Singapore Food Guide
Singapore is more than just a destination, it’s a place where every Singapore food tells a story. And when it comes to food, we Singaporeans know better than anyone which dishes truly define our culture. With pride and passion, we’re excited to introduce you to some of the best food in Singapore, flavors deeply rooted in our heritage and loved by locals every day.
Whether you’re weaving through the spice filled streets of Little India or dining at a Michelin starred rooftop restaurant with sweeping skyline views, every bite reflects the city’s rich cultural mosaic and culinary ambition.
From legendary hawker stalls to world class gastronomy, Singapore’s food scene is a masterclass in diversity and depth. In this guide, we spotlight 14 must try local dishes, the best hawker centres to visit, and top dining destinations you shouldn’t miss, whether you’re here for a quick stopover or a full culinary escape.
Table of Contents
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Among the most famous Singapore food found at Maxwell Hawker, Hainanese Chicken Rice stands out as a timeless favourite. This humble yet beloved dish might look simple, but don’t let appearances fool you. Hainanese Chicken Rice is a national treasure featuring poached chicken that is tender and silky, paired with rice cooked in rich chicken stock and fat for that aromatic punch. The real game changer is the trio of dipping sauces: zesty chili, ginger paste and dark soy. It is light, comforting and utterly satisfying. A go to for both lunch breaks and late night cravings.
📍 Where to try: Tian Tian Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre
- Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Maxwell Food Centre #01-10/11, Singapore 069184
- Operating Hours: Tue – Sun: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (or until sold out)
- Price Range: SGD $5 – $7
- Why it’s popular: They have been awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Singapore since 2016. Thier establishments offer good quality and good value food.
- Celebrity seal of approval: Gordon Ramsay, Dua Lipa & Anthony Bourdain have visited Tian Tian Chicken Rice. Anthony Bourdain couldn’t stop raving about this dish and called the rice “so fragrant and delicious, it can be eaten on its own.” Jackson Wang also mentioned Singapore Hainanese chicken rice is the best in the world.
Note: The snake queue may be long but it moves pretty fast.
2. Kaya Toast with Soft Boiled Eggs
Kaya Toast with soft boiled eggs is a classic Singapore food often enjoyed as a morning breakfast before work, and sometimes even as a mid day tea break. This classic colonial era Singapore breakfast, Kaya Toast features sweet coconut jam and cold butter layered between crispy toast. Dip it into soft boiled eggs seasoned with dark soy sauce and white pepper and sip a strong local kopi alongside.
Where to try: Ya Kun Kaya Toast or Tong Ah Eating House
- Address: Various outlets including Jewel Airport 78, Airport Boulevard, #01-K206 & K207, Jewel, Singapore Changi Airport, 819666 or ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn #B4-49, Singapore 238801
- Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 7:30 AM – 9.30 PM
- Price Range: SGD $2.50 – $5
- Why it’s popular: Crunchy, creamy, sweet and salty in perfect balance
- Celebrity seal of approval: Jackson Wang, Caelan Moriarty & Blackpink’s Lisa enjoys classic Singaporean delights kaya toast paired with soft boiled eggs.
3. Laksa
Laksa is another popular noodle dish that’s a staple in Singapore food culture. Think of Laksa as the love child of spicy curry and noodle soup, born from Peranakan heritage. This creamy, fiery bowl is filled with rice noodles swimming in a rich coconut curry broth topped with prawns, fishcake, bean sprouts and a dollop of sambal. It is spicy, fragrant and a little addictive.
Credit: akeluu via Tripadvisor
📍 Where to try: 328 Katong Laksa
- Address: 51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770
- Operating Hours: Daily: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Price Range: SGD $4 – $6
- Why it’s popular: They have been awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Singapore
- Aromatic Spicy coconut milk broth with chopped noodles for easy slurping. The broth is the soul.
- Celebrity seal of approval: As seen on their website, Dua Lipa, Donnie Yen, Gordon Ramsay and many local artists have tried their Laksa. Even Buisness Insider approved it
Can’t make a trip to try their famous laksa? Grab a Nissin 328 Katong Laksa cup noodle from supermarkets like FairPrice NTUC and enjoy it at home instead.
