The Original Vadai at Amoy Street Food Centre
Location: 7 Maxwell Road, Amoy St, #02-84 Food Centre, 069111
Floor 2 · Amoy Street Food Centre
Crispy vadai and Indian snacks at Amoy Street Food Centre.
Crispy vadai and Indian snacks at Amoy Street Food Centre.
The Original Vadai is a popular hawker stall at Amoy Street Food Centre, renowned for its crispy, golden vadai. The stall has earned a following for its perfectly fried lentil fritters, which come in varieties including the classic prawn vadai and the vegetable-studded version. Each piece is made fresh to order, ensuring a crunchy exterior and soft, flavourful interior. The Original Vadai has expanded to multiple locations across Singapore, but its Amoy Street roots remain a draw for office workers and food enthusiasts seeking a satisfying Indian snack in the CBD.Operating Hours
Overall Rating
Based on 28 Google reviews
Negative Reviews
Touristmouse
I have been a patron of other branches, but unfortunately, this was a disappointing experience. I bought 2 vadai (onion and veg) during the lunch peak, and both were cold and not fluffy at all. I had to warm them up in the microwave before they were even edible.
Positive Reviews
Ning Xuan
Vadai is on the oilier side but it's one of the most fragrant vadai I've ever had in SG. This chain is very popular with several outlets around SG, sometimes it will join other food fairs around SG as well.
Teck Chong Law
It would have tasted better if it was freshly fried and served on the spot.
Nathan McCain
Got a couple classic prawn vadai, but I think we went too early in the day - these were not freshly fried and were therefore a little lacking in texture and warmth, but the flavour was excellent. I will try visiting a busier location for the optimal experience.
c tzehow
Walked past and decided to try the prawn vadai. Not bad, tasty although oily. Nice to eat with the chilli padi. The prawn tasted fresh too.
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Photo Gallery
The Original Vadai
The Original Vadai Shop
A street food stall with a display case filled with fried snacks. The stall has a prominent sign above that reads "The Original Vadai" and "The Vadai Shop @ Beach Rd". There is a price displayed for "ANY 5 VADA $10 ONLY". A person is visible inside the stall preparing food.
The Ladai Shop
A food stall with a prominent sign displaying "The Ladai Shop" and images of vadai. The stall appears to be in a food court or market setting, with customers and staff visible. A menu is displayed on the right side of the stall.
The Original Vadai
A man is preparing food at a food stall. The stall has a display case filled with various fried foods. Above the stall is a sign with the shop's name and logo.
The Vadai Shop
A view of the exterior of "The Vadai Shop" with a prominent sign featuring the shop's name and images of vadai. The shop front displays a refrigerated case filled with various fried snacks. Several people are visible inside and in front of the shop.
The Vadai Shop
A brightly lit sign for "The Vadai Shop" is displayed above the entrance. The sign features a cartoon chef, the shop's name in elegant script, a Halal Singapore logo, social media icons for Facebook and Instagram, and the text "THE ORIGINAL VADAI". An image of a fried vadai with shrimp is also visible on the right side of the sign.
The Vadai Shop
A food stall with a display case filled with fried food items. The stall has a prominent sign with the name "The Vadai Shop" and images of vadai. Staff members are visible inside the stall preparing food.
Vadai with Herbs
A close-up shot of several vadai, a type of savory fried snack, arranged on a wooden plate. The vadai are golden brown and appear to be seasoned with fresh green herbs. A yellow paper container with the text "The Original Vadai" is visible in the background, along with a piece of ginger and some curry leaves. The food is presented on a dark surface covered with a newspaper-like cloth.
Fried Dough Balls with Sauce
A close-up shot shows a hand pouring a creamy sauce over a pile of golden-brown fried dough balls in a wooden bowl. The dough balls appear to be savory, with some green specks visible, possibly herbs. In the background, a paper bag filled with more fried dough balls and some chili peppers and garlic cloves are out of focus. The overall presentation suggests a delicious appetizer or snack.
Fried Doughnuts
A close-up shot of several golden-brown, ring-shaped fried pastries in a rustic bowl. The pastries have a slightly irregular, puffy texture. The bowl is placed on a surface covered with a newspaper-like cloth. A small portion of a yellow and orange paper item with a logo is visible in the lower right corner.
Fried Shrimp Appetizers
A close-up shot of several golden-brown fried shrimp appetizers arranged on a dark wooden surface. Each appetizer features a whole shrimp embedded in a crispy batter. Scattered around the appetizers are fresh green leaves, small white seeds, and a few red chili peppers, suggesting a spicy and savory dish. The lighting is warm and dramatic, highlighting the texture of the food.
Vada with Ingredients
Three golden-brown, ring-shaped vadas are arranged on a dark slate platter. To the left, a piece of ginger and a grater are visible on crumpled parchment paper. Behind the vadas, a small blue and white bowl holds finely chopped pink onions, and a wooden bowl contains yellow lentils. Another small bowl filled with fennel seeds is also present. The background is dark and textured.
