Singapore’s culinary scene is as rich and diverse as its multicultural population. A melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences, the island nation offers everything from affordable hawker staples to Michelin-starred fine dining. This Singapore food guide will walk you through iconic dishes and exactly where to try them—whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning foodie.
Iconic Dishes You Must Try in Singapore
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
What it is: Poached chicken served with fragrant rice, garlic-chili sauce, and ginger dip.
Where to eat:
- Tian Tian Chicken Rice (Maxwell Food Centre)
- Wee Nam Kee (Novena)
???? Tip: The rice is just as important as the chicken—it’s cooked in chicken stock!
2. Chili Crab
What it is: Mud crab stir-fried in a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce.
Where to eat:
- Jumbo Seafood (Clarke Quay or East Coast Seafood Centre)
- No Signboard Seafood (Geylang)
???? Tip: Use the mantou (fried buns) to mop up that rich sauce.
3. Laksa
What it is: Spicy coconut milk noodle soup with prawns, cockles, and fishcake.
Where to eat:
- 328 Katong Laksa (East Coast Road)
- Sungei Road Laksa (Jalan Berseh Food Centre)
???? Tip: Katong-style laksa is eaten with just a spoon—no chopsticks needed!
4. Char Kway Teow
What it is: Flat rice noodles stir-fried with egg, Chinese sausage, cockles, and bean sprouts in dark soy sauce.
Where to eat:
- Hill Street Char Kway Teow (Bedok South)
- Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee (Hong Lim Food Centre)
5. Roti Prata
What it is: Indian-style flaky flatbread served with curry.
Where to eat:
- Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata (Joo Chiat)
- Springleaf Prata Place (Upper Thomson)
???? Try it with egg, cheese, or banana fillings for extra indulgence.
6. Nasi Lemak
What it is: Fragrant coconut rice served with fried chicken, sambal chili, peanuts, egg, and anchovies.
Where to eat:
- The Coconut Club (Ann Siang Hill)
- Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak (Adam Road Food Centre)
7. Bak Kut Teh
What it is: Pork rib soup seasoned with pepper and garlic, served with rice and preserved vegetables.
Where to eat:
- Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (Clarke Quay)
- Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh (Rangoon Road)
8. Hokkien Mee
What it is: Stir-fried noodles with prawns, squid, pork belly, and a seafood stock base.
Where to eat:
- Nam Sing Hokkien Mee (Old Airport Road Food Centre)
- Geylang Lor 29 Hokkien Mee (East Coast)
9. Satay
What it is: Skewered and grilled meat served with peanut sauce and rice cakes.
Where to eat:
- Lau Pa Sat Satay Street (Raffles Place)
- Chomp Chomp Food Centre (Serangoon Gardens)
10. Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs
What it is: Toasted bread spread with kaya (coconut egg jam) and butter, served with soft-boiled eggs and kopi (coffee).
Where to eat:
- Ya Kun Kaya Toast (Various outlets)
- Killiney Kopitiam (Killiney Road)
???? Mix soy sauce and pepper into the eggs and dip your toast—it’s the local way.
Where to Eat: Top Foodie Neighborhoods in Singapore
Chinatown
Perfect for heritage dishes and bustling hawker centres.
Must-visit spots:
- Maxwell Food Centre
- Chinatown Complex Food Centre
- Smith Street (aka Chinatown Food Street)
Little India
A paradise for lovers of bold Indian flavors and vegetarian fare.
Must-visit spots:
- Tekka Centre
- Komala Vilas
- The Banana Leaf Apolo
Katong & East Coast
Best for Peranakan cuisine and laksa.
Must-visit spots:
- 328 Katong Laksa
- Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant
- Kim Choo Kueh Chang
Tiong Bahru
Trendy yet traditional, with a mix of hip cafés and classic hawkers.
Must-visit spots:
- Tiong Bahru Market
- Tiong Bahru Bakery
- Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice
Bugis & Arab Street
A cultural crossroads offering Malay, Arab, and halal-friendly foods.
Must-visit spots:
- Zam Zam Restaurant (murtabak & nasi biryani)
- Hajah Maimunah (Malay rice spread)
Tips for Eating Like a Local in Singapore
- Use hawker apps like “Burpple,” “Eatigo,” or “HungryGoWhere” to locate top-rated food nearby.
- Queue etiquette: If you see a long queue, it’s usually a good sign—Singaporeans queue for quality!
- Ask for less spice if you’re not used to heat—many dishes pack a punch.
- Return your tray after eating at hawker centres; it’s expected.
- Bring cash: Not all stalls accept cards, although QR payment is increasingly common.
FAQs: Singapore Food Guide
Is street food safe to eat in Singapore?
Yes! Singapore’s hawker centres are highly regulated and known for cleanliness.
Are hawker dishes spicy?
Some are. You can always ask for less spice or omit the chili.
Is tipping expected at hawker centres or food stalls?
No tipping is required or expected.
Are vegetarian options available at hawker centres?
Absolutely! Indian and Buddhist cuisine offer many vegetarian-friendly dishes.
Are hawker centres halal-friendly?
Yes, many hawker stalls are halal-certified. Look for signage or eat in areas like Geylang Serai.
How much does a typical meal cost at a hawker centre?
Around SGD $3–8 per dish, depending on the item and location.
Can I eat at hawker centres late at night?
Yes, many centres stay open until late—especially Chomp Chomp and Lau Pa Sat.
What drinks should I try in Singapore?
Local favorites include teh tarik (pulled milk tea), sugarcane juice, and kopi (local coffee).
What is “kopitiam”?
A traditional local coffee shop serving drinks, toast, and simple meals.
Is it safe to drink tap water?
Yes. Singapore’s tap water is safe and meets international standards.
Do food courts serve the same food as hawker centres?
Generally, yes—though food courts are often in malls and slightly more expensive.
Can I ask for takeaway at Singapore hawker centres?
Definitely. Just say “ta bao” (Cantonese for take away).
Final Thoughts: Taste Singapore One Bite at a Time
From humble hawker stalls to heritage-rich neighborhood eats, Singapore is a dream come true for food lovers. This Singapore food guide is just the beginning of your culinary adventure. Whether you’re here for a layover or staying longer, eating in Singapore is more than just a necessity—it’s a memorable, flavorful, and cultural experience.