If you’re looking for cheap and delicious roast duck, Hup Cheong Roasted Food 合众烧腊 at Ang Mo Kio 628 Market deserves a spot on your radar. I grew up in the neighbourhood and spent years walking past this humble stall, never paying it much attention. Back then, my folks always queued at Ho Bee Roasted Food (#01-84), the popular food stall at the hawker centre next door with its endless snaking lines everyday.
I used to think that roast meat stalls at wet markets were only for people buying meats to offer at prayers — and honestly, those usually didn’t taste great. Then one day, I stumbled on a social media post raving about a $16 roast duck from Hup Cheong Roasted Food. That piqued my curiosity. One visit later, I realised I’d been sleeping on a hidden gem all this while.
Why Hup Cheong Roasted Food Stands Out
The prices at Hup Cheong Roasted Food haven’t budged since before COVID. That’s remarkable considering Singapore’s rising food costs and inflation. The whole roast duck costs $16, whilst char siew, roasted pork, and pork ribs are priced at $24 per kg.
The stall also offers braised duck, roasted chicken, braised chicken, and roasted suckling pigs. You’ll need to order the suckling pigs in advance though.
Singapore’s Most Affordable Roast Duck – But Is It Any Good?
Don’t let the price fool you. This $16 duck isn’t some tiny bird. Once chopped up, it fills two large styrofoam boxes completely. You get every single part – including the head if you want it. They’ll chop it for free, or leave it whole if you prefer it that way.
The duck meat is incredibly meaty without excessive fat under the skin. Even the breast meat stays moist. The drumsticks are juicy, and most importantly, there’s no gamey taste whatsoever.
This duck outshines the one from Ho Bee (which I always found too gamey). At $16, this has to be one of the best-value roast ducks in Singapore.
For a bit of context, whole roast ducks at hawker centre stalls now typically cost $35–50 each. So Hup Cheong’s price point is almost unbeatable.
The Char Siew That Got Me Hooked
Next up, the char siew at $24/kg. I prefer my char siew on the leaner side, and that’s exactly what Hup Cheong serves up. There’s hardly any visible fat, yet the meat stays tender enough. The exterior is nicely caramelised, giving it that smoky flavour I crave.
Hup Cheong’s Roasted Pork – Lean but Never Dry
Their roasted pork is also sold at $24/kg, and it leans towards a higher meat-to-fat ratio. This is good news if you’re not a fan of fatty cuts.
The skin stays crispy when eaten fresh, and the seasoning is spot-on throughout. The meat isn’t melt-in-your-mouth tender, but it’s still moist enough and delivers good flavour. For the price, it’s a solid choice.
Top Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
- Go early for the best picks: Head down in the morning to snag the freshest meats and full selection. By noon — especially on weekends — the popular items are usually sold out.
- Store and reheat right: Not eating straight away? Pop the meats into the fridge. When you’re ready, reheat gently in a non-stick pan without adding any oil. This keeps the meat moist and the skin nicely crisp without drying it out, unlike an air-fryer or oven.
- Make it a feast: Steam some fluffy white rice, slice up fresh cucumber, and add a side of achar. You’ve got yourself a full-on roast meat feast at home — for a fraction of hawker centre prices.
- Don’t skip the sauces: Every order comes with gravy, sweet sauce, and chilli sauce. These little extras pair beautifully with the meats, so make sure you grab them.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the Ang Mo Kio area, don’t miss out on Hup Cheong Roasted Food. The $16 roast duck alone is worth the trip — huge, juicy, and flavourful without the gamey aftertaste. Their char siew and roasted pork are equally commendable and offer incredible value for money.
I wish I had discovered this earlier instead of queueing at the usual hawker centre stalls. It really is one of those under-the-radar finds you only learn about through word of mouth.
So next time you’re craving roast meats, swing by Hup Cheong and see what the fuss is about. You might just end up becoming a regular like me.
And yes — the $16 roast duck lives up to its reputation. 🙂