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Hawker Centres in Singapore

Published on 08 aug 2023..

Populated by passionate foodies, Singaporeans enjoy a wide variety of good food at affordable prices. Hawker centres, which are an indispensable pillar of the Singaporean way of life, offer numerous cuisines. Follow this guide to live like a local and be privy to the best eats in town.

Muslim travellers looking for Halal eats, thrilling itineraries or places of worship should check out the Muslim Visitor’s Guide— Download your copy here .

It's 90 degrees outside with 75% humidity on this February day. There's no air conditioning, and a group of retired, 80-year-old men in flip flops sit around a table in Chinatown's People Park to munch on some decadent chicken rice and fish head soup while sharing stories in Hainanese.

On the other side of town in Little India, Bollywood beats and the endless, mouthwatering smells of spices like fenugreek accompany the crispy masala dosas coming off the griddles.

This was my welcome to Singapore's hawker centers.

With ties to the city-state's colonial past, working-class roots, multicultural heritage and ever-changing sociodemographics, Singapore's hawker centers are more than just open-air markets filled with smoking hot woks and sizzling tandoors. They are sprawling food courts that serve as a social epicenter for Singaporeans.

In fact, hawker culture is so entwined with daily life in Singapore that it was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2020.

So, what do you need to know about these cultural institutions before you experience them for yourself? Here's an overview of Singapore's famous food stalls, including where you'll find them and which dishes you should try.

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The history of Singapore's street food

Hawker centers first appeared in Singapore in 1819 when it became a British colony.

Recognizing the area's strategic significance for trade, which only grew once the Suez Canal opened in 1869, Britain began utilizing Singapore as a key stop for loading natural resources like rubber and tin onto ships bound for Europe.

Needing strong (but cheap) laborers who could move heavy supplies on and off of ships, Britain adopted an open-door immigration policy. This resulted in an influx of Chinese immigrants eager to escape poor living conditions in southern China sparked by a series of famines. To pay for their journeys to Singapore, many became indentured servants.

These Chinese immigrants became the backbone of the future city-state's labor pool, along with the convicts brought to Singapore from India (another British colony) and a sizable group of Malays and Indonesians who came to Singapore seeking a better way of life.

As Singapore's migrant community grew, so, too, did its need for sustenance. Craving the dishes enjoyed in their home countries, many laborers set up hawker food carts serving affordable versions of their favorite fare.

Early iterations of hawker food stalls lacked hygiene protocols and were therefore avoided by wealthy residents. However, once British rule in Singapore ended in 1963 and the former colony gained independence from Malaysia in 1965, the new city-state's government sought to overhaul its street cart scene by creating the clean, meticulously monitored hawker centers prevalent today.

As a result, hawker centers now welcome a range of patrons, from working-class citizens to vacationing foodies. While the exact items featured on hawker center menus vary by location, you can expect to find all kinds of noodle dishes, refreshing drinks, soups, fried chow and more -- all for a few bucks each.

I started my foodie extravaganza southwest of downtown in Singapore's Chinatown area. Although the People's Park Complex (one of the neighborhood's main buildings) was closed briefly from March to June 2020 due to the pandemic, it was open and welcoming shoppers, diners and more during my visit.

To enter the building's hawker center, the members of my Singapore Foodsters food tour were required to tap in using the TraceTogether app, which is used throughout Singapore for COVID-19 contact tracing. A guard at the entrance to the food court ensured everyone tapped in and received a green light.

Although most of the people at this hawker center were senior citizens, I felt strangely at peace and comfortable inside. Unlike other hawker centers I visited, I could simply soak up the setting and go where I pleased without being approached by vendors pushing their food.

Before Jerry, the tour guide, ordered a few items for us to try, I had a chance to interact with Mr. Lim, an 85-year-old man who grew up in Singapore when it was occupied by Japan during World War II. Despite a language barrier, I enjoyed putting a smile on his face when I attempted to tell him he was very handsome in Mandarin Chinese.

Since it was so hot outside, Jerry ordered our group cups of pineapple juice — freshly squeezed right before our eyes — before proceeding with our food tasting. At 2 Singapore dollars (less than $1.50) per glass, the juice was incredibly affordable given how fresh it was.

Can't-miss dishes

After finishing my pineapple juice, it was time to try some of the Chinatown market's dishes.

The first item Jerry brought to the table was a combination platter featuring roast duck, barbecue pork and roast pork belly, which cost $18 Singapore dollars (or about $13). Although I found the pork to be a bit too fatty, the duck was exceptional. It reminded me of Peking duck, but better. I also enjoyed the hoisin dipping sauce, which had a smooth and slightly sweet aftertaste.

Next up was my favorite dish from Chinatown: fried carrot cake. Contrary to what its name implies, the black-and-white cake (known locally as chai tow kway) isn't actually made with carrots. Instead, the tasty treat, which cost SG$4 (about $3), is made with radishes. That may not sound particularly appealing, but the dish is served in a savory sauce that's packed with flavor. Trust me — you won't want to miss this item.

Another dish worth trying is the oyster omelet (luak), which will set you back SG$8 (approximately $6). Admittedly, oysters are not my favorite ingredient (though I love cooked shellfish), so I wasn't a huge fan of this item. It's a local staple worth trying -- just know that it's an acquired taste.

Fried noodles called char kway teow were also on the menu. Costing just SG$5 (about $3.70), the dish tasted like a mix of pad Thai and drunken noodles. If you're craving a bite of something familiar while you're in Singapore without straying from Asian cuisine, this is the dish to try.

Lastly, Jerry ordered a plate of Hainanese chicken rice for SG$4.50 (roughly $3.50). After the first bite, it was easy to understand why this item is Singapore's unofficial national dish. The delicate chicken reminded me of a ceviche preparation with a citrus-based sauce, and the rice was incredibly flavorful thanks to it being steamed in chicken stock. It was beyond scrumptious.

Little India

After exploring Chinatown, Jerry took us three stops on Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit subway to Little India. Right away, I noticed several stalls selling flowers for puja, a Hindu, Buddhist and Jain tradition of ceremonial worship.

As we walked around the neighborhood, I couldn't help but feel as if I'd been transported to the streets of Chennai, India. Workers were quick on their feet as they headed home after a long day's work, and fumes from passing vehicles filled the air.

Signs to the hawker center were nowhere to be found, but with Jerry's guidance, we soon found ourselves surrounded by subziwallas (vegetable sellers) and vendors selling all kinds of dishes.

Unlike the market in Chinatown, no one stood by the entrance checking visitors' TraceTogether app accounts. Bollywood music could be heard everywhere we turned, creating a much more lively dining experience than in Chinatown. It's no surprise, then, that this food court catered to a considerably younger clientele, serving predominantly first-generation immigrants.

Vendors were also much more active in trying to sell their food, approaching tourists (like us) to attempt to draw us to their stalls.

Once we settled on a spot to sit, Jerry brought us a round of iced mango lassis, a refreshing Indian drink made with fresh chunks of mango. Costing only SG$1.50 (about $1) the sweet beverage was the perfect way to cool off in the hot venue while eyeing the various dishes being sold inside.

We started our meal in Little India with dosa masala, a staple of south Indian cuisine that cost just SG$2 (roughly $1.50). Best described as a savory Indian-style crepe, the slightly sour but incredibly tasty concoction features crisp, thin edges and a soft center topped with a tomato-based sauce. I've always loved dosas, and after eating this one, I found myself craving dosas for the rest of the trip.

Once we finished the dosa masala, Jerry brought out our next set of dishes: chicken tikka (boneless, skinless chicken breast coated in spices and cooked in a traditional oven called a tandoor), saag paneer (a spinach dish made with cubed cheese), aloo matar (a potato and pea curry), garlic naan (an Indian flatbread coated with garlic) and chana masala (chickpeas in a flavorful sauce that included ginger, turmeric and cumin).

While the prices were reasonable — each item cost no more than SG$3 (or about $2.20) — the flavors for some of the dishes were a bit more muted than I expected. Still, I loved trying everything, especially in such an upbeat setting.

It was great to see such a wide array of southern Indian dishes available, as many of these items are hard to find at Indian restaurants in the U.S., which often focus on northern Indian staples. To say my mom and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in Little India would be a huge understatement.

Arab Street

Our last stop on our food tour took us to Arab Street, which is located about a mile east of Little India. Despite lacking proper hawker centers, this culinary hot spot is well worth a visit, as it's home to all kinds of locally loved establishments, including Zam Zam, where we ended up.

Serving Singaporeans for more than 100 years, Zam Zam offered a menu full of Indian Muslim specialties (i.e., dishes from nearby countries like Malaysia and Indonesia).

Its location right across the street from the Sultan Mosque only added to the ambiance.

Following a brief exchange with some of the restaurant employees, who were excited to learn I speak Indonesian, Jerry proceeded to place our order.

Our meal at Zam Zam began with nasi goreng, Indonesia's version of fried rice featuring egg, onion, sweet soy sauce, garlic, green onions, chiles and shrimp paste for SG$5 (about $3.50). While the Zam Zam take on this relatively simple dish wasn't the best version I've ever had, its reasonable price of SG$5 (approximately $3.50) made it worth trying.

The meal became much more impressive after that.

Next up was mie goreng ayam. Costing SG$6 (about $4.50), this fried noodles with chicken dish was incredibly spicy. Despite the fiery kick, each bite was heavenly, as the curry flavor was present without overwhelming the other ingredients. The dish was so mouthwateringly tasty that it was easily my favorite from the trip.

Before leaving, we also ordered a plate of mutton murtabak for SG$8 (or roughly $5.75). Perhaps the most well-known Southeast Asian Muslim dish, the goat meat-filled flatbread didn't disappoint. It reminded me of a thin, chewy Italian calzone. I loved the zesty sauce served on the side, which added a slight punch to what would have otherwise been a relatively bland dish.

Other hawker centers to consider

With more than 100 hawker centers in Singapore, you could easily spend your entire vacation hopping from market to market while barely scratching the surface of what's available.

While Chinatown and Little India house two of Singapore's most popular hawker centers, other neighborhoods also feature food courts worth checking out.

Head to Bedok by Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to sample traditional Malay dishes. The Bedok South Market and Food Centre, in particular, is a must-visit spot for foodies, as it serves everything from comforting bowls of fish soup to yummy breakfast favorites like chwee kueh (steamed water rice cakes).

There are also hawker centers in more upscale neighborhoods like shopping-centric Orchard Road, which appeared in "Crazy Rich Asians." Keep in mind, though, that the markets in bustling tourist spots are going to feel a bit more Western than those found in other parts of Singapore. Should you find yourself visiting the jaw-dropping Gardens by the Bay, be sure to stop by Satay by the Bay, a hawker center situated next to the Cloud Forest.

No culinary trip to Singapore would be complete without exploring Tiong Bahru Market. Located just west of the central Outram neighborhood, this bustling hawker center is known for its Singapore chili crab.

Bottom line

Thanks to their notable characters and lots of mouthwatering dishes, Singapore's hawker centers are unlike any food stalls you'll find elsewhere.

From their humble beginnings as cheap places to savor authentic tastes of home to lively spots where you can satiate your appetite while socializing with fellow patrons, these UNESCO-listed food courts offer a front-row seat to everything I love about Singapore, including its rich culture and friendly residents.

The camaraderie you'll experience while sharing a table with strangers is unmatched, and the budget-friendly prices can't be beat.

Then, of course, there's the food, which is some of the tastiest you'll find in Singapore.

It's no wonder why hawker centers draw droves of hungry locals and tourists every day.

9 Best Hawker Centers in Singapore—and What to Eat There

Take in singapore’s multi-faceted food culture, one bite at a time..

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A visit to one of the world’s most expensive cities doesn’t mean you’ll spend a fortune dining out. Singapore’s lively, no-frills hawker centers are where the best food is found, and you can enjoy a full meal for less than $5. Don’t just take our word for it: Singapore’s hawker culture is so distinctive that it was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020. Around the city, there are more than 118 of these open-air food courts, all offering a wide variety of cuisine (Chinese, Malay, Indian), reflective of the city-state’s multi-ethnic makeup. Expect to see halal and Chinese hawkers cooking side by side, casual seating arrangements (it’s not unusual for people to share tables), and a mostly cash-based self-service ordering system (some stall owners now accept card/digital payments like Apple Pay and AliPay). Because the food is freshly prepared, most hawkers have sporadic opening hours, closing shop once they’re sold out, so go by lunchtime or risk being disappointed.

While the choices can prove overwhelming, the good news is you rarely get a bad hawker meal. When in doubt, join the stall with the longest queue and replicate the order of the patron in front of you. Looking for a little more guidance? These are among the best hawker centers in Singapore—most patronized by locals for decades—and what we recommend you order.

1. Hong Lim Market & Food Centre

A fixture in the Chinatown area since it was built in 1978, this hawker center near Chinatown MRT is on the smaller side (it has just 100 stalls) but it’s a go-to spot for many working in the area. Loyal customers join snaking queues daily at heritage hawker stalls. It’s busiest at lunchtime thanks to its location in the Central Business District; try going a little before to beat the crowds. When in doubt, order from the Michelin Bib Gourmand awardees (selected by the French tire company for serving “great food at reasonable prices”).

Best stalls to visit

Tai Wah Pork Noodle #02-16 Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, Blk 531A Upper Cross St., S051531. Open daily 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

Arguably one of Singapore’s best versions of bak chor mee (minced pork noodles tossed in a vinegar-chili sauce), this family-owned eatery has earned multiple awards and has unrelenting queues daily. A Bib Gourmand winner, the saucy, springy noodles in a mixture of tangy black vinegar, chili, and lard oil has an unmistakable umami flavor enhanced by well-seasoned minced meat, soft wontons, and pork meatballs. Thin slices of pork liver and crispy sole fish are the crowning glory.

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee #02-17 Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, Blk 531A Upper Cross St., S051531. Open daily 6 a.m.–3 p.m.

This third-generation hawker stall—another Bib Gourmand awardee—has no shortage of customers, thanks to its ability to produce a plate of char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles) that’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet. (More amazing still: They have no written recipe.) The noodles are bathed in dark soya sauce and chili with a generous punch of wok he i (wok aroma, for that inimitable smoky flavor), accented by crunchy bean sprouts, juicy cockles (optional), and nuggets of pork lard fried fresh daily. Pro tip: If you see a particularly big portion being fried up, it’s veteran hawker Ng Chin Chye at the helm.

Tanglin Crispy Curry Puff #02-34 Hong Lim Market and Food Centre, Blk 531A Upper Cross St., S051531. Open daily 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Chances are you’ll be waiting a bit for your main meal so you might as well have a snack while doing so. These handrolled curry puffs are especially popular—they’re generously stuffed with a mix of curried chicken, egg, and potato in a crisp, light pastry before it is flash fried to perfection.

2. Adam Road Food Centre

Small in size and known for its halal-certified eats, this hawker center is located opposite the Singapore Botanical Gardens (Bukit Timah Gate). After exploring the tropical grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage site, tuck into some hawker favorites: mee soto (spicy chicken noodle dish), Hokkien mee (stir-fried noodles with prawns), and mee goreng (Indonesian style stir-fried noodles). Organized in a simple U-shape and framed by five angsana trees, there are approximately 40 stalls run by longtime owners doing brisk business for decades.

Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak #01-02 Adam Road Hawker Centre, 2 Adam Rd., S289877. Open Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.–3 p.m.; Monday–Thursday 7 a.m.–5 p.m.

This plate of nasi lemak (coconut rice) is fit for royalty—literally. (It is a favorite of the Sultan of Brunei, according to the Straits Times .) There’s always a queue for the Royal Rumble, a combination plate of fluffy aromatic basmati rice served with an assortment of sides: deep-fried potato pancake, flash-fried chicken, otah (spiced fish cake), crispy peanuts and fried anchovies, accompanied by a generous dollop of sambal chili.

Bahrakath Mutton Soup King #01-10 Adam Road Hawker Centre, 2 Adam Rd., S289877. Open daily 1 p.m.–3 a.m.

There aren’t many places to still get a warm bowl of mutton soup, but this longtime favorite has been deemed sedap (delicious) by those in the know. Hours of boiling mutton bones result in this rich, robust, spiced soup with chunks of tender mutton topped by crispy scallion and onions.

Noo Cheng Adam Road Big Prawn Mee #01-17 Adam Road Hawker Centre, 2 Adam Rd., S289876. Open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m.

On cold rainy days, there’s rarely anything more comforting than a piping hot bowl of prawn noodles ( hae mee ): your pick of yellow egg noodles or thin rice vermicelli, festooned with fresh prawns, sweet pork slices, and springy fish cake. This hawker stalwart is known for its rich, umami broth cultivated from slowly simmering prawn heads, shells, pork bones, herbs, and spices; enjoy it to the last drop.

3. Amoy Street Food Centre

In the Central Business District, this newly renovated, bustling food center has a mix of heritage hawkers, Michelin Bib Gourmand winners, and new-generation owners serving modernized hawker staples like A Fishball Story’s Singapore-style ramen with handmade fishballs. There’s a wide selection of eats, including sliced fish soup, vadai (fried Indian snacks), mee goreng, and rice dumplings to sample. Avoid lunchtime, as it gets crowded when the surrounding office crowds gather for their favorite hawker meal.

Hoo Kee Rice Dumplings #01-18, Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd., S069111. Open Tuesday–Friday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

This traditional bak zhang (rice dumpling) seller has been in business for more than 50 years. A Bib Gourmand awardee, Hoo Kee is the gold standard for many locals, who flock here morning, noon, and night. Prepared daily at dawn by hand, the Hokkien-style glutinous rice is studded with nuggets of pork and roasted chestnuts and flavored with five-spice powder and soya sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the salted egg version with its earthy, semi-sweet flavor.

Amoy Street Fried Kway Teow #01-01, Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd., S069111. Open Monday–Saturday 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

What started as a traveling pushcart in the 1960s has become one of the best plates of char kway teow on the island. It is favored by many for its healthy amount of wok hei and use of fresh cockles coated with just the right amount of dark soy sauce.

Han Kee Fish Soup #02-122, Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd., S069111. Open Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

A go-to option for locals seeking a healthier hawker meal. Don’t despair if the queue for this fish soup stall seems endless—it moves quickly. This nourishing bowl (they offer three sizes) of fish soup brims with thick slices of Spanish mackerel (batang); it’s popular for its clean, fresh flavor and sweet broth spiked with bits of fried garlic.

4. Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre

Buzzing with activity from dawn till the late afternoon, this popular eating spot in the west is hidden from most tourists. Attracting a mix of students, nearby residents, and active hikers refueling while traversing the nearby 15-mile Green Corridor nature trail, it offers a selection of timeless hawker treats: boneless braised duck, appam (fermented rice pancake), fried prawn mee, and peanut pancakes. It’s also an excellent place to catch new-generation hawkers carrying on their family’s legacy.

Li Lao San Ghim Moh Chwee Kueh #01-54 Ghim Moh Road Market & Food Centre , 20 Ghim Moh Rd., S270020. Open daily 6:30 a.m.– 5 p.m.

The springy steamed rice cakes topped with a savory-sweet chai poh (preserved turnip) have been handmade by the same family since the 1960s. Li Lao San Ghim Moh Chwee Kueh remains a favorite of locals for its use of pork lard, which gives each cake a fuller flavor.

Jiu Jiang Shao La #01-17 Ghim Moh Road Market & Food Centre , 20 Ghim Moh Rd., S270020. Open Thursday–Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Brave the snaking queues for a plate of its roasted goodies: char siew (barbecue pork), roast duck, and roast pork. Choose the fattier cut of barbecued pork that’s charred beautifully—it’ll still be juicy with every bite—but you really can’t go wrong with the affordable Three Roast Meat combo plate, so you can sample it all. Heaven’s Indian Curry #01-26 Ghim Moh Road Market & Food Centre , 20 Ghim Moh Rd., S270020. Open Tuesday–Sunday 6 a.m.–1 p.m.

Hit up this stall for a taste of Indian breakfast staples like thosai (savory thin pancake made from fermented lentil and rice batter), appam, and putu mayam (rice flour string hoppers). If you only have stomach space to sample one item, order the bowl-shaped appam, which is handmade fresh in an iron mini wok to achieve a crisp texture. The subtle sour flavor? That’s from the rice flour and coconut milk batter, which is left to ferment for eight hours before hitting the pan.

A plate of chicken rice from Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

Photo by Kapi Ng/Shutterstock

5. Maxwell Food Centre

In the heart of Chinatown, this single-story hawker center offers a wide range of Singapore-style Chinese food. Once a wet market in the 1950s, it remains popular with residents, office workers, and tourists as a one-stop location to try everything from oyster cake to fish soup.

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice #01-10/11 Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur St., S069184. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

No visit to Singapore is complete without a plate of chicken rice, and Tian Tian arguably serves the best version. Its flavorful poached chicken is drizzled with house-made soya sauce–based dressing and served with a mound of chicken stock-–nfused rice.

China Street Fritters #01-64 Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur St., S069184. Open times vary; call +65 9239 6464 before going.

Try these crispy Hokkien-style fritters while you still can. The owners of the 80-year-old hawker stall have announced they’ll hang up their aprons for the price of S$1 million dollars (US$750,000) for their secret family recipe. Until that happens, get your fill of their handmade fritters: meat rolls, egg slices, and pink sausage dipped in a starchy sweet sauce with a drop of piquant chili sauce.

Fu Shun Roasted Meat Specialist #01-71 Maxwell Food Center, 1 Kadayanallur St., S069184. Open Monday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

Hungry office workers make a beeline here for their fix of this Cantonese stall’s crispy sio bak (roast pork belly), flavorful roast duck, and charcoal roasted char siew, served either with noodles or rice. Regulars love this stall for its generous portions and high-quality ingredients.

6. Newton Food Centre

A short drive (or walk) from Orchard Road, this bustling hawker center will look familiar thanks to its cameo in Crazy Rich Asians . (Credit to the scriptwriters who didn’t embellish the experience.) Here, the seafood stalls are plentiful (and most are excellent) and there’s a dizzying array of food to try, from laksa (spicy coconut noodle soup) to satay (spiced skewers served with a peanut sauce), ice kachang (shaved ice), and fresh-off-the-griddle oyster omelette. Top it all off with a glass of cold sugarcane juice.

Hup Kee Fried Oyster Omelette #01-73 Newton Food Centre, 500 Clemenceau Ave. N., S229495. Open Tuesday–Saturday 6 p.m.–midnight.

Hup Kee’s fans are steadfastly loyal to this hawker icon, who has been plying his trade since the 1960s. Expect a generous plate of crispy-edged, juicy oyster omelette accompanied by a dipping sauce of garlic-accented chili.

Guan Kee Seafood #01-53 Newton Food Centre, 500 Clemenceau Ave. N., S229495. Open daily 11 a.m.–midnight.

There are many seafood stalls at Newton Food Centre, but Guan Kee’s halal certification makes it a safe choice for all travelers. If you order only one dish here, make it the sambal stingray, which is grilled fresh and moist to the bite, brushed with a rich shallot and dried shrimp sambal sauce. Ask for the sauce on the side if you prefer an unspicy meal.

Bee Heng Popiah and Satay Newton #01-12 Newton Food Centre, 500 Clemenceau Ave. N., S229495. Open Friday-Wednesday noon–midnight.

Don’t even try to order a single roll of popiah (fresh Teochew-style spring roll filled with stewed turnip); there’s a minimum order of two from this hawker, who’s been in business since the 1930s. While they’re pricier than others, their traditional style of stewed soft turnip, crunchy bean sprouts, and freshly diced boiled eggs encased in a paper-thin popiah skin with a generous topping of crushed peanuts, sweet sauce, and potent chili (optional) is a multi-textured mouthful of deliciousness.

7. Old Airport Road Food Centre

Home to several famous Singapore hawkers, Old Airport Road Food Centre has been one of the island’s best-loved hawker haunts for over 40 years. The queues for popular dishes— lor mee (Hokkien-style noodles in gravy), rojak (fruit and vegetable salad with palm sugar dressing), satay, char kway teow—can get long, but there are excellent people-watching opportunities to bide the time.

Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow #01-138 Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Rd., S390051. Open Monday—Saturday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

Different from the sweet, dark, and wet Singapore-style fried kway teow, this Penang-style version full of wok hei is drier with charred bits of noodle and fried with a generous amount of cockles, fishcake, and prawns. The elderly uncle manning the one-man operation meticulously fries each order individually, which is reason enough to join the line.

Toa Payoh Rojak #01-108 Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Rd., S390051. Monday–Saturday noon–7 p.m.

Arguably one of the better versions of Chinese-style rojak in Singapore, the secret to Toa Payoh’s success lies in the piquant prawn-paste sauce that coats the chunks of pineapple, jicama, and kang kong (water spinach) that make up this sweet-salty fruit and vegetable salad. Expect it served with crushed peanuts and freshly toasted dough sticks.

132 Claypot Rice #01-132, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Rd., S390051. Open Wednesday–Monday 12:30–9:30 p.m.

There’s a good reason you’ll be kept waiting for this fragrant, sweet-salty rice dish of lightly charred chicken and savory Chinese sausage with salted fish drizzled in thick dark soy: Each portion is only cooked upon order. Top up with some salted egg yolk for extra flavor and be sure to scrap all the charred bits of rice at the bottom.

Spring for the prawn fritters at Temasek Indian Rojak.

Photo by ZDL/Shutterstock

8. Tekka Market Food Centre

Located at the entrance of Singapore’s vibrant Little India enclave, this multi-use building houses a wet market, food center, and retail shops in a single complex. Go here to sample the island’s best Indian food: The sprawling complex has more than 100 hawkers to sample, but the section on the first level (facing Bukit Timah Road) has a concentration of stalls serving favorites like biryani ( aka briyani), thosai, and murtabak .

Note : Tekka Market Food Centre will be undergoing renovations from July 3, 2023, until September 30, 2023.

Rasa Raja Bojun #01-280 Tekka Centre, 665 Buffalo Rd., S210665. Open daily 9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.

Sri Lankan food, specifically Sinhalese cuisine, isn’t particularly easy to track down in Singapore, which makes this hawker stall especially popular. Take your pick of dishes like savory-sour fish curry, seasonal jackfruit curry, and specialties like stir-fried banana blossom and side dishes like gotukola sambal , a refreshing raw green salad made with pennywort and grated coconut.

