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Hawker culture is a culinary tradition and a proud cultural heritage of Singapore. Don’t miss out on these famous hawker spots and must-try dishes.
Singapore, a small yet vibrant city, is a melting pot of diverse cultures. Known not only for its skyscrapers and lush parks, this country is also a food paradise with its unique Hawker culture.
Hawker culture is a distinctive culinary symbol of Singapore. These small stalls create flavorful dishes that leave a lasting impression. Planning a trip to Singapore or simply a food enthusiast? Make sure to note down these famous Hawker food spots and their must-try dishes.
What is Hawker? An Overview of Hawker Culture in Singapore
Hawker, also known as street food stalls, are small vendors serving affordable local dishes. Hawker culture is a hallmark of Singaporean cuisine, offering a variety of local flavors at reasonable prices.
Hawker culture traces its roots to immigrants who arrived in Singapore during the 19th century. Initially, they sold food from pushcarts along the streets. Later, the Singaporean government organized and built food centers to ensure food safety and provide comfortable dining spaces for visitors.
Hawker centers are typically covered and house numerous food stalls. Each stall usually specializes in a specific dish or cuisine, offering visitors a wide variety of choices.
Today, Hawker centers have become an essential culinary destination for both locals and international tourists. These centers not only serve delicious and affordable meals but also provide a space for people to gather, interact, and share culinary traditions.
In December 2020, Hawker culture was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This acknowledgment highlights the unique cultural and culinary value of Singapore and underscores the significance of Hawker centers in the lives of locals.
Famous Hawker Food Destinations and Eateries in Singapore
1. Bedok Chwee Kueh Singapore
Established in 1996 at Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre and now boasting seven branches across Singapore, Bedok Chwee Kueh is one of the most renowned spots for chwee kueh in the country.
Chwee kueh is a popular breakfast dish in Singapore, somewhat similar to Vietnamese bánh bèo. It consists of soft steamed rice cakes topped with savory-sweet chye poh (preserved radish), garlic, onions, and crispy roasted sesame seeds. The smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the rice cakes paired with the flavorful topping makes it irresistibly delicious.
- Address: Yishun Ring Rd, Blk 105, #01-142, Chong Pang Food Centre
- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
2. Taman Jurong Market Singapore
Taman Jurong Food Centre is one of Singapore’s most famous hawker centers. Originally established in 1972 as Yung Sheng Food Centre, it was renamed Taman Jurong Food Centre in 2005.
Despite its location far from the city center, this food hub attracts many locals and tourists with its standout dishes, including BBQ Seafood, ButterNut, Yong Kee Claypot Bak Kut Teh, Rong Xing Hakka Yong Tau Fu, and Xiang Wei Fried Kway Teow Mee.
- Address: Taman Jurong Market & Food Centre, 3 Yung Sheng Road
- Opening Hours: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
3. Chinatown Complex Food Centre Singapore
Chinatown Complex is Singapore’s largest hawker center, featuring over 260 food stalls and a wet market on the lower level. Due to intense competition, prices here are often lower than elsewhere, specializing in Chinese cuisine.
Some must-try dishes include the soy sauce chicken from Liao Fan Hawker Chan (a Michelin-starred stall) and the hot tofu rice from Zhao Ji Claypot Rice. After your meal, visit Smith Street Taps, the first craft beer stall in a hawker center, to enjoy a refreshing pint!
- Address: 46 Smith Street Chinatown Complex
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
4. Newton Food Centre Singapore
Newton Food Centre, just a short distance from Orchard Road, is a bustling hawker center famously featured in the movie Crazy Rich Asians.
Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious dishes from nearly 100 stalls, including laksa, satay, ice kachang, and fresh oyster omelets. Notably, it also houses Michelin-recommended stalls like Alliance Seafood, known for BBQ Stingray, and Heng, specializing in Black Carrot Cake.
- Address: 130A Clemenceau Avenue, Newton Circus, Singapore.
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM - 2:00 AM
5. Tekka Centre Singapore
Tekka is a renowned hawker center celebrated for its blend of Indian and Singaporean cuisine. It features a wet market catering to the Indian community and a hawker food section with numerous famous stalls.
Visit Allauddin and Yakader for Indian chicken biryani, Anna Dosai Stall for crispy dosa, or SJ Tandoori for curries and grilled dishes. If you prefer milder flavors, head to 545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles for the best hae mee (prawn noodles) in the area.