Lentil Fritters
A close-up shot of several golden-brown lentil fritters, some stacked and one cut in half to reveal the interior. They are arranged on a dark plate lined with crumpled newspaper. In the background, there are green chilies, cilantro, a wooden bowl filled with split yellow lentils, and a small bowl of fennel seeds.
Fried Shrimp Fritters with Chili Peppers
Two golden-brown fritters, each encasing a whole shrimp, are arranged on a white surface. Three green chili peppers are placed in front of the fritters. The background is blurred, showing hints of tables and chairs, suggesting an indoor dining setting.
The Original Recipe Prawn Vadai Specialist Business Card
A business card for 'The Original Recipe Prawn Vadai Specialist' featuring a cartoon chef and a close-up image of prawn vadai. The card includes contact information for Stephen Suriyah, Operations Director, an email address, a Facebook page URL, and a list of signature vadai varieties.
Fried Shrimp Snack
A hand holds a fried shrimp wrapped in brown paper. In the background, a lit sign displays images of donuts and text.
Fried Fish Fritters
A close-up shot of three golden-brown, deep-fried fritters, possibly made with fish and onions, served on a black plate. Small, whole fish are visible embedded in the crispy batter of the fritters. Two green chili peppers are placed alongside the fritters.
The Original Vadai Shop Signage
A brightly lit sign for "The Original Vadai" shop features a cartoon chef holding a vadai and an image of vadas. Below the sign, newspaper clippings and logos are displayed, highlighting positive reviews and media coverage. The shop appears to be a food stall with boxes and food preparation visible in the background.
The Original Vadai Bag
A close-up of a light yellow plastic bag with a black graphic print. The graphic features two portraits, one of a man and one of a woman, with images of vadai (a type of fritter) in the foreground. Text below the graphic reads "THE ORIGINAL VADAI" and "Creators of the Ever Popular Prawn Vadai". A QR code is visible on the lower right side of the bag.
Fried Prawn Fritters with Green Chilies
A close-up shot of several golden-brown fried prawn fritters, some with whole prawns visible on top, arranged on crumpled brown paper. Several green chilies are scattered around the fritters. The background is a light green surface.
Fried Shrimp Fritter
A close-up shot of a person holding a golden-brown, deep-fried fritter with visible shrimp and green herbs embedded within the batter. The fritter is held in a brown paper cone.
Fried Shrimp and Chili
A close-up shot of a golden-brown fried shrimp resting on a piece of fried batter. A green chili pepper lies horizontally in front of the fried shrimp. The food is placed on a white paper napkin.
Shrimp Fritters
A close-up shot of several golden-brown shrimp fritters on a white plate with a grey rim. The fritters are round and puffy, with a whole shrimp embedded in the top of each one. The shrimp are a vibrant orange-red color and appear to be cooked. The plate is set on a dark wooden surface, and a white cloth is visible in the blurred background.
Fried Snacks with Ingredients
A close-up shot of several golden-brown, ring-shaped fried snacks, possibly fritters or vada, arranged in a decorative metal bowl. Small pieces of what appear to be fish or other savory ingredients are visible within the fried dough. Surrounding the snacks are key ingredients: a pile of split yellow lentils (dal) in a wooden bowl, fresh green chilies, curry leaves, and a piece of ginger. In the background, there are stacked rough-hewn stones and a slice of wood with a textured bark. A yellow cylindrical object with some text is also visible in the upper right corner. The overall presentation suggests a focus on fresh, traditional ingredients and a rustic aesthetic.
Food Stall Counter
A food stall counter with a display case filled with fried food items. Several people are working behind the counter, preparing orders. White takeout boxes are stacked on the counter. Payment QR codes are visible on the left side of the display case.
Fried Shrimp Fritter with Rice
A close-up shot of a person holding a golden-brown fried shrimp fritter over a plate of white rice. The fritter appears to be made with a batter and contains a whole shrimp and crispy fried bits. In the background, other plates of food are visible, out of focus.
Fried Snacks Display
A display case filled with various fried snacks, including crispy pieces on the left and twisted, golden-brown vadai on the right. A sign advertises "ANY 8 VADAL @ $10 ONLY" with images of the snacks. Above the display, boxes and paper goods are stacked. A payment sign for NETS is visible.
The Vadai Shop Signage
A brightly lit sign for "The Vadai Shop" features a cartoon chef, the shop's name, and an image of a vadai. Below the main sign, a newspaper clipping with the headline "Makansutra: Original prawn vadai that's uniquely Singapore" is displayed. A festive banner with "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri" is also visible.
Food Stall Kitchen
A person is working in a busy food stall kitchen. There are shelves stocked with bags of ingredients, a fryer with donuts, and a menu board with various food items listed. A sign indicates charges for extra chili, plastic, and paper bags.
Prawn Vadai
A display of golden-brown, deep-fried prawn vadai in a glass case. The vadai are ring-shaped and appear to have whole prawns embedded in them. A label in front reads "PRAWN VADAI".
The Vadai Shop
A stall with a large illuminated sign that reads "The Vadai Shop" and "THE ORIGINAL VADAI" with a picture of a vadai. Below the sign are several newspaper clippings and flyers. In the foreground, there are boxes and paper cups. A person is visible in the background.
