Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, and one of the best ways to experience the city-state’s culinary scene is by visiting its famous hawker centers. These bustling food markets are home to various street food stalls, each serving delicious and affordable dishes reflecting Singapore’s diverse cultural influences.
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In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the best hawker centers in Singapore. We’ll show you what to eat, where to go, and what to expect when you visit these vibrant foodie hotspots.
Maxwell Food Centre
Situated in the heart of Chinatown, Maxwell Food Centre is a famous hawker center that’s been around for over 80 years. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of local dishes, including Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow. One of the most famous stalls in the center is Tian Tian Chicken Rice, which has won numerous awards for its delicious chicken rice. Be prepared to queue for a while, as the stall is always packed with hungry customers.
Old Airport Road Food Centre
One of Singapore’s largest and oldest hawker centers, Old Airport Road Food Centre is a must-visit destination for any food lover. With over 150 food stalls to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what to eat. Some popular dishes include oyster omelet, fried carrot cake, and BBQ stingray. Try the durian ice cream from 227 Katong Durian if you’re feeling adventurous.
Tiong Bahru Market
Tiong Bahru Market is a charming hawker center in a historic Art Deco building. The market is home to over 80 stalls serving various local and international dishes. Take advantage of the famous chwee kueh from Jian Bo Shui Kueh, a popular breakfast item made of steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish. The market is also home to several trendy cafes and bakeries, making it a great afternoon.
Chomp Chomp Food Centre
Chomp Chomp Food Centre is popular with locals and tourists in the heart of Serangoon Gardens. The center is home to over 20 stalls, serving up a variety of hawker favorites such as satay, BBQ chicken wings, and Hokkien mee. One of the most famous stalls is Seng Kee Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle, which serves a delicious bowl of noodles topped with mushrooms and minced meat.
Lau Pa Sat
Lau Pa Sat is a historic hawker center in the heart of the Central Business District. The center is famous for its satay, grilled over charcoal and served with a delicious peanut sauce. Other popular dishes include chicken rice, laksa, and rojak. The center is also home to several bars and restaurants, making it a nice place to grab a drink after a long day of sightseeing.
Tekka Centre
In Little India, Tekka Centre is a bustling hawker center famous for its Indian food stalls. You’ll find dishes such as biryani, roti prata, and those here. Also, take advantage of the famous fish head curry from Allauddin’s Briyani, a spicy and flavorful dish perfect for sharing.
Amoy Street Food Centre
Amoy Street Food Centre is a hidden gem in Singapore’s bustling financial district. The center is home to over 80 stalls serving various local and international dishes. One of the most popular stalls is A Noodle Story, which combines Singaporean and Japanese flavors in its signature dish, Singapore-style ramen. Other popular dishes include Hokkien mee, char kway teow, and nasi lemak.
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Chinatown Complex Food Centre is one of the biggest hawker centers in Singapore, with over 260 stalls spread across two floors. Here, you’ll find various local and international dishes, including dim sum, roasted meats, and vegetarian options. Also, take advantage of the famous clay pot rice from New Lucky Claypot Rice, perfectly cooked in a traditional clay pot.
Golden Mile Food Centre
Golden Mile Food Centre is a hidden gem in the Kampong Glam neighborhood of Singapore. The center is home to over 90 stalls serving various local and international dishes. Take advantage of the famous coconut milkshake from Famous Haig Road Putu Piring, a refreshing treat on a hot day. Other famous words include prawn noodles, laksa, and nasi padang.
Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre
Located in eastern Singapore, Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The center is home to over 30 stalls serving various local and international dishes. Take advantage of the famous lor mee from Soon Lee Lor Mee, a delicious bowl of noodles topped with a thick gravy and crispy fried fish.
When visiting hawker centers in Singapore, it’s essential to bring cash as most stalls do not accept credit cards. Getting a healthy appetite is also essential, as portions are generous and prices are affordable. Feel free to try new things and ask for recommendations from locals, who are always happy to share their favorite food spots.
Aside from the delicious food, hawker centers in Singapore also offer a glimpse into the city-state’s vibrant culture and history. Many hawker centers have been around for decades and are deeply rooted in the local community. Some stalls have been passed down from generation to generation, with recipes and cooking techniques perfected over time.
Moreover, hawker centers in Singapore are also great places to meet locals and learn more about their way of life. It’s common to strike up a conversation with a friendly vendor or fellow diner and leave with new insights and recommendations for other food spots or cultural experiences in Singapore.
Overall, visiting hawker centers in Singapore is a must-do for anyone who wants to experience the city-state’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. From the iconic hawker centers in Chinatown to the hidden gems in residential neighborhoods, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in Singapore’s vibrant food scene.