4. Char Kway Teow
When Bill Gates visited Singapore’s Newton Hawker Centre on 6 May 2025, he was introduced to the popular Singapore food, Char Kway Teow. At first, he thought it was meat with sauce, but it turned out to be a flavorful fried noodle dish with dark soy sauce. Char Kway Teow is all about wok hei. The plating might be deceiving but that is how Kway Teow looks like after dark soy sauce are added. These flat rice noodles are stir fried over blazing heat with chinese sausage, cockles, garlic, bean sprouts, chives, eggs and a splash of dark soy. The result is smoky, sweet, savory and slightly chewy. A bold flavor explosion in every bite.
Credit: Michael U from Tripadvisor
Where to try: Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee
- Address: 531A Upper Cross St, #02-17, Singapore 051531
- Operating Hours: Mon – Sat: 6am-3pm. Sun closed
- Price Range: SGD $5 – $6
- Why it’s popular: Awarded with Bibi Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Singapore. The ultimate cheat meal. Indulgent and packed with umami
5. Satay
Satay is street food magic. These marinated meat skewers made with chicken, beef or lamb are grilled over open flames until smoky and juicy. Served with a rich peanut sauce, ketupat rice cakes, cucumber and onions. It is perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Credit: Yanny Wu via Google
Where to try: Lau Pa Sat Satay Street
- Address: Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
- Operating Hours: Weekdays: 7:00 PM – 3:00 AM; Weekends: 3:00 PM – 3:00 AM
- Price Range: SGD $0.60 – $1.20 per stick
- Why it’s popular: Grilled skewers of meat served with peanut sauce in an open air setting. Smoky charred meat with creamy peanut sauce creates a flavor bomb
- Celebrity seal of approval: Part of Singapore’s largest open air satay street. Ed Sheeran visited Lau Pa Sat before Singapore shows
Note: Can be pretty hot in the open air setting. Bring your portable fan or get some sugar cane juice from the drinks stall to cool yourself.
6. Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Teh means meat bone tea, though there is no tea in the soup. This peppery pork rib soup is slow simmered with garlic, white pepper and herbs until the meat is fall off the bone tender. Add rice, fried dough sticks and preserved vegetables for a hearty meal.
Where to try: Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
- Address: 11 New Bridge Road, Singapore 059383 or various outlet like Jewel Changi Airport #B2-278/279/280
- Operating Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: SGD $8 – $15
- Why it’s popular: Won Michelin Bib gourmand award for 7 years in Singapore with a total of 13 outlets and over 50 years of history! Peppery pork rib soup with garlic and herbs. Warming and satisfying.
- Seal of approval: Marion Müller approved this and said the soup suprise her. Taste so good!
For a limited of time, you can also purchase Ba Ku Teh T-shirt from any Uniqlo’s outlets and you get to receive a Song Fa Ba Ku Teh spices Pack. Alternatively, you can also purchase Song Fa Ba Ku Teh Spices Pack from any supermarket. It’s easy to cook!
7. Chilli Crab
Spicy, sweet, messy and glorious. Chilli Crab is the life of the Singaporean food party. Imagine fresh mud crab stir fried in a rich, tangy tomato chili gravy that is more savory than spicy. Served with soft steamed or crispy fried mantou buns to soak up the sauce, it is an absolute feast and a hands on experience.
Credit: Maurice Lee via Google
📍 Where to try: Long Beach Seafood
- Address: J25 Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249670 but also has various outlets
- Operating Hours: Daily: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Price Range: SGD $30 – $80+ per person (depending on crab size and dishes ordered)
- Why it’s popular: It is the one dish everyone talks about after visiting Singapore. Sweet, spicy crab in a rich, tangy tomato based gravy.
Celebrity seal of approval: Cyndi Wang & Lee Hong Ki both have visited Long Beach Seafood
Note: Fried Mantou and chilli crabs are sold separately
8. Roti Prata
Roti Prata is a beloved Singapore food, often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast that energizes locals for the day ahead This South Indian flatbread is Singapore’s ultimate comfort carb. It is stretched, flipped and fried until golden brown, then served with spicy curry. You can enjoy it plain or filled with cheese, egg or banana depending on your mood.
