Food in Singapore blends Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan traditions into one vibrant food culture. The best food in Singapore can be found in hawker centres like Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell Food Centre, offering dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and satay – but also in top restaurants reimagining these classics with a modern twist.
*Heads up, fellow travelers! Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase or book an activity through them, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We only recommend things we absolutely love and believe will enhance your adventure. Your support helps us keep this site going, so thank you for being part of our journey!
Why Food in Singapore Is So Special
The food in Singapore isn’t just delicious – it’s a whole experience. Every bite tells a story of migration, culture, and creativity. You’ll find dishes inspired by China, Malaysia, India, and Indonesia, all mixed into one tiny island that eats like a giant. Honestly, the best food we ever ate was in Singapore!
What makes food in Singapore stand out is the balance – spicy yet comforting, rich yet simple, bold yet familiar. And whether you’re sitting under a fan in a bustling hawker centre or in a fine dining restaurant overlooking Marina Bay, the flavors are unforgettable.
👉 Short on time? Our 1-day Singapore itinerary shows how to see the city and taste its best food in just 24 hours.
Where to Experience Authentic Food in Singapore
If you want to understand the real soul of food in Singapore, start with the hawker centres – the heartbeat of the city’s food scene.
But what exactly are hawker centres?
They’re large open-air food courts packed with dozens of food stalls, each run by someone who’s been perfecting one or two dishes for years. You’ll find everything here – from noodles and dumplings to seafood, desserts, and local coffee. It’s where locals actually eat every day, and it’s the best way to taste authentic food in Singapore without spending much.
Hawker centres are also much cheaper than restaurants – you can enjoy a full meal for around S$3-S$10, while most restaurants easily cost three to four times more. It’s real, homemade food cooked with passion, and the quality is often just as good (if not better) than fancy spots.
Here are some of the best hawker centres to visit for the ultimate food experience in Singapore:
- Maxwell Food Centre – A must for first-timers. The atmosphere is lively and the Hainanese chicken rice from Tian Tian is legendary.
- Lau Pa Sat – Beautiful architecture, central location, and the famous Satay Street that comes alive at night.
- Newton Food Centre – Great for seafood lovers and a local favorite for supper after midnight.
- Old Airport Road Food Centre – Home to some of the oldest hawker stalls with authentic, old-school flavours.
- Chinatown Complex – A maze of stalls and smells where you’ll find Michelin-approved hawker dishes for just a few dollars.
💡 Local tip: Bring tissues (they double as seat-reservers – a Singapore tradition known as “chope”). Don’t rush your meal. Eat slowly, people-watch, and share dishes with friends to try more things.
What are the best Restaurants in Singapore? (For When You Want Something Different)
Even though hawker centres are unbeatable for authentic food in Singapore, sometimes you just want to sit somewhere a bit fancier – maybe for a date night, a special dinner, or just to treat yourself. Here are some great restaurants to check out, grouped by cuisine:
🇸🇬 Singaporean & Asian Fusion
- Restaurant Ibid – A creative mix of Chinese heritage and modern fine dining, led by a MasterChef Asia winner. Expect unique tasting menus and elegant plating near Boat Quay.
- The Spot Singapore – A cool spot for fusion food and cocktails, blending Southeast Asian flavours with European techniques.
- Tian Tian Fisherman’s Pier Seafood Restaurant 天天渔港 – Perfect for seafood lovers looking for something fancier than hawker crab. Their chilli crab and steamed fish are fresh and delicious.
- Swee Choon Jalan Besar – A local favourite for late-night dim sum. It’s casual but iconic – an absolute must for those who want to experience a true Singapore tradition in restaurant form.
- Numb Restaurant 川麻记 @ Marina One – Spicy Sichuan dishes in a modern setting. Great if you love that bold, numbing pepper flavour that Singaporeans can’t get enough of.
🍜 Other Asian Cuisine
- CHILLI & PEPPER Indian Restaurant & Bar – Indian classics like butter chicken, tandoori, and biryani, all served in a cozy, slightly upscale environment.
- Black Pepper Multicuisine Restaurant Singapore – A mix of Indian, Thai, and local favourites – perfect if you can’t decide on one cuisine.
- Sawasdee Thai Restaurant – Authentic Thai dishes packed with flavour and spice, from green curry to pad thai.
- Nanbantei Japanese Restaurant (Chinatown Point) – A hidden gem for yakitori (Japanese grilled skewers) and sushi, served fresh in a traditional-style setting.