- Address: Tekka Market Food Centre, 665 Buffalo Rd
6. Changi Village Hawker Centre Singapore
Changi Village Hawker Centre is renowned for hosting over 100 hawker stalls offering a diverse range of dishes, from Chinese, Malay, and Indian to Thai and Western cuisine.
Highlights include International Muslim Food Stall Nasi Lemak, Weng Kee Ipoh Hor Fun, Mizzy Corner Nasi Lemak, and Changi Famous Nasi Ayam. Beyond traditional dishes, visitors can also try grilled stingray and otah (spicy fish paste grilled in banana leaves).
- Address: Changi Village Hawker Centre, 2 Changi Village Road
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Open 24 hours on Saturdays and Sundays)
7. Lau Pa Sat Singapore
Located in the heart of the city’s financial district, Lau Pa Sat is a must-visit hawker center. With its 19th-century Victorian colonial architecture, it offers a unique dining atmosphere.
Notably, around 7 PM, the "satay street" (Boon Tat Street) comes alive, featuring stalls serving delicious satay and local dishes like grilled stingray with sambal sauce. Additionally, visitors can explore Food Folks to discover both familiar and innovative food products.
- Address: 18 Raffles Quay
- Opening Hours: 24/7
8. Chomp Chomp Food Centre Singapore
Chomp Chomp Singapore, also known as Serangoon Gardens Food Centre, is a highly popular hawker center among locals. Despite being located outside the city center near Bishan, it attracts large crowds, especially in the evenings.
Here, visitors can enjoy grilled dishes like stingray and chicken wings, as well as piping hot noodle dishes. The chefs’ skillful preparation and the lively night market atmosphere create an unforgettable culinary experience.
- Address: 20 Kensington Road
- Opening Hours: 4:00 PM - 12:30 AM
9. Albert Centre Market And Food Centre Singapore
Albert Centre Market is a renowned hawker center near Bugis Shopping District, offering a variety of Malaysian and Chinese dishes. Visitors can enjoy Yong Tau Foo from Bai Nian Niang Dou Fu, Ma Bo Laksa from Ma Bo Lor Mee, and refreshing drinks from Whampoa Soya Bean. After a day of shopping at Bugis, take a break and dine at Albert Centre.
- Address: 270 Queen Rd
10. The Old Airport Road Hawker Centre Singapore
Established in the 1970s, Old Airport Road Food Centre is a favorite among food lovers in eastern Singapore. Located slightly away from the city center and less frequented by tourists, this hawker center is considered one of the best in Singapore for its affordability and, more importantly, its exceptional flavors.
This place is renowned for its diverse food stalls and signature dishes like wonton mee, Hokkien Lor Mee, and char kway teow. Experience Local Cuisine at The Old Airport Road Hawker Centre with Mytour Vietnam!
- Address: Block 51, Old Airport Road, Geylang
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM
11. Tiong Bahru Market Singapore
Unlike most hawker centers that are busiest in the evening, Tiong Bahru Market is famous for breakfast and lunch. Many stalls open early at 7 AM and typically close by late afternoon.
Although the market operates from morning to afternoon, the best time to enjoy Tiong Bahru’s finest dishes is during lunch. This is when the hawker stalls serve a variety of enticing dishes, including roasted duck, pork rib noodles, and Hainanese chicken rice.
- Address: 30 Seng Poh Rd
Top Must-Try Hawker Dishes in Singapore
1. Chili Crab, Pepper Crab
Chili crab is one of Singapore’s most iconic street foods, ranked 35th on CNNGo’s list of the world’s best dishes. The crab is cooked in a sweet, spicy, and savory sauce, often served with fried mantou buns. The dish comes in two main styles: Chinese-style chili sauce and black pepper sauce.
Some famous places to try this dish include Jumbo Seafood Restaurant, Momma Kong's, Red House Seafood, and No Signboard Seafood. Prices range from 25 to 90 SGD depending on the size.
2. Grilled Satay Skewers
Although originating from Indonesia, satay has become a beloved dish in Singapore, available in both high-end restaurants and hawker centers. The meat, marinated with turmeric, is grilled to perfection and typically served with peanut sauce, onions, and rice.
