Hoorah! Hawker Culture in the Little Red Dot has been officially added to the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity! With Singapore widely known as the ultimate food haven, it’s easy to get lost in your hunt for all that our island has to offer your taste buds. We’ve narrowed down the top 10 hawker centers to visit for the best of Singapore’s gastronomical adventures. Visit the stalls, order some of Singapore’s famous dishes, and repeat. Happy eating!
After a day’s worth of exploring the iconic Singapore landmarks of Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, there’s nothing one could want more than some good local food to complement the sights. Thankfully, there’s Satay by the Bay for this. And skewered meat isn’t the only dish available either – dig into other favorites like chicken rice and roti prata as well.
Satay by the Bay, #01-19, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953, +65 6538 9956, www.sataybythebay.com.sg
Makansutra Gluttons Bay, #01-15, Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039802, +65 6438 4038, www.makansutra.com/eateries-home
For a dose of zi car (a mixed spread of wok-cooked dishes), many flock to the food village at East Coast Lagoon, and for good reason. The hawker center sits by the beach, which provides a cool breeze to complement plates of steaming hot local fare. From Hokkien mee to friend oyster omelet to sambal stingray, you’ll be seriously spoiled for choice with all the options.
East Coast Lagoon Food Village, 1220 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 468960, www.facebook.com/pg/eastcoastlagoon
Chomp Chomp Food Centre is another beloved haunt for many seeking to satisfy their appetite for Singapore food. The food center's space is smaller as compared to the others on this list, so make sure to head down early to secure a table and avoid having to rush and “chope” for them. Tip: order the giant mug of sugar cane juice to wash down all the delicious grub too!
Chomp Chomp Food Centre, 20 Kensington Park Road, Singapore 557269, https://chompchompfoodcentre.business.site/
This hawker centre located in the heart of the office-populated Tanjong Pagar means that working adults pack the food haven during peak hours. So expect to wait in line in addition to several stores that attract a loyal following on the regular. One such stall is the world famous Tian Tian Chicken Rice, that can see waits of up to 20 minutes. Even Masterchef Gordon Ramsey’s a fan!
Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184
Similar to East Coast Lagoon, Newton Circus is also an open-air food enclave that’s a hit among Singapore crowds. The dining spot hosts plenty local favorites and is bound to hit the spot for all your cravings. Don’t feel obliged to anyone who helps you find a seat however, as touting for business is strictly prohibited here. Plus, with so many cuisines to pick from, deciding on one is near impossible anyway.
Newton Circus Food Centre, 130A Clemenceau Avenue, Singapore 239928, +65 9633 9919
Home to stalls famous for their prawn noodles, wanton mee, and the beancurd dessert, Old Airport Road Food Centre is a haven for all things shiok! The long-standing food center boasts over 40 years of old-school vibes and traditional tastes – perfect to get your local cuisine fix for the whole family. Plus, everything is super affordable too!
Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
Chinatown Food Street, Smith Street, Singapore 058938, http://chinatownfoodstreet.sg/
No visit to the sunny island of Singapore is complete without checking out Lau Pa Sat. Besides feasting on a platter of Satay or Chicken Rice, feast your eyes on the stunning architecture within as well. Its never-ceasing popularity is a testament to its status as one of Singapore’s most recognizable landmarks. The food market is also conveniently centrally located, making the post-meal walk around the nearby Marina Bay area a scenic one.
Lau Pa Sat, 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582, +65 62202138, http://www.laupasat.biz/
Ditch the stereotypical cafes populated in Tiong Bahru district for the food market instead. Having recently undergone a renovation last year, the new space is home to many famous stalls offering up well-known dishes, such as Roasted Meats, Fishball Noodles, and Chwee Kueh. It’s also a market, so you can also squeeze in some grocery shopping before or after your meal.
Tiong Bahu Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898, http://tiongbahru.market/
Photo Credits: Klook.com, myguidesingapore.com, foodadvisor.com.sg, singapore-guide.com, singaporebusinessguide.com, Tiong Bahru Hawker Centre Facebook, Chinatown Food Street
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