Allauddin’s Briyani #01-232 Tekka Market Food Centre, 666 Buffalo Rd., S210665. Open daily 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

If you love a good biryani (spiced Indian rice dish with slow-cooked meats), Tekka Market is biryani central. Amid all the stalls hawking their version of this comfort dish, Allauddin’s Briyani is known for its dum-style biryani where the meat is layered and cooked till fall-apart tender with the rice to fully infuse the spices and flavors. In operation since 1968, Allauddin’s also serves a chicken and fish option.

Temasek Indian Rojak #01-254 Tekka Market Food Centre, 666 Buffalo Rd., S210665. Open daily Tuesday–Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday–Sunday 9 a.m. –7 p.m.

There are many versions of rojak (“mixture” in Malay), but this stall serving the Indian version of deep-fried fritters (prawn, cuttlefish, tofu, fish cake) is celebrated for its crisp batter and sweet, homemade dipping sauce with a hint of heat. Order with your eyes, but definitely include its three types of prawn fritters, and eat them with a touch of sauce and fresh onions.

9. Tiong Bahru Market

This curved, two-story hawker center looks perfect in the art deco, hipster enclave of Tiong Bahru. As one of the oldest public housing estates in Singapore, it’s home to a few heritage hawkers and some Bib Gourmand awardees. With a wet market on the ground floor and more than 80 stalls on the upper level serving hawker classics like chwee kueh (steamed rice flour cakes topped with preserved turnip), sweet mung bean soup, Hokkien prawn mee, and lor mee, there’s something for everyone.

Tiong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee #02-01 Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Rd., S168898. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 4:30–7:30 p.m.

A multiple Bib Gourmand awardee, this signature Hokkien mee is cooked to order in small batches so you know your dish is always fresh from the wok. Locals love the slightly charred noodles studded with bits of egg, prawns, and fishcake. Don’t forget to squeeze the fresh lime before your first bite for a touch of refreshing citrus. Go early as it typically sells out before closing time.

Tiong Bahru Lor Mee #02-80 Tiong Bahru Food Centre, 30 Seng Poh Rd., S168898. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 5:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

The crowds gather early for a bowl of tummy-warming noodles bathed in velvety gravy with mild herbaceous notes. Topped with braised pork belly, fish cake, fried wonton, hard-boiled egg, and ngoh hiang (five-spiced pork rolls), the bowl is full enough—but customize yours by adding black vinegar, red chili, and garlic.

Zhong Yu Yuan Wei Wanton Mee #02-30 Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Rd., S168898. Open Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday 7 a.m.–1 p.m.

Residents of Tiong Bahru swear by this bowl of wonton noodles, which continually wins favor for its slices of beautifully marbled char siew that are lightly charred and tender to the bite. Don’t forget to top it all off with a smidge of chili jam.

This article was originally published in 2022. It was most recently updated on May 2, 2023 to include new information.

9 Best Hawker Centres in Singapore

Marianne Rogerson

May 5, 2023

We take a look at the best hawker centres in Singapore , highlighting the top spots for delicious and affordable street food.

When visiting Singapore, one of the must-try experiences is indulging in the diverse and delicious street food scene at the city’s hawker centres. 

As a food lover, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice, with a wide array of flavours and cuisines that showcase the multicultural nature of Singapore. Hawker centres are teeming with stalls that serve a variety of dishes such as Char Kway Teow, Laksa, and Hainanese Chicken Rice, all at affordable prices.

As you explore the Lion City, these culinary gems will provide a fantastic experience that is both budget-friendly and authentically local. You’ll not only satisfy your appetite, but also gain a deeper understanding of Singapore’s diverse heritage and culinary traditions.

But with more than 100 hawker centres to choose from at these open-air food courts, how do you know which one to go to? Here, we help you narrow it down to help you find the best Singapore hawker centres that are also easy to get to for visitors to Singapore. 

So bring your appetite and an adventurous spirit and enjoy your culinary journey.

Happy feasting!

Before you get started – check out our pick of the best local food dishes in Singapore . 

Table of Contents

What is a hawker centre?

A hawker centre is an (often open-air) food complex featuring a multitude of food stalls, serving up affordable food in a variety of local dishes. 

Originally hawkers would walk the streets pushing their carts and setting up shop in temporary surroundings. As time evolved, these ‘villages’ of food stalls became permanent. 

They are now carefully regulated by the Singapore government to ensure strict health and safety compliance.

Got questions? Come join our Singapore Travel Tips Facebook group . It’s the perfect place to ask questions and get inspiration for your trip!

Why visit a hawker centre?

Visiting a hawker centre is one of the best authentic cultural experiences you can have in Singapore.  You’ll get to eat as the locals do, try delicious local dishes and, best of all, it won’t cost you very much at all!

Here’s why else we recommend visiting a hawker centre. 

• You’ll find a range of different cuisines : Savour dishes from various Chinese, Indian, and Malay culinary traditions, reflecting Singapore’s multicultural heritage.
• There’s something for everyone : With over 50 stalls in some centres, you’re bound to find something to suit your taste buds.
• It’s affordable : Enjoy delicious dishes for around $4-10, making it easy to sample a variety of dishes without breaking the bank.
• It’s a great atmosphere : You’ll get to experience the bustling buzzing atmosphere as locals and tourists alike gather to bond over their love for good food.

A Melting Pot of Cultures

Singapore’s hawker centres are more than just convenient dining options – they represent the very essence of what makes the nation unique, vibrant, and unforgettable.

The food stalls here epitomise the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Singaporean cuisine. 

You’ll find an incredible array of dishes from the nation’s main ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, Indian and Indonesian, as well as some Western, Japanese and Korean options. You’ll even find stalls selling the local Tiger Beer to wash it all down with.

Don’t be shy to ask the friendly stallholders for recommendations or tips on how to best enjoy their dishes. They’ll be more than happy to share their passion for food with you.

Iconic Hawker Centres and Their Star Dishes

Singapore is home to more than 100 hawker centres. We’ve narrowed it down to some of our favourites that a) have fantastic food options and b) are easy for tourists to get to, especially if you are short on time while visiting the city. 

1. Lau Pa Sat

Lau Pa Sat is probably the most famous hawker centre in Singapore. It is handily located in the heart of the CBD, making it a popular choice for office workers, who flock here at lunchtime. 

The cast-iron Victorian structure was built in 1894 and shipped from Glasgow and the hawker centre here boasts over 80 stalls. 

Boon Tat Street to the side of Lau Pa Sat is locally known as ‘Satay Street’, and really comes to life after dark when hundreds of satay lovers flock to the area and the stalls start churning out clouds of smoke and vying for business. It’s a great atmosphere. 

The Best food at Lau Pa Sat:  

• Satay on Satay Street (after dark only)
• Sambal Stingray from Ming Yen Seafood
• Chicken Rice at Ipoh Hainanese Chicken Rice 
• Hokkien Mee at Golden Shoe Hokkien Mee

How to Get to Lau Pa Sat : MRT to Raffles Place EW14/NS26

2. Makansutra Gluttons’ Bay

Makansutra Gluttons’ Bay offers a bit more of an upmarket and tranquil experience, compared to most other hawker centres. 

Located next to the Esplanade Theatre on Marina Bay, Glutton’s Bay is one of the smaller hawker centres, with a select few stalls serving up good quality versions of all the favourites. 

The open-air umbrella-ed seating means breezy alfresco dining with a view of the skyline across the bay, making this one of the more pleasant hawker centres to spend an evening at. (Not open for lunch)

The Best Dishes at Makansutra Gluttons’ Bay:

• BBQ Chicken Wings from Huat Huat Chicken Wings
• Mee Goreng from Old Satay Club
• Satay from Alhambra Padang Satay
• Sambal Stingray at Redhill Rong Guang B.B.Q Seafood

How to get to Makansutra Gluttons Bay : MRT to City Hall EW13/NS25

3. Maxwell Food Centre

Located in the heart of Chinatown , the Maxwell Hawker Centre has over 100 food stalls. Its proximity to Chinatown and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple make this a great option for lunch if you are in the area sightseeing. 

The most famous stall here is Tian Tian Chicken Rice, widely regarded as one of the best chicken rice stalls in Singapore. They have been serving up their famous version of one of Singapore’s best loved dishes since 1987. 

If you come here for the Chicken Rice, be prepared to queue! It’s one of the most popular hawker stalls in Singapore. 

The Best food at Maxwell Food Centre :

• Hainanese Chicken Rice from Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
• Congee from Zhen Zhen Porridge
• Fuzhou oyster cake from Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake
• Briyani at Famous Queens Briyani

How to get to Maxwell Food Centre : MRT to Maxwell TE18

4. Newton Food Centre

You may recognise Newton Food Centre as it famously appeared in the movie Crazy Rich Asians. 

Even before the movie was released, this was always a popular food centre with tourists and with the expats who live in the Orchard Road area, leading many locals to complain that it is an expensive tourist trap. 

It’s true it does feature on some bus tours, but it is easy to get to, airy and offers a staggering variety of stalls, so we still think it is worth a visit.

Best food stalls at Newton Food Centre:

• Carrot Cake from Heng Carrot Cake
• BBQ Stingray from Guan Lee Seafood 
• Oyster Omelette from Hup Kee Fried Oyster Omelette
• Chilli Crab at Alliance Seafood

How to get to Newton Food Centre:  MRT to Newton DT11/NS21

5. Chinatown Complex Food Centre

Singapore’s largest hawker centre, the Chinatown Complex Food Centre is handily located in the heart of Chinatown very close to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Chinatown markets. 

With over 250 stalls, there is something for everyone at this popular hawker centre. This food centre features several Michelin Bib Gourmand awardees and famous stalls.

 However the most famous of all is Hawker Chan  Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle. This was the first hawker stall to be awarded a Michelin Star in 2016. 

Chef Chan now has 12 outlets in six countries, but you can still visit the humble hawker stall where it all began right here.

The best food at the Chinatown Complex Food Centre:

• Soya Sauce Chicken Rice at Hawker Chan
• Char Kway Teow at Hill Street Fried Kway Teow
• Popiah at Ann Chin Popiah
• Claypot at Lian He Ben Ji Claypot

How to get to Chinatown Complex Food Centre: MRT to Chinatown DT19/NE4

6. East Coast Lagoon Food Village

The East Coast Lagoon Food Village offers a breezy alfresco atmosphere in which to indulge in some delicious hawker food. It’s Singapore’s only beachside hawker centre, making for a relaxed holiday vibe. 

It’s a popular dining spot for local East Coast families and a frequent stop-off point for cyclists to refuel at lunchtime.

Best food at the East Coast Lagoon Food Village:

• Satay at Haron Satay
• Char Kway Teow at Choon Hiang
• Sambal Stingray at Stingray Forever BBQ Seafood
• Bak Kut Teh at Han Jia Bak Kut Teh

How to get to East Coast Lagoon Food Village: Bus 401 from Bedok MRT station EW5

7. Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre

Located above the wet market, the Tiong Bahru food centre is very popular with local Singaporeans who will travel across town to come here. 

Tiong Bahru market is known for its exceptional Chwee Kueh and Lor Mee, so don’t miss out on a chance to try these local dishes. 

You’ll also find five hawker stalls recommended in the Michelin guide, so you can be confident that the standard is high here. 

Best food at Tiong Bahru Market:

• Chwee Kueh at Jian Bo Shui Kueh
• Lor Mee at Lor Mee 178
• Chicken Rice at Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
• Prawn Mee at Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee

How to get to Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre: MRT to Tiong Bahru EW17

8. Amoy Street Food Centre

Handily located close to the Central Business District, Amoy Street Food Centre is another popular hawker centre with office workers at lunchtime. 

There are a lot of good stalls here, spread out over the two levels, so take your time to wander around and take them all in before deciding what to order. 

We highly recommend the Curry Puffs at J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff, they are some of the best in Singapore. Fish Soup is another popular dish here. 

Best Food at Amoy Street Food Centre:

• Curry Puffs at J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff
• Bak Zhang (Rice dumplings) at Hoo Kee Rice Dumpling
• Fish Soup at Han Lee
• Singapore-style Ramen at A Noodle Story

How to get to Amoy Street Food Centre:  MRT to Telok Ayer DT18 or Tanjong Pagar EW15 or Shenton Way TE19

9. Tekka Centre

Located in the heart of Little India , the Tekka Centre is a haven for those who enjoy Indian and South Asian cuisine. But there are plenty of other hawker dishes on offer here too. 

The Tekka Centre also houses one of the best wet markets in Singapore, so take your time to look around while you are here. 

Best Food at the Tekka Centre:

• Mee Siam at Grandma Mee Siam
• Rojak at Temasek Indian Rojak
• Briyani at Allauddin’s Briyani
• Prawn Noodles at 545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles

How to get to the Tekka Centre: MRT to Little India DT12/NE7

Lens on Local Singapore Hawker Dishes

As you explore the rich culinary offerings of Singapore’s hawker centres, you’ll discover mouthwatering dishes that cater to a variety of taste buds. 

Here focus on three major culinary categories – Chinese Delights, Indian Flavours, and Malay Specialities.

You can read more about all these dishes and more in our article about the best local food in Singapore.  

Chinese Delights

Chinese Singaporeans make up 75% of the population, so it is no surprise that you will find plenty of dishes of Chinese origin. Many of these dishes were brought to Singapore by the waves of Chinese immigrants during the 19 th  century and have been adapted over time to become distinctly Singaporean.

Some of these culinary delights include:

• Hainanese Chicken Rice : One of Singapore’s most famous dishes, this delectable dish prepared by steaming or poaching chicken and serving it with fragrant jasmine rice cooked in chicken stock. 
• Char Kway Teow : A satisfying stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, prawns, eggs, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts. It’s often cooked with dark soy sauce and chilli paste for an extra kick.
• Hokkien Prawn Mee : A savoury noodle soup dish featuring a flavour-packed broth made from prawn shells, served with yellow noodles and topped with fresh juicy prawns. 
• Bak Kut Teh – a clear garlicky, peppery pork rib soup with the meat falling off the bones.
• Fried Carrot Cake – A steamed radish ‘cake’ stir-fried with garlic, soy sauce, eggs and spring onion. 

Indian Flavours

With around 10% of the Singapore population being of Indian descent, you can also find a good variety of delicious Indian dishes within the hawker scene. Here are some of our favourites:

• Roti Prata : Singapore’s most ubiquitous Indian dish. Thin, flaky Indian flatbread served with an accompanying curry sauce. 
• Biryani: A layered dish that includes rice and either vegetables or meat with Indian spices.
• Rojak : A mixture of fruits and vegetables, fried dough sticks and sometimes grilled cuttlefish and fried tofu, all mixed up in a sweet and spicy sauce.
• Masala Dosa: Thin lentil pancake stuffed with served with potato curry, chutney and sambar.

Malay / Indonesian Specialities

The Malay community make up around 12-13% of the Singapore population, and many of Singapore’s most famous dishes come from Malay cuisine. These include Laksa, Nasi Lemak – and everyone’s favourite: Satay.

• Satay : Skewers of marinated meat, often chicken, beef, or mutton, grilled to perfection and served with a delectable peanut sauce. This dish can be found at most hawker centres.
• Sambal Stingray : Barbecued stingray smothered with a spicy sambal sauce made from a mixture of chilli paste, shallots, and shrimp paste.
• Nasi Lemak : A popular Malay dish consisting of rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, served with sides like fried fish, chicken, or ikan bilis (anchovies), egg, and sambal chilli. 
• Mee Goreng : A flavourful Indonesian fried noodle dish, topped with vegetables, tofu, and your choice of meat.

Navigating Hawker Centre Etiquette

New to eating in a hawker centre? Here are a few tips around Singapore’s hawker culture to make sure you blend in with the locals!

Picking the Perfect Meal

With a plethora of food stalls to choose from, selecting the perfect meal may seem daunting. However, a few simple strategies can help you navigate the options: 

• Take your time to walk around the centre and explore your options before deciding.
• Look for long queues, as this often indicates how good and well-known the stall is.
• Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations. 
• Keep an eye out for any awards or accolades displayed at the food stalls, which suggest a higher level of quality.
• Hawker centre seating is first-come, first-served. During busy times, it’s best to secure a seat before ordering your food. 
• If you see a packet of tissues on a table, this means the seat is reserved. Feel free to do the same to reserve your own seat.
• Don’t be shy and ask to share tables with other diners. 
• Although some stalls will accept cashless payment, usually Cash is King at hawker stalls.

Lunchtime Peak Hours

Visiting a hawker centre during lunchtime peak hours can be a bustling experience. Be prepared for the rush, as both office workers and tourists flock to these culinary havens during this time. 

The key to success is patience and good manners, as you will likely find longer queues at popular food stalls.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Plan ahead by arriving slightly earlier or later than the peak rush, since finding a seat and ordering food can be challenging during these times.
• Be prepared for queues at popular food stalls. 
• Finally, remember to be patient and polite with the stall owners and other customers, as everyone is here to enjoy their shared love of delicious food!

Yes it is safe to eat hawker food in Singapore. Hawker stalls are carefully regulated by the Singapore government to ensure strict health and safety compliance. Licenses are subject to regular inspections.

Singaporeans like to eat at hawker centres because they offer a wide variety of food choices at affordable prices. They are also quick and convenient and offer a community atmosphere for dining.

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The perfect singapore 5 day itinerary.

22 Best Hawker Centres In Singapore [2024]

Hawker centres in Singapore are like treasure troves of delicious and affordable food, each one offering a unique culinary experience that reflects the rich tapestry of our local culture. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or someone looking to explore the flavors of Singapore, these hawker centres are a must-visit. In this guide, we’ll take you on a mouthwatering journey through some of the best hawker centres in the city. Keep in mind that this list is entirely based on personal experiences and preferences, and there are many more fantastic hawker centres waiting to be discovered.

Table of Contents

1. Maxwell Food Centre

2. golden mile food centre, 3. old airport road food centre, 4. amoy street food centre, 5. geylang serai market and food centre, 6. whampoa drive food centre and market, 7. east coast lagoon food village, 8. haig road market & food centre, 9. adam road food centre, 10. chinatown complex market & food centre, 11. tiong bahru food centre, 12. tekka centre, 13. ghim moh market & food centre, 14. hong lim market & food centre, 15. ayer rajah food centre, 16. market street hawker centre, 17. tampines round market & food centre, 18. abc brickworks market & food centre, 19. changi village hawker centre, 20. bedok 85 fengshan food centre, 21. lau pa sat, 22. newton food centre, hawker centres in singapore, best hawker centres in singapore.

Maxwell Food Centre, an iconic hub in Singapore’s culinary scene, boasts not only the globally renowned Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice but also its equally celebrated neighbor, Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice, where Wong Liang Tai, formerly head cook at Tian Tian for over two decades, continues to impress. This hawker haven is also home to other culinary gems, including Old Nonya, serving up comforting Peranakan classics, and Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon, acclaimed for its exceptional fish soup. The seasoned chefs behind these stalls bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table, ensuring an authentic and delectable dining experience.

Read our article on Maxwell Food Centre .

Discover Golden Mile Food Centre, fondly known as the ‘Beach Road Army Market’ offering an exceptional culinary journey. Located along Beach Road, this bustling food center boasts two levels of delectable food stalls, with the upper floor doubling as a marketplace filled with military-themed merchandise. Seasoned hawkers at the center have honed their culinary skills over the years, showcasing their expertise through a diverse range of dishes. Highlights include 86 Lor Mee’s Signature Lor Mee, topped with crispy fried chicken cutlet, ebi prawns, and more; Chi Le Ma’s value-packed steamed fish sets; the wok hei magic of 91 Fried Kway Teow Mee’s char kway teow; and the sweet conclusion at 75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup, featuring handcrafted tang yuan with various fillings. Golden Mile Food Centre guarantees a memorable dining experience for all, promising to satisfy every craving.

Read our article on Golden Mile Food Centre .

Old Airport Road Food Centre, a culinary gem boasting over a hundred stalls, offers a delightful journey through Singapore’s hawker food culture. Visitors can savor renowned classics like Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee’s irresistible prawn noodles and Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow’s aromatic char kway teow, both featured in the Michelin Guide. For a comforting treat, To-Ricos Guo Shi’s rich Kway Chap is a must-try. What sets this place apart is the emergence of innovative newcomers like Minced Pork Bros, who infuse tradition with innovation, and Hei Po Po, known for their indulgent crayfish hor fun. With a vibrant mix of experience and expertise, Old Airport Road Food Centre is a trusted destination where culinary tradition and innovation come together to create memorable dining experiences.

Read our article on Old Airport Road Food Centre .

Nestled in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, Amoy Street Food Centre beckons with a two-storey gastronomic journey. This culinary haven boasts an intriguing fusion of timeless hawker classics and avant-garde creations, all prepared by seasoned artisans who’ve dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft. Diners can savor the rich, authentic flavors of renowned stalls like Han Kee Fish Soup and Hong Kee Beef Noodle, showcasing generations of expertise. For those seeking innovation, Michelin-approved A Noodle Story offers Singapore-style ramen with a twist, while Chun Feng Man Mian tantalizes taste buds with truffle-infused wonton mee. While navigating the bustling peak-hour crowd can be a challenge, the trust earned by this establishment over the years makes every visit worth the culinary adventure.

Read our article on Amoy Street Food Centre .

Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre, with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, is a culinary gem in Singapore. It boasts some of the finest Malay cuisine among hawker centers in the city. At Otak-Otak Kampung, traditional Otak Otak is meticulously crafted with fresh fish chunks, ensuring an authentic taste. For an aromatic journey, Geylang Briyani Stall offers mouthwatering Nasi Briyani, known for its fall-off-the-bone tender mutton and chicken. Meanwhile, Rojak & Mee Siam delights with its Indian Rojak, blending an array of scrumptious ingredients. Complete your gastronomic adventure with a refreshing S$2 bowl of Cendol from Cendol Geylang Serai or indulge in sweet treats like Kueh Salat from Kueh Talam Asli. A visit to this culinary haven promises a flavorful journey through time.

Read our article on Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre .

In the heartlands of Whampoa Drive Food Centre, food enthusiasts can discover a treasure trove of 80 stalls offering beloved hawker classics, prepared with care and affordability in mind. Though the journey to this culinary haven may be a tad long, the reward is an authentic taste of local cuisine, steeped in nostalgia. A standout is Hoover Rojak, a time-tested establishment renowned for its Chinese rojak dating back to the ’60s. Equally delightful are the barbeque chicken wings from Whampoa Barbeque Seafood & Chicken Wing. Other must-tries include the satay bee hoon at Whampoa Satay Bee Hoon and the dark carrot cake at Kim Kee Homemade Carrot Cake, prepared by friendly hawker operators who love a good chat. For a different flavor experience, Rabiah Muslim Food offers an authoritative selection of nasi Melayu dishes, including mutton curry, deep-fried potato, and sambal tempeh tahu, perfect for those seeking authentic Malay cuisine.

Read our article on Whampoa Drive Food Centre and Market .

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores, East Coast Lagoon Food Village beckons with a tempting array of street food delights. Following a leisurely dip in the sea and a day basking on the sandy beaches, visitors can savor piping hot dishes that have garnered trust over the years. This iconic food hub boasts experienced chefs who have perfected their craft, offering expertly prepared treats like satay, sambal stingray, and unique seafood-infused renditions of classics such as fried carrot cake and popiah. With ample seating for larger groups and a reputation as a go-to source for beachside cuisine, East Coast Lagoon Food Village is a must-visit culinary paradise by the sea, where both locals and tourists can relish delectable flavors while taking in the refreshing ocean breeze.

Read our article on East Coast Lagoon Food Village .

In the heart of Geylang Serai lies a culinary gem waiting to be explored: Haig Road Market. Just a short stroll from the bustling wet market, this hawker center stands as a haven for food enthusiasts. Offering a tantalizing array of dishes ranging from traditional Putu Piring, featuring gula Melaka-filled steamed rice flour cakes topped with fresh grated coconut, to the authentic Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee at Lin Yu Mei, this food haven promises a delightful Malaysian culinary journey. For those on a budget, HJ Waliti HJ Mazuki’s mee rebus and aromatic mee soto present wallet-friendly options. Haig Road Market is undoubtedly a food lover’s paradise, beckoning all to savor its rich and diverse flavors.

Read our article on Haig Road Market & Food Centre .

Adam Road Food Centre, while compact, is a treasure trove of halal culinary excellence in Singapore. It boasts a rich heritage of Malay cuisine, featuring renowned stalls like No. 1 Adam’s Nasi Lemak and Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak, both serving up delectable renditions of the beloved nasi lemak. Noteworthy Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded eateries include Bahrakath Mutton Soup, famed for its aromatic soup kambing, and the non-halal Adam Rd Noo Cheng Big Prawn Noodle. Here, visitors can savor the essence of Malay flavors with dishes like nasi lemak, indulge in comforting mutton soup, and relish the bold flavors of prawn mee. Discover a culinary journey where tradition meets innovation at Adam Road Food Centre.

Nestled within the labyrinthine Chinatown Complex, visitors are in for a culinary adventure like no other. Start with a sizzling experience at Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice, where the aromatic delight of claypot rice beckons. For those seeking beef brisket noodle perfection, Fatty Ox HK Kitchen’s expertise shines through in every bowl. Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck & Kway Chap offers a taste of tradition, with their authentic Teochew flavors. Hong Kong Mong Kok Tim Sum brings the dim sum delights, crafted with finesse. Meanwhile, Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao masters the art of dumplings. These stalls represent just a fraction of the hawker food gems within the complex, where claypot rice, dim sum, and duck rice reign supreme, each a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Singapore.

Read our article on Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre .

Nestled on the second floor of Tiong Bahru Market, the Tiong Bahru Food Centre has become a culinary haven for food lovers. Renowned stalls, such as Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice, offer an array of iconic Singaporean dishes. Loo’s, often hailed as one of Singapore’s finest curry rice destinations, serves up mouthwatering classics that encapsulate the essence of Hainanese cuisine. Zhong Yu Yuan Wei Wanton Noodle stands out with its unique char siew, sourced from a distinctive cut of the pig. This flavorful twist on wanton noodles is a must-try for any visitor. Finally, Koh Brother Pig’s Organ Soup delivers hearty, comforting flavors that embody the essence of Singaporean culinary tradition. Whether it’s curry rice, wanton mee, or pig’s organ soup, Tiong Bahru Food Centre offers an authentic taste of Singapore that’s not to be missed.

