I found it by the smell first.
Third floor of Fortune Centre, somewhere past the lift that takes its time, and there it was — black garlic and curry drifting down a corridor that looks like it hasn’t changed since the nineties.
The building doesn’t try to sell you anything. Worn tiles, dim corners, signs in faded fonts. You walk through it the way you’d walk through an old uncle’s flat: a little unsure, but curious about what’s behind each door.
The bright lights gave it away. Tucked off to the side, away from the central escalator, a small shopfront with a blackboard out front and a queue already forming.
I’d come on a weekday, just before noon, hoping to beat the lunch crowd. I almost didn’t.
A Small Room at Fortune Centre, Doing Its Thing
Inside, it’s compact. Cushioned dining chairs, a tight layout, the kind of place built for eating rather than lingering.
There were maybe a dozen seats, most of them taken by the time my food arrived. You order first at the ordering counter, then find a spot — and on a busy day, finding that spot is its own quiet battle.
There’s no polish here, and that’s the point. The room is bright and functional, the air thick with the smell of frying and broth. Someone’s mother was helping clear plates.
I later learned that’s exactly what happens — Chloe Tan, who runs the place, is the daughter of the folks behind the old New Station Snack Bar in Far East Plaza. Her parents drop by to lend a hand. You can feel that, somehow, before you even know it.
The Food: Salted Egg Pork Rice and More from New Station Snack Bar
Salted Egg Pork Rice
I started with the Salted Egg Pork Chop Rice (~$13), because that’s the dish that carries the family name.
A thick cut of deep fried pork, evenly coated in a creamy salted egg sauce that’s rich without going claggy, a sunny-side-up egg resting over white rice.
The pork had a good fat-to-meat ratio, tender under the golden brown batter crust. When the molten egg yolk broke and ran into the sauce, the whole entire dish softened into something comforting and a little nostalgic.
It’s the kind of plate that doesn’t ask for attention. It just feeds you.
Chloe’s Style Curry Chicken Cutlet Rice
Then the Chloe’s Style Curry Chicken Cutlet Rice with Onsen Egg (~$14), which is where things got more interesting.
It looks like a Japanese curry express rice at first glance, but one spoonful tells you otherwise. The curry is darker, more aromatic, built on a sambal and rempah blend — sweet at the front, then a slow spice that creeps up.
There wasn’t much gravy, and I’ll admit I wondered about that early on. But each spoonful was so packed with punchier flavour that more would’ve been too much. The either onsen egg, stirred through, took the edge off the heat.
The cutlet underneath stayed moist, breaded just enough with panko crumbs for a soft crunch without disappearing into crumbs.
Real Black Garlic Chicken Soup
The Real Black Garlic Chicken Soup (~$16) was the one that lingered.
Mellow, slightly sweet, with a depth that comes from black garlic fermented at home for a month. There’s a quiet story in that — the kind of labour you don’t see on the plate but taste in the bowl.
It’s gentle. Not showy. The sort of soup you’d want on a tired evening, the kind that reminds you of food cooked by someone who cares whether you finish it.
The menu here has a reasonable range of asian style dishes, a nod to the typical zi char establishment vibe, but with Chloe’s own modern twist and care in preparation.
Drinks to Refresh Your Meal
New Station Rice Bar offers a variety of drinks designed to complement its flavorful dishes, including:
- Fresh honey lemon: a bright, citrusy option that balances rich flavors
- Iced honey lemon: a refreshing, chilled version of the classic citrus drink
- Fresh soy milk: a smooth and mild choice to soothe the palate
- Fresh barley drink: a comforting and light beverage to round out your meal
- Lemon Juice: a bright, citrusy option that balances rich flavors, perfect for cleansing the palate between bites.
What It Costs, and When to Go to Station Rice Bar at Fortune Centre
A main runs you around $13 to $16, more if you add a soup or sides — and you should.
It’s walk-in only, no bookings, open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5:30pm to 8:30pm, closed Sundays.
Nearest stations are Bugis and Bras Basah, both an easy walk through the shopping mall’s aisles surrounding Fortune Centre.
Be honest with yourself about timing.
The seating is limited and the lunch queue is real, especially between noon and half past one. You might find yourself needing to line up or opting for takeaway to avoid the wait.
I’d come closer to opening, around eleven, or after the rush has thinned. If you can’t, takeaway is the smarter play. Don’t fight for a seat that isn’t there in the dine in area attempts.
Would I Go Back to New Station Snack Bar’s Sister Outlet?
Yes. Not because it’s perfect — it isn’t, and it doesn’t pretend to be. The room is small, the queue tests your patience, and you might end up eating standing in spirit if not in body.
But there’s something honest happening in that little shop. A second-generation finding her own voice in food, recipes that mean something to the person cooking them, a bowl of soup that took a month to make.
The salted egg rice, a signature dish, is pretty well executed and showcases a good balance of flavors.
Fortune Centre won’t impress you on the way in. New Station Rice Bar quietly does, on the way out.
For more great dining options and food discoveries at Fortune Centre, check out our comprehensive guide here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did New Station Rice Bar open?
New Station Rice Bar opened in March 2024, bringing a fresh take on contemporary Singaporean comfort food.
What type of cuisine does New Station Rice Bar serve?
They serve affordable, contemporary Singaporean dishes focusing on rice bowls and fried favorites, avoiding noodles.
Who is the chef behind New Station Rice Bar?
Chloe Tan, who trained under retired chef Zhang Shifu, runs the eatery; she began helping at her parents’ New Station Snack Bar from age seven.
What are some signature dishes at New Station Rice Bar?
Popular items include salted egg pork rice and curry chicken cutlet rice, with prices around $9 to $9.50.
How is the restaurant styled?
New Station Rice Bar offers a casual and accessible atmosphere with limited seating, perfect for a quick, comforting meal. The menu range is carefully curated and the dishes are prepared in house to ensure quality and freshness.