- Kinki Restaurant + Bar @ Customs House – Japanese fusion with a rooftop view over Marina Bay. Great sushi, cocktails, and sunset vibes.
🥙 Mediterranean & Middle Eastern
- Anatolia Restaurant SG – Highly recommended! Authentic Turkish food bursting with flavour – from grilled meats to fresh bread and creamy dips. Portions are generous, service is lovely, and they even serve complimentary Turkish tea at the end. Just note that prices are higher (around double what you’d pay at hawker centres).
- Ayasofya Turkish Restaurant – Another amazing Turkish spot with rich flavours and great hospitality. Ideal for a cozy dinner with friends.
- Cappadocia Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant – Warm, welcoming, and full of Mediterranean charm. Try their mixed grill platter – you won’t regret it.
🍷 European & Western
- Merci Marcel Club Street – Trendy French bistro with Parisian vibes. Perfect for brunch, a glass of wine, or a long evening with friends.
- Etna Italian Restaurant (Duxton) – Sicilian-inspired Italian with handmade pasta, great seafood, and authentic flavours – romantic yet relaxed.
- Bochinche – Latin-inspired dining with Argentinian-style grilled meats and tapas, served in a lively atmosphere.
💡 Note on Prices:
Compared to hawker centres (where meals are usually around S$3–S$10), restaurants in these areas are much more expensive – expect about S$30–S$50 per person, and more if you’re having cocktails or multiple courses. Still, it’s worth it for a nice night out or to explore a different side of food in Singapore.
👉 If you have more time in the city, check out our guide to the 20 best things to do in Singapore in 2025 – perfect for adding adventures beyond food.
How to Best Experience Singaporean Food
The best way to truly experience food in Singapore is to dine like a local – and there’s no better place to start than the hawker centres. Imagine wandering through Lau Pa Sat as the sun sets, the air filled with the aroma of satay, chilli crab, and steaming noodles, surrounded by locals and travellers alike.
For an extra-special experience, consider joining a guided night food tour. On a 3.5-hour adventure, you’ll:
- Dine under the stars at Lau Pa Sat, Singapore’s UNESCO-listed hawker centre.
- Explore popular nightlife spots and enjoy breathtaking river views.
- Discover hidden sites and hear untold stories from your guide.
- Play trivia games and engage with fun challenges along the way.
- End the night at one of Singapore’s iconic nightspots with options for drinks and souvenirs.
This kind of tour not only lets you taste the most famous local dishes but also gives you a deeper sense of Singapore’s vibrant night culture. From panoramic Marina Bay views to bustling streets filled with flavour, it’s a night you won’t forget – and a unique way to immerse yourself in the heart of Singaporean food.
💡 Tip: Even if you don’t join a tour, try to eat at hawker centres at night – the energy, the smells, and the crowds make the food taste even better.
Top Local Dishes in Singapore
Hainanese Chicken Rice
The most famous food in Singapore – simple but deeply satisfying. Steamed or roasted chicken, fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, with chilli and ginger sauce on the side. Locals argue endlessly about whose is best.
Where to eat: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Maxwell Food Centre) or Sam Leong St Chicken Rice.
Laksa
A spicy coconut curry noodle soup that perfectly sums up Singapore’s multicultural mix. Creamy, aromatic, and filled with prawns, fish cakes, and sometimes cockles.
Where to eat: Katong Laksa (George’s) – the version that even beat Gordon Ramsay in a cook-off!
Satay
Tender skewers of marinated meat grilled over charcoal and served with peanut sauce, cucumber, and onion. The smoky aroma alone will guide you.
Where to eat: Lau Pa Sat Satay Street after 7pm – one of the best evening experiences in Singapore.
Chilli Crab
Singapore’s messiest and most famous dish. Mud crabs stir-fried in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce – you’ll be licking your fingers clean.
Where to eat: Jumbo Seafood or Long Beach Seafood Restaurant.
Char Kway Teow
Flat noodles fried with egg, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and cockles – cooked in lard for that signature “wok hei” smoky flavour.
Where to eat: Hill Street Char Kway Teow at Chinatown Complex.
Hokkien Mee
A stir-fried noodle dish with prawns, squid, and rich seafood stock. It’s wet, flavorful, and addictive.
Where to eat: Shiok Hokkien Mee Golden Mile (Golden Mile Food Centre).
Nasi Lemak
Originally Malay, now loved by everyone. Coconut rice with sambal, fried anchovies, egg, cucumber, and fried chicken or fish.
Where to eat: HUSK Nasi Lemak (Bugis Cube) (Halal Restaurant).