In the heart of Little India lies Tekka Centre, a vibrant hub boasting an array of delectable Indian cuisine. Allauddin’s Briyani stands out as an iconic stall, offering fragrant and flavorful briyani. Haji Johan Indian Muslim Food serves up Indian-style rojak, a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. For crispy prata lovers, Ar-Rahman Cafe and Royal Prata craft delectable delights to savor. Meanwhile, 545 Whampoa Prawn Noodle tempts taste buds with its flavorful broth and succulent prawns, and Heng Gi Goose and Duck Rice impresses with succulent, flavorful duck rice. Though Tekka Market Food Centre is currently undergoing renovations, foodies eagerly await its return, making Tekka Centre a must-visit for Briyani, Prata, and Prawn Mee enthusiasts alike.

Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre may not be a tourist hotspot, but it boasts a rich tapestry of local flavors. At this bustling hawker center, renowned stalls like 63 Laksa offer their signature “Sungei Road-style” dish, a must-try for its unique taste. Guan Kee Fried Kway Teow crafts wok hei-infused char kway teow, while Hin Fried Hor Fun serves up savory, gravy-filled hor fun. For those seeking lighter fare, Ghim Moh Chwee Kueh and Teck Hin Delicacies delight with chee kueh and chee cheong fun, respectively. Experience and expertise shine through each dish, prepared by seasoned hawker stall owners with time-honored family recipes. Locals vouch for the authenticity of these flavors, making Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre a trusted destination for Singaporean culinary delights.

Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, a pioneer hawker hub dating back to 1978, offers an authentic culinary journey through Chinatown’s rich gastronomic history. With over 100 food stalls, it caters primarily to the CBD crowd, boasting numerous award-winning establishments. Many of these hawker stalls have honed their craft over decades, ensuring an unparalleled dining experience. Among the standouts is the Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa, renowned for its unique fruit juice mee siam, and Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist, a go-to for delicious fresh prawn dumpling noodles. Trust in the cleanliness, safety, and reliability of these stalls, and the food center’s established reputation as a culinary authority, make it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike, embodying the spirit of authentic Chinatown cuisine.

Ayer Rajah Food Centre, while slightly beyond Clementi’s central area, promises a rewarding culinary journey, be it on foot or by bus. This vibrant hawker center boasts an array of Halal delights, from flavorful ayam penyet to savory Indian rojak, comforting mutton soup, and irresistible mee goreng. A standout gem is Habib’s Rojak, a second-generation Indian rojak stall, where patrons can handpick their preferred ingredients from a display case. These are skillfully stir-fried to perfection and served with a delightful sweet dipping sauce. Equally enticing is Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles, renowned for its delectable dumplings and succulent roast meats.

Market Street Food Centre, nestled in CapitaSpring just minutes from Raffles Place MRT, has undergone a remarkable transformation. With 56 stalls and a thoughtful design, it offers a budget-friendly culinary adventure that’s hard to resist. Conveniently located near the touristy Lau Pa Sat, this food haven provides a more economical alternative. Whether it’s the renowned Market Street Nasi Lemak, the quick and delectable Chicken Biryani from Golden Nur, or Ah Liang’s silky Ipoh Hor Fun, there’s a dish to satisfy every palate. These stalls are revered for their culinary expertise, making them a must-visit for food enthusiasts exploring the area. Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in a variety of delectable options, all under one roof.

Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, an enduring icon in Tampines since its establishment in 1983, remains an integral part of the local community. This bustling culinary hub, accompanied by charming neighboring shophouses, offers a diverse and trustworthy dining experience. Yummy Sarawak Kolo Mee, with over three decades of culinary mastery, boasts an array of delights, including the renowned Sarawak Sibu QQ Spaghetti and exceptional Spare Ribs Chicken Feet Noodle. Meanwhile, Xing Ji garners a devoted following with its expertise in Wanton Noodle, Shredded Chicken Noodle, and Dumpling Soup. Xin Xing Carrot Cake specializes in soft and fluffy Carrot Cake, optionally featuring prawns. For dosa aficionados, Rajarani Thosai serves up tantalizing varieties like Masala and Butter Egg Onion. A visit to this cherished food center promises an authentic and flavorful culinary adventure.

Nestled between Alexandra and Bukit Merah, ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, a historical hawker hub since 1974, beckons with a diverse culinary adventure. Wow Wow West tempts with wallet-friendly Western cuisine, offering savory Pork Chop and Fish & Chips. Ah Er Herbal Soup, a Michelin Bib Gourmand gem, serves nutritious soups with flavorful pumpkin rice. For dessert lovers, Jin Jin Dessert boasts 44 hot and cold delights, including the irresistible Power Chendol and refreshing Ice Jelly Soursop. Hua Shun Bak Kut Teh satisfies cravings with peppery Bak Kut Teh and pig’s organ soup. And don’t miss the Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, where soy sauce chicken and tantalizing noodles create a symphony of flavors. Explore the rich tapestry of Singaporean food culture at ABC Brickworks.

Nestled at the eastern end of Singapore, Changi Village Hawker Centre is a cherished destination for early risers and supper aficionados. Two hawker stalls, Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak and International Muslim Food Stall Nasi Lemak, reign supreme with their exceptional Nasi Lemak Sets. For those craving crispy delights, Million Star Fried Banana offers an array of sinful treats like Fried Tapioca, Fried Sweet Potato, and Fried Banana. A must-try experience awaits at Weng Kee Ipoh Hor Fun, where delectable plates of Chicken Chop Hor Fun and Wanton Noodle await. Hjh Salbiah serves up hearty Nasi Padang, featuring flavorful Nasi Sambal Goreng and Nasi Ambeng dishes. Meanwhile, Hassan Stall takes diners on a nostalgic journey with their kampung-style Mee Rebus and Laksa, offering a memorable culinary adventure rooted in Singapore’s rich culinary traditions.

Read our article on Changi Village Hawker Centre .

Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre, a beloved supper destination in the East, stands out for its diverse array of barbecued delicacies like savory satay, crispy chicken wings, and delectable stingray. Amid its fame, the hawker center hosts a captivating culinary showdown – the bak chor mee rivalry between Xing Ji Rou Cuo Mian and Seng Hiang Bak Chor Mee, drawing food enthusiasts from across Singapore. For those craving satay bee hoon, Shi Wei Da serves up plates of pure delight. While the search for the best Dry Laksa ended at Omage Foods, be sure to arrive before 2pm to savor this delight. Don’t miss the chance to relish hotplate BBQ stingray at Chomp Chomp BBQ or a comforting bowl of porridge from Chai Chee Pork Porridge. With years of exploration and expertise, this culinary enthusiast guarantees a delectable food journey at Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre.

Lau Pa Sat, originally Singapore’s inaugural wet market, underwent a remarkable transformation in 1972, evolving into an iconic hawker center that now symbolizes the city’s culinary heritage and architectural history. It has become a beloved destination for both locals and tourists, offering an array of must-try dishes, including succulent satay skewers, fragrant Hainanese chicken rice from Fragrance Garden Chicken Rice, and smoky hokkien mee from Golden Shoe Hokkien Mee. Beyond its culinary delights, Lau Pa Sat’s architecture, influenced by the Victorian era, adds a unique charm, while its historical significance and numerous accolades further underscore its cultural importance. Visitors not only savor tradition but also step into the heart of Singapore’s culinary soul, making Lau Pa Sat an essential stop for food enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The renowned Newton Food Centre, a top choice for tourists, owes its fame not only to its appearance in Crazy Rich Asians but also to its acclaimed stalls. Among them, Heng Carrot Cake and Alliance Seafood have earned the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award, while Soon Wah Fishball Kway Teow Mee boasts consistently long queues. This hawker haven, steeped in tradition and culinary expertise, presents an array of delectable options, including savory carrot cake, flavorful fishball noodles, and enticing zi char dishes. With a history deeply rooted in the hawker food culture, Newton Food Centre continues to draw visitors seeking an authentic taste of Singaporean street food.

As you embark on your culinary adventure in Singapore, don’t forget to explore the hawker centres mentioned in this guide. Each one has its own unique charm and offers a delectable array of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re craving Chinese classics, Western delights, Muslim specialties, or Indian flavors, you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite at these hawker centres. So, step into the vibrant world of Singaporean street food, immerse yourself in the local culture, and savor the affordable and mouthwatering dishes that make our hawker centres a food lover’s paradise. And remember, while these are some of the best, there are countless other hidden gems waiting to be explored, so don’t hesitate to embark on your own makan adventures to discover your personal favorites!

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6 Best Hawker Centers in Singapore

By Annette Tan

Convivial, multi-cultural, and true melting pots, Singapore’s hawker centers are a reflection of the country’s community spirit. At these hubs of good, affordable food, it's not uncommon to see Singaporeans sharing a meal made up of Malay satay, Indian biryani, and Chinese oyster omelettes. For visitors, it's a great way to sample all of Singapore’s quintessential dishes in one delicious sitting. While hawker centers are common across the island, these are the long-established favorites among locals, and our picks for Singapore's best hawker centers.

Maxwell Food Centre Arrow

With over 100 stalls, deciding what to eat can be overwhelming. The most popular stalls here are Tian Tian Chicken Rice and its rival Ah Tai, as well as the fry-it-yourself Hum Jin Pang, which serves plain or red bean-filled dough fritters. Join the queue for Zhen Zhen Fish Porridge or pick from a host of flavorful curries to eat with steamed white rice at Zhong Guo Jie Hainanese Curry Rice.

East Coast Lagoon Food Village Arrow

The choices here are mind-boggling, so when in doubt, join the queues at Hwa Kee BBQ Pork Noodle for, well, just that; Cheok Kee Duck Rice for the duck braised in a thick soy-based sauce and served with rice studded with taro; or Song Kee Fried Oyster for gooey omelettes strewn with small local oysters and served with a vinegar-spiked chilli sauce. Also order a couple of sticks of satay—best dipped in a delicious peanut sauce—from Haron Satay.

Tekka Centre Arrow

Singapore's Indian community likes to hang out here for a familiar taste of home, and it's easy to see why: Standouts include Allauddin's Biryani, Teochew dumplings and cakes from Yan Seng Traditional Teochew Kueh, prawn vadai (Indian fried dough fritters) from Sky Lab Cooked Food, and dosa stuffed with marsala-spiced potatoes from Anna Dosai Stall.

Tiong Bahru Market Arrow

With over 80 stalls under one roof, Singaporeans regard this as one of the best hawker centers around; people schlep here from across the island to get their fix of chwee kueh (steamed rice flour cakes topped with preserved turnip) at stall five, and tau suan (sweet mung bean soup) at stall 55. But whatever you do, don't leave without picking up some local kueh (cakes) from HarriAnn's Delights at stall 25.

Devra Ferst

Scott Laird

Christine Chitnis

Condé Nast Traveller

Old Airport Road Food Centre Arrow

At more than 40 years old, Old Airport Road Food Centre is one of Singapore's best-loved hawker complexes , with 150 stalls spread across a single floor in neat rows. It can seem daunting, but as a general rule, a long line in front of a stall means excellent food. And while it can be quite a wait, food-obsessed Singaporeans will assure you that it's totally worth it. Dishes that demand your patience here include hokkien mee (fried yellow wheat noodles doused in a seafood stock and studded with prawns and pork) from Nam Sing Hokkien Mee, and silky beancurd pudding from Lao Ban Soya Beancurd.

Chinatown Complex Food Centre Arrow

Many of the stalwarts of this hawker center got their start as nearby roadside stalls in the 1950s and 60s, and have a loyal following of Singaporeans. Head to Xiu Ji Ikan Bilis Yong Tau Fu for vegetables stuffed with fish paste and served with noodles in a broth; Tian Tian Porridge for its famed pork congee; and the immensely tasty Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice, which usually comes with an up-to 45-minute wait as the sisters who own the stall cook each pot of meat-topped rice over a charcoal fire.

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20 Best Hawker Centres in Singapore With Delicious Local Food (2024)

Discover vibrant hawker centres with Singaporean food culture, featuring the best hawker stalls and food courts in Singapore. Experience authentic Singaporean food, including nasi lemak, at top-rated hawker centers, celebrating hawker culture.

Updated on October 30, 2023 

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Hawker Centres Singapore

Are you a culinary enthusiast in Singapore looking for delectable regional dishes? You don’t need to go any farther since we have put together a list of the top hawker centers that will satiate your appetite and leave you wanting more.

We adore these hawker centers because they provide a wide selection of mouthwatering and reasonably priced food to satisfy every taste. These hawker centers serve cuisine for everyone, whether you like spicy food or prefer something milder.

Additionally, they are strategically placed all across Singapore, making it simple for you to have a delectable meal anytime you’re in the city. The greatest thing is that visiting these centers is an excellent opportunity to get a taste of Singapore’s diverse food scene.

Why then wait? Start dining on the amazing delicacies at these hawker centers right away by diving into our list!

What To Look For in a Hawker Centres in Singapore

• Variety: Singapore’s hawker centres provide a wide variety of excellent food! To fulfill your cravings and try new flavors, choose a hawker center with a decent mix of local and international cuisine. Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, and Char Kway Teow are must-eats.
• Accessibility and Location: Pick a hawker center that’s close to public transit and walking. This saves time and improves your meal. Bonus points if the hawker centre is in a lively neighborhood that offers wonderful sightseeing and shopping before or after your lunch!
• Singapore’s hawker centres are clean and hygienic. It’s still important to find a well-maintained center that follows NEA criteria. Each booth has an NEA cleanliness rating from A (highest) to D (poor).
• Affordability: Hawker centres serve tasty meals at low rates! To obtain the greatest deal, compare hawker centre pricing. Some booths only accept cash, so bring some.
• Finally, examine the hawker center’s atmosphere and seats. Choose a bustling restaurant to experience the local culture. Comfortable seats and plenty of room are also important, especially during peak meal times when the center might grow busy.

Best Hawker Centres in Singapore (2024)

Our team of experts have researched and curated a list of the best Hawker Centres in Singapore . Our list of recommendations are based on ours and others' first-hand experience, so it will be helpful for you! Let's not wait and get to it!

🏆 Best Overall

Maxwell Food Centre

• Savor the authentic flavors of Singapore at the bustling Chinatown hawker centre, featuring famous chicken rice and dim sum stands!

Changi Village Hawker Centre

• Feast on a variety of mouthwatering dishes at no-frills food stands, including nasi lemak rice, fried bananas, and satay, while enjoying the lively atmosphere and communal seating!

Best Classic Option

Old Airport Road Food Centre

• Exciting variety of local dishes: From noodle soups and stir-fries to curries and dumplings, satisfy your cravings at this bustling indoor hawker center!

1. Maxwell Food Centre

With a plethora of options and reasonable prices, you’ll get a true taste of local cuisine at Maxwell Food Centre. Not only is the food delicious, but the centre is kept clean, making for a pleasant dining experience.

You’ll love the famous chicken rice from Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and the variety of fritters and local sausages at China Street Fritters. For something different, try Zhen Zhen Porridge’s pork congee or raw fish.

As a tourist in Singapore, visiting Maxwell Food Centre is a must because it offers an incredible opportunity to taste and enjoy the best of Singaporean cuisine in a vibrant, bustling setting.

What We Like

• Indulge in a multitude of mouthwatering choices at popular restaurants and food stalls, all reasonably priced and in a clean environment.
• Experience the local food culture as a tourist in Singapore, making memories while trying tasty dishes from various vendors.
• Don’t miss the renowned Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall, where you can enjoy their specialty dish packed with authentic local flavors.
• Treat your taste buds to China Street Fritters and Zhen Zhen Porridge, offering delicious options like deep-fried prawn fritters, ngoh hiang, and various congee dishes.

Testimonial

“Great food and drink stall options. Prices are reasonable, and the place is kept very clean. I had rendang chicken with rice, which was delicious.”

2. Changi Village Hawker Centre

A fantastic place to satiate your hunger with a broad range of inexpensive and delectable food alternatives is Changi Village Hawker Centre. You’ll adore the wide variety, which includes halal Indian, seafood from Thailand, Indonesia, and more. Weekend trips to this well-liked location are recommended because it’s ideal for both visitors and residents.

You will adore the hygienic facilities in addition to the tantalizing cuisine options. Charlie’s Corner, which serves hearty Western cuisine, Ho Guan, which specializes in authentic satay bee hoon, and the International Muslim Food Stall, which serves delicious nasi lemak, are a few of the notable vendors.

• Satisfy your cravings with diverse food options such as halal Indian, Thai seafood, chippy, Indonesian, and more – all at wallet-friendly prices!
• Located in a bustling tourist hotspot, join avid cyclists and enthusiastic tourists in exploring the vibrant culinary scene at Changi Village Hawker Centre.
• Make weekends extra special by relishing delicious Western food and refreshing beers at Charlie’s Corner, famous for their fish and chips and namesake burger!
• Indulge in the ever-so-rare satay bee hoon at Ho Guan, lovingly prepared by a couple who has been serving this traditional dish for over four decades, using homemade sauce and fresh ingredients.

“My hotel was 2 minutes’ walk from this gem. For every 5 stalls, there is a halal stall. Had different varieties of food, from halal Indian to Thai seafood, chippy, Indonesian, and many more. It is also cheap and affordable. I definitely recommend this for local food.”

3. Old Airport Road Food Centre

At Old Airport Road Food Centre, you’ll be delighted by the variety of delicious local dishes, perfect for satisfying your cravings and introducing your overseas friends to Singapore’s hawker culture. With numerous popular stalls like Albert Street Prawn Noodles and Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow, you can enjoy mouthwatering prawn noodles, char kway teow, and more, all under one roof.

You’ll love the lively atmosphere and the friendly competition between vendors, as it allows you to compare and find your favorite version of each dish. Because of its extensive selection and authentic local vibe, this hawker centre is definitely worth a visit!

• Must-try food stalls: Don’t miss out on mouthwatering prawn noodles and pork ribs noodles at Albert Street Prawn Noodles, and the flavorful char kway teow at Lucky Char Kuey Tiao!
• Perfect for visitors: Introduce your overseas friends to Singapore’s rich hawker culture and authentic local food at this popular food center.
• Taste and compare: With numerous vendors offering their unique takes on classic dishes, you can sample and decide which is your favorite version!
• Immerse yourself in local atmosphere: Join the crowds of Singaporeans enjoying breakfast or lunch at this lively hawker center, truly a must-visit destination for food lovers!

“I love the Whitley Road prawn noodles and have been patronising their stall for many years.”

4. Tiong Bahru Food Centre

You may discover a vibrant and varied assortment of Singaporean hawker stalls serving delectable foods like roasted duck rice and Hainanese chicken rice at Tiong Bahru Food Centre. You’ll like the wide selection of meals available in this spacious, well-lit setting, all at affordable pricing.

Everyone may visit the food center easily because it is handicap accessible and close to the Havelock MRT Station. We savored the assortment of Indian, Chinese, and Malay dishes as well as the various vendors’ established reputations. In a pleasant and comfortable setting, it’s a terrific place to sample real Singaporean food.

• Savor mouthwatering dishes at popular stalls like Lee Hong Kee Cantonese Roasted, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, and 178 Lor Mee!
• Enjoy a lively food court experience in an airy, well-lit space with plenty of seating for a comfortable dining adventure.
• Discover a fantastic variety of affordable local Chinese, Malay, and Indian delicacies under one roof.
• Easily accessible for everyone, including wheelchair users, and a short walk from Havelock MRT Station and the bus stop on the main road.
• Don’t miss the chance to explore the wet market on the same building, offering fresh produce, meat, and fish for a complete Singaporean experience!

“Love the variety of food there! And a reasonable price too! Wheelchair accessibility: Tables allow wheelchairs to slot in easily without having the need to get up.”

5. ABC Brickworks

At ABC Brickworks, you’ll be delighted by the diverse range of food options catering to every palate. From sausages and steaks to traditional treats and iconic dishes, this hawker center has it all. We particularly love Bao Zai’s char siu bao, Fatty Cheong’s fresh char siu and wanton, and Jason Penang Cuisine’s hearty Malaysian dishes.

You’ll love the mix of old and new stalls, making it an affordable and exciting place to dine with friends and family. The best part? The hawker center is clean, tidy, and well-maintained, with friendly vendors who are eager to serve you.

• Feast on diverse food options: From sizzling sausages to traditional chye tow kway, satisfy your cravings with a variety of mouth-watering dishes!
• Must-try food stalls: Don’t miss out on the best sellers at Bao Zai, Fatty Cheong, and Jason Penang Cuisine, offering unique and flavorsome bites!
• Old meets new: Enjoy a mix of classic, well-established food stalls and exciting newcomers, catering to every taste bud.
• Affordable indulgence: Experience top-notch dining with the best facilities, without breaking the bank.
• Impeccable ambience: Relish your meal in a clean, tidy environment with friendly and approachable vendors.

“So many delicious local dishes that you will be spoiled for choice.”

6. Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre

Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre is a culinary haven in Singapore, offering a variety of delicious dishes that cater to different tastes. With its vast selection of vendors, you can indulge in traditional favorites like Sin Chew Satay Bee Hoon or explore modern options like pasta. We love that you can satisfy your cravings for authentic hawker food, such as Hainanese chicken rice and chendol, all in one place.

The convenient location, directly accessible via MRT Beauty World station, makes it an ideal spot for a quick meal or a leisurely feast. Plus, the affordability and option to order through Deliveroo and Foodpanda make it even more enticing.

• Over 80 diverse vendors: Indulge in a wide variety of traditional and modern cuisines, including Sin Chew Satay Bee Hoon and mouthwatering pasta dishes!
• Must-try stalls: Savor the flavors of 138 Kway Chap & Porridge, Chin Hock Mutton Soup, and Curry On for a truly authentic hawker experience.
• Famous dishes galore: Discover the best of Singapore’s hawker scene with favorites like Hainanese chicken rice, satay, carrot cake, fishball noodles, and more.
• Unbeatable location: Easily accessible via MRT Beauty World station, making it a breeze to enjoy a delicious meal at Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre.
• Delivery options: Craving some hawker goodness at home? Order through Deliveroo and Foodpanda for a convenient, tasty treat!

“A pleasant eating place for hawker center goers with a myriad of food choices. Worth a visit.”

7. Golden Mile Food Center

At Golden Mile Food Centre, you’ll find an incredible variety of mouth-watering local dishes like wanton mee, Hokkien mee, and curry noodles. We particularly enjoyed Charlie’s Peranakan for their impressive Peranakan dishes, Chef Choo Signature for their delightful Sizzling Seafood Spaghetti, and Choon Kee Roasted Delights for their delicious roast meats.

Because of the extensive selection of food spread across two floors, you will never run out of options, including unique finds like mango pudding and gourmet burgers . Plus, the prices are reasonable, and the stall owners are friendly and informative, making your dining experience even better.

• Feast on a variety of local dishes at the Golden Mile Food Centre, with favorites like wanton mee, Hokkien mee, and curry noodles!
• Indulge in authentic Peranakan cuisine at Charlie’s Peranakan, featuring mouthwatering dishes such as Babi Assam and Bakwan Kepiting.
• Savor a scrumptious seafood experience at Chef Choo Signature with their perfectly-cooked Sizzling Seafood Spaghetti, rich in flavor and texture!
• Explore the delicious roast meat classics at Choon Kee Roasted Delights, from delectable Roasted Pork to succulent Char Siu and Roasted Duck meat.
• Enjoy a fantastic food adventure in this huge, two-story hawker center with a wide selection of high-quality dishes, friendly stall owners, and reasonable pricing!

“You will be spoiled for choice in this food centre. Plenty of choice to choose from. Keng Heng whampoa lor mee, Ah xiao braised duck rice, Thai chicken rice, etc.”

8. Hong Lim Market & Food Centre

You may experience Singapore’s bustling hawker culture at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre while savoring a delectable selection of genuine Chinese foods at reasonable pricing.

The market is an excellent place for people-watching because it is constantly crowded with both residents and tourists. There is accessible multi-story parking, so you won’t have any problem locating a space.

We really enjoy Heng Kee Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee, Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa, and Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist among the wide variety of food booths. Lean wonton noodles and fruit juice mee siam are just two examples of the delectable, premium foods that these shops sell.

• Savor the deliciousness of Singaporean dishes at this bustling market, featuring mouthwatering wonton soup, laksa, and fried noodles!
• Indulge in Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist’s lean and smooth pork filling, setting the standard with only 2% fat compared to other stalls’ 60%!
• Get a taste of Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa’s unique and creamy Asia Delight Laksa and intriguing Fruit Juice Mee Siam!
• Immerse yourself in the authentic hawker culture in Singapore, enjoying cheap and tasty eats alongside locals, students, and tourists!
• No need to worry about parking – a multi-storey parking building is conveniently located right next to the food center!

“Good food tastes better than restaurant food, and the price is reasonable for families. Old folks enjoy the local and intangible surroundings.”

9. Whampoa Food Centre

You may get lots of wonderful, real local cuisine at Whampoa cuisine Centre for reasonable pricing. You’ll never run out of alternatives with two sections devoted to breakfast and lunch or dinner.

The savory Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee, the distinctive Balestier Road Hoover Rojak, and the Teochew staple, Liang Zhao Ji Duck Rice, are among foods you just must taste.

This hawker center has excellent customer service and spotless facilities, which enhance the eating experience. With their SOP, you can anticipate a seamless and well-planned lunch that makes sure you have everything you need.

• Feast on the best of Singapore’s local cuisine at Whampoa Hawker Centre, featuring separate sections for breakfast and lunch/dinner crowds.
• Indulge in the famous Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee, a flavorful dish with a unique twist of thick bee hoon and plenty of minced garlic.
• Experience the multi-time Bib Gourmand recipient Balestier Road Hoover Rojak, featuring delicious traditional add-ons like century egg and jellyfish.
• Savor Liang Zhao Ji Duck Rice, another Bib Gourmand awardee, offering one of the best Teochew braised duck rice dishes in Singapore.
• Explore hundreds of food stalls offering a wide variety of affordable, high-quality local dishes, like oyster omelette and sugar cane drinks, perfect for adventurous food hunters.

“Wide variety of delicious, authentic local food at affordable prices. two cooked food centers, one for the morning crowd while the other operates after noon. Clean toilets. But limited halal food stalls.”

10. Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market & Hawker Centre

You’ll be pleased with a superb choice of local delicacies and cuisines from over 80 food sellers at Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market & Food Centre. Delicious yong tau foo, bak chor mee, nasi briyani, as well as Vietnamese and Thai food , are available. For a filling supper , we especially suggest eating the Hai Kee Noodle, Wanted Western Delights, and Sin Sin Prawn Crackers.

The hawker center has a lot of roomy seats that makes it possible for you to eat comfortably. You won’t have to stress about going broke in order to enjoy a delectable feast because the rates are so affordable. A nice eating experience is provided by the spotless, well-lit, and spacious surroundings.

