economic Rice (Cai Fan)
Estimated protein: 15–22g*
Estimated calories: 450–650 kcal*
Vegetarian Cai Fan is a flexible choice for those who prefer plant-based meals because you can decide exactly what goes onto your plate. Choosing ingredients like tofu, tempeh, eggs, and beans can help you create a meal with more protein, while adding vegetables can make it more filling and nutritious.
Best for
Plant-based protein
Weight management
Balanced everyday meals
Order it like this
Build your meal around tofu, tempeh, eggs, and beans.
Choose plenty of vegetables.
Limit fried mock meats and heavily sauced dishes.
Watch out for
Many mock meats are made primarily from wheat gluten, starch, and oil, which can result in lower protein quality and higher sodium and calorie content compared to whole tofu or tempeh.
Coconut-based vegetable dishes can be surprisingly calorie-dense.
10. Chicken Hor Fun
Estimated protein: 18–25g
Estimated calories: 550–700 kcal
Chicken Hor Fun is a comforting noodle dish that combines silky rice noodles with tender chicken slices. While the noodles provide most of the carbohydrates, the chicken helps add a moderate amount of protein to the meal. Adding extra chicken or pairing it with vegetables can make this familiar favourite more filling and better suited to your nutrition needs.
Best for
Comfort noodle meal
Moderate protein intake
A satisfying lunch
Order it like this
Ask for extra chicken if available.
Add vegetables.
Ask for less gravy.
Watch out for
The thick gravy can be high in sodium.
Rice noodles contribute most of the carbohydrates, so the meal may feel less balanced without enough chicken.
*Depends heavily on the dishes chosen.
Singapore Hawker Meals: Protein and Calorie Guide
| Meal | Estimated Protein* | Estimated Calories* | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yong Tau Foo | 20–26g | 300–450 kcal | Weight management, lighter meals, customisable choices |
| Fishball Noodle Soup | 15–20g | 330–430 kcal | Everyday lunch, lighter noodle option |
| Bak Chor Mee | 20–25g | 500–650 kcal | Protein-rich noodle meals, post-workout option |
| Wanton Mee | 18–22g | 450–600 kcal | Balanced everyday meals, classic noodle favourite |
| Bak Kut Teh | 20–25g | 400–550 kcal (without youtiao) | Higher-protein meals, hearty comfort food |
| Briyani | 25–32g | 700–900 kcal | Higher energy needs, post-workout meals, bigger appetites |
| Nasi Padang | 20–30g | 550–850 kcal | Customisable plates, flexible protein choices |
| Braised Duck Rice | 18–24g | 500–700 kcal | Rice meal alternative, filling lunch choice |
| Vegetarian Cai Fan | 15–22g | 450–650 kcal | Plant-based protein, weight management meals |
| Chicken Hor Fun | 18–25g | 550–700 kcal | Comfort noodle meals, moderate protein needs |
*Estimated values are based on a typical hawker serving. Actual protein and calorie content can vary depending on portion size, stall recipe, cooking methods, and ingredient choices.
Use this tool for a quick estimate of how much protein you need each day. Keep in mind that hawker recipes and portion sizes can vary between stalls, so tracking your actual portions will give you a more accurate estimate.
Read our Complete Guide to Protein to better understand your personal protein needs before planning your meals.
Conclusion
Eating for your health doesn’t mean you have to give up the hawker meals you grew up enjoying.
There’s no single “perfect” hawker meal. Some dishes naturally provide more protein, while others can become a better fit for your goals with a few simple changes. The key is understanding where your protein comes from, being aware of ingredients that add extra calories or sodium, and making choices that work for your daily routine.
Whether you're trying to build muscle, manage your weight, or simply make smarter choices during busy days, small changes can add up over time — like pairing low calorie meals with high protein foods, even on your busiest hawker centre days.
You don't need to completely change what you eat. You just need to learn how to make smarter choices with the meals you already love.
Want more guidance on building a nutrition plan around your favourite foods? Our nutrition coaching services can help you create a plan that fits your lifestyle, including how to enjoy local meals like hawker food while building healthy eating habits you can stick to long-term.
Fill in the form below and our team will connect you with a nutritionist who can provide personalised guidance tailored to your needs.
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