Singapore has earned its reputation as a food paradise, and frankly, it’s well deserved. This city state brings together culinary traditions from China, Malaysia, India, and countless other places, creating a vibrant mix of flavours that you’ll find on every street corner, in every hawker centre, and at every stylish café or fine dining restaurant. Whether you’re a local hunting for your next favourite dish or a visitor eager to explore authentic tastes, Singapore delivers an unforgettable food journey. From steaming bowls of laksa to clever fusion creations, every bite tells a story of culture, history, and pure creativity.
If you’re planning your Singapore adventure, you might also want to check out our guide to Singapore’s best attractions and discover the top things to do whilst you’re exploring the city’s culinary scene.
Hawker Centres & Street Food: The Heart of Singaporean Cuisine
You simply cannot visit Singapore without experiencing its famous hawker centres. These bustling food courts are far more than places to grab a bite—they’re social hubs where locals gather, stories get shared, and generations of culinary knowledge pass from one cook to the next. As UNESCO recognised in 2020, Singapore’s hawker culture represents a unique multicultural dining experience that brings communities together.
For more insights into Singapore’s cultural heritage and unique local experiences, be sure to explore our comprehensive guides.
Maxwell Food Centre
Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184
Opening Hours: Daily 8:00am – 2:00am
Getting There: Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW15), 3-minute walk
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Right in the heart of Chinatown, Maxwell Food Centre should be at the top of your list if you’re craving authentic Singaporean flavours. The queues outside Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall are absolutely legendary, and trust me, there’s a reason for that. You’ll find tender, perfectly poached chicken sitting on fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, with a trio of sauces—chilli, ginger, and dark soy—that adds incredible depth to every mouthful. Here’s a tip: pop by during lunchtime on weekdays to dodge the biggest crowds, though honestly, even then the wait is completely worth it.
Lau Pa Sat
Address: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours
Getting There: Raffles Place MRT (EW14/NS26), 5-minute walk
Phone: +65 6220 2138
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For something with a bit more atmosphere, Lau Pa Sat in the Central Business District serves up a brilliant mix of traditional and modern street eats under a beautifully restored Victorian iron structure. When evening rolls around, the Satay Street vendors set up outside, filling the air with the most incredible smoky aromas. Skewers of marinated meat, grilled to perfection and served with peanut sauce, sticky rice, and cucumbers, are about as quintessentially Singaporean as you can get.
This historic hawker centre is Singapore’s only food market housed in a national monument.
Tiong Bahru Market
Address: 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
Opening Hours: Daily 6:00am – 2:00pm
Getting There: Tiong Bahru MRT (EW17), 8-minute walk
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Tiong Bahru Market is an absolute gem for both breakfast and lunch. You’ve got to try the char kway teow—stir fried flat rice noodles with Chinese sausage, egg, and prawns, infused with just the faintest hint of wok hei (that unique smoky flavour from a properly hot wok). For something lighter, the rojak—a salad of fruits and vegetables tossed in a sweet, tangy, and nutty sauce—is wonderfully refreshing. Get there early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy freshly prepared dishes at their absolute peak.
This historic market is located in Singapore’s oldest public housing estate, making it perfect for exploring the charming Tiong Bahru neighbourhood with its unique Art Deco architecture and trendy cafés.
Hawker centres aren’t just budget friendly food stops. They’re your gateway into Singapore’s culinary soul, where every dish has proper history behind it, and every stall has its own story to tell.
Iconic Restaurants & Cafés: Tradition Meets Modern Flair
Beyond hawker centres, Singapore boasts a thriving café and restaurant scene where traditional dishes get reimagined with modern twists that actually work.
Candlenut
Address: 17a Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676
Phone: +65 1800 304 2288
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 12:00pm – 2:30pm, 6:00pm – 10:30pm (Closed Mondays)
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Candlenut in Dempsey Hill holds the distinction of being the world’s first Michelin starred Peranakan restaurant. Chef Malcolm Lee’s refined take on Peranakan classics, like the Buah Keluak Chicken—a rich, nutty chicken stew—manages to be both innovative and deeply respectful of tradition. The restaurant’s sleek, minimalist décor creates a lovely contrast with the complexity of flavours on your plate, giving you a dining experience that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully comforting.
Located in the trendy Dempsey Hill area, it’s the perfect spot to combine with exploring the area’s boutique shopping and galleries.