• Savor the amazing flavors of Singapore at Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market & Food Centre, with a diverse range of regional specialties like yong tau foo, bak chor mee, and nasi briyani!
• Explore an exciting mix of international dishes from Vietnam and Thailand among the 80 food vendors at this bustling hawker center!
• Don’t miss the scrumptious offerings from recommended stalls like Hai Kee Noodle, Wanted Western Delights, and Sin Sin Prawn Crackers!
• Enjoy a comfortable dining experience with plenty of well-spaced seating, a clean and well-lit environment, and great crowd behavior!
• Get the best bang for your buck with reasonably priced dishes, perfect for a fun and delicious meal for the whole family!

“Lots of good food and economical meals available.”

11. Chomp Chomp Food Centre

At Chomp Chomp Food Centre, you’ll find a vibrant array of delicious street food that will excite your taste buds! With popular stalls like Ah Hock Hokkien Noodles and Ang Mo Kio Carrot Cake, you’ll enjoy authentic Singaporean dishes that are both affordable and satisfying. If you’re a seafood lover, Lucy BBQ Seafood is a must-visit for their BBQ stingray and squid.

We love how Chomp Chomp offers a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot for you to bring friends and family, including tourists. The cleanliness and constant buzz of activity only add to its charm.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it there in person, because you can still treat yourself by ordering through Deliveroo or Foodpanda.

• Taste the authentic flavors of Singapore with a wide variety of street food options at the bustling Chomp Chomp hawker center!
• Savor the delicious Ah Hock Hokkien Noodles and the mouth-watering Ang Mo Kio Carrot Cake, highly recommended by food enthusiasts!
• Indulge in the irresistible BBQ Seafood from Lucy BBQ, with must-try dishes like BBQ stingray, BBQ squid, sambal chili, sambal Kang Kong, and green dragon vegetables!
• Experience the chill vibe, cleanliness, and constant buzz of excitement at Chomp Chomp, making it a perfect destination for tourists and locals alike!
• Enjoy the amazing and affordable food from Chomp Chomp in the comfort of your own home by ordering through Deliveroo or Foodpanda!

“Delicious food with many choices in this hawker center.”

12. Upper Boon Keng Market & Food Centre

At Upper Boon Keng Market & Food Centre, one of Singapore’s oldest hawker centres, you’ll find a wide variety of delicious and affordable traditional dishes. Because of its diverse offerings, this hawker centre will satisfy everyone’s taste buds, making it perfect for you and your friends.

You’ll love the rich and flavorful kambing soup from Haji M. Abdul Rajak and the light and airy appams. The halal food options like Prata, Nasi Sambal Goreng, and Mee Goreng Mamak will delight you, and the authentic Thai food stall adds a unique touch to the overall experience.

The convenience of ordering through Foodpanda makes it even easier for you to enjoy these tasty dishes.

• Savor Singapore’s rich culinary heritage at one of its oldest hawker centres, featuring mouth-watering dishes like kambing soup, ayam penyet, and curry rice!
• Indulge in the most scrumptious Halal food options, from Prata to Nasi Sambal Goreng, Mee Goreng Mamak, and the must-try Soup Kambing from Haji M. Abdul Rajak!
• Delight your taste buds with the incredibly airy appams at APPAM stall, or satisfy your cravings with a delicious plate of Fried Kway Teow from Hock Huat!
• Discover a hidden gem in this hawker centre, offering tantalizing Hainanese curry chicken rice, braised pork belly, and more!
• Craving authentic Thai food? You’re in luck! Order from the excellent Thai food stall through Foodpanda and enjoy a fantastic meal!

“Extremely good food and drinks. Very affordable.”

13. Pek Kio Market & Food Centre

Pek Kio Market & Food Centre offers a wide variety of delicious food at affordable prices, making it a fantastic choice for you to explore Singapore’s hawker scene. The spacious and well-ventilated environment adds to the overall dining experience.

The Michelin Plate stall, Pin Wei Chee Cheong Fun, is a must-try because of their smooth and delicious Hong Kong-style dishes. Heng Leong Carrot Cake also stands out as they make their own carrot cakes, a rarity in today’s fast-paced world. Lastly, don’t miss out on Sheng Seng Fried Prawn Noodle, another Michelin Plate stall offering tasty Hokkien mee that won’t break the bank.

• Feast on Michelin Plate-winning dishes: Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Pin Wei Chee Cheong Fun and Sheng Seng Fried Prawn Noodle, two award-winning stalls offering exceptional taste at unbeatable prices!
• Indulge in authentic homemade carrot cake: Savor the scrumptiousness of Heng Leong Carrot Cake, one of the few places still making their own radish cake from scratch – don’t miss their delicious black and white versions!
• Experience a diverse range of cuisines: With a majority of Chinese stalls and a handful of Indian ones, prepare to be spoilt for choice with the delightful variety of dishes available!
• Enjoy great value with CDC vouchers: Save on your meal with select stores accepting CDC vouchers, giving you even more reasons to indulge in the amazing food!
• Dine in comfort: Appreciate the spacious, well-ventilated food centre, offering a perfect environment to enjoy your favorite local dishes at affordable prices!

“An airy food centre with lots of delicious food at great prices. Most of the stalls are open from morning until afternoon.”

14. Geylang Bahru Market and Food Centre

We appreciate the presence of vendors like Hua Ji Carrot Cake, Fucheng Shiping Homemade Spring Roll, and Hui Wei Chilli Ban Mian at the Geylang Bahru Market and Food Centre since these foods are all well regarded for their mouthwatering and distinctive flavors.

You’ll appreciate the spotless and well-kept surroundings, which will make your eating experience even more pleasant. The ease of utilizing Net-Pay for purchases, which guarantees a secure and sanitary payment mechanism, is another fantastic benefit. It is now more large and comfortable thanks to recent renovations, and everyone can visit it simply thanks to its close proximity to the MRT.

• Feast on a wide range of mouthwatering cuisine options, from local specialties to international favourites at this bustling food centre
• Don’t miss out on Hua Ji Carrot Cake’s irresistible White Carrot Cake with extra chilli, featuring crispy bites and a generous dose of sambal chilli
• Join the loyal fanbase of Fucheng Shiping Homemade Spring Roll for their scrumptious and affordable Popiah and Kueh Pie Tee
• Spice up your meal with Hui Wei Chilli Ban Mian’s Signature Chilli Ban Mian, complete with al dente noodles, minced meat, and a side of chilli
• Enjoy a well-maintained, clean, and spacious dining experience, conveniently within walking distance to the MRT and offering Net-Pay for a cashless, germ-free transaction

“I love the atmosphere here. Carrot Kueh Wah Kee Hawker. A small cup of coffee is also sold for seven or eight cents. All can be scanned with Net-Pay. There is no need to move money or bacteria.”

15. Blk 75 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh Food Centre

We adore the smokey flavor of Cockle Fried Kway Teow and the crispy pork fat at Blk 75 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh Food Centre, and Da Ji Hainanese Chicken Rice’s fried chicken wings with their addicting chilli sauce. Don’t overlook Fang Yuan Satay’s delicious and flavorful pork satay!

This hawker complex, which is as ancient as Toa Payoh itself, provides a nostalgic experience for people who grew up in the region. You’ll like the variety of Chinese and Malay meals on offer, as well as the clean setting and excellent assortment of local food and beverages. Furthermore, many booths stay open late, making it ideal for a late-night supper.

• Savor the irresistible smoky flavor of Cockle Fried Kway Teow, complete with crunchy pork lard for an unforgettable taste experience!
• Indulge in Da Ji Hainanese Chicken Rice’s famous fried chicken wings, perfect with their addictive chili sauce for a spicy twist!
• Treat your taste buds to Fang Yuan Satay’s mouth-watering pork satay, grilled to perfection over a charcoal fire for ultimate flavor!
• Enjoy a plethora of food options, including Muslim stalls and Chinese desserts, at this nostalgic and clean hawker center that stays open late!
• Discover an excellent selection of local food and drink choices, even after 10 p.m., making it the perfect spot for late-night cravings!

“There’s a lot of nice food there. I recommend the Chaoyang Prawn Noodle stall, the Toa Payoh Hot Plate BBQ Fish stall, and the Kim Western stall.”

16. Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre

The Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre showcases Singapore’s unique street food culture, with a majority of Chinese stalls and a mix of Thai, Western, and Japanese dishes. You’ll love the delicious and satisfying dishes like Ikan Bilis Bee Hoon, steamed dumplings, and soy sauce chicken rice.

The Chinatown Complex is conveniently located, with parking available and the Chinatown MRT station just a short walk away. What particularly impressed us was the Michelin-starred stall serving chicken rice, and the chance to taste some soon-to-be-lost old Chinese and local recipes.

• Feast on delicious local cuisine at affordable prices, including must-try dishes like fried fish cake, steamed dumplings, and soya sauce chicken rice!
• Experience Singapore’s unique hawker centre food culture, akin to street food markets in other countries, with an array of tantalizing options.
• Discover a diverse mix of cuisines, from Chinese and Thai food stalls to Western and Japanese dishes, all in one vibrant location.
• Don’t miss the chance to taste Michelin-starred chicken rice and savor soon-to-be-lost old Chinese and local recipes.
• Enjoy easy access with nearby parking and Chinatown MRT train station just a short walk away.

“A great hawker centre serving an assortment of local cuisine at an affordable price. Many stalls are worth trying, especially those with long queues! Parking is available in the same building on the upper floors. Chinatown MRT train station (Blue and Purple lines) is within a short walking distance. Highly recommended!”

17. Sims Vista Market & Food Centre

At Sims Vista Market & Food Centre, you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious and affordable dishes just minutes from Aljunied MRT Station. We love how the hawker centre offers diverse options like Green Chilli Chicken Rice, Nain Food Stall’s Nasi Padang, and Hollywood Duck Rice. The flavors are so addictive, you’ll keep coming back for more!

You’ll also find Jia Confectionery, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with their kueh bahulu and pineapple tarts . The spacious and well-ventilated environment makes it an excellent spot for a satisfying lunch. Because of the multitude of food choices and reasonable prices, you’ll definitely want to visit Sims Vista Market & Food Centre.

• Just a short walk from Aljunied MRT Station: Sims Vista Market and Food Centre offers a convenient location for a mouthwatering meal adventure!
• Indulge in diverse culinary delights: From Cantonese-style duck rice to Malay and Chinese seafood dishes, vegetarian options, and more – there’s something for every palate!
• Must-try food stalls: Get your taste buds tingling with the addictive Green Chilli Chicken Rice, satisfying nasi padang from Nain Food Stall, and flavorful duck dishes at Hollywood Duck Rice.
• Don’t forget dessert: Swing by Jia Confectionery for scrumptious kueh bahulu and pineapple tarts to satisfy your sweet tooth!
• Enjoy a spacious and well-ventilated dining experience: With ample seating and a wide variety of affordable, delicious food choices, Sims Vista Market and Food Centre is the perfect spot for a satisfying lunch outing!

“I toured the centre and decided on the fish soup stall, #01-21. Fish soup was outstanding, as its side sauce, garlic with lime juice, opened up my appetite.”

18. Telok Blangah Crescent Market & Food Centre

At Telok Blangah Crescent Market & Food Centre, you’ll be delighted by the variety of delicious street food options that cater to your taste buds and wallet. We love Su Yuan Vegetarian’s Bee Hoon, which is packed with flavors from chewy mushrooms, tasty char siew, and crunchy cabbage. Xiang Ji Porridge adds a burst of flavor with spring onions and shallots, while Guan Seng Carrot Cake stands out by adding dark soy sauce to their White Carrot Cake.

The lively atmosphere, coupled with the fresh air and greenery, adds to the overall dining experience. You’ll be pleased with the cleanliness as patrons return trays and keep tables and chairs tidy.

• Feast on a wide variety of affordable, scrumptious street food at this medium-sized hawker centre – satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank!
• Dive into Su Yuan Vegetarian’s Bee Hoon, featuring mouth-watering mushrooms, vegetarian char siew, and crunchy cabbage – a delightful start to your meal!
• Warm your soul with Xiang Ji Porridge’s comforting blend, enhanced by spring onion and shallot toppings – a perfect comfort food!
• Experience the unique White Carrot Cake from Guan Seng Carrot Cake, with a twist of dark soy sauce for an extra flavor boost – a must-try dish!
• Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and lush greenery as you dine, all while appreciating the fair cleanliness and hygienic practices at this bustling hawker centre!

“I’ve been patronising this market and hawker center since the 80s.”

19. Commonwealth Crescent Market and Food Centre

At Commonwealth Crescent Market and Food Centre, the Hong Kee Porridge stall serves comforting Cantonese-style porridge, which has been their specialty for over four decades. We love the smooth and flavorful Pork Porridge with Century Egg and Fish Head Porridge.

For a unique snack, try Milah Hokkaido Curry Puff, offering four scrumptious flavors of curry puffs. You won’t want to miss their Potato, Sardine, Mentaiko Cheese, and Cinnamon Banana options.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional desserts from Xi Le Ting, where a lovely granny has been using the same recipes for nearly 50 years. Choose from green bean soup, red bean soup, cheng tng, and sweet wheat porridge – all served hot.

• Savor the ultimate comfort food at Hong Kee Porridge, serving delicious Cantonese-style porridge for over four decades!
• Snack on unique and mouth-watering curry puff flavors at Milah Hokkaido Curry Puff, including Potato, Sardine, Mentaiko Cheese, and Cinnamon Banana.
• Indulge in traditional, homey desserts at Xi Le Ting, made by a granny who’s been perfecting her recipes for almost 50 years.
• Enjoy a diverse selection of Hong Kong-style dishes, all at a reasonable price, in a welcoming environment with friendly people.
• No parking woes! Find ample parking spaces while you explore the local delights at this amazing hawker centre.

“There is nice hawker food available there. I like the Cantonese porridge stall.”

20. Blk 4A Jalan Batu Hawker Centre

At the Blk 4A Jalan Batu Hawker Centre in Singapore, not only do the dishes taste amazing, but their affordable prices make it a great place for a satisfying meal.

Because of the diverse food stalls, you can try various dishes like the Tanjong Rhu Wanton Noodle, Feng Ji Kway Chap, and Wang Lao Wu Chicken King set meal. These dishes offer mouth-watering flavors that cater to different preferences, making it an ideal spot for friends and family to dine together.

What we love about this hawker centre is its cleanliness and tidy environment, which add to the overall dining experience.

• Savor the mouth-watering Tanjong Rhu Wanton Noodle with its juicy, tasty wantons and perfectly seasoned noodles, topped with delicious char siu!
• Indulge in a flavorful Feng Ji Kway Chap set, featuring a mix of pig skin, braised eggs, pork belly, tau pok, and beancurd for a scrumptious feast!
• Treat yourself to a Wang Lao Wu Chicken King set meal, complete with succulent steamed white chicken, fresh vegetables in oyster sauce, rice, and a comforting bowl of soup!
• Discover a hidden gem for amazing hawker food, offering great value for money and a clean, neat, and tidy environment!
• Explore the small yet diverse hawker center, with a fantastic combination of stalls catering to a variety of taste buds!

“Wanton noodle (soup version) from Kim Kee (#01-18) was a very satisfying lunch. A bowl of yummy wanton, nice flavorful soup, and springy noodles.“

More Info On Hawker Centres in Singapore

What is a hawker center.

You may be wondering what these bustling street food hotspots involve and how they’ve become such an important part of the city’s culinary landscape.

In Singapore, a hawker centre is simply a big, open-air complex that has multiple food vendors serving a broad range of economical and tasty local cuisine.

These centers are not just popular with visitors, but they are also an important part of many locals’ daily lives since they allow quick and easy access to a varied selection of foods that reflect Singapore’s cosmopolitan community.

Hawker culture is firmly ingrained in Singaporean culinary culture, with generations of families operating their stalls side by side, making it the ideal spot to sample real local cuisines all under one roof.

Why Is Singapore Hawker Center So Special?

Imagine entering a busy, lively food paradise where beautiful fragrances and tantalizing sensations combine to create an extraordinary gourmet experience like no other.

That’s what you’ll discover in Singapore’s hawker centres, which are unique in that they reflect the heart and spirit of Singapore’s food culture. These open-air complexes are home to a variety of vendors selling a broad variety of local foods at reasonable costs, making them accessible to everybody.

What distinguishes the Singapore hawker center is its designation by UNESCO as an intangible cultural asset, emphasizing its significance in maintaining and promoting the city-state’s various culinary traditions.

When you visit a hawker centre in Singapore, you’re not just getting wonderful cuisine; you’re also getting a taste of the country’s rich cultural tapestry.

What Is The Most Popular Hawker Food In Singapore?

It’s tough to pinpoint just one dish as the most popular hawker food in Singapore, as locals and tourists alike can’t get enough of the mouthwatering variety of dishes available at these bustling culinary havens. The beauty of Singapore hawker centres is that they offer a melting pot of flavors, representing the rich cultural diversity of this island nation.

Some may argue that certain dishes stand out as quintessential Singaporean fare, but ultimately, it’s up to your taste buds to decide.

• Hainanese Chicken Rice : This fragrant and flavorful dish is often hailed as Singapore’s national dish—tender poached chicken accompanied by aromatic rice cooked in chicken stock and pandan leaves.
• Laksa : A spicy noodle soup with Chinese-Malay origins, featuring thick rice noodles in a rich coconut curry broth laced with shrimp paste and topped with prawns, fish cake slices, and bean sprouts.
• Chilli Crab : A must-try for seafood lovers visiting any food market in Singapore; this iconic dish features succulent crab stir-fried in a sweet-spicy tomato-chilli sauce best enjoyed when mopped up with fried mantou buns.

It’s clear that there are countless options when it comes to satisfying your cravings at Singapore hawker centres—making it impossible to choose just one most popular hawker food—but these three dishes should definitely be on your list!

What Are Some Top Tips For Eating At A Hawker Centre?

Navigating the crowded food booths and delicious fragrances at a hawker centre may be a thrilling experience, but there are a few guidelines to follow to make the most of your gastronomic trip.

To begin, conduct some research on the finest hawker centres in Singapore to select one that fits your preferences and budget.

Take a trip around the entire food court before picking what to eat; this way, you’ll have a fair understanding of all the meals offered and won’t miss out on any hidden treasures.

Look for lengthy crowds and locals dining at hawker stalls when deciding where to dine, since this is typically a sign of high-quality cuisine.

Don’t be hesitant to ask fellow diners or stall owners for ideas or assistance with ordering – they’ll be pleased to share their favorites with you.

Finally, bring cash for payment because many booths do not take credit cards, and keep in mind that patience is essential when waiting for your great lunch!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Check out some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hawker Centres in Singapore .

Are There Any Vegetarian Or Vegan Options Available At Singapore Hawker Centres?

Absolutely! You’ll find numerous vegetarian and vegan options available at Singapore hawker centres. Many stalls cater specifically to these dietary preferences, offering a wide variety of dishes such as noodles, rice dishes, soups, and even plant-based versions of popular local favorites like laksa or curry. Additionally, you can also customize your meal by requesting the stall vendor to omit any non-vegetarian ingredients from their regular offerings. So rest assured that you can enjoy delicious and affordable plant-based meals while exploring the diverse culinary scene in Singapore’s hawker centres.

What Are The Typical Operating Hours Of Hawker Centres In Singapore?

In general, hawker centres in Singapore typically operate from early morning, around 6 or 7 am, until late at night, with some closing around 10 pm while others stay open even later. However, individual stalls within hawker centres may have their own operating hours and many might be closed on certain days of the week. It’s worth noting that some hawker centres cater to specific meal times like breakfast or lunch rush hours, so it’s a good idea to check ahead before visiting any particular centre for a specific type of food or timing.

How Can I Find A Specific Hawker Centre Or Locate One Nearby My Current Location In Singapore?

To find a specific hawker centre or locate one nearby your current location in Singapore, you can use online resources like Google Maps or food apps such as Burpple and HungryGoWhere. Simply type ‘hawker centre’ into the search bar, and these platforms will show you a list of hawker centres around your area along with their addresses, operating hours, and reviews. Alternatively, you can also ask locals for recommendations or check out local websites that feature popular hawker centres to help guide your search.

Is It Possible To Find Halal Food At Singapore Hawker Centres?

Absolutely! You can easily find halal food at Singapore hawker centres. Many of these centres have a diverse range of food stalls, including those that offer halal options for Muslim diners. To ensure the food you’re ordering is halal, look for the green ‘Halal’ certification sticker displayed by the stall or simply ask the vendor if their dishes are halal-compliant. With numerous delicious and affordable choices available, you’ll have no trouble satisfying your cravings while adhering to your dietary requirements in Singapore’s vibrant hawker scene.

What Are The Average Prices For Meals At A Hawker Centre In Singapore, And Do They Accept Credit Cards Or Only Cash?

At a hawker centre in Singapore, you can expect to find delicious meals at affordable prices, with most dishes ranging from SGD 3 to SGD 6. Although cash is the most common mode of payment, an increasing number of stalls are starting to accept credit cards and digital payments such as PayNow or NETS. However, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash with you just in case your preferred stall doesn’t accept card payments.

So, you’ve learned about Singapore’s amazing hawker centres and the mouth-watering dishes they offer. Don’t hesitate to dive right in and treat your taste buds to a unique culinary adventure!

Remember our top tips for eating at a hawker centre: arrive early, be patient, and don’t forget to bring some cash. Now, go forth and satisfy your cravings while immersing yourself in Singapore’s vibrant food culture!

We have reached the end of the article! We’re glad that you made it this far! Now that you have our list of the best Hawker Centres in Singapore , do let us know if you feel that there are others that should be part of this list!

We hope this article that we have reviewed has been helpful for you! If you find this article helpful, do check out other related articles in Singapore !

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• 30 Best Supper Spots in Singapore for Late Night Eats (2024)
• 15 Best Hawker Stalls in Old Airport Road Food Centre (2024)
• 20 Best Peranakan Restaurants in Singapore For Authentic Peranakan Food And Nyonya Cuisines (2024)

Jason Wong is a food lover based in Singapore. He is always on the hunt for the best culinary delights the city has to offer, from street food stalls to fine dining restaurants. With his passion for all things food, he shares his findings and experiences with readers through his writing, providing a unique perspective on Singapore's thriving food scene.

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Singaporeans take their food very seriously. If you don't believe me, walk down to a Singapore hawker center (there's one almost everywhere), and taste for yourself. You'll see tourists mingling with working stiffs, stuffing their faces with Chinese, Indian, Malay, "Western", and some exotic Southeast Asia food choices.

Don't be fooled by the variety and excellent flavors, the dishes served in Singapore hawker centers are as cheap as they are delicious. You can get a hearty, authentically Asian meal for less than $3. For the no-BS Singaporean hawker center experience, do not dare miss these places when you're in town: we've picked ten hawker centers worth trying when in Singapore .

Old Airport Road Hawker Centre

 courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board

This public hawker center in the Katong neighborhood has been ladling out local favorites since 1973. Housed in a two-story building with a large carpark ("all good hawker centers have got huge carparks," Singapore food critic and Makansutra founder K.F. Seetoh reassures us), the hawker complement consists of about 168 stalls serving legendarily delicious char kway teow, satay, rojak, and satay bee hoon, among others.

Most of the hawkers housed here used to do business elsewhere, until the government got hawkers off the streets in the 1970s. The move into hawker centers did them no harm, though, and some of them carried their stellar reputations into their Old Airport Road digs. As a government (public) hawker center, Old Airport Road's fare offers great value for money: a heavy meal of the island's most delicious heritage foods will only set you back about SGD 5-7 (about $4 to $5.50).

Bukit Timah Market & Hawker Centre

With only 84 stalls on the second floor, Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre should count as one of the island's smaller hawker centers. Its location in Clementi puts it far from Singapore's main tourist action, too - the nearest MRT station is a good fifteen-minute walk away.

The famous stalls in Bukit Timah make it worth a detour, though: you can tell which ones are the best by the long lines and the press clippings stuck on their glass windows. To make the long trip worth it, visit nearby malls Bukit Timah Plaza and Bukit Timah Shopping Centre afterward.

Tiong Bahru Food Market & Hawker Centre

The public housing around Tiong Bahru Food Market & Hawker Centre has managed to escape the wrecker's ball, helped no doubt by the apartment blocks' sleek, Art Moderne architecture. The Singapore government smartly decided to adapt the design of Tiong Bahru Market to the surrounding estate when it was rebuilt in 2004.

The Market is now a three-story structure with a wet market on the first floor and a parking lot on the third - the second-floor hawker center houses about 83 hawker stalls and seats 1,400 diners at any given time. After dining at the Market, take a walking tour of Tiong Bahru that goes deep into the sleepy, laid-back neighborhood and its hipster-friendly shops.

Singapore Food Trail, Singapore Flyer

This period-themed al fresco "food street" on the Singapore Flyer 's ground level recalls the "good old days" before the government forced itinerant street vendors into permanent hawker centers - the design sensibility takes pains to recreate the street food dining experience, down to the cart-shaped hawker stalls (17 in all) and the hallway that emulates a busy lane (with street signs and a floor painted to look like a road).

The hawker stalls doing business in the Singapore Food Trail all hail from other, more famous public hawker centers - their names reveal their hawker center of origin, with street food masters from Bedok, Old Airport Road and Chinatown selling the island's finest satay, char kway teow, and satay celup.

Makansutra Gluttons Bay

The hawker list in Makansutra Gluttons Bay has been carefully curated to represent both old hawker names and up-and-comers: all the better for diners visiting the upscale Marina Bay District and hoping for something closer to the authentic hawker experience they find in less upscale corners of Singapore.

The stunning view aside (the Marina Bay Sands is visible across the Bay; fireworks occasionally light up the night sky), you come for the food: the 12 hawker stalls in Makansutra's open-air foodcourt serve what K.F. Seetoh calls "an old style, open-air street food stall [experience] that we used to have in the 60s and 70s." The court seats about 500 guests, who enjoy Gluttons Bay's satay, grilled squid, and wondrously delicious banana kaya dessert.

Lau Pa Sat Festival Market

This premium hawker center in Singapore's business district has over 5,500 square meters of interior space, enough to seat over 2,000 diners feasting on the fare sold by the Market's 200-plus food stalls. Formerly housing a wet market, the intricate cast-iron structure dates back to 1894, having been built by the British using components imported from Scotland. The market was converted into a hawker center in 1973.

After dark, Boon Tat Street beside Lau Pa Sat transforms into an al fresco satay street, with about dozen outdoor stalls grilling satay, chicken wing, and barbecued seafood for a rapt crowd seated on plastic chairs set out on the street.

