Dapur Hassan – Where Singapore’s Football Hero Serves Up Winning Malay Dishes

Recently, we had the pleasure of interviewing Hassan Sunny, Singapore’s national football team goalkeeper, at his buzzing food stall, Dapur Hassan. Hassan has also been making waves in the local food scene, and lately, he’s become even more of a household name after his stellar performance in a World Cup qualifier against Thailand. Even though Singapore lost 3-1, Hassan’s 11 heroic saves kept China’s World Cup dreams alive, making him an overnight sensation with Chinese football fans. Chinese football fans have been flocking to his stall to show their support, turning his humble business into a really busy one​.

During our interview, Hassan shared that his passion for food actually began long before he became a football star. Growing up, he used to help out at his aunty’s and uncle’s stalls, where he got a firsthand taste of the hard work and dedication that goes into running an F&B business. “That’s really where my love for food started,” he explained. “I spent so much time at their stalls as a kid, and it sparked the idea that one day, I might open a stall of my own.”

Fast forward to today, and Dapur Hassan is not just a passion project—it’s a family business that serves traditional Malay dishes like Nasi Lemak, Lontong, and Mee Rebus to a loyal customer base, which now includes international football fans​.

After hearing Hassan’s story, we couldn’t wait to try some of Dapur Hassan’s signature dishes, and they did not disappoint. The Lontong at Dapur Hassan is a warm bowl of comfort. The soft rice cakes absorb the rich coconut gravy perfectly, while the vegetables add texture and flavor. The sambal on the side provided just the right amount of heat to balance the creaminess of the dish. It’s a great breakfast option for those looking for something hearty but not too heavy.

The Mee Rebus ($4) was another standout. The thick, flavourful gravy clung to the noodles beautifully, and the dish was generously topped with a boiled egg, green chilies, and crispy fried shallots. The gravy itself had a lovely balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of spice that kept each bite interesting.

A classic, the Nasi Lemak ($4) at Dapur Hassan stays true to its roots. The coconut rice was fluffy and fragrant, and paired perfectly with the crispy fried chicken wing, egg, and ikan bilis. But the real star was the sambal—sweet, and spicy, it added a delicious depth to the dish. It’s no wonder this is a favourite among locals and Hassan’s football fans alike​.

For those with bigger appetites, the Nasi Sambal Goreng ($6.50) is a must-try. This dish comes loaded with fried chicken, begedil, and paru, all topped with a generous serving of sambal. The variety of textures—from the crispy chicken to the soft begedil—makes for a satisfying meal. The sambal goreng is a flavorful addition that rounds out the dish.

It’s clear that Hassan’s journey, from helping out at his family’s stalls to running Dapur Hassan, has given him a deep appreciation for the work that goes into the food industry. Despite his busy schedule as a footballer, Hassan makes time to be at the stall whenever he can.

So, the next time you’re in Tampines, make sure to drop by Dapur Hassan for a taste of traditional Malay comfort food—served up by none other than Singapore’s football hero.