Joanna James
Singapore’s street food scene is a true reflection of its multicultural identity, offering an unparalleled variety of flavours and dishes. Here are the top five places to experience the best street food in Singapore.
Located in Chinatown, Maxwell Food Centre is one of the most famous hawker centres in Singapore. It is home to an impressive variety of local delights, making it a must-visit spot for street food enthusiasts.
Hainanese Chicken Rice – The legendary Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall is a top favourite, drawing long queues daily for its tender chicken and fragrant rice.
Oyster Omelette – A crispy and flavourful dish made with eggs, starch, and fresh oysters.
Popiah – A fresh and light spring roll filled with shredded turnips, eggs, and prawns.
Maxwell Food Centre is a great place to experience the heart of Singaporean street food culture while exploring Chinatown’s historic charm.
For those seeking an authentic, local dining experience, Old Airport Road Food Centre is a must-visit. It is one of the oldest and most beloved hawker centres in Singapore, known for its affordable and high-quality food.
Char Kway Teow – Stir-fried flat rice noodles with eggs, prawns, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts.
Hokkien Mee – A flavourful noodle dish cooked in a rich prawn broth and topped with fresh seafood.
Rojak – A traditional fruit and vegetable salad tossed in a sweet and savoury shrimp paste dressing.
This hawker centre offers a taste of Singapore’s culinary heritage in a lively and casual setting.
Situated in the heart of the business district, Lau Pa Sat is a historic hawker centre that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. The Victorian-style structure adds to its charm, making it a picturesque spot for food lovers.
Satay Street – In the evening, Boon Tat Street transforms into an open-air satay haven, where vendors grill skewers of marinated meat over charcoal flames.
BBQ Stingray – Grilled stingray served with a spicy sambal sauce.
Fried Carrot Cake – A savoury dish made with radish cake, eggs, and soy sauce, available in white (crispy) or black (sweet) versions.
Lau Pa Sat offers a mix of traditional and modern flavours, making it an ideal stop for both tourists and locals.
As the largest hawker centre in Singapore, Chinatown Complex Food Centre is home to over 200 food stalls, offering some of the city’s best hawker fare at wallet-friendly prices.
Soy Sauce Chicken Rice – This dish gained international fame when Hawker Chan became the first hawker stall to earn a Michelin star.
Wanton Mee – Springy noodles served with dumplings and char siu (barbecued pork).
Chendol – A refreshing dessert made with coconut milk, pandan jelly, and gula melaka (palm sugar syrup).
If you’re looking for an authentic and budget-friendly culinary adventure, Chinatown Complex Food Centre is a fantastic option.
Located in the heart of Little India, Tekka Centre is a bustling hawker centre known for its mouth-watering Indian and Malay cuisine.
Biriyani – Fragrant rice cooked with spices and served with tender mutton or chicken.
Roti Prata – Crispy and flaky flatbread served with curry for dipping.
Mee Goreng – Spicy fried noodles cooked with eggs, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices.
For those looking to explore beyond hawker centres, some of the best restaurants in Singapore offer innovative takes on classic dishes, blending street food influences with modern gastronomy. And for a stylish dining experience in a contemporary setting, Entrepôt is an excellent choice, where culinary creativity meets Singapore’s dynamic food culture.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