Maxwell Food Centre

This hawker center stands in Chinatown, two rows of over a hundred stalls serving dishes that have achieved legendary status. Tian Tian Chicken Rice got its start here and still serves their famously tender Hainanese chicken rice daily.

Other famous favorites include Zhen Zhen Porridge, Marina South Delicious Food's char kway teow, and (your guide's favorite) Zhong Xing Fu Zhou Fish Ball and their thick, slurpy, scrumptious lor mee noodles.

Newton Food Centre

The Newton Food Centre draws its popularity from its proximity to Orchard Road: tourists can easily move on from their Orchard shopping adventures to munch on Newton's popiah, carrot cake, and barbecue seafood.

Newton's 83 stalls serve a wide range of foods, but the local scene is dominated by the satay and the seafood selections (the chili crab is, as the local parlance goes, "​die die must try").

Unfortunately, the questionable behavior of some hawkers has given Newton a black eye among travelers in the know: newbies will be accosted by aggressive touts promoting their particular hawker stall, and some hawkers have been known to overcharge.

East Coast Lagoon Food Centre

This is the food center closest to the guide's heart, as I once lived in a condo a few minutes' walk away. Set on Singapore's southeast coast, the East Coast Lagoon Food Centre houses 63 stalls serving hot food in a resort-like setting within view of the sea.

Residents come here after exercising in the park to feast on a few Singapore food favorites like chicken wings, satay bee hoon, wonton noodle soup, and braised duck rice. Many of the tables sit in the open air, allowing patrons to get their fill of the fresh seaside air as they tuck in. The East Coast Lagoon Food Centre is somewhat out of the way, being closer to the airport than to the city center - but for the best al fresco hawker food experience, it's worth the trip.

Zion Riverside Food Centre

Even with a measly 32 hawker stalls, Zion Riverside Food Centre's outsize reputation makes up for its own small size: the hawker center's braised duck, prawn noodles, and char kway teow earn rave reviews from even the most jaded hawker eaters. Thanks to its proximity to Orchard Road, you'll find plenty of office workers congregating here for lunch.

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16 best affordable hawker centres in Singapore for delicious local fare

Hawker centres in Singapore are a foodie’s paradise, offering a wide range of wallet-friendly delights, including Chinese favourites , delicious Western fare , heartwarming Muslim dishes , and aromatic Indian options .

Whenever I have friends from overseas visiting, I always make it a point to take them to our vibrant food centres, where they can be fully immersed in the sights and sounds of our local culture.

Singapore boasts a total of 118 hawker centres (!) and everyone has a preferred food spot. It’s challenging to determine the absolute best, but I’ve curated a food guide featuring the 16 best affordable hawker centres in Singapore for delicious local fare ; based on my own personal makan adventures and opinions.

Do note that this is entirely subjective, and your favourite place may not be included. Please don’t be offended if it’s not listed!

1. Old Airport Road Food Centre

When it comes to getting recommendations for hawker centres in Singapore, Old Airport Road Food Centre is often at the top of the list. Built in 1972, this iconic food centre has stood the test of time and continues to be a favourite among locals and visitors alike. With approximately 168 food stalls, it offers an extensive range of culinary delights to satisfy every palate.

For satisfying roast pork or char siew , drop by Roast Paradise (#01-121) and pair it with my favourite Hakka Noodle. Xin Mei Xiang Zheng Zong Lor Mee (#01-116) and Xiang Ji Lor Mee (#01-81) each have their loyal following of supporters for their great bowls of Lor Mee .

Visit Shi Nian (#01-63) for palatable plates of Pig Trotter Rice. If you’re in the mood for something unique, Cho Kee Noodle (#01-04) is the place to be, with their handmade noodles available in a range of varieties including whole grain, beetroot, and spinach. Don’t miss out on their must-try Fried Wanton Noodle!

51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051 Daily: 6am – 10.30pm

2. Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre

Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre is known to be one of Singapore’s largest hawker centres in Singapore with over 260 food stalls available. Visit Mum Daughter Kitchen (#02-159) for scrumptious plates of nasi padang with freshly-cooked dishes.

For aromatic Nasi Rendang Daging with Bamboo, visit Bamboo Nasi Rendang (#02-154) which steams the rice with meat wrapped in phrynium pubinerve in bamboo for 3 hours; resulting in a fragrant dish.

Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice (#02-198/199) sells clay pot rice that’s cooked from scratch over charcoal! Order the Mixed Rice which has a little of everything including lup cheong , salted fish and chicken chunks.

Shang Hai Fried Xiao Long Bao (#02-104) serves freshly-made Original  Sheng Jian Bao stuffed with pork or prawn. Maria Virgin Chicken 瑪莉亞處女雞 (#02-189) is known to dish out succulent soya sauce chicken and to be the mentor of renowned Hawker Chan . My favourite side dish here is the Signature Braised Beancurd.

If you’re feeling stuffed with food, you can visit SohGood Bak Chang (#02-209) and take home some good quality Cantonese rice dumplings .

46 Smith Street, Singapore 058956 Daily: 8am – 9pm Facebook | Instagram

3. ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre

Strategically nestled between the neighbourhoods of Alexandra and Bukit Merah, ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre is a stone’s throw away from IKEA and Queensway Shopping Centre . It was built in 1974 and is considered to be one of the oldest hawker centres in Singapore.

For those in search of huge portions of Western cuisine priced below S$10, Wow Wow West (#01-133) has options like Pork Chop and Fish & Chips. Michelin Bib Gourmand stall, Ah Er Herbal Soup (#01-141), sells bowls of nutritious soup and you can pair it with tasty pumpkin rice.

When it comes to delectable desserts, Jin Jin Dessert (#01-21) is a true paradise. The stall boasts an impressive selection of 44 hot and cold desserts! You absolutely must try their Power Chendol (my favourite) with the gooiest gula melaka around and Ice Jelly Soursop for a refreshing dessert. Yum.

There’s also Hua Shun Bak Kut Teh (#01-117) for bowls of flavourful and peppery rich bak kut teh  and pig’s organ soup. My personal recommendation is Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle (#01-102) which has yummy soy sauce chicken and tantalising noodles.

6 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 150006 Mon to Sat: 8am – 11pm Sun: 8am – 12am Instagram

4. Geylang Bahru Market and Food Centre

After a swimming session at Kallang Basin Swimming Complex, my buddy introduced me to Geylang Bahru Market and Food Centre . Ever since that visit, I’ve become a loyal fan of this place, captivated by its diverse range of delectable offerings.

Ding Xiang Mei Shi (鼎香美食) (#01-32) is owned by a native Chinese couple. Their specialty lies in homemade Xiao Long Bao and a variety of dumplings crafted right before your eyes. Get the Red Oil  Chao Shou which is doused in a chilli oil and vinegar mixture, topped generously with spring onions and coriander.

I’m so glad that Hui Wei Chilli Ban Mian (#01-58) was newly-added to the 2023 Michelin Bib Gourmand list . I’ve been a fan of their Signature Chilli  Ban Mian , even if it makes me sweat profusely and sets my tongue on fire. Oikos Western Delight (#01-66) serves up old-school Western dishes such as Chicken Cutlet and Spring Chicken.

Visit Mei Ji Fishball Noodles (#01-70) for shiok bowls of Fishball Noodles, and Victory Hainanese Curry Rice (#01-40) for a plate of economical curry rice with generous servings, and tasty ingredients.

When you’re on a mission to quench your thirst, search for Fruit & Juice House (#01-34) and order the Pink Guava and Pineapple Mixed Juice (my personal go-to) for a refreshing taste of summer.

69 Geylang Bahru, Singapore 330069 Mon to Sat: 6am – 11.45pm Sun: 7am – 11.45pm

5. Ghim Moh Road Market & Food Centre

Ghim Moh Road Market & Food Centre is situated within the matured estate of Ghim Moh. While it may not be the most conveniently-located hawker centre, a leisurely 15 to 20- minute walk from Buona Vista MRT station will bring you to this culinary gem.

Among the 72 stalls, there’s one standout destination worth exploring— 63 Laksa (#01-20). This hidden gem serves affordable bowls of laksa for just S$2.80, prepared using a cherished family recipe passed down from the owner’s grandfather since the 1960s. For a delightful combination, don’t miss out on their scrumptious Mackerel Otah .

Indulge in one of my personal favourites; Old Teochew 老潮州 (#01-18) which sells mouth-watering plates of mee siam and satay bee hoon (except on Thursdays).

For an authentic taste of Thai cuisine, head over to Yuan Authentic Thai Stewed Beef Noodle (#01-32). This eatery, owned by a native Chiang Rai lady, serves up heartwarming bowls of Thai Beef Combination Noodle that’s perfect for slurping. Don’t forget to give their refreshing Century Egg Salad a shot, too.

For perfectly-charred and crispy white carrot cake , join the queue at Ghim Moh Carrot Cake (#01-16); trust me, the wait will be worth it.

20 Ghim Moh Road, Singapore 270020 Daily: 10am – 10pm

6. Hong Lim Market & Food Centre

Located in the heart of Singapore’s bustling Chinatown lies Hong Lim Market & Food Centre , a well-known culinary destination famous for its assortment of local food. This 2-storey hawker centre contains loads of stalls like the ever-popular Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee (#02-17), which sells its plates of char kway teow from S$4.50 onwards.

Michelin-recommended Ji Ji Noodle House (#02-48/49/50) serves up delicious bowls of wanton noodles that don’t disappoint. Another Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee awaits at Tai Wah Pork Noodle (#02-16), where you’ll find plates of bak chor mee that are worth the long queues.

Heng Kee Curry Chicken Noodle (#01-58) recently also made it to the 2023 Michelin Bib Gourmand list, and serves traditional bowls of curry chicken noodles.

During lunchtime, Tang Kay Kee Fish Head Bee Hoon (#01-70) does tze char bowls with options like Har Cheong Gai Rice Bowl while at dinner, it switches things up to more classic offerings like Salted Fish Fried Rice and Stir Fry Dry Beef Hor Fun .

531A Upper Cross Street, Singapore 051531 Open 24 hours

7. Tampines Round Market & Food Centre

Since its establishment in 1983, Tampines Round Market & Food Centre , accompanied by its neighbouring shophouses, has become an iconic landmark in Tampines .

It stands as a vibrant social and commercial hub, deeply ingrained in the lives of local residents. This popular food spot is also big and airy like an open courtyard with big fans on the ceiling.

Yummy Sarawak Kolo Mee (#01-45) stands out as one of the most sought-after stalls in this food centre, consistently attracting a lengthy queue of eager customers. While renowned for its Sarawak Sibu QQ Spaghetti, their Spare Ribs Chicken Feet Noodle also garners high praise for its exceptional quality.

Xing Ji (#01-35) is another beloved stall that commands a loyal following which sells Wanton Noodle, Shredded Chicken Noodle and Dumpling Soup.

Xin Xing Carrot Cake (#01-44) dishes out plates of soft and fluffy Carrot Cake with an option of adding prawns. For thosai enthusiasts, a visit to Rajarani Thosai (#01-33) is a must. Indulge in their mouthwatering varieties, such as Masala and Butter Egg Onion.

137 Tampines Street 11, Singapore 522137 Daily: 6.30am – 3pm

8. Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre

The charming and quaint neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru is not only known for their cafes and restaurants, but also Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre . Have some silky-soft rice cakes topped with savoury cai poh  at Jian Bo Shui Kueh (#02-05) for breakfast to start your day.

Enjoy the coconutty fragrance of blue pea Nasi Lemak at The CoCo Rice (#02-58) with a variety of different sets like a fried chicken whole leg or sambal prawn with sambal petai .

Savour an aromatic plate of Chicken Rice with tender and juicy meat at Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (#02-82) or go for Tow Kwar Pop (#02-06), a 54-year-old Michelin-recommended charcoal grilled rojak stall in Tiong Bahru Market.

A list of upcoming & reopened hawker centres for 2023

For a rich and lemak treat, get the Lontong at Ali Corner (#02-17) or if you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of soup, make your way to Koh Brother Pig’s Organ Soup (#02-29). Their clean-tasting broth, filled with tender pig’s organs, will warm your soul.

30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898 Daily: 7am – 10pm Facebook | Instagram

9. Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre

When you step into Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre , the air is filled with the aroma of delicious dishes as you explore the diverse stalls. Positioned in the vibrant Clementi heartlands, just behind Clementi Mall, this hawker centre boasts selected stalls that consistently draw long queues.

One of them is Boon Kee Wanton Mee (#01-40) which sells Wanton Noodles and Dumpling Noodles with the option to add on Fried Wanton . Soon Lee Porridge (#01-50) gives customers the option to choose between Pork, Chicken or Fish Porridge, and the taste is known to be consistent throughout all these years (something I really appreciate).

Chai Ho Satay (#01-10) offers Chicken and Pork Satay accompanied by a rich and tasty peanut sauce. At Song Fish Soup (#01-38), indulge in their expertly-prepared Fried Fish Bee Hoon , boasting tender fish and a flavourful milky broth.

Lastly, Fried Carrot Cake (#01-45) serves up delectable black or white chai tow kway plates that you simply can’t miss.

448 Clementi Avenue 3, Singapore 120448 Daily: 7am – 9pm

10. Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre

Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. It houses some of the best Malay food you can find out of all the hawker centres in Singapore. Otak-Otak Kampung (#02-165) grills batch after batch of old-school Otak Otak made with fresh fish chunks.

For aromatic plates of nasi briyani bursting with flavour, Geylang Briyani Stall (#02-146) offers fall-off-the-bone tender mutton or chicken to go along with it. For a delicious Indian Rojak featuring an assortment of scrumptious ingredients, search for Rojak & Mee Siam (#02-126).

Make sure to leave room in your tummy for an ice-cold bowl of Cendol priced at just S$2 from Cendol Geylang Serai (#02-107). You can also pack home a variety of sweet snacks like Kueh Salat from Kueh Talam Asli (#02-148) to share with your loved ones.

1 Geylang Serai, Singapore 402001 Mon to Fri: 6am – 9pm Sat & Sun: 6am – 10pm

11. Changi Village Hawker Centre

Situated at the eastern end of Singapore, Changi Village Hawker Centre has garnered an iconic status and remains a favourite among early risers and supper junkies.

Notably, Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak (#01-26) and International Muslim Food Stall Nasi Lemak (#01-03) have secured their positions as 2 of the most renowned hawker stalls in the area, thanks to their tantalising array of Nasi Lemak Sets.

Indulge in sinful and crispy delights at Million Star Fried Banana (#01-49), where you can savour a variety of delectable snacks such as Fried Tapioca, Fried Sweet Potato, and Fried Banana. For a mouthwatering experience, make sure to try the irresistible plates of Chicken Chop Hor Fun and Wanton Noodle at Weng Kee Ipoh Hor Fun (#01-19).

For a hearty plate of nasi padang , Hjh Salbiah (#01-04) serves up mean plates of Nasi Sambal Goreng and Nasi Ambeng . For a taste of nostalgia, Hassan Stall (#01-29) sells old-school kampung -style Mee Rebus and Laksa .

2 Changi Village Road, Singapore 500002 Mon to Fri: 6am – 2am Sat & Sun: Open 24 hours

12. Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre

Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre reigns as the ultimate supper spot in the East. Renowned for its diverse selection of barbecued delicacies like satay, chicken wings, and stingray, this hawker centre is a local favourite.

However, its fame doesn’t stop there. Bedok 85 is the epicentre of the renowned bak chor mee rivalry, Xing Ji Rou Cuo Mian (#01-07) and Seng Hiang Bak Chor Mee (#01-08) located side by side, attracting crowds from across Singapore.

There’s also Shi Wei Da (#01-41) which serves shiok plates of satay bee hoon . Pavin and I found the best Dry Laksa in the whole of Singapore at Omage Foods (#01-69) but they only operate till 2pm (do take note).

Treat your taste buds to yummy Hotplate BBQ Stingray and other seafood dishes at Chomp Chomp BBQ (#01-44) or have a bowl of piping hot porridge from  Chai Chee Pork Porridge (#01-23 & #01-64).

85 Bedok North Street 4, Singapore 460085 Mon to Sat: 7am – 2am Sun: 7am – 12am

13. Toa Payoh West Market & Food Centre

Although Toa Payoh West Market & Food Centre is technically located in Toa Payoh, it’s located within closer promixity to Braddell MRT. The wet market is located below but as you ascend to the 2nd floor, you’ll discover a lively food haven where a multitude of flavours and aromas await.

For the best experience, I recommend visiting during breakfast and the early lunch period, as most stalls tend to close by mid-afternoon.

Forget about boring chee cheong fun filled with char siew or prawns; Grandpa Homemade Cheung Fun (#02-22) churns out stone-milled mixtures with interesting colours made from spinach and purple dragon fruit. Discover interesting combinations like Egg + Vegetables or Corn + Sausage. You’ll not regret!

If you’re on the hunt for one of the best white carrot cakes in Singapore, Chey Sua Carrot Cake (#02-30) is a must-visit. It boasts a slightly starchy texture reminiscent of crispy orh luak (oyster omelette).

Delicious treats don’t always have to be visually flawless. Ugli Muffins (#02-34) embraces imperfection with pride. It has over 50 years of history and features irregular-shaped muffins in flavours like Banana Walnut and Cranberry.

If you’re craving delectable buns, Teochew Handmade Pau (#02-02) has an array of sweet and savoury options like Small Kong Bak Pau and Big Chicken Pau . Each bite unveils the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into creating these mouth-watering treats.

127 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310127 Daily: 6am – 4pm

14. Haig Road Market & Food Centre

If you’re shopping at PLQ Mall or KINEX, clock some steps and make your way to Haig Road Market & Food Centre , where an enticing array of 72 hawker stalls eagerly await your arrival.

If you’re there at 11am, keep an eye out for Chef Chik (#01-36), led by an esteemed ex-executive chef from Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. This exceptional stall, known for its restaurant-standard zi char dishes such as Steamed Threadfin Belly and Chef Chik’s Garlic Chee Cheong Fun With Prawn, closes promptly at 3.30pm.

Another stall worth mentioning is Muslim-owned establishment, Sinar Harapan (#01-12), which has been around for the past 46 years. It serves shiok Lontong, Lontong Kering as well as Nasi Ambeng .

Visit Lim Yu Mei (林玉梅) Sarawak Laksa & Kolo Mee (#01-33) which serves Laksa Sarawak and Sarawak Kolo Mee with original, black, or red sauce options.

If you have a penchant for mee rebus , Afandi Hawa & Family Mee Rebus (#01-21) does a pretty good job at only S$3.50 a bowl.

14 Haig Road, Singapore 430014 Daily: 6am – 10pm

15. Hougang Hainanese Village Centre

The vibrant neighbourhood of Lorong Ah Soo houses Hougang Hainanese Village Centre . As you take the escalator to the 2nd level, you’ll be welcomed by an impressive array of approximately 51 food stalls, each showcasing a wonderful selection of local favourites.

If you’re craving for a good bowl of noodles, Punggol Noodles (#02-24) offers delicious Bak Chor Mee and Kway Teow Soup. 明发鸭饭  Ming Fa Duck Rice (#02-01) is a popular stall serving lip-smacking braised duck and pork belly, and they’re usually sold out by early lunchtime.

Prepare to join the lengthy queues that often form at Lorong Ah Soo Lor Mee (#02-51), as this stall has gained quite a notorious reputation. Their specialty is Lor Mee , a unique twist on the traditional dish featuring shredded duck meat instead of the more commonly-used mackerel fish.

For a taste of Hokkien Prawn Mee and Char Kway Teow cooked to perfection, head over to Quan Ji Cooked Food (#02-37) where these two classic dishes are expertly prepared with finesse.

105 Hougang Avenue 1, Singapore 530105 Daily: 6am – 6pm

16. Golden Mile Food Centre

Affectionately known as the ‘Beach Road Army Market’ among those serving NS, Golden Mile Food Centre located along Beach Road offers a unique experience. This bustling food centre features 2 levels of food stalls, with the top floor doubling up as a marketplace selling an assortment of military-themed goods and knick-knacks.

86 Lor Mee (#01-86) offers loaded bowls of Signature Lor Mee served with fried chicken cutlet, ebi prawns, fried fish fillets, wanton skins and ngoh hiang . Next-door neighbour, 吃了吗 (Chi Le Ma) (#01-87) offers value-for-money steamed fish sets which is a must-visit.

Savour the exceptional wok hei and pork-free goodness at 91 Fried Kway Teow Mee (#01-91). Indulge in their flavourful char kway teow , expertly prepared with a delightful combination of leafy greens, cockles, egg, bean sprouts, crispy deep-fried ikan bilis , and succulent prawns.

End your meal at 75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup (#01-75) with their handcrafted tang yuan filled with delightful fillings like peanut and green tea.

505 Beach Road, Singapore 199583 Thu to Tue: 11am – 8pm Wed: 12pm – 8pm

List of markets & hawker centres scheduled for spring cleaning in June 2023

Written By Aaron Tan

Ex Chef who loves to makan. Music, sports and UV rays fuel me! Nicknamed vampire as I don't seem to look like my age at all.

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Preparing home-cooked chilly crab for dinner © SamuelBrownNG / Getty Images

With their plethora of choices and chaotic pace, Singapore ’s hawker centres can seem daunting at first. But with a bit of savvy, you can navigate the city’s famous fast-food palaces like a pro. Here’s a quick guide to the dishes and the best places to have a tasty meal.

Before you head to the closest hawker stall, make sure to chope (save) yourself a seat by placing a tiny packet of tissues either on the table or on the seat itself. You’ll often find some of Singapore’s less privileged selling packets at the entrance, or you can pick some up at the closest 7Eleven store – the wet ones are the best for wiping your hands post-meal. Once choped , make note of the table number as you’ll need to quote this if the food stall of your choice delivers; if you spot a ‘self service’ sign, you’ll need to wait patiently for your food. Take cash, ideally small notes.

Once you’ve satisfied your hunger, pack your dishes and deposit them at the tray return area. If your stash of tissues hasn’t cut it, head for the toilets – most centres have large hand-washing areas where you can clean up.

What to eat

Hawker centres are the epitome of Singapore’s melting-pot culture. At all centres, you can expect to find dishes from the island’s main ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, Indian and Indonesian, with a handful of Western, Japanese and Korean stalls (to name a few) thrown into the mix. The best stalls often have long lines but don’t let that deter you; dishes are usually whipped up pretty fast and the wait is rarely longer than 30 minutes.

Crab: Chilli crab is arguably Singapore’s most famous dish. It’s typically served in a slightly spicy, sweet-and-sour tomato-based sauce, but if you’re looking to try something more adventurous, order a white- or black-pepper crab. A 1kg crab will feed two people; don’t forget to order some mantous (steamed or deep-fried buns), which are perfect for mopping up the leftover sauce.

Chicken rice: This somewhat simple-looking dish of chicken served on a bed of fragrant rice with chilli and ginger paste was deemed worthy of a shiny Michelin star in 2016. Head to Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle in the Chinatown Complex to try the Michelin-starred dish for yourself, but be prepared for a substantial wait. The chicken is either served ‘white’ (poached) or ‘black’ (roasted or braised in soy sauce). Don’t be surprised if your chicken is cold; it’s been chilled in ice to ensure maximum succulence.

Kaya toast: This is the breakfast of the nation. Grilled slices of white bread are filled with a pat of salty butter and smear of sweet kaya (coconut jam), and are usually ordered as part of a ‘breakfast set’ that includes two soft-boiled eggs and a cup of traditional kopi (coffee). To eat, crack the eggs into the bowl, add a dash of soy sauce and white pepper, then mix and dip the kaya toast into it. It’s typically available from the drink stalls which also hawk soft drinks, juices and beer.

Char kway teow: The cooking of the flat, wide rice noodles in this dish takes some serious skill to perfect; if handled poorly, it has a tendency to mush into one giant sticky mess. The noodles take on a charred flavour from the wok, which is enhanced by sweet dark soy sauce. Additional ingredients typically include egg, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, clams and spring onions.

Satay: Holy smokes, you won’t want to miss scoffing down some perfectly charred satay hot off the grill! A minimum order of 10 sticks is common and many stalls let your mix and match your meats, which include chicken, beef, mutton and prawn. Marinated for hours, the succulent meats practically melt into your mouth, and with the addition of the moreish crunchy peanut dipping sauce it’s hard to stop at just 10 sticks.

Hokkien mee: This is one of Singapore’s most loved aromatic noodle dishes. You’ll find bean sprouts, eggs, pieces of squid and juicy prawns hidden amongst your plate of wriggly yellow egg and white-rice noodles. The side of chillis and calamansi (citrus fruit) mean you can add as much spice or sourness as you like.

Nasi lemak: Infused with coconut milk and pandan leaves, the creamy rice is the standout star of this dish. Served with a plethora of sides including – but not limited to –  sambal (chilli paste), bilis (fried anchovies), fried egg and sliced cucumber. Complete your meal with deep-fried fish or chicken wings, otah (grilled fish cake) or some rendang curry; it’s like your own personal buffet on a plate that tastes oh-so-good.

Sambal stingray : Slathered with sambal  and barbecued in a banana leaf, the fleshy stingray wings are the perfect blend of smokey meat and crispy skin. Add some cincalok (condiment of fermented shrimps, chillis, shallots and lime juice) and a squeeze of calamansi  for the full taste experience that has Singaporeans raving. Be warned: most locals like their sambal spicy!

Roti prata: These fluffy, fried South Indian flatbreads may be responsible for many a bulging waistline, but they’re so worth every calorie. Served with a dish of spicy curry sauce, they come in many different flavours, the most popular being plain – egg and cheese. Those wanting to indulge their sweet tooth should opt for the banana and chocolate flavour. Make sure to get ones hot off the grill for maximum crunch.

Rojak: Possibly the closest thing you’ll find resembling a salad in Singapore, this crunchy, sweet and spicy dish is a messy mix of vegetable, fruit and dough fritter pieces lathered in a dark prawn paste, tamarind and chilli sauce. Completed with a topping of crushed peanut pieces, this sticky hodgepodge really does taste much better than it looks.

Carrot cake: Forget the sweet carrot cake you’re probably used to, as this dish is neither a cake nor contains carrot. Instead, it’s made by stir-frying pieces of steamed ‘radish cake’ (white radish and rice flour) in a wok with garlic, eggs, preserved radish and seasonings. There are two versions, black and white; the former is sweeter as it’s cooked with the addition of sweet dark soy sauce.