Popiah
Singapore’s version of a fresh spring roll – thin crepe filled with turnip, carrots, lettuce, egg, and peanuts. Light but full of flavour.
Where to eat: Ann Chin Popiah (Chinatown) (Chinatown Complex).
Sweet Treats: Desserts You Can’t Miss in Singapore
Chendol
Shaved ice, coconut milk, green jelly noodles, and palm sugar syrup. Perfect for cooling off after a spicy meal. Try Old Amoy Chendol.
Ice Kacang
A mountain of colourful shaved ice topped with beans, jelly, and syrups. Strange but so fun. Try at Chow Zan Dessert 超赞甜品 Bugis.
Kaya Toast
Toasted bread with kaya (coconut jam) and butter, best enjoyed with soft-boiled eggs and kopi for breakfast. Try Heap Seng Leong Coffeeshop.
Pandan Cake
Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet – a local favorite you can find in most bakeries. It is also my forever favourite desert in Asia! You can also try Gobi Desserts.
Drinks to Try in Singapore
Food in Singapore is amazing – but don’t skip the drinks! From old-school kopi to stylish cocktails, there’s something for every mood and every hour of the day.
Kopi (Local Coffee)
Singapore-style coffee is strong, thick, and slightly sweet – made with robusta beans and condensed or evaporated milk. Learn the local lingo:
- kopi-O = black with sugar
- kopi-C = with evaporated milk and sugar
- kopi peng = iced coffee
Where to try it:
- Ya Kun Kaya Toast – A Singapore breakfast classic. Have your kopi with kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs.
- Heap Seng Leong Coffeeshop
Teh Tarik (“Pulled Tea”)
This famous milk tea is made by “pulling” it between cups, creating a smooth, frothy top and perfectly balanced sweetness. Watching it being poured is half the fun.
Where to try it:
- Tarik (various outlets) – Famous for, well, teh tarik.
- Zam Zam Restaurant (near Sultan Mosque) – Have it with murtabak or prata for the full local experience.
- Kampong Glam Café – Great spot for a chilled evening tea after exploring the area.
Sugarcane Juice
Freshly pressed sugarcane with ice – sweet, light, and super refreshing after walking all day. You’ll find it at almost every hawker centre.
Where to try it:
- Lau Pa Sat or Maxwell Food Centre – Grab one to go with your satay or chicken rice.
- East Coast Lagoon Food Village – Perfect for sipping by the sea.
- ABC Brickworks Food Centre – Locals say they make some of the best sugarcane juice in town.
Bandung
A pink, milky drink made with rose syrup – slightly floral, sweet, and oddly addictive. It’s especially popular during Ramadan or with spicy Malay dishes.
Where to try it:
- Hajjah Maimunah Restaurant – Traditional Malay food with delicious, fresh bandung.
- Any Indian or Malay hawker stall – They’ll almost always have it chilled and ready.
Cocktails & Bar Drinks
If you’re in the mood for something stronger, Singapore’s cocktail scene is world-class. Some bars here are consistently ranked among the best in Asia.
Where to try them:
- ATLAS – A breathtaking, Gatsby-style bar inside Parkview Square. Famous for its gin collection and elegant vibe – one of the most beautiful bars in the world.
- Jigger & Pony – Consistently ranked among Asia’s top bars, known for perfectly balanced classic cocktails and warm hospitality.
- Alleybar – Hidden in a narrow alley off Emerald Hill, this one’s a local favourite for chill drinks in a beautiful heritage setting.
💡 Tip: Start your morning with kopi, cool off midday with sugarcane juice, sip teh tarik at sunset, and end your night with a cocktail – that’s the perfect drink itinerary for a full day of tasting your way through Singapore.
Tips for Eating Food in Singapore Like a Local
- Eat at odd hours – Avoid peak lunch and dinner times to skip long queues.
- Don’t be afraid of queues – The longer it is, the better the food.
- Use tissues to “chope” your seat.
- Bring cash – Not all stalls accept cards.
- Mix and match – Order a few small things to share and taste more variety.
- Stay hydrated – Singapore’s heat is real, especially if you’re eating spicy dishes outdoors!
Final Thoughts
Food in Singapore is more than something you eat – it’s a piece of the country’s heart. Whether you’re sitting under twinkling lights at Lau Pa Sat or trying fine-dining versions of local classics at Candlenut, every bite feels like a story told through flavour.
The best way to explore Singapore is through your taste buds. Forget counting calories, and just enjoy it – because once you’ve tasted real food in Singapore, you’ll keep dreaming about it long after your trip ends.