Credit: Scarlett via Google
Where to try: The Roti Prata House on Upper Thomson Road
- Address: 246 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574370
- Operating Hours: Daily: 24 hours
- Price Range: SGD $1 – $4
- Why it’s popular: Flaky flatbread served with curry, available in various fillings.
- Toppings you can try: Cheese, banana, mushroom or egg, either sweet or savory or just eat it plain or with eggs
9. Fish Head Curry
If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors, you’ll love Fish Head Curry, a classic Singapore food bursting with rich spices. Do not be intimidated. Fish Head Curry is a bold, rich dish that combines Indian spices with Chinese style seafood. The fish head is stewed in a tangy curry with vegetables like okra and eggplant. It is perfect for adventurous eaters.
Where to try: Muthu’s Curry
- Address: 138 Race Course Rd, #01-01, Singapore 218591
- Operating Hours: Daily: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Price Range: SGD $18 – $40
- Why it’s popular: Won Michelin Bib gourmand award. Known for its tangy, spicy, aromatic and intense flavour
10. Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is another well loved Singapore food breakfast, perfectly portioned to keep you full, though many enjoy it for lunch too. This fragrant Malay dish features coconut rice served with fried chicken, spicy sambal, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber and egg. Often wrapped in banana leaves, it is a full meal in one convenient package that is equally delicious for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Credit: Wendy S via Google
Where to try: Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak at Adam Road Food Centre
- Address: 11 Adam Road, Singapore 289876
- Operating Hours: Daily: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Price Range: SGD $3 – $6
- Why it’s popular: Comforting and balanced with sweet, salty and spicy notes
- Seal of approval: The Sultan of Brunei is a regular fan of this stall
11. Claypot Rice
Claypot rice is a beloved local dish featuring marinated chicken, Chinese sausage, salted fish, and rice cooked over a traditional charcoal fire. The result? Smoky, crispy rice at the bottom of the pot, rich umami flavors, and a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for sharing.
Where to try: Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice
- Address: 335 Smith St, #02-198/199, Singapore 050335
- Operating Hours: 3pm-9pm Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun. Mon & Thu Closed
- Price Range: SGD $8 – $20
- Why it’s popular: Cooked fresh to order over charcoal, ensuring a crispy, smoky rice crust. Generous portions with well marinated chicken and premium ingredients.
- Local favorite: Many locals consider it the best claypot rice in Singapore, with recipes handed down through generations.
12. Hokkien Mee
You might be surprised that this comforting dish is a timeless Singapore food favourite, loved by locals of all ages every day. Hokkien Mee is made by stir frying yellow noodles and vermicelli in a rich seafood broth. Topped with prawns, squid, sambal and lime, it is moist, aromatic and bursting with umami. This Singapore food, Hokkien Mee, becomes even more flavorful and robust when you squeeze fresh lime juice over the noodles.
Credit: JK via Google
Where to try: Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee
- Address: 90 Whampoa Dr, #01-32, Singapore 320090
- Operating Hours: Open daily from 3:30 PM to 11:30 PM (2:00 PM on weekends), except Thursdays when closed.
- Price Range: SGD $5 – $15
- What makes it special: They have won the Bib Gourmand Michelin Guide for its good quality & good value cooking in the Hawker. That deep prawn broth and smoky wok hei aroma is irresistible.
13. Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway)
This is not a dessert. Singaporean Carrot Cake is made from white radish and rice flour, cut into cubes and fried with eggs, garlic and preserved radish. Choose white for a crispy savory version or black with sweet soy sauce.
Where to try: Chey Sua Carrot Cake in Toa Payoh
- Address: Blk 127, #01-55, Toa Payoh Lorong 1, Singapore 310127
- Operating Hours: Daily: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Price Range: SGD $3 – $5
- Why it’s popular: Won the Bib Gourmand Michelin Guide.
- Crispy edges, soft inside and full of garlic umami
- Celebrity seal of approval: Food vlogger Mark Wiens calls it one of the most underrated hawker gems.