Where to go

Hawker centres are found all over the island; however, here are a few of the best places to get you started on your gastronomic adventure: Chinatown Complex , Lau Pa Sat , Maxwell Food Centre , Newton Food Centre , East Coast Lagoon Food Village and Gluttons Bay .

https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/categories/singapore

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4 best hawker centers in Singapore—and what to eat there

Top chefs and food writers share their fave spots, traveler tips, and more.

Eating well in this city doesn’t mean emptying your pockets. A tiny island big on food, Singapore has over 110 hawker centers that will serve up a hearty meal for only US$5 (or less). Buzzing with sizzling grills, steaming pots, and heady spices, these open-air food courts are the soul of Singapore’s storied food traditions. The halls of any hawker center hold a spellbinding array of dishes across cultures, from Hainanese chicken rice to nasi lemak (coconut rice) and roti prata (Indian flatbread). The world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal was also once found right here—in the humble hawker center.

If a couple of days in Singapore is all you’ve got, narrowing the hawker picks down can feel overwhelming. To help you out, we got four passionate locals—chefs and food writers, no less—to share their most-loved hawker centers, must-try stalls, and top tips. Whether you’re craving breakfast or supper (eating is an all-day affair!), there’s nowhere better to get the best of local food.

💡 Keen on exploring a few hawker centers at one go? Eat your way around town with a guide .

Chinatown complex food centre, recommended by damian d’silva, founder of rempapa —a restaurant known for heritage cooking.

Hawker centers in Singapore were created to house street vendors under one convenient roof. These roadside cooks used to line the tarmac with their mobile kitchens, serving comfort food for migrant laborers, merchants, and clerks back in the day.

Built in 1981, Chinatown Complex Food Centre is Singapore’s largest hawker center with more than 250 stalls. “There are a few second-generation hawkers here—some of their stalls used to operate along the streets right beside the building,” said Damian D’Silva. If you’re visiting the traveler-fave Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum , this lively spot is (literally) a stone's throw away.

D'Silva’s must-try stalls:

Hill Street Fried Kway Teow for char kway teow (stir-fried flat noodles), Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck and Kway Chap for kway chap (rice sheets served with braised pork cuts), Weng Kiang Kee Porridge for sliced pork porridge, Fatty Ox Hong Kong Kitchen for beef brisket noodles, Lin Da Qiang (林大强) for sweet-sour pork and their fish head dishes.

ABC Brickworks Food Centre

Recommended by pamelia chia, author of wet market to table & writer of the singapore noodles newsletter.

Opened in the 1970s, ABC Brickworks has long been a local favorite with around 100 stalls whipping up a generous variety of dishes. When exploring the Southern Ridges nature trail or gallery hopping at Gillman Barracks , a 10-minute car ride will whisk you here. “It may be a little out of the way, but there’s so much good food to choose from,” shared Pamelia Chia. “One stall I make a beeline for is Jason Penang Cuisine—their prawn noodles do not skimp on flavor.”

Chia’s must-try stalls:

Jin Jin Hot/Cold Desserts for chendol (a dessert made with jellies, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup), Fatty Cheong for barbecued meat, Jason Penang Cuisine for prawn noodles, ThunderBowl Lei Cha for thunder tea rice.

Tekka Centre

Recommended by vasunthara ramasamy, chef and founder of south indian private home dining experience cutlery optional.

Located in the colorful Little India neighborhood, Tekka Centre is a hawker center, wet market, and shopping arcade rolled into one. This is a great place if you’re on the lookout for halal food. Whenever she’s prepping for a feast, Tekka Centre is one of Vasunthara Ramasamy’s go-tos: “I feel alive in this hawker center—there is so much to take in culturally, and makes Singapore seem less of a concrete jungle.”

Vasunthara’s must-try stalls:

Generation Coffee for great Nanyang coffee; 545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles , Jaan West Coast for mee goreng (stir-fried yellow noodles) and white beehoon goreng (stir-fried rice noodles); Noor Asian Food for goreng pisang (fried banana fritters), jemput-jemput (fritters), and sardine curry puff.

Hong Lim Food Centre

Recommended by evelyn chen, food writer and editor who also runs private hawker tours.

It may be set in Chinatown , but Hong Lim Food Centre keeps a quintessentially local vibe as it’s surrounded by public housing flats. For food writer Evelyn Chen, this two-story haven is great for travelers on the hunt for street food. She may have dined at some of the fanciest spots, but hawker centers hold a special place in her heart: “There are fine-dining restaurants all over the world but not many cities have a hawker culture so deeply ingrained in the lives of the people.”

Chen’s must-try stalls:

Tai Wah Pork Noodle for bak chor mee (minced meat noodles), Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee for char kway teow (stir-fried flat noodles), and Qi Xiang Cha Shi (其祥茶室) for kaya (coconut jam) toast and kopi-o (black coffee).

Top 5 tips when visiting Singapore’s hawker centers

1. get a guide to whisk you to the best stalls.

“Navigating Singapore’s hawker scene is complicated unless you do your research properly or get a guide,” said Chen. There are lots of local pros who’ll bring you around the popular hawker centers in just a couple of hours. Besides rounding up the iconic dishes from different spots for travelers, guide Ching Meng Teng from Withlocals dived into the country's vivid cultures and its decades-long obsession with great food.

Popular hawker food tours

2. Customize dishes as you please

“You can make special requests when you order, like asking for less chili or more vinegar. The stall owner will happily make it for you,” shared Chia. If this feels daunting, go ahead and ask the person behind you in the queue to help you out—most Singaporeans will gladly oblige.

3. Come ready with tissues and wet wipes

“Be sure to bring a packet of tissue paper or an umbrella with you to ‘chope’ a table,” said Chen. To “chope” means to reserve a spot at the hawker center—trust that no one else will snatch your seat away. Vasunthara added, “Always bring wet wipes, so you can clean the seats.”

4. Check the timings of your favorite stalls

Vasunthara’s tip: “A hawker center changes from day to night—do your research, plan your time and stomach, and visit when it’s not as crowded.” This could mean heading down during the lull between breakfast and lunch (around 11 a.m.). Leave time to queue for highly-rated dishes. Stalls tend to close when the food sells out.

5. Order a few dishes and share

“Don’t just order one dish. Go with two or three others and share a few dishes among yourselves,” said D’Silva. You can also order a bigger portion, so there’s more to go around. Communal dining is very Singaporean, so you’ll be in good company.

Should you have some time to spare, try taking a short walk beyond the hawker center. You may uncover bustling wet markets, unique sundry stores, or old-school public housing flats—glimpses of everyday living in Singapore that many travelers have yet to discover.

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12 Best Hawker Centres In Singapore, And Their Popular Food Stalls

A big congratulations to all our hawkers as “Hawker culture” in Singapore has officially been added to the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

We won’t have done it without the hawkers who sacrificed much, and we are so proud of them.

As what hawker Melvin Chew pointed out, “This news is the biggest and will be the biggest birthday present for my life! People asking me what does this Unesco mean to me? I tell them it’s like an actor or actress winning the Golden Horse or Oscar award! Its a prestigious award to the hawkers.”

Other than the fact that they found a unique part of Singapore’s culture, hawker centres hold a special place in our hearts… those childhood memories, meals with families and friends, and delicious local food that just reminds us of home.

Here are some of the 12 must-visit food centres in Singapore (I know there are many more). With each, I also picked 3 representative stalls you can consider heading to as a point of reference: (Don’t ‘scold’ me for leaving some out, as they are indeed too many gems to choose from)

If you want to read more, other hawker guides I have previously written are as follows: ABC Brickworks Food Centre Food Guide Adam Road Food Centre Food Guide Albert Food Centre Food Guide Alexandra Village Food Centre Food Guide Amoy Street Food Centre Food Guide Beauty World Food Centre Food Guide Bedok 85 (Fengshan Food Centre) Food Guide Bedok Interchange Food Centre Food Guide Beo Crescent Food Centre Food Guide Berseh Food Centre Food Guide Bukit Timah Food Centre Food Guide Chinatown Complex Food Centre Food Guide Chomp Chomp Food Centre Food Guide Commonwealth Crescent Food Centre Food Guide Clementi 448 Food Centre Food Guide Empress Road Food Centre Food Guide Golden Mile Food Centre Food Guide Ghim Moh Food Centre Food Guide Hong Lim Food Centre Food Guide Market Street Hawker Centre Food Guide Marine Parade Food Centre Food Guide Maxwell Food Centre Food Guide Old Airport Road Food Centre Food Guide 10 Pek Kio Food Centre Food Guide Redhill Food Centre Food Guide Serangoon Garden Food Centre Food Guide Tanjong Pagar Food Centre Food Guide Toa Payoh West Food Centre (Lor 1) Food Guide Whampoa Food Centre Food Guide Zion Riverside Food Centre Food Guide

Tiong Bahru Food Centre Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre has been one of Singapore’s favourites, and in fact the the first modern market to be built in a housing area in 1955.

Several well-known food items have in fact been synonymous with the name “Tiong Bahru”, from chwee kueh, pao, porridge to roast pork.

Stalls to queue for: – Jian Bo Chwee Kueh . Many Singaporeans would agree that Jian Bo offers one of the best chwee kueh around, a simple dish of smooth and soft steamed rice cake topped with oily preserved radish. – Zhong Yu Yuan Wei Wanton Noodles which isfamous of their ‘bu jian tian’ char siew, literally roast pork that doesn’t see the sky – that’s why the pieces are tender. – Hui Ji Fishball Noodles and Yong Tau Foo. Not a widely publicized shop, but its queue in the morning easily beats many of the other popular stalls. Two words – the sauce.

Maxwell Food Centre Maxwell Food Centre is one of those food centres that both tourists and Singapore locals go to.

I say this because some food spots get overly touristy and commercialized, but Maxwell is a convenient go-to for affordable credible Singapore food throughout the day till supper.

Many people venture to Maxwell for Tian Tian Chicken Rice, so much so that there are so many Chicken Rice stalls that sprouted out over the years, all spotted similar-looking medium blue sign boards.

But there is more to the food centre than that. China Street Fritters, Lao Ban Beancurd, Hoe Kee Congee, Lim Kee Banana Fritters, Fried Sweet Potato Dumplings are some of the regular favourites, many stalls have been there long before the multiple renovations.

Stalls to queue for: – Tian Tian Chicken Rice is probably one of Singapore’s most famous chicken rice stall. It’s winning formula to me has to be its rice – warm, fluffy, fragrant, good enough to just eat it with the chilli sauce. – Jin Hua Sliced Fish Bee Hoon stall prepares Cantonese style fish head bee hoon soup, and its selling point is in its hot piping milk fish broth. – Hum Jin Pang. What? $1 for 6 pieces of Hum Chin Pang (or peng )… but you have to fry the dough pieces yourself. These sweet dough are kneaded on the spot, deep fried in very hot oil, sugar coated and served in a bag of 6

Old Airport Food Centre Old Airport Road Food Centre was voted the champion after radion station 96.3 HAO FM started a search for Singapore’s Best Hawker Centre, with it getting twice as many votes as its nearest competitor.

The food centre located near Dakota MRT Station with over 40 years of history was built in 1972, then to settle street hawkers around Kallang Estate area.

With 168 food stalls, it is considered one of Singapore’s largest, and also houses many famous stalls. There is also a second storey which has 136 retail shops.

Stalls to queue for: – Xin Mei Xiang Zheng Zong Lor Mee 新美香卤面 for its flavourful “Food King Good” Lor Mee with gooey thick sauce. – Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wanton Mee 華記后港祖傳馳名雲吞麵 with noodles that come with an interesting gravy sauce, which leans more on the sweet side and goes well with the spicy-smoky chili sambal to balance off the sweetness. – Roast Paradise 烧味天堂 for thick, fatty, charred, KL style Char Siew with a tinge of sweet-stickiness on the outside.

Chinatown Complex Food Centre Chinatown Complex Food Centre located at Block 335 Smith Street is the largest hawker centre in Singapore with over 260 food stalls, also boosting the world’s first Michelin hawker stall.

Come here during lunch time, and you would find an interesting mix of the local elderly, office executive and curious tourists.

The food centre which has closed for renovations from March, has reopened 1st June. The renovation is reported to cost about $2.5 million for the upgrading of the building that is more than 35 years old.

Stalls to queue for: – Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle 香港油雞飯麵 , the world-famous stall known for serving the cheapest Michelin-starred meal in the world. – Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao 中国拉面小笼包 offers great value for your money with delicious handmade Xiao Long Bao, Szechuan Spicy Wanton, and hand-pulled noodles. – Lian He Ben Ji Claypot 联合本记砂煲饭 located at the corner of Chinatown Complex Food Centre is one of the most popular claypot rice stalls in Singapore.

Hong Lim Food Centre “Hong Lim” has well, been quite known for its speakers’ corner, but one mustn’t forget that the two storey food centre is a gathering of some of the best street food available in Singapore.

Many stalls at Hong Lim Food Centre continue to enjoy long queues.

Some of which are Heng Kee Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee, High Street Tai Wah Pork Noodles, Ah Kow Mushroom Minced Pork Mee, Teo Heng Porridge Stall, Hwee Kee Kway Chap, Hong Xing Handmade Fishball, Hiong Kee Rice Dumplings, and The Old Stall Hokkien Prawn Mee.

Either their original bosses or children are holding the fort, so we have the assurance that these local delicacies are still in same hands, at least for a good number of years.

Stalls to queue for: – Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee 欧南园炒粿條面 which is fried rice noodles almost evenly covered with moist egg, smoking hot when served, still with some of those addictive crispy pork lard. – Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist has been around since 1965, and it really propelled into fame when it won the “Favourite Hawker” in the wanton noodles category by a huge margin, beating all the usual suspects. – Ah Heng Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee with chopped Hainanese chicken swimming in a bowl of coconut-ty and tasty gravy.

Amoy Street Food Centre Amoy Street Food Centre Hawker Guide is one of my favourite hawker centres in Singapore for the sheer quality and quality.

It is located in the central business district continues to offer quality hawker fare at very affordable prices.

Located just a few minutes’ walk away from Telok Ayer and Tanjong Pagar MRT stations, the place is very crowded during lunchtime when office workers head down in droves for lunch, although that is also the only time most of the stalls are open.

It also boasts a wide range of stalls with both foods from older generations to newer, more modern stalls selling all kinds of food items from age old favourites like char kway teow to more ‘modern’ foods like ramen and muffins.

Stalls to queue for: – A Noodle Story . Famous Singapore style “ramen” with Japanese style charshu, soy-flavoured braised egg, Hong Kong style wantons, potato wrapper prawn fritter for that crunch. – Han Kee Fish Soup must be the stall with the longest queue at Amoy Food Centre at lunch hour, and can go up to 1 hour during peak periods. – Ah Ter Teochew Fishball Noodles offers noodles which are light and springy and go well with the spicy, tad oily sauce base.

Golden Mile Food Centre (Undergoing renovation) Golden Mile Food Centre used to be where I go to after “settling stuff” at the Army Market upstairs – the place of relief for many army boys and NSMen. Buy in-camp things then go downstairs eat.

The food centre which was opened since 1975, has a good mix of stalls both upstairs and downstairs. Most of the Halal stalls are located downstairs.

There are many famous and worthy stalls here, such as Ah Xiao Teochew Braised Duck, Golden Mile Special Yong Tau Foo, Charlie’s Peranakan Food, Mr Baguette, Zhao An Granny Grass Jelly, Haji Kadir Food Chains (for Tulang and Roti John), and Koothurar Nasi Biryani.

Stalls to queue for: – 91 Fried Kway Teow Mee 91翠绿炒粿條面 known for its healthier version of Char Kway Teow – no pork, no lard, added with toppings of chye sim . – Yew Chuan Claypot Rice for fragrant rice which was topped with tender marinated chicken pieces, tasty Chinese sausages, fresh green vegetables and light traces of salted fish. – Wedang for Halal Malay food from Tahu Goreng, Mee or Bee Hoon Soto Ayam, to Nasi Ayam (chicken rice), all at $3.00 per plate or bowl.

ABC Brickworks Food Centre ABC Brickworks Food Centre is one of the first hawker centres to be built in Singapore in 1970, and is located at 6 Jalan Bukit Merah.

In terms of location, it is about a 10 minutes’ walk from IKEA, Queensway Shopping Centre, and there is another food centre Alexandra Village diagonally opposite.

The origin of its name is an interesting one, said to be named after “Archipelago Brewery Company”, the first commercial brewery in Singapore.

Stalls to queue for: – Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Mee for Michelin-recommended Fried Prawn Noodles which is flavourful and with wok-hei . – Ah Er Soup which sells many different soups at affordable prices including Buddha Jumps Over The Wall and the Herbal Ginseng Black Chicken Soup. – Fatty Cheong Roast serves some of the best Char Siew around in Singapore – nicely char, good balance of lean meat and fats, and melts in your mouth.

Ghim Moh Fod Centre To residents staying near the Holland, Buona Vista and Commonwealth Avenue West areas, Ghim Moh Food Centre with more than 70 food stalls should be one of your favourites.

Stalls to queue for: – Chuan Kee Boneless Braised Duck with braised duck coated in a dark and luscious sauce, topped over fluffy rice cooked in a Hokkien style of lor (sauce) thickened with a little starch. – Ghim Moh Chwee Kueh uses garlic and pork lard (instead of vegetable oil) which make their cai po (preserved radish) more fragrant. The radish is the chunkier-than-usual type, and this make the radish chewier in texture. – Jiu Jiang Shao La stands out amongst a swarm of hawker stalls at Ghim Moh Food Centre . Their roasted duck meat is exceptionally good and attracts a long queue at the stall.

Bedok 85 aka Fengshan Food Centre Located at 85 Bedok North Street 4, Fengshan Market & Food Centre is better known as “Bedok 85”.

The hawker centre is a go-to place for supper, bustling with Singaporeans from all walks of life as the stalls open till late.

Ask anyone where to find the best soup version of Bak Chor Mee, and many will say Bedok 85 Market.

Supper-goers typically travel for Xing Ji Rou Cuo Mian or Seng Hiang Bak Chor Mee, known for their soup version of the local Bak Chor Mee added with minced pork, meatballs and sliced chillies.

Whampoa Food Centre Whampoa Food Centre or Whampoa Makan Place has always been a dependable hawker centre for good food, and there are several stalls here that keep attracting lines.

There are also two sides here, Block 91 which is mainly catered to the morning crowd, while Block 90 has many stalls that open lunch or dinner onwards.

Stalls to queue for: – Beach Road Fish Head Bee Hoon comes in a flavourful fish stock that retains its original taste even with the addition of milk. – Mat Noh & Rose Authentic Ginger Fried Chicken Rice is for their authentic ginger fried chicken rice, along with other traditional Singaporean delights. You can also order a variety of sides to go with the food to make it a complete meal. – Best Lu Mian In Town with generous serving size of Lor Mee with ample amounts of pork, fried fish, and even some crisp chicken pieces.

Stalls to queue for: – Xing Ji Rou Cuo Mian with Minced Pork Noodle Soup which looked deceivingly light but was really flavoursome. – Seng Hiang Bak Chor Mee also stands out for its delectably divine, soupy bowl of Bak Chor Mee. – Shi Wei Da serving Satay Beehoon with sauce which was rich, unique and tasty.

Chomp Chomp Food Centre Chomp Chomp Food Centre at Serangoon Garden is popular as a supper place, good especially when you have occasional late-night cravings for Hokkien Mee, Satay and Chicken Wings.

So plan your visit as most of the stalls start their daily business from 5:30pm onwards.

Something to note is many stalls serve similar hawker food, such as Carrot Cake, Oyster Omelette, BBQ Chicken Wings, BBQ Seafood, and Hokkien Mee. They all can be categorised ‘heaty’, and so quench your thirst with one of the many Sugar Cane juice stalls.

For a first timer, it can be hard to gauge which are the more note-worthy stalls, especially when there are no visual cues such as a queue. Food is generally sent to your table, but do sit somewhere near where you order.

Stalls to queue for: – Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Mee 亚福炒福建虾面 for semi-wet Hokkien Fried Prawn Noodles fried up skilfully by an old uncle, easily one of the most popular and known stall at Chomp Chomp. – Chomp Chomp Satay for juicy satay available in pork, chicken, beef and mutton, served with pineapple peanut sauce. Order a ketupat too. – Ang Sa Lee Oyster Omelette. The oysters were plump and juicy, and its sour-spicy chilli deserve a mention.

Other Related Entries 10 Hainanese CHICKEN RICE In Singapore 10 Must-Try CHAR KWAY TEOW In Singapore 10 Best BAK CHOR MEE In Singapore 10 Best SATAY BEE HOON In Singapore 10 Famous SATAY Stalls In Singapore

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook , Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

9 new michelin-listed hawker stalls 2024 – from crowd-favourite han kee fish soup, jin hua bee hoon, to margaret drive sin kee chicken rice, delhi lahori – authentic indian-pakistani food with tasty naans at tekka centre, with michelin recommendation, jin hua fish head bee hoon – new michelin-recommended milky fried fish soup, at old airport and maxwell.

Ah, so China has a hawker culture to Singapore as well!

Not mentioning Golden Mile’s Hainan Hokkien Mee, Burg by Project Warung and the world class 75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup in the description is blasphemous. Plus The fish soup just voted top 10 best Hawker Stall by Singaporean in 2018, also didn’t mentioned.

How about west coast ayerrajah food centre? Always long q for chinese and indian rojak.

great article, I was very impressed about it, wish you would have stayed next share

Was at Hong Lim’s Ah Heng curry noodle about 2 months ago. Standard has dropped. Ditto for Ji Ji Wan Ton noodle. When was the last time you ate there?

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• The Best Hawker Food Centres...

The 10 Best Hawker Centres in Singapore

Singapore Travel Writer

Can’t decide where to start on your Singaporean food adventure? Here are our top 10 picks of hawker centres in the country to check out.

The best way to eat cheap, good food in Singapore is to visit one of its many hawker centres scattered around the island. These traditional open-air structures are pivotal to local life, each home to a diverse collection of street food stalls – where the majority of Singaporeans grab quick, delicious meals at a low cost. Here are 10 of the absolute best.

1. Old Airport Road Food Centre

Food Court, Street Food

2. Maxwell Food Centre

3. Chinatown Complex Food Centre

4. Tekka Centre

5. Tiong Bahru Food Centre

Market, Food Court, Street Food

6. Lau Pa Sat

Food Court, Market, Contemporary, Asian, European, American, Street Food

The historic Lau Pa Sat or ‘the old market’ in the middle of Singapore’s Central Business District is a tourist favourite hawker centre, both for its convenient location near the attractions in the downtown area, and its unique octagonal shape and wrought iron arches with its iconic clock tower in the center. The small road next to the food centre is blocked off at nights to allow for satay sellers to take over, recreating a once-famous Satay Street under the stars.

7. Changi Village Hawker Centre

Changi Village Hawker Centre is located in the far flung eastern end of Singapore, close to Changi Airport with a picturesque view of the coastline. Not the easiest place to get to, it still draws lots of locals, especially those looking for a good supper spot, the centre retains its old-school feel. Standout stalls include International Nasi Lemak, which serves up some of the best nasi lemak across the island and Ho Guan Satay Bee Hoon, which hosts a unique fusion of satay and rice noodles. There are also delights to be had at Weng Kee Ipoh Hor Fun.

8. Amoy Street Food Centre

9. Chomp Chomp Food Centre

10. ABC Brickworks Food Centre

Located along Jalan Bukit Merah in the western part of Singapore, the oddly named ABC Brickworks Food Centre was actually named to commemorate two things: the Archipelago Brewery Company – the first commercial brewery in Singapore – as well as the brickworks kilns that were located around this area. These days it is better known for good food – the traditional double boiled soups of Ah Er Soup attract seriously long queues, but don’t miss out on Fatty Cheong’s Char Siew Rice or the Malay Lontong at Nusa & Tara.

Hawker centres have long been part of Singapore’s social fabric and are a great way to experience local food culture. Now you’ve decided on a centre to visit, here’s a guide on how to spot a good stall within your hawker centre.

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7 Best Singapore Hawker Centres to Visit

When you visit Singapore, the last thing that you will have to worry about is food. Thanks to the nation’s melting pot history, Singapore’s foodie scene is second to none. You might even say that eating is the national pastime, and Singapore hawker centres are the national dining room.

UNESCO has added Singapore’s hawker culture to its List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, calling them “community dining rooms where people from diverse backgrounds gather and share the experience of dining over breakfast, lunch and dinner.” The list is impressive, with things like hurling in Ireland, traditional massage in Thailand, and sauna culture in Finland.

Singapore is not only made up of three traditional cultures (Chinese, Malay and Indian), it’s also home to immigrants and expats from all over the world. Malaysian, Indian and Chinese food are popular, but you can get every type of cuisine here, from traditional favorites to innovative dishes. So whether you’re a meat-lover or a vegan in Singapore, you’ll be a very happy traveller.

We’ve been to Singapore many times. Our best advice: skip the restaurants and eat at one of the city’s many hawker centres. Not only will you save money, you’ll enjoy some of the best street food Singapore has to offer.

Tip: Read our Penang food article for more on Malaysian flavors:

Singapore hawker centre FAQs

Before we give you the list, we should probably answer a few questions concerning hawker centres and what they’re all about. A lot of people don’t know anything about hawker culture in Singapore, so please bear with us.

What is a hawker centre?

A hawker centre is a building where you can find an assortment of hawker stands, which are street food stalls that sell foods and drinks. These are tables set up for patrons in the middle of the centre, just like at the food court at an airport or shopping mall.

Why are hawker centres so popular?

Hawker centers in Singapore are well loved for a few reasons. First of all, they are a great place for locals to get together with friends to chat and catch up. Hawker centres are like community dining rooms. Secondly, the prices are super affordable, which is a big deal in an expensive city like Singapore. Other reasons are that eating out is convenient, there’s a wide variety to choose from, and it’s a central part of Singapore’s heritage and culture.

How much is the typical meal at a Singapore hawker centre?

Most dishes at hawker centres are typically under $10 Singaporean dollars (about $7.50 USD).

Is Singapore the only country with hawker centres?

Nope. Hawker centres are common in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. There’s also an indoor hawker centre on the ground floor of Yaohan Megamart in Gadong, Brunei.

Save our Singapore hawker center guide for later!

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Where are the best hawker centres in Singapore?

Singapore has had hawkers since the island was first colonized. Today there are 114 markets and hawker centers, each one unique, and everyone has their favorite place to hang out.

Here’s a quick guide to a few of the most popular.

