Singapore Food Guide

Discover Singapore's vibrant culinary scene - from hawker centers to fine dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Poached chicken with fragrant rice and chili sauce

SGD 3-15

Where to Try:

  • Tian Tian Chicken Rice (Maxwell)
  • Boon Tong Kee
  • Wee Nam Kee
Laksa

Laksa

Spicy coconut noodle soup with seafood

SGD 4-6

Where to Try:

  • 328 Katong Laksa
  • Sungei Road Laksa
  • Famous Sungei Road
Chilli Crab

Chilli Crab

Crab in sweet and spicy tomato sauce

SGD 50-80

Where to Try:

  • Jumbo Seafood
  • Long Beach Seafood
  • No Signboard Seafood
Satay

Satay

Grilled skewers with peanut sauce

SGD 0.50-1 per stick

Where to Try:

  • Lau Pa Sat Satay Street
  • Chomp Chomp Food Centre
  • East Coast Lagoon
Kaya Toast

Kaya Toast

Toast with coconut jam and butter

SGD 3-5

Where to Try:

  • Ya Kun Kaya Toast
  • Killiney Kopitiam
  • Toast Box
Hokkien Mee

Hokkien Mee

Stir-fried noodles in rich prawn stock

SGD 5-8

Where to Try:

  • Nam Sing Hokkien Mee
  • Geylang Lor 29
  • Tiong Bahru Market

Where to Eat

Hawker Centers

Hawker Centers

Authentic local food at affordable prices

SGD 3-10 per meal

Popular Venues:

  • Maxwell Food Centre
  • Lau Pa Sat
  • Old Airport Road
  • Tiong Bahru Market

Features:

  • Local delicacies
  • Affordable prices
  • Cultural experience
  • Wide variety
Food Courts

Food Courts

Air-conditioned comfort with local and international food

SGD 5-15 per meal

Popular Venues:

  • Food Republic
  • Kopitiam
  • Food Junction
  • Malaysia Boleh

Features:

  • Air-conditioned
  • Multiple cuisines
  • Clean environment
  • Mall locations
Restaurants

Restaurants

Mid-range dining with table service

SGD 20-50 per person

Popular Venues:

  • Din Tai Fung
  • Jumbo Seafood
  • PS.Cafe
  • Paradise Dynasty

Features:

  • Table service
  • Comfortable seating
  • Quality ingredients
  • Good ambiance
Fine Dining

Fine Dining

World-class cuisine and service

SGD 150-300 per person

Popular Venues:

  • Odette
  • Burnt Ends
  • Les Amis
  • Waku Ghin

Features:

  • Michelin-starred
  • Premium ingredients
  • Expert service
  • Unique experience
Cafes

Cafes

Coffee, brunch, and light bites

SGD 10-20 per person

Popular Venues:

  • Common Man Coffee
  • Tiong Bahru Bakery
  • PS.Cafe
  • Forty Hands

Features:

  • Specialty coffee
  • Brunch menu
  • Instagram-worthy
  • Relaxed atmosphere
Local Desserts

Local Desserts

Traditional sweet treats

SGD 2-6 per item

Popular Venues:

  • Jin Jin Hot/Cold Dessert
  • Ah Chew Desserts
  • Mei Heong Yuen
  • Dessert First

Features:

  • Local flavors
  • Refreshing options
  • Traditional recipes
  • Affordable prices

Essential Dining Tips

Peak Hours

Avoid 12-2 PM and 6-8 PM for shorter queues at popular venues

Hawker Etiquette

Reserve seats with tissue packets, return trays after eating

Payment Methods

Carry cash for hawker centers and small eateries

Food Tours

Join guided tours to discover hidden gems and local favorites

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit hawker centers?

Early lunch (11 AM) or late dinner (8 PM) to avoid peak hours and enjoy shorter queues

Are there vegetarian options available?

Yes, many places offer vegetarian dishes. Look for Indian vegetarian stalls and Buddhist vegetarian restaurants

Is street food safe to eat?

Yes, Singapore has strict food safety standards and regular inspections for all food establishments

What is Singapore's national dish?

Hainanese Chicken Rice is often considered the national dish, though Chili Crab is also iconic