Some popular places to enjoy satay include Fang Yuan Satay, Shi Xiang Stall, and Chong Pang Huat. Prices are around 20 SGD.
3. Sambal Stingray
This is a Singaporean street food influenced by Malaysian culture. Tender stingray is grilled in banana leaves and served with a spicy sambal sauce made from chili, shrimp paste, fish sauce, shallots, sugar, vinegar, and ginger.
Famous spots to try this dish include Chomp Hai Wei Yuan Seafood Barbecue, B.B.Q. Seafood, and Chan BBQ. Prices are around 10 SGD.
4. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese chicken rice is considered a national dish of Singapore, available in restaurants and hawker centers across the country. The dish features poached chicken, fragrant rice, ginger sauce, and chili paste. What makes it special is the blend of spices and sauces, creating a rich and unforgettable flavor.
Some famous places to enjoy chicken rice include Boon Tong Kee, Hawker Chan, and Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice. Prices are around 15 SGD.
5. Laksa
A traditional Peranakan dish, laksa is one of Singapore’s most beloved street foods. It features noodles in a rich coconut milk broth, served with fish cakes, shrimp, and cockles.
Popular spots to try laksa include 328 Katong Laksa, Sungei Road Laksa, and Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa. Prices are around 8 SGD.
6. Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling is a famous cocktail invented in Singapore, offering a must-try culinary experience. This refreshing tropical drink is made with gin, brandy, pineapple juice, and a blend of spices.
Some famous places to enjoy Singapore Sling include Adrift by David Myers, Post Bar, and Halia. Prices start from around 20 SGD.
7. Ice Kacang
A popular Malaysian dessert in Singapore, enjoyed by both kids and adults, is Ice Kacang. This treat consists of shaved ice, red beans, jelly, sweet syrup, and toppings like sweet corn and more.
Popular spots to try Ice Kacang include Annie's Peanut Ice Kacang, Mei Heong Yuen, and Quig Tiang Cold and Hot Desserts. Prices are around 8 SGD.
8. Cheng Tng Dessert
Cheng Tng is one of Singapore’s most famous street desserts. Packed with nutritious ingredients like lotus seeds, ginkgo nuts, longan, sago pearls, and winter melon, it’s perfect for cooling down in hot weather.
A famous spot to try Cheng Tng is Xi Le Ting Dessert in Commonwealth. Prices start from around 1 SGD.
9. Cendol
Cendol is a street dessert recognized by CNN as one of the world’s top 50 desserts. Similar to shaved ice but with different toppings, Cendol includes shaved ice, green rice flour jelly (cendol), palm sugar, and coconut milk, often topped with corn and red beans.
Four Seasons Cendol is a popular spot for this dessert. Prices range from 1 to 10 SGD.
Tips for Experiencing Hawker Food in Singapore
Exploring hawker centers is an essential cultural experience when visiting Singapore. Here are some tips to make the most of your hawker center visit:
- Take a quick walk around the hawker center before ordering. These centers are often large with many stalls, so exploring helps you spot all the delicious options.
- Seating at Singaporean hawker centers is usually shared. Secure a spot by marking it with a pack of tissues, a common practice in Singapore. Don’t forget to clean up after your meal!
- Most hawker stalls don’t accept cards or digital payments, so bring cash for convenience.
- Each stall typically specializes in one dish. Try a variety by ordering from multiple stalls. For two people, ordering around three dishes is ideal for sharing.
- If you’re unsure where to eat, join the longest queue. A long line often indicates a highly recommended dish!
- Many hawker dishes are flavorful and spicy. If you can’t handle spice, let the chef know when ordering to enjoy the dish fully.
Hawker culture is a hallmark of Singaporean cuisine, attracting visitors worldwide. The bustling hawker centers, filled with delicious food, promise unforgettable experiences. With the 11 food destinations highlighted above, Mytour Vietnam hopes this guide helps you plan your culinary adventure in Singapore.
Visit the Travel Blog of Mytour Vietnam for more articles on Singapore travel, such as reviews of Night Safari Singapore, the iconic rides of Universal Studios Singapore, Hottest Music Events & Shows in Singapore, Must-Try Singaporean Dishes, and Top Singapore Tourist Attractions…
Get ready to embark on a journey to savor the unique flavors of Hawker culture!