1. Maxwell Food Centre

If you happen to be in Singapore’s Chinatown district , the best place to go for local grub has to be the Maxwell Food Centre. The place has always been a popular hawker centre with both the locals and tourists, and houses some of Singapore’s best hawker stalls. There are over 100 stalls to choose from, and they offer all kinds of food for every meal of the day.

You can get all kinds of food here, but the highlight would be the Hainanese chicken rice from Tian Tian Chicken Rice. The stall is mostly known for being a Michelin Bib-Gourmand recipient, and for being the favorite of Gordon Ramsay and the late Anthony Bourdain. Another popular stall is Zhen Zhen Porridge stall, which offers a variety of wholesome Teochew-style porridge.

Although the hawker centre remains open ‘til nighttime, some of the stalls may close as early as 4 pm. Your best bet is to go in the morning for some breakfast or in the early afternoon for your lunch.

Like most of the hawker centres in the country, there will not be any air-conditioning in the dining hall. However, the place has tons of shade and is well ventilated, so you will not have to deal with eating in a stuffy environment.

• Address: 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184

2. Chinatown Complex Food Centre

A lack of food choices will never be an issue when you visit the Chinatown Complex Food Centre. With over 260 food stalls in just one building, it is known as the largest hawker centre in Singapore, and it offers patrons all sorts of mouth-watering dishes. You can get just about anything that you crave at a reasonable price, from local favorites to international treats.

The most popular food stall in the Chinatown Complex Food Centre might just be the Michelin-starred Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle. It is where you can go to try one of the cheapest Michelin meals in the world, with the price for one dish being less than S$3 (around $2 USD).

If you’re into microbrews, be sure to check out Mikkeller. This Copenhagen-based brewery has 10 of its beers on tap as well as a selection of other kinds to enjoy.

ⓘ GOOD TO KNOW: In Singapore, the legal drinking age is 18. Drinking is forbidden in public places between 10:30 pm and 7:00 am. Also, there are a few parts of Singapore where you cannot drink between 7:00 am on Saturday to 7:00 am on Monday.

The hawker centre is in the heart of Chinatown and is a great one-stop place for all your local food cravings with an affordable price.

You can visit the Chinatown Complex for all your meals, but you might encounter some crowd during the lunch rush. The best time to go would be after breakfast hours and before the lunch break begins.

• Address: 335 Smith St, S 050335

3. Old Airport Road Food Centre

When it comes to hawker centers in Singapore, Old Airport Road Food Centre is a favorite among locals. This is the place to go if you want to get some good hawker food for a cheap price. The place used to be a hidden gem that only locals knew about, but in recent years, it has gained popularity with tourists. The hawker center is aptly named, because it was built on the runway of the old Kallang Airport.

There are over 150 food stalls here, serving all the popular local dishes. You can find just about anything here, from noodles and rice to desserts and snacks. Due to the immense popularity of some of the stalls, a long queue is a common sight. However, the foods there are truly up to expectation, so you will not be disappointed with what you get.

It’s worth mentioning that because the stalls are so close together, the food hall may feel extremely stuffy with all of the heat and steam. The best time to go is after sunset, but if you prefer to go during the day, try to find a seat as far away from the stalls as possible to avoid the heat and traffic.

Opening hours for each stall will differ but most will be opened in the morning. You can come here to get some delicious breakfast before exploring the rest of Singapore .

• Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, Singapore 390051

4. Tekka Centre

If you have a craving for some Indian food, the best hawker centre to visit in Singapore would be the Tekka Centre. This hawker centre is located in Little India and is where you can go to try some incredible Indian dishes from the Northern and Southern regions of India.

Oddly enough, the name comes from The Kia Kah, which in Hokkien means “foot of the bamboos.” This is a reference to the many bamboo plants that you can spot along the Rochor Canal.

One of the most popular dishes offered here is the biryani, and you can get them from either the Yakader stall or the Allauddin stall. You can also try some masala dosa, while you are here.

Tekka Centre is also a wet market and is one of the best places in the area to get some halal meats.

The market part of the Tekka Centre opens its doors at 5 AM, while some of the stalls in the food hall will only start operating at 7 AM.

The best time to visit the hawker centre is right before the lunch rush when the food hall is not too crowded. However, do note that some stalls may close as early as 1 PM, so try to get there earlier if you can.

• Address: Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore

Other notable Singapore hawker centres include:

5. lau pa sat festival market.

We loved eating at this hawker centre. It’s super clean, has a light and airy feel and there are nearly 100 food vendors to choose from. No wonder it’s a favorite among both businessment and tourists.

You’ll find this iconic hawker inside a renovated 19th century Victorian building, conveniently located in Singapore’s financial district. It’s easy to recognize, as there’s a huge clock that tops the the octagonal building’s roof.

• Address: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582

6. Geylang Serai Market

Pasar Geylang Serai is one of Singapore’s busiest wet markets. The food stalls are on the second floor.

Try the fried fish or banana fritters.

• Address: 1 Geylang Serai, Singapore 402001

7. Marine Parade Food Centre

Our Singaporean friend took us here for a cup of kopi while we were visiting. It’s an old-style hawker centre that obviously sees no reason to invest in renovations.

The Malaysian-style beef noodles and Chinese-style chicken curry puffs get good reviews.

• Address: 84 Marine Parade Central, Singapore 440084

11 tips for visiting a Singapore hawker centre

• Wear casual and comfortable clothing. Singapore hawker centres are an informal affair. We suggest wearing loose clothing, as they are rarely air conditioned and it can get super hot and sticky.
• Singapore weather is hot and humid year round. You may wish to carry a small portable umbrella, as the weather can change unexpectedly.
• Carry cash, as not all stalls accept plastic. It’s always a good idea to carry a few small bills and coins.
• Before queueing up for food, you need to find a table and “chope” it! Chope is a Singapore slang term that means “To reserve a seat in a place to eat by placing a tissue packet on it.” Doesn’t have to be a tissue packet, though; an umbrella, scarf, or business card will do the trick, too.
• Then go wash your hands. Most centres have areas with large sinks for hand-washing. It’s a very big part of the culture.
• It helps to know what meal you’re in the mood for. Most hawker stalls focus on a specific dish (like Hainanese chicken rice) or a type of cuisine (such as satay). There are also drink stalls and dessert stalls to enjoy.
• Not sure where to eat? Find the busiest stall. A long queue indicates that stall is well known or serves really good food.
• At western food courts, you order, pay, wait for your food, and then take it to your table. But in Singapore and many parts of Asia, many food stalls will take your order and expect to be paid when they bring it to your table. So when you chope your table, be sure to note your table number so you can tell the staff where to deliver your order.
• Expect your drink to be served in a plastic bag with a straw. It works remarkably well and is much more eco-friendly than a styrofoam cup.
• At the end of your meal, deposit your dishes at the tray return area and head back to the hand-washing area to clean up.
• Singapore imposes hefty fines for littering, so be extra mindful about where you dispose of your waste. Interestingly, we didn’t find any trashcans on the street. Don’t be surprised if you end up carrying your garbage around with you until you get back to your room.

Singapore hawker center foods to try

Okay, so now that you understand the wide variety of food options available to you, you’re probably wondering what you should order.

What are you in the mood for? We have three articles that share the best of each of Singapore’s main cuisines. Why not start with those

• Chinese: 6 Hong Kong Foods You Need to Try
• Malay: Penang Food Guide: 7 Must Eat Foods + Best Places to Try Them
• Indian: 7 Famous Indian Dishes You Must Try

Prefer a Singapore hawker center food tour?

If you feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, we can’t blame you. Happened to us. Sometimes it’s hard to know what dishes you should try first, and then again, there might be certain things you can’t eat. For us, it’s seafood, and prawn paste seems to be in everything!

This is when a food tour is a godsend. A professional guide will not only give you advice about the best foods to eat, he’ll also give you context. By the end of the tour, you’ll have safely tried new foods, you’ll understand a lot more about the history, culture, and heritage of Singapore, and you’ll know some of the best places where the locals like to eat.

There’s something to be said for navigating Singapore’s hawker centers like a local.

Will you visit a hawker centre in Singapore?

We believe that trying local food is one of the best travel experiences you can have.

And there’s no better way to do it than at Singapore’s hawker centers, where locals come and break bread together.

Inspired? Pin this post and share it with your friends!

Photo credits: CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

• Tekka Centre: Nick-D
• Old Airport Road Food Centre: Orderinchaos
• Maxwell Food Centre: Ypsilon from Finland
• Marine Parade Food Centre: Terence Ong

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Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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5 Best Hawker Centres in Singapore: Yummy Local Food

1. Chinatown Complex Food Centre: Yummy Hawker & Street Food

2. old airport road food centre, 3. maxwell road hawker centre, 4. tiong bahru market hawker centre: best food stalls to try, 5. chomp chomp food centre.

Where can travelers have good local foods at reasonable prices in Singapore? The answer is simple – hawker centres (also known as food courts). Those down-to-earth culinary destinations are where you can find a wide variety of local dishes, from Chicken Rice , Fried Kway Teow , Hokkien Mee , Bak Kut Teh , Satay , Laksa , and Chilli Crab to the healthy Yong Tau Fu dish.

Despite the cheap prices (from S$3.00 to S$5.00), the quality of food is good. A lot of food connoisseurs in Singapore frequently visit the best food courts in town for their favorite indulgence. Who can resist the lure of the delicious satay at Chomp Chomp Food Centre or the tasty chicken rice at Maxwell Road Hawker Centre?

There are hundreds of food courts with thousands of food stalls in Singapore that you shouldn’t miss. We have picked the 5 worth trying hawker centres with hundreds of food stalls for you to eat like a local while staying in our city.

• Best for • Xiao long bao • Fish cake • Steamed fish head • Pork porridge
• Prices From S$2 per dish
• Nearest MRT Chinatown
• Address 335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335
• Opening hours Daily 08:00 - 21:00

If you are spending the day in Chinatown , stop over at Chinatown Complex Food Centre to be totally inundated with wonderful dishes. Conveniently located in the heart of Chinatown, this food court is a great place to get local traditional dishes with varied menus and cheap prices.

•  All the yummy must-try local foods under one roof: Being the largest hawker centre in Singapore with over 260 food stalls , Chinatown Complex Food Centre offers foodies a full range of local dishes from chilli crab, black pepper crab, BBQ stingray, BBQ chicken wings, satay, carrot cake, char kway teow, Hokkien mee, chicken rice, bak kut teh, frog porridge, dim sum, lor mee, prawn noodles to kway chap as well as popular desserts like ice kachang, chendol, tau suan, and soya beancurd.
• Foods are offered at the cheapest prices: Food prices at Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre are very reasonable and competitive because there are many stalls selling similar foods. Diners can enjoy a plate of chicken rice or a bowl of laksa at prices from S$2.00 to S$3.80 .

RECOMMENDED FOOD STALLS 1. Xiu Ji Ikan Bilis Yong Tau Fu (#02-88)

• Recommended dishes: Fried fish cake, Ikan Bilis bee hoon, brinjal, yong tau fu
• Price/pax: S$3 – S$5
• Opening hours: Tue to Thu from 05:45 to 15:00

2. China La Mian Xiao Long Bao (#02-135)

• Recommended dish: Steamed dumplings
• Price: S$5 for 10 pieces
• Opening hours: Tue to Fri 11:00 – 21:00; Sat & Sun 09:00 – 21:00

3. Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodles (#02-127)

• Recommended dishes: Soya sauce chicken rice, soya sauce chicken noodles
• Price/pax: S$2.5 – S$4
• Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 20:00 (Closed on Weds)

4. Jia Ji Mei Shi (#02-166)

• Recommended dishes: Fried bee hoon, yam cake
• Price/pax: S$3 – S$4
• Opening hours: Daily 07:30 – 22:00 (Closed on Weds)

5. Hong Kong Mongkok Tim Sum (#02-97)

• Recommended dishes: Hong Kong-style dim sum dishes
• Price: S$2 – S$4
• Opening hours: Wed to Sun 11:00 till sold out

6. Cheng Ji (#02-190)

• Recommended dish: Steamed fish head
• Price/pax: S$4 – S$10
• Opening hours: Mon to Sat 12:00 – 21:00

7. Hai Sing Ah Balling (#02-59)

• Recommended dish: Teochew-style dumplings
• Price/pax: S$2.5 – S$3
• Opening hours: Tue to Sun 12:00 – 21:00

8. Zhao Ji Clay Pot Rice (#02-53)

• Recommended dishes: Claypot rice dishes
• Price/pax: S$3 – S$6
• Opening hours: Daily 12:00 – 19:00 (Closed on Weds)

9. Yue Ping (#02-65)

• Recommended dish: Fried pumpkin cake
• Price/pax: S$2 – S$4

10. Terry Katong Laksa (#02-04)

• Recommended dish: Laksa

11. Shi Xiang Satay (#02-79)

• Recommended dish: Satay
• Price/pax: S$1 – S$3

12. Tian Tian Porridge (#02-185)

• Recommended dish: Pork porridge

GETTING THERE:

• Buses : 2, 12, 33, 54, 63, 124, 143, 147, 190, 851, 961, 961#, 970, and CT1 (Walk 1 min from bus stop B05039)
• Nearest MRT station : Chinatown MRT (NE4) (Walk 1 min from Exit B)

• Best for • Soya beancurd • Hokkien mee • Rojak • Chee cheong fun
• Prices S$4-S$6 per dish
• Nearest MRT Dakota MRT
• Address Block 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

Old Airport Road Food Centre is a very popular place in Singapore to have wallet-friendly local favorites like char kway teow, prawn noodles, Hokkien mee, lor mee, kway chap, satay, rojak, and soya beancurd . This hawker centre has the highest number of famous food stalls in comparison with any other places.

• Singapore’s iconic hawker centre: Old Airport Road Food Centre, one of the oldest and largest food courts in the island city, serves authentic yummy local food to many generations of Singaporeans. Absolutely, you will find all the popular Singaporean dishes there.
• Offering the best soya beancurd in Singapore: The food court is home to some of the best soya beancurd stalls including the renowned Lao Ban Soya Beancurd and 51 Soya Beancurd. These two stores always have long queues in front of them. The beancurd is offered at S$2.90 per bowl for the original flavour and S$3.60 per bowl for the almond flavour.

RECOMMENDED FOOD STALLS: 1. Albert Street Prawn Noodles (#01-10)

• Recommended dishes: Prawn noodles, pork ribs noodles
• Opening hours: Daily 08:30 to 23:00
• Price/pax: S$4 – S$5

2. Lucky Char Kuey Tiao (#01-30)

• Recommended dish: Char kway teow

3. Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow (#01-12)

• Recommended dish: Fried kway teow
• Opening hours: Mon to Fri 11:30 – 12:00; Sat & Sun: 10.30 – 12:00
• Price/pax: S$3

4. Nam Sing Hokkien Mee (#01-32)

• Recommended dish: Hokkien mee
• Opening hours: Daily 07:00 to 20:00

5. Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee (#01-116)

• Recommended dish: Lor mee
• Opening hours: Daily 09:30 – 15:00 (Closed on Thu)
• Price/pax: S$4 – S$6

6. Freshly Made Chee Cheong Fun (#01-155)

• Recommended dish: Chee cheong fun
• Opening hours: Daily 07:00 – 21:00
• Price/pax: S$3 – S$4

7. Blanco Court Kway Chap (#01-135)

• Recommended dishes: Kway chap, pork intestines
• Opening hours: Tue to Sun 08:00 – 15:00 (Closed on Mon)
• Price/pax: S$4 – S$5

8. Katong Ah Soon Fried Oyster (#01-07)

• Recommended dish: Fried oyster

9. Holy Grill (#01-27)

• Recommended dishes: Western/American grilled food
• Opening hours: Mon to Sun 12:00 – 21:00 (Closed on Wed)
• Price/pax: S$7 – S$12

10. Toa Payoh Rojak (#01-16)

• Recommended dish: Rojak
• Opening hours: Daily 12:00 – 20:00 (Closed on Sundays)
• Price/pax: S$2 – S$3

11. Chuan Kee Satay (#01-85)

• Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat 18:30 – 23:00, Sun 01:00 – 23:00
• Prices: 40 – 50 cents per stick

12. Lao Ban Soya Beancurd (#01-127)

• Recommended dish: Soya beancurd
• Opening hours: Tue to Sat 11:30 – 20:00; Sun: 01:00 – 20:00
• Price/pax: S$2.90 – S$3.60

NOTE : There are only a few stalls offering Indian and vegetarian food at this food court.

• Buses : 10, 16, 30, 30E, 31, 32, and 33 (Walk 2 minutes from bus stop B81171)
• Nearest MRT station : Dakota MRT (CC8) (Walk 3 minutes from Dakota MRT (CC8))

• Best for • Chicken rice • Local sausages • Raw fish • Prawn fritters
• Prices S$3-S$6 per dish
• Nearest MRT Tanjong Pagar
• Address 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184

Maxwell Road Hawker Centre's reputation as a place for delicious foods is spread all over Singapore. This food court has been featured on many television channels for offering excellent authentic local food at reasonable prices.

• Home to many famous food stalls: They are Zhen Zhen Porridge (#01-54), China Street Fritters (#01-64), Marina South Delicious Food (#01-35), and Hoe Kee Porridge (#01-45) just to name a few.
• Most-loved chicken rice in town at reasonable prices: The famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is among the star food stall at this hawker centre, drawing in both locals and tourists. A medium size plate of chicken rice cost us S$5 while the big size plate cost S$7.80.
• Great location in Chinatown: Strategically located in Chinatown and opposite the beautiful Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, this hawker centre is an ideal place for visitors to have a rest and enjoy tasty local food while exploring Chinatown.

RECOMMENDED FOOD STALLS: 1. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (#01-10)

• Recommended dish: Hainanese chicken rice

2. Zhen Zhen Porridge (#01-54)

• Recommended dishes: Pork congee, pork intestine congee, slice fish congee, raw fish

3. China Street Fritters (#01-64)

• Recommended dishes: Deep fried prawn fritters, ngoh hiang (local sausages), fish cake

4. Marina South Delicious Food (#01-35)

5. Hoe Kee Porridge (#01-45)

• Recommended dish: Cantonese-style congee

6. Guangdong Wan Ton Mee (#01-99)

• Recommended dishes: Dumplings noodles, dumplings soup, pork noodles

7. Special Shanghai Tim Sum (#01-92)

• Recommended dishes: Fried dumplings, steamed dumplings
• Price/pax: S$4 – S$8

8. Lau Pa Sat Bak Kut Teh (#01-48)

• Recommended dishes: P ork ribs soup, pork intestine soup
• Price/pax: S$4 – S$6
• It is very crowded during lunch hours on weekdays.
• There are a few stalls offering Indian and Halal food at this food court.
• The food court is at the corner of Maxwell Road and South Bridge Road.
• Buses : 80, 145, NR5 (Walk 1 minute from bus stop B05269)
• Nearest MRT station : Tanjong Pagar MRT (Take Exit G, walk 6 minutes to Maxwell Road)

• Best for • Chwee kueh • Roasted duck rice • Pig organ soup • Prawn noodles
• Prices S$3-S$5 per dish
• Nearest MRT Tiong Bahru
• Address 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898

Looking for a hawker center in Singapore that offers mouthwatering local delicacies in a comfortable setting ? Look no further than Tiong Bahru Market Hawker Centre!

This culinary gem serves up a vast selection of popular Singaporean dishes, including chicken rice, herbal soups, bak kut teh, wonton mee, and chee kueh, to name a few. It's definitely a must-visit spot for foodies and tourists alike!

• A clean and spacious hawker centre: Renovated recently, Tiong Bahru Market Hawker Centre is now one of the cleanest and most spacious hawker centres in Singapore. This food centre is equipped with the latest mechanical exhaust system for each of its stalls and smartly utilized the open air, so you will definitely enjoy the airy, comfortable and relaxing atmosphere there.
• Located right above one of the best wet markets in Singapore: The hawker centre is situated on the second floor, while you will find the famous  Tiong Bahru Wet Market on the first floor with fresh produce. Therefore you can at once enjoy mouth-watering Singaporean foods and experience the original feature of a typical Singapore wet market during your visit.
• Best chwee kueh in Singapore available at stall #02-05: If you are a fan of chwee kueh or simply want to taste a delicious version of chwee kueh, join the long queue at food stall Jian Bo Chwee Kueh at #02-05.

RECOMMENDED FOOD STALLS: 1. Lee Hong Kee Cantonese Roasted (#02-60)

• Recommended dishes: Roasted duck rice, char siew rice, roast pork rice

2. Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (#02-82)

• Recommended dishes: Steamed chicken rice, roasted chicken rice

3. 178 Lor Mee (#02-23)

• Opening hours: Tue to Sun: 06:00 to 21:00

4. Koh Brothers Pig Organ Soup (#02-29)

• Recommended dish: Pig organ soup

5. Min Nan Prawn Noodle s (#02-31)

• Price: S$4 – S$6
• Opening hours: Daily 09:30 – 14:30

6. Zhong Yu Yuan Wei Wanton Noodles (#02-30)

• Recommended dish: Wanton noodles
• Opening hours: Sat to Thu 10:30 – 15:00

7. Jian Bo Chwee Kueh (#02-05)

• Recommended dish: Chwee kueh
• Price: S$3 for 5 pieces

8. Hui Ji Fishball Noodles and Yong Tau Foo (#02-44)

• Recommended dishes: Yong tau foo, fishball noodles

9. Tiong Bahru Fishballs (#02-20)

• Recommended dishes: Fried fishballs, fried fish cakes, ngio hiang
• Opening hours: Tue to Sun 07:00 – 15:00

10. Tiong Bahru Pau (#02-18)

• Recommended dishes: Char siew bao, big bao, siew mai
• Opening hours: Daily 06:30 – 21:00

NOTE : There are a few stalls offering Indian and vegetarian food at this food court.

• Buses : 5, 16, 33, 63, 123, 195, 851, and NR5 (Walk 1 minute from bus stop B10141)
• Nearest MRT station : Tiong Bahru (EW17) (Walk 8 minutes from Exit B)

• Best for • Satay • BBQ stingray • BBQ chicken wings • Oyster omelette
• Prices S$4-S46 per dish
• Nearest MRT Lorong Chuan
• Address 20 Kensington Park Road 557269
• Opening hours Daily 18:00 until late

Chomp Chomp Food Centre, also known as Serangoon Gardens Food Centre, is a well-known food court in Singapore. This food court has many different menus filled with awesome local dishes such as Hokkien mee, satay, carrot cake, bbq chicken wings, grilled stingray, popiah, fried oyster, and prawn mee.

• A hawker centre catering for late-night diners: Unlike other food centres opening from morning to evening, Chomp Chomp Food Centre starts from 18:00 until late every day. So if you are hungry and want to have good hawker food at late hours, head to Chomp Chomp Food Centre.
• Serving some of the best satay in Singapore: To many Singaporean foodies, Chomp Chomp Food Centre is a satay mecca. Pork, beef, chicken, and mutton satay are all available.

RECOMMENDED FOOD STALLS: 1. Ah Hock Hokkien Noodles (#01-27)

2. Ang Mo Kio Carrot Cake (#01-24)

• Recommended dish: Carrot cake

3. Lucy BBQ Seafood (#01-06)

• Recommended dishes: BBQ stingray, BBQ squid
• Price/pax: S$6 – S$12

4. Chia Keng Fried Hokkien Mee (#01-11)

• Recommended dishes: Traditional Hokkien mee, Hokkien fried prawn mee

5. Hai Wei Yuan Seafood BBQ (#01-01)

• Recommended dish: BBQ chicken wings
• Price: From $S1.20 onwards

6. Ang Sa Lee Fried Oyster (#01-33)

• Recommended dish: Oyster omelette
• Due to poor maintenance of the ventilation system, the atmosphere at the food court can be quite stuffy and uncomfortable.
• It is usually crowded at night.
• Buses : 73, 136, 315, 317
• Nearest MRT station : Lorong Chuan MRT (CC14) (Walk 21 minutes from Exit A)

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Or, select on the map, 10 hawker centres in central singapore to bring your tourist friends to, hawker centres in central singapore.

Everytime my boyfriend and I eat at a hawker centre, he would say, “I love hawker food. It is cheap and so good.” Sometimes I think he is low-key complaining about my expensive cravings. I don’t know if he is aware, but despite my pricey cravings, I actually have a soft spot for hawker food. I grew up eating hawker food and I love watching the uncle fry up a plate of steaming hot chai tow kway or Hokkien mee. Here are 10 hawker centres in central Singapore that I frequented while growing up!

1. Pek Kio Food Centre

As a kid, visiting Pek Kio Food Centre was a weekly affair. Every Sunday morning, my family and I would come to this place and have a family meal. More often than not, we would have to share a table with an elderly who enjoyed our company and told us many stories. This old-school hawker centre holds some fiercely kept and delicious secrets.

Some simple hawker fare that I swear by here would be Good Spice Carrot Cake ’s Black/White Carrot Cake (from $2) , a hearty bowl of BCM at only $2.50 at Soon Lee Mushroom Minced Pork Noodles , and also Prawn Mee ($2.50/$3/$3.50) from Lai Hiang Pork Rib Prawn Mee . Located just a stone’s throw away from Novena MRT Station, Pek Kio is a gem you should check out!

Find out what else to eat at Pek Kio Food Centre !

Address: 41 Cambridge Road, Singapore 210041 Nearest MRT Stations: Novena and Farrer Park

2. Bendemeer Food Centre

Bendemeer Food Centre is, by default, my go-to hawker centre. It is 10 minutes away from my office and a mere 3-minute walk away from Boon Keng MRT Station. As this is a popular spot for office workers in the vicinity, it is usually tough to find a seat during lunchtimes. But don’t let this deter you, these food stalls are worth the wait!

Boasting a long queue, Toa Payoh Hwa Heng Beef Noodles ’ Dry Mixed Beef Noodle ($4) is a crowd-favourite. With each strand of thick noodle coated with a thick, starchy gravy, this bowl of noodles is uber addictive! Bendemeer Prawn Noodles also has my heart captured with their light and flavourful broth.

Find out what else to eat at Bendemeer Food Centre !

Address: 29 Bendemeer Road, Singapore 330029 Nearest MRT Station: Boon Keng

3. Geylang Bahru Food Centre

Geylang Bahru Food Centre just reopened in January this year after its revamp. And many would be glad to know that plenty of old stalls are still around! With better ventilation, cleaner tables, and about 80 stalls, this hawker centre is now more accessible with the opening of the Downtown Line.