14. Durian
Durian, often crowned the king of Singapore food, sparks lively conversations every season thanks to its bold, unforgettable flavour. Durian is known as the King of Fruits and is famous for its divisive aroma. Some say it smells like gym socks, others say sweet almonds. The flesh is creamy, custard like and strangely addictive once you are hooked. If you’re unsure about trying this iconic Singapore food, start with a durian puff to ease into its unique flavour.
Where to try: Combat Durian on Balestier Road
- Address: Blk 22, #01-01, Balestier Road, Singapore 329677
- Operating Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: SGD $10-$20 per pax
- Celebrity seal of approval: Jessica Chastain shares love for durian on Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show
15. Frog Porridge
Frog porridge may sound adventurous, but locals swear by its tender meat and comforting depth of flavor. The claypot cooked frog legs are simmered in a thick, dark soy sauce with spring onions, dried chili, and ginger, served bubbling hot with plain porridge on the side. The frog meat is similar to chicken, only silkier and more delicate.
Where to try: Geylang Lor 9 Fresh Frog Porridge
- Address: 235 Geylang Road, Singapore 389294
- Operating Hours: Daily: 5:00 PM – 4:00 AM
- Price Range: SGD $8 – $22 depending on portion
- Why it’s loved: A late night delicacy known for warming the soul and the stomach. Savory, spicy, and silky smooth
16. Wanton Mee
This classic Cantonese noodle dish is a Singapore staple, featuring springy egg noodles tossed in a secret sauce, topped with char siu (barbecued pork), leafy greens, and plump pork wantons. Served dry or in soup, the magic lies in the balance of flavors, salty, sweet, and umami all at once.
Where to try: Kok Kee Wanton Mee
- Address: Various outlet or 30 Foch Rd, #01-02, Singapore 209276
Operating Hours: Daily: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM - Price Range: SGD $5 – $6
- Why it’s loved: Comfort food at its finest with nostalgic charm in every slurp. Savory, slightly sweet, with al dente noodles and rich broth
17. Rojak
Rojak, meaning “mixture” in Malay, is a uniquely Singaporean salad. A bold combination of crisp you tiao (fried dough fritters), cucumber, pineapple, bean sprouts, and turnip tossed in a sticky black shrimp paste sauce with crushed peanuts and a squeeze of lime. It’s sweet, sour, savory, and funky. A riot of textures and flavors.
Where to try: Balestier Road Hoover Rojak
- Adrress: 90 Whampoa Drive, Whampoa Makan Place, #01-06, Singapore 320090
- Operating Hours: Tues – Sun: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Price Range: SGD $3 – $5
- Why it’s loved: No dish captures the multicultural mash up of Singapore quite like rojak. Complex sweet, sour, spicy, and pungent with a crunchy bite
18. Nasi Briyani
A feast on a plate, Nasi Briyani is a rich and aromatic rice dish infused with saffron, ghee, and spices, often served with a generous portion of mutton, chicken, or fish. The basmati rice is fluffy and fragrant, layered with marinated meat and accompanied by pickles, curry gravy, and hard-boiled egg. Every bite is deeply flavorful, making it a celebratory meal for many communities in Singapore.
Where to try: Allauddin’s Briyani
- Address: 665 Buffalo Road, Tekka Centre #01-232, Singapore 210665
- Operating Hours: Daily: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Price Range: SGD $6 – $8
- Why it’s loved: Awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Singapore. A festive favorite with Indian Muslim roots and soulful seasoning. Warm, spiced, and deeply aromatic with rich meat gravies
- Celebrity seal of approval: Featured in several international foodie vlogs and praised by Indian actors visiting Singapore for its authenticity
19. Oyster Omelette
Crispy, chewy, and brimming with briny oysters, this beloved hawker dish is made with a starchy egg batter that turns golden and crisp on a hot griddle. Fresh oysters are added just before serving, ensuring they remain plump and juicy. Finished with coriander and a sharp, vinegary chili sauce, it’s indulgent, addictive, and a must for seafood lovers.