Fried Seafood and Meat Skewers
A white plate filled with various fried items, including several large battered shrimp and skewers of dark meat. In the background, a yellow paper bag with a logo and text that reads "Original Vadai" is visible.
Fried Snacks with Shrimp and Anchovies
Two golden-brown fried snacks, one topped with a shrimp and the other with small anchovies, are presented on a white paper liner. A green chili pepper lies in front of the snacks. In the blurred background, a food stall with glass display cases and hanging lights is visible.
The Original Vadai Bag
A yellow plastic bag with the logo and text "THE ORIGINAL VADAI" and "The Creators of the Ever Popular Prawn Vadai". Social media icons and website address are visible, along with a QR code and a list of locations.
Fried Dough with Chilies
Two golden-brown fried dough fritters are presented on a dark slate surface. Scattered around them are several bright red chilies and a small bowl of spices. The fritters appear to have bits of onion or other ingredients mixed into the batter and are slightly charred in places.
The Original Vadai
A close-up of two prawn vadai pastries, served in a brown paper bag. A yellow plastic bag with the brand "THE ORIGINAL VADAI" and "The Creators of the Ever Popular Prawn Vadai" is visible in the background. The bag also features social media icons, a website address, a QR code, and a list of locations. Two green chilies are placed next to the pastries.
The Vadai Shop Stall
A food stall with a large illuminated sign displaying the name "The Vadai Shop" and images of vadai. Below the sign, newspaper clippings and photos are displayed. Two staff members are visible behind the counter, preparing food. Various signs and posters are attached to the stall and surrounding walls, including one announcing a "3rd Outlet Newly Open At Amoy St Food Centre".
Fried Prawns with Green Chilies
A close-up shot of two pieces of fried food, likely prawns coated in batter, served in a metal bowl with several green chilies. In the background, a white paper bag with yellow trim is visible, along with spice jars.
Food Stall Kitchen
Two individuals in yellow shirts are working in a food stall kitchen. One person, facing away from the camera, has their hair tied up and is wearing a black mask. The other person, wearing a blue baseball cap and a pink mask, is actively preparing food. The kitchen appears to be busy with various food items and cooking equipment visible.
The Original Vadai Bag
A yellow plastic bag with a black graphic and text. The graphic features a stylized illustration of a man and a woman, with a pile of vadai in front of them. Below the graphic, the text reads "THE ORIGINAL VADAI" and "The Creators of the Ever Popular Prawn Vadai". Further down, there is text indicating "Follow Us", "Website: www.vadai.com", "THE ORIGINAL VADAI", a QR code for ordering online, and an address.
Veg Vadai
A close-up shot of several golden-brown, ring-shaped fried snacks, likely vadai, topped with chopped green herbs. They are displayed on a metal tray lined with parchment paper. A black label in the foreground reads "VEG VADAI $1.10". In the background, out of focus, are other food items and a reflection of a person.
Cheese Balls
A bowl of golden-brown cheese balls, one of which is broken open to reveal a gooey, melted cheese filling. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface, with red cherry tomatoes, red onions, and red chili peppers scattered around. A sprig of parsley garnishes the cheese balls. The background features a warm, glowing fireplace. A watermark indicates the image is by foodpanda for reference only.
The Vadai Shop Signage and Newspaper Clippings
A brightly lit sign above a food stall reads "The Vadai Shop THE ORIGINAL VADAI" with social media icons for Facebook and Instagram. Below the sign, several newspaper clippings are displayed, including one from "the new paper" with the headline "Makansutra: Original prawn vadai that's uniquely Singapore." Other clippings appear to be in Tamil. The overall impression is of a food establishment highlighting its history and recognition.
Food Stall Counter
A food stall counter with a digital menu board, payment terminal, and various food items displayed. A person in a black t-shirt with "THAPPRAYA STADIUM" printed on the back is standing in front of the counter. In the background, there are tables and chairs, suggesting a food court or hawker center setting. Signage indicates social distancing guidelines and a new outlet opening.
Vadai Shop
A woman stands behind a counter at a food stall, preparing to serve customers. In front of her is a display case filled with various fried snacks, including vadai. Above the stall, a sign advertises "The Vadai Shop @ Beach Rd" and features images of vadai and shrimp. The stall appears to be busy, with food items neatly arranged and ready for sale.
The Vadai Shop
A food stall with a large illuminated sign that says "The Original Vadai" and "The Vadai Shop". Below the sign are newspaper clippings and photos. Inside the stall, two people are visible behind a counter. A large bag of Prima Necklace Bram Wheat Flour is in the foreground.
Food Stall Counter
A food stall counter with a lit sign displaying the business name "The Original Vadai". There are social media icons and text below the sign. A handwritten sign about social distancing is visible, along with a sign announcing a new outlet. A person is seen preparing food behind the counter. Tables covered with orange netting are in the foreground.
Fried Seafood Vadai
Two pieces of vadai, a South Indian fritter, are presented on white paper. The vadai on the left is topped with a whole shrimp. The vadai on the right is topped with several small fish. The paper has the text "THE ORIGINAL VADAI" and social media icons printed on it.
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