Don’t miss out on Hui Wei Chilli Ban Mian on your trip there ! While the endless queue may turn you off, digging into their Chilli Ban Mian ($4/$6) will truly wow you and make your time spent queuing worth it. The old folks behind Guan Hin Carrot Cake also deserve a huge shout-out for the effort they put into their carrot cake! They make their radish cakes from scratch daily. In turn, customers get to enjoy softer and fluffier chai tow kway from $3 .

Find out what else to eat at Geylang Bahru Food Centre !

Address: 69 Geylang Bahru, Singapore 330069 Nearest MRT Station: Geylang Bahru

4. Hong Lim Food Centre

Hong Lim Food Centre is often overshadowed by its counterparts, Chinatown Complex and Maxwell Food Centre. But you’d be surprised by how much food this two-storey complex has to offer. It stands right next to Chinatown Point, which means you get to skip the restaurants in the mall and settle for some cheap and good food.

As the only Bib Gourmand awardee under this roof, Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa is worth a visit. Despite its name, it is known for its Fruit Juice Crayfish Mee Siam ($6) , a creative innovation that wins over the hearts of their customers. Don’t miss out on a plate of wok hei -filled char kway teow ($3) from Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee !

Find out what else to eat at Hong Lim Food Centre !

Address: 531A Upper Cross Street, Singapore 051531 Nearest MRT Station: Chinatown

5. Tekka Centre

Only steps away from Little India MRT Station, Tekka Centre is a landmark of Little India that has more Indian food stalls compared to other food centres. Sharing a roof with a wet market, this is one convenient food centre for times mum wants to do some marketing!

Though Heng Gi Goose and Duck Rice no longer sells goose, it barely puts a dent on business as customers return for their succulent and flavourful braised duck. Prices start at $3.50 here. Another worthy mention is 545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles . Managed by a finance graduate who’s also a third-generation hawker, this stall dishes out simple old-school prawn noodles from $3.

Find out what else to eat at Tekka Centre !

Address: 665 Buffalo Road, Tekka Centre, Singapore 210665 Nearest MRT Station: Little India

6. Maxwell Food Centre

I remember going on a school trip to Chinatown and ending up at Maxwell Food Centre for lunch. It still looks the same after almost a decade. Near to both Chinatown and Telok Ayer MRT Stations, this is a popular spot for tourists. After all, it houses famous food stalls such as Tian Tian Chicken Rice and Zhen Zhen Porridge.

Turn to Hainanese Curry Rice for a good rice fix! Doused in that thick creamy curry sauce, this plate of rice would have you hooked and craving for a second plate. From $1 , China Street Rickshaw Noodles pushes out many affordable dishes including Economy Noodles ($1/$1.50) .

Check out our full review of China Street Rickshaw Noodles  and find out what else to eat at Maxwell Food Centre !

Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184 Nearest MRT stations: Telok Ayer and Chinatown

7. Newton Food Centre

With more than 80 stalls in this food centre, Newton Food Centre , for as long as I can remember, is constantly bustling with noise and excitement. This tourist attraction is furnished with plenty of simple stools and tables, which are somehow always occupied.

Newton Food Centre is a one-stop hawker centre that screams “SINGAPORE” right in your face, making it perfect for tourists to get a taste of everything. You can’t leave Newton without trying Guan Kee Grill Seafood ’s BBQ sambal stingray ($12/$15/$20) . Topped with heaps of hot and furiously red sambal, this dish is grilled over charcoal which gives it a nice charred flavour. Don’t forget the lime; its tartness will cut through the spiciness!

Find out what else to eat at Newton Food Centre !

Address: 500 Clemenceau Avenue North, Newton Food Centre, Singapore 229495 Nearest MRT Station: Newton

8. Amoy Street Food Centre

Amoy Street Food Centre is a 35-year-old hawker centre that has seen two rounds of renovations, yet it still stands strong today in the CBD area, providing affordable grub to the office workers. As it evolves, we see new hawkerprenuers set up shop alongside the older generation. This almost guarantees that you will find something you love here.

Whoever said you can only get quality beef bowls in cafes and restaurants clearly have not heard about Pepper Bowl . Pay $5.60 and a bowl of black pepper beef with rice, topped off with a sous vide egg, will be coming your way. If beef isn’t your thing, A Noodle Story would gladly offer you a bowl of Singapore-Style Ramen ($7/$9).

Address: 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111 Nearest MRT Stations: Telok Ayer and Tanjong Pagar

9. Chinatown Complex Food Centre

Right behind the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple lies Chinatown Complex , which houses one of Singapore’s largest food centres, Chinatown Complex Food Centre , on the second floor. It has more than 200 food stalls and approximately 500 market stalls.

Enjoy your XLB from Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao at $6 for 10 pieces , paired with a cup of Smith Street Tap ’s craft beer from $10 a pint . I heard it gets pretty lit on Saturday nights! Alternatively, indulge in the cheapest Michelin-starred stall in the world at Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle , which  serves Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle ($2.50) and Soya Sauce Chicken Hor Fun ($2.50) .

Address: 335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335 Nearest MRT Station: Outram Park and Chinatown

10. Albert Centre Food Centre

Situated somewhere along Queen Street, Albert Centre Food Centre is a cheaper alternative to the hipster cafes in Haji Lane and restaurants in Bugis Junction and Bugis+. Save some money by indulging in some cheap delights here so you can buy more clothes at Bugis Street!

Whenever I am here, it is always a toss-up between Tong Fong Fatt Chicken Rice and Bai Nian Yong Tau Fu . Choosing between silky smooth tender chicken and freshly made ingredients drowned in a soothing broth is one tough decision. Either way, your stomach and heart will be filled.

Address: 270 Queen Street, Singapore 180270 Nearest MRT Station: Bugis

Now you know where to eat in Central Singapore

There you go, my pick of 10 hawker centres in the central area of this hot and humid city. These cheap dishes have a way to my heart and I’m sure they will satisfy your tummy as much as they have pleased mine. Comment down below what are your other picks of hawker centres in central Singapore!

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Zhi Min Koh

travelling the world with my taste buds!

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Guide to Newton Food Centre: tourist trap or hawker haven?

How to navigate this world-famous hawker centre that’s also widely touted as a tourist trap

Newton Food Centre is undoubtedly one of the most iconic hawker centres in Singapore. Its 2018 appearance in Crazy Rich Asians cemented it as a must-go spot among international travellers but to locals, Newton Food Centre has long had a reputation for being a tourist trap.

Now that Newton Food Centre has undergone a three-month renovation, have things changed? Or is the hawker centre still an overhyped destination with inflated prices, annoying touts and snaking long queues? We head down to investigate  if it’s finally worth a visit.

But first, a little blast from the past on Newton Food Centre

The Newton crossroads was once a place frequented by locals since the 50s where street hawkers gather around to ply their trade. With state plans to modernise, Newton Food Centre was first erected in 1971. At one point in 1982, it was even the second most popular eating spot in Singapore with official records from the National Heritage Board reflecting an average of 7000 hungry diners during peak hours daily. It also saw multiple facelifts throughout the years of its existence.

Today, the hawker centre welcomes back a sea of hungry gastronomes from all over the world after a three-month facelift. And vendors who survived the pandemic seem evidently happier – it is high time that they were able to recoup their losses. While Newton Food Centre may well be popular for the wrong reasons, most locals still hold it in a special place in their hearts and paid the rejuvenated space a visit – as witnessed during our visit.

The atmosphere is without a doubt electric and diners are almost always guaranteed to be enveloped in smoke. And there is plenty of diversity: families gather over shared meals, friends chewing the fat over beer and snacks, taxi drivers nursing cups of coffee and of course, tourists looking to do the same.

How overrated is Newton Food Centre?

For the uninitiated, the overrated hawker centre is notorious for being overpriced and overcrowded. It is also rife with persistent touts and ambiguous seafood prices. Many would still recall the harrowing overcharging incident back in 2013 when a group of American tourists were forced to cough up $500 for their first seafood meal at an unethical stall.

Then there are the queues. During peak hours, expect to wait for a table and once that’s sorted, there will be another set of queues to brave to satiate your tummies. Want a plate from the legendary Hup Kee Fried Oyster Omelette? It will take a bucket of patience to endure queues of no less than 30 minutes to enjoy one of Singapore's best-fried oysters – allegedly.

Other popular eats include 40-year-old Teochew braised duck by Kwee Heng Duck Rice, Michelin Bib Gourmand recognised Kwang Kee Teo Chew Fish Porridge and chilli crab specialist Alliance Seafood. And they all have one thing in common – queues. While loyal fans may argue that these stalwarts are worth the wait, there are other alternatives around the island that are far more worthy of your dime and time. 

Like crispy yet gooey fried oysters like Hup Kee’s? Check out Song Kee Fried Oyster in East Coast Lagoon Food Village . The breezy seaside hawker centre is also alfresco as it gets. Want smoky satay like TKR’s? Head to Pang’s Satay at Chinatown Food Complex . While you’re there, you can even pair it with a fresh pint of craft beer from the world's first hawker beer stall, Smith Street Taps . Fancy juicy BBQ chicken wings like R&B’s? You ought to eat from wing institution Tong Kee BBQ at Old Airport Road Food Centre .

If you're still up for a visit...

Undeterred? These are two noteworthy stalls that are worth visiting. First off, the legendary Soon Wah Fishball Kway Teow Mee with its silky hand-made fish balls and dumplings. The former, made from mashing pure fish meat by hand, has a firm yet bouncy bite while the silky dumplings stuffed with minced meat seasoned with sun-dried sole fish bone powder. Don’t be dissuaded if you see a long queue, the nifty hawkers are rather swift in action – after all, they’ve been doing this for over 70 years. Our bowl arrived piping hot (and exceptionally tasty) in under 20 minutes on a busy mid-week evening.

Then there is La Porpo, a humble fried chicken shop with bold flavours to offer. While the menu may seem overwhelming at first glance, it all revolves around a crispy foundation of ayam goreng, or fried chicken. Touted as one of Artichoke’s Bjorn Shen’s favourite fried chicken joints in Singapore, La Porpo does not have a secret batter recipe. Instead, chef-owner Wandi simply mixes salt, pepper, turmeric powder, cornstarch, egg, and water to coat his chickens.

What comes out of the oil-filled wok are juicy yet flavourful chickens with a well-seasoned exterior that delivers a satisfying crunch with each bite – all made with plenty of heart and soul. Depending on your preference, you can enjoy these fried chickens with a Kelantan-style nasi kerabu, ayam penyet or ayam geprek. Chef Wandi recommended trying the best-selling nasi kerabu which comes with a melody of aromatic blue butterfly pea flower rice, dried beef strips, salted egg and pickled vegetables to pair.

The fiery sambal is also worthy of a shout, made with red chilli padi rendered down with onion, garlic, ginger and belacan. Other sambals include the sambal loca, made from green chilli and anchovy, and the scorching sweet yet umami chilli blend of sambal geprek. If they ever get too hot to handle, seek respite with slurps of comforting chicken soup.

Still hungry? Check out other hawker centres below for more tasty hawker culture.

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Other hawker centres to visit

Underrated hawker eats in Alexandra Village Food Centre

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The best hawker stalls in Old Airport Road Food Centre

The best hawker stalls at Amoy Street Food Centre

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Travel Guide: Discovering the Magic of Singapore

S ingapore, a vibrant and dynamic city-state in Southeast Asia, offers an enchanting blend of modernity and tradition. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, an architecture admirer, or a nature lover, Singapore has something to offer everyone. If you’re anything like me, you might have stopped by Singapore’s world-class Changi Airport in transit several times but have never ventured out into the city. I recently had the opportunity to change that and spend a week immersing myself in all that Asia’s Lion city-state has to offer.

From the clean and seamlessly functional infrastructure to the surreal and captivating cultural attraction, my time in Singapore almost felt like a dream. I can see why the city’s becoming a melting pot of cultures, filled with migrants, expats, and generations of locals, choosing to call the city home. You literally have all the best of Asia in one convenient city where you can drive from one end to the other in around 40 minutes. It may or may not also surprise you that Singapore is also often dubbed the “Cocktail Capital of Asia”, with a vibrant nightlife, and is home to a handful of the World’s 50 Best Bars.

Best Time to Visit

Singapore’s climate is typically hot and humid year-round with an average humidity of over 80%. However, it’s essential to note that from November to January, the city experiences its rainy season, which brings cooler temperatures but more precipitation. The best time to travel for pleasant weather is between February and October.

Where to Stay

With a number of world-class hotels and resorts at your fingertips, Singapore is a luxury paradise, however, it’s important to shop around. Here are some of the best places that I found to stay.

Pan Pacific Singapore

This iconic hotel offers breathtaking views of Marina Bay and is conveniently located near the city’s key attractions. The landmark hotel has recently undergone a $30 million renovation, featuring upgraded rooms, a stunning lobby area, and more family-friendly facilities like family-sized rooms and a kids club. The hotel also connects to three major malls and an MRT station. The Pan Pacific Singapore is also within reasonable walking distance of Marina Bay Sands complex and Gardens By the Bay. Stay here if you want a convenient base for the city’s hotspots and a reliable luxury stay.

Capella Singapore

Nestled on Sentosa Island, Capella offers a luxurious and tranquil retreat with stunning sea views. Less than 15 minutes from Singapore’s downtown financial district, you’ll find this ultra-luxury resort surrounded by lush green foliage and a tropical forest. While it is relatively removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll find everything you need for a quiet, luxurious rainforest retreat with a peaceful view of the ocean. Stay here if you want a secluded, peaceful resort retreat.

The Ritz-Carlton, Millennia

Located in the heart of the city, The Ritz-Carlton provides opulent accommodation and world-class amenities. When I say opulent, I’m talking shiny marble floors, gold accents everywhere you look, and dramatic vaulted glass ceilings. The Ritz-Carlton is also home to one of the largest contemporary art collections in Southeast Asia with over 4,000 stunning artworks to gawk over. Stay here if you’re on your honeymoon or are a fan of classic luxury.

Pan Pacific Orchard

Situated in the upscale Orchard Road shopping district, this hotel is perfect for shopaholics and visitors wanting to be in the hustle and bustle. Orchard Road is the shopping capital of the city with rows upon rows of shopping centres to suit every end of a shopper’s budget. The mid-city hotel was recently demolished and rebuilt to look like a stack of Jenga blocks, featuring lush green vertical gardens and tropical elements all throughout. Stay here if you love being right in the centre of all the action or want a luxurious tropical stay in the middle of the city.

Where to Eat Like a Local

A hub of International commerce and one of the world’s most globalised cities, Singapore is not only a melting pot of blended cultures, but of incredible cuisine at every corner. Sure, you’ll be able to find your Westen big-chain restaurants and your basic fast food brands, but if you’re wanting to get a true authentic taste of Singapore, here’s some spots to get you started.

Don’t Sleep on Hawker Centres

Singapore hawker centres are basically large open-air food courts with stalls serving everything from full meals to snacks and drinks. Food stalls generally specialise in variations of one of two dishes, but you can bet that little hawker stall has perfected that recipe for generations. Singapore Hawker Centres as a pillar of Singaporean culture.

In fact, many locals told me that it’s quite common for locals not to ever cook at home, since you can get top quality home-style cooked meals for $3-$5. I completely get it. How many times have you spent a small fortune on collecting ingredients to cook something at home, only to create something dubiously sub-par? Me? Too many times.

• Must try: Satay sticks, Singapore Chilli Crab
• Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore
• Must try: Tian Tian Chicken Rice, Ah Tai Chicken Rice, Xing Xing’s tapioca cakes
• Location: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore
• Open: Daily from 8 am to 10 pm
• Must try: China La Mian Xiao Long Bao, Char Kway teow at Hill Street Fried Kway Teow
• Location: 335 Smith Street Chinatown Complex, Singapore
• Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Daily)

Hainanese Chicken Rice: Singapore’s National Dish

Hainanese Chicken rice, the unofficial national dish, is eaten “everywhere, every day” in Singapore. No doubt, almost everywhere you go, you’ll see a succulent cooked chicken hanging neatly in a row at a food stall or restaurant. It is deceptively simple but Hainanese chicken rice does not want for flavour, packing chicken goodness into the silky poached meat, fragrant rice, and tangy chili sauce (and often cucumber garnishes)

The recipe for the dish is adapted from early Chinese immigrants from Hainan Island, off the southern coast of China. Back in Hainan, locals call the dish “ Wenchang  chicken”. They use a particular fowl that is bony and fibrous and serve the chicken with oily rice. A ground green chili dip rounds off the dish. While you can get a great plate of Hainanese Chicken rice almost anywhere, here are some places to note:

Where to find the best Hainanese Chicken Rice

• Nam Kee Chicken Rice Restaurant: 201 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore
• Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice: Maxwell Food Centre, #01-10/11, 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore
• Chin Chin Eating House: 19 Purvis St, Singapore
• Boon Tong Kee: 399, 401, 403 Balestier Road, Singapore

Where to Drink

A grand art deco bar known for its extensive collection of gin and stunning interiors. As soon as you step in, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time into a classy European hotel lobby from the early 1920s. Make sure to clear your camera roll to make room for stunning pics here.

Location: Parkview Square600 North Bridge Rd, Singapore

Open: Tue-Thu 12pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-2am; Closed on Mondays

A hidden gem for cocktail enthusiasts, with innovative drinks and a cozy ambiance. Unassuming from the outside, but vibrantly fitted out and full of personality inside. The interiors are fitted out by an eclectic local DJ and the music programming provides local and regional DJs and record collectors with the opportunity to curate music that doesn’t normally find its place in a traditional club. Definitely a stand-out during my visit.

Location: 34 N Canal Rd, #01-01, Singapore

Open: 5pm-12am; Closed Sundays

An eco-conscious cocktail bar offering drinks inspired by local flora and fauna. Ask about their cocktails made with live ants.

Location: 52A Amoy St, Singapore

Open: Mon-Fri 5pm-10.30pm; Sat & Sun 4pm-10.30pm

Employees Only

A lively spot for classic cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere. For anyone who’s been to an Employees Only bar in New York or Sydney, you’ll know to stick around for the fun burlesque shot.

Location: 112 Amoy Street, Singapore

Open: Mon-Fri, Sun 5pm-1am; Sat 5pm-2am

Jigger and Pony

One of the OG cocktail bars that put Singapore’s drinks scene on the map, where you can savor expertly crafted drinks. This place is currently the second-best bar in Asia and 14th-best in the world, so you know you won’t be disappointed with any drink on the menu here.

Location: Amara Hotel165 Tanjong Pagar Rd, Singapore

Open: Mon-Thu 6pm-1am; Fri & Sat 6pm-3am

Raffles Long Bar

A visit to Singapore wouldn’t be complete without sipping a Singapore Sling at the historic Raffles Hotel. It’s not every day you have the opportunity to sip a drink at the birthplace of Asia’s most famous cocktail (unless you’re a local), so this must-do bucket list item for anyone visiting Singapore. Don’t forget to snack on the accompanying side of peanuts, and toss the shells straight on the floor.

Location: Raffles Arcade328 North Bridge Rd #02-01, Singapore

Open: 11am – 11pm

Take a leisurely stroll along the iconic Marina Bay Sands waterfront

With stunning sights to marvel at everywhere you look, the Marina Bay Sands waterfront is the perfect low-cost activity for anyone visiting the Garden City. Early mornings are a good time to enjoy this walk to avoid the heat of the day, but of course, a golden hour sunset is the ticket to some picturesque views. If you can, get to the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands for amazing views over the entire area.

Explore these futuristic Gardens By The Bay

If you’re wondering how Singapore got its Garden City nickname, Gardens By The Bay is a great place to start. You could easily spend a whole day walking through the alien-like Supertrees the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and the various garden installations.

Bugis Street Markets

Who doesn’t love a good bargain, honestly? Bugis Street market is a bustling market that’s popular with both locals and tourist. Here you’ll just about everything from souvenirs, t-shirts, shoes, jewellery, knick knacks and other fashion items. Over 800 shops of all shapes and sizes also make this the biggest market in Singapore. I easily spent half the day here shopping for gifts and walked away with $3 watches and the latest designer Christian Dorio bag.

National Gallery Art x Cocktails Tour

If you love a bit of cultural history, art, and happy hour this one’s for you. Immerse yourself in Singaporean art and culture at the National Gallery, housed in two beautifully restored colonial-era buildings, then sip an art-inspired cocktail at the in-house rooftop bar. The National Gallery’s 2-hour Art x Cocktail tour allows you to discover the art pieces that inspired craft cocktails from the gallery’s bar, Smoke & Mirrors, while learning about the evolution of cocktails throughout history.

Sentosa Island

Just a short drive out of the main city is Sentosa Island, Singapore’s premier island resort getaway. This 500-hectare resort island is home to a suite of themed attractions, spa retreats, alongside lush rainforests and golden sandy beaches. It’s also where you can enjoy attractions like Universal Studios, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and Madame Tussauds. It’s easily accessible via the MRT network or by taxi, Sentosa Island is great for a day trip or an extended stay with family.

Travel Tips: bring a hat!

What I love about Singapore is that it offers all the best of Asia in one well-designed, functional, and beautiful city. It’s a captivating destination that seamlessly combines modernity with tradition and there’s so much to see, taste, and experience in this remarkable city-state. If you’re planning a visit soon, here are some handy tips to take note of before visiting:

• Wear Airy Clothing : Given Singapore’s warm and humid climate, lightweight and breathable clothing is a must. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.
• Save Money at Local Markets : Bargain hunters will enjoy the numerous local markets, such as Bugis Street and Chinatown. You’ll find unique souvenirs and tasty street food at affordable prices.
• Know the Country’s Laws : Singapore has strict laws and regulations, so it’s essential to be aware of them. For example, avoid spitting in public places and respect local customs.
• Tipping Isn’t Mandatory : Tipping isn’t customary in Singapore, as a 10% service charge is typically included in your bill. However, feel free to leave a small tip for exceptional service.

Disclaimer: The author of this article, John Guanzon, traveled to Singapore as a guest of the Singapore Tourism Board for the purposes of this review.

One F&B boss supports new generation of young hawkers by funding their business expansion

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Owner of Hainanese cafe chain The Hainan Story, Lem Cheong, financially backed the millennial hawker running Aw’s Signature Minced Pork Noodle and the third-generation owner of braised duck specialist Yu Kee to open outlets at a newly revamped Woodlands coffeeshop.

Hawker Terence Aw and his wife of Aw’s Signature Minced Pork Noodle (left) and third-generation owner of Yu Kee House Of Braised Duck, Eunice Seah (right). (Photos: 8days)

This audio is AI-generated.

Yip Jieying

It isn’t easy being a hawker – adding to the struggle with long hours, laborious work and demanding customers, these food sellers also have to grapple with keeping food prices low amidst manpower shortages and ever-increasing rent hikes.

The stoic pioneer hawkers feel the pain, and the young hawkers, possibly even more so. Educated and ambitious with wide-ranging career opportunities, they chose to enter the hawker trade to continue their parents’ business legacy, or to fulfill a passion to work in the food industry. 

Which is why one F&B boss decided to fund two millennial hawkers to open outlets and expand their businesses. Terence Aw, 39, runs the popular Aw’s Signature Minced Pork Noodle at Tanglin Halt Food Centre, and Eunice Seah, 38, is the third-generation owner of Yu Kee House Of Braised Duck.

Their new outlets are all located at a newly revamped coffeeshop at Blk 326 Woodlands St 32, which officially opened on Sunday (May 26).

“We supported them to open their stalls in Woodlands, because we felt they are hardworking young people. We aim to help them, or else there won’t be another generation of young hawkers,” Lem Cheong told 8days.

The 43-year-old is the owner of Hainanese cafe chain The Hainan Story, which currently has four outlets including a bakery concept. Cheong, who was already acquainted with the millennial hawkers before this, saw that they were “very serious about food, and we share the same passion for local food”.

His company helps the young bosses with the setup costs for opening a new staff-run stall, and takes a percentage of the profits in return. “We support them financially, but they run the business,” Cheong said.

Aw’s Signature Minced Pork Noodle’s owner Terence Aw used to be an investigation officer in the Singapore Police Force before he opened his bak chor mee stall in 2016 with his wife, Jesline Chua. Back then, he told 8days: “I was in the force for 10 years before I resigned. I had enough of being in a uniform and wanted to go out and see the complicated world.”

Business is brisk and he often has a queue for his lard-slicked noodles with unique braised pork, fish maw and curry chicken wing toppings. But funding a business expansion is challenging, as hawkers often operate with very lean profit margins.

“I have actually known Lem for quite a while. Recently we caught up again and he asked about my stall and whether I had any plans for expanding. I then explained to him my difficulties, and he just said he wished to help me to expand my business as he has always wanted to try helping local young hawkers,” Aw said.

At his new Woodlands outlet, his Signature Noodle is priced at S$7.80 (small) and S$9.80 (large), and comes with toppings like abalone, prawn and braised pork. There are also options like Fish Maw Bee Hoon (S$5.80/S$7.80), Fishball Noodle (S$4.80) and Braised Pork Noodle (S$5.80), all offered with a choice of dry or soup.

Yu Kee House Of Braised Duck’s third-generation owner Eunice Seah, 38, operates her Woodlands stall under the name Duck Generation3.

It serves the same dishes that her family business is known for: Braised Duck Rice (from S$5) with braised tau kwa and egg, Duck Noodle (S$4/S$5), Braised Pork Rice (S$5) and Kway Chap (S$5; S$8.50 with duck meat).

Now, you may have seen Yu Kee restaurants in malls, but those were opened by Seah's uncle. The famous family business, started by Seah’s grandparents, split into two separately-run but same-named brands in the early 2000s. Seah’s uncle branched out with his own chain bearing the same name, while her parents continued running the original business.

According to Seah, her family is on good terms, and simply stay in their own lanes with their respective businesses. Customers can also differentiate the two Yu Kee brands by noting one subtle detail: The mall staple Yu Kee has black staff uniforms, while the other mainly coffeeshop-based chain has green staff uniforms.

While there are currently no definite plans to fund more young hawkers, Cheong said it is still a possibility. “We will continue to work with young and passionate people,” he shared.

Aw’s Signature Minced Pork Noodle & Duck Generation3’s Woodland outlets are at Maxim Stars Coffeeshop, Blk 326 Woodlands St 32, Singapore 730326. Open daily 6am-7pm (Aw’s Signature) and 8am-9.30pm (Duck Generation3).

This story was originally  published  in 8Days. 

For more 8Days stories, visit https://www.8days.sg/

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