Where to try: Lim’s Fried Oyster
- Address: 166 Jln Besar, B1-32 Berseh Food Centre, Singapore 208877
- Operating Hours: Wed – Sun: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
- Price Range: SGD $5 – $8
- Why it’s loved: Crispy, gooey, ocean fresh. It’s a texture lover’s dream. Savory, crispy edges with creamy oysters and a tangy chili dip
- Seal of approval: Mediacorp Class95 FM listeners voted it as the best oyster omelette. They also received the Class95 Foodie’s Choice for Best Oyster Omelette award.
Top 6 Hawker Centres in Singapore
When it comes to Singapore food, no experience is complete without a trip to the city’s iconic hawker centres. These open air food courts are the soul of local cuisine, serving up authentic dishes for under S$10, a culinary treasure that has drawn in global celebrities.
1. Maxwell Food Centre:
Located in Chinatown, this is a must visit for Hainanese chicken rice, oyster cake, and comforting porridge.
Even Lady Gaga & Dua Lipa stopped by to try the famous Tian Tian Chicken Rice.
📍 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184
Hours: 8am-10pm daily
2. Newton Food Centre:
Popular for barbecued chicken wings, sambal stingray & satay. This spot gained worldwide fame after Bill Gates visited during one of his trips to Singapore on 6 May 2025.
📍 500 Clemenceau Avenue North, Singapore 229495
Hours: 24 hours
3. Lau Pa Sat:
Set in a stunning Victorian era building, Lau Pa Sat blends heritage with variety, from Korean BBQ to local satay at its famed Satay Street. Ed Sheeran and Jackson Wang were both spotted enjoying the bustling food scene here.
📍 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Hours: 24 hours
4. Tekka Centre:
Located in Little India, Tekka is known for bold Indian and Malay flavours. Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck explored this vibrant market, sampling local dishes like egg prata and fish head curry. Even David Beckham made a surprise visit!
📍 665 Buffalo Road, Singapore 210665
Hours: 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily
5. Chomp Chomp Food Centre:
Best known for its late night crowd and smoky grilled seafood, Chomp Chomp is a favourite for supper lovers craving true Singapore food vibes.
📍 20 Kensington Park Road, Singapore 557269
Hours: 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM
6. Old Airport Road Food Centre:
Loved by locals, this food centre is home to some of Singapore’s oldest and most respected hawker stalls. It’s a hotspot for authentic and affordable Singapore food.
📍 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Must Visit Fine Dining Destinations
For those craving refined experiences, Singapore food also includes Michelin starred and award winning restaurants known for world class culinary excellence.
1. KOMA
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were captured dining here in March 2024, enjoying an elegant post concert dinner with Swift’s bandmates
Address: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, #B1‑67, Singapore 018972
Phone: +65 6688 8690
Website: komasingapore.com
2. Odette
Modern French excellence at the National Gallery. (3 Michelin stars)
Address: 1 St Andrew’s Road, #01-04, National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957
Phone: +65 6385 0498
Website: odetterestaurant.com
3. Burnt Ends
Open concept Australian BBQ with global acclaim.
Address: 7 Dempsey Road, #01-04, Singapore 249671
Phone: +65 6224 3933
Website: burntends.com.sg
4. Les Amis
Elegant French fine dining with one of Asia’s best wine lists. (3 Michelin stars)
Address: 1 Scotts Road, #01‑16 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Phone: +65 6733 2225
Website: lesamis.com.sg
5. Candlenut
The world’s first Michelin starred Peranakan restaurant.
Address: Block 17A (or 17 A) Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
|Phone: +65 6486 1051 (or toll free 1800 304 2288)
Website: comodempsey.sg/restaurant/candlenut (listed on MICHELIN site)
6. Labyrinth
A progressive Singaporean restaurant reimagining local flavors with a twist.
Address: Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue, #02-23, Singapore 039802
Phone: +65 6223 4098
Website: restaurantlabyrinth.com
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s food is not just something you eat. It’s something you experience. From early morning kaya toast to late night roti prata, every dish represents the heart and soul of the nation. Whether you’re a street food lover or a fine dining enthusiast, Singapore is one of the most exciting food cities in the world and it’s waiting to be savored.