PS.Cafe
Multiple Locations:
- Dempsey: 28B Harding Road, Singapore 249549
- Raffles City: 252 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179103
- Palais Renaissance: 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871
Phone: +65 6708 928
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For something more casual but equally photogenic, PS.Cafe’s various outlets around Singapore serve up beautifully plated brunches and artisanal desserts that look as good as they taste. Their truffle fries, served piping hot with a generous sprinkling of parmesan, are brilliant for sharing, whilst the chocolate lava cake, with molten chocolate oozing into every bite, is a sweet indulgence you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
Open Farm Community
Address: 130E Minden Rd, Singapore 248819
Phone: +65 6471 0306
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00am – 10:00pm
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If you fancy dining with a view of proper greenery, Open Farm Community in Bishan brings together farm to table dining with a rustic, laid back atmosphere that’s genuinely relaxing. Seasonal dishes showcase local produce, and the setting makes it perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch. Do try the slow cooked free range chicken, which comes with subtly seasoned vegetables and a sauce that complements rather than overwhelms the natural flavours.
Fine Dining & Unique Experiences: Where Innovation Shines
Singapore has built quite a reputation for culinary innovation, and its fine dining scene absolutely reflects that. Here, chefs push boundaries whilst honouring their roots, creating dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Odette
Address: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #01-04 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
Phone: +65 6385 0498
Opening Hours: Tue-Sat 12:00pm – 2:30pm, 7:00pm – 10:30pm (Closed Sun-Mon)
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Odette at the National Gallery boasts two Michelin stars, and it’s easy to see why. French cuisine meets Singaporean creativity in ways that genuinely surprise and delight. Every dish is a proper work of art, from the delicate lobster with seaweed beurre blanc to the meticulously plated desserts. It’s perfect for a special occasion or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
Jaan by Kirk Westaway
Address: Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882
Phone: +65 6837 3322
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 12:00pm – 2:30pm, 7:00pm – 10:30pm (Closed Sunday)
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For panoramic city views alongside exquisite cuisine, Jaan at Swissôtel The Stamford offers modern British fare with a proper focus on seasonal ingredients. The culinary craftsmanship shows in every single dish, from slow cooked meats to desserts that balance flavour, texture, and visual appeal flawlessly. Dining here isn’t just about the food—it’s a complete experience that delights all your senses.
Hidden Gems & Local Secrets: Off the Beaten Path
Whilst famous spots are fantastic, some of the best meals in Singapore happen in lesser known neighbourhoods, where locals flock and tourists rarely venture.
Hjh Maimunah Restaurant & Catering
Address: 11 Jln Pisang, Singapore 199078
Phone: +65 6297 4294
Opening Hours: Daily 7:00am – 8:00pm
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Located in Geylang Serai, Hjh Maimunah serves traditional Malay cuisine that’s been perfected over decades. Their beef rendang—tender, slow cooked meat infused with rich spices—is absolutely essential, and the sambal goreng prawns are bursting with proper flavour. This hidden gem lets you experience authentic Malay cooking in the warmest, most welcoming environment.
Ah Chew Desserts
Address: 1 Liang Seah St, #01-10/11 Liang Seah Place, Singapore 189032
Opening Hours: Daily 11:30am – 9:30pm
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For a sweet treat that’ll cool you down, Ah Chew Desserts in Tiong Bahru serves refreshing traditional Chinese desserts. The mango pomelo sago is particularly popular, with a creamy, sweet, and slightly tart taste that balances perfectly. It’s an ideal stop after a hawker meal or as a refreshing afternoon snack when the heat gets too much.
Adam Road Food Centre
Address: 2 Adam Road, Singapore 289876
Opening Hours: Daily 6:00am – 10:00pm
Getting There: Botanic Gardens MRT (CC19/DT9), 10-minute walk
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Adam Road Food Centre is another proper local favourite. The nasi lemak here, with coconut infused rice, crispy fried chicken wings, and properly spicy sambal, gets regularly hailed as one of the best in Singapore. Early mornings are your best bet for getting there—you’ll enjoy freshly made dishes before the lunchtime rush kicks in.
Practical Tips for Eating Around Singapore
Singapore’s food scene can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but a few practical tips make the whole experience much smoother. For more comprehensive travel tips and practical advice for visiting Singapore, be sure to check out our other guides.
Reservations: For popular restaurants and fine dining spots, booking ahead is absolutely essential, especially on weekends and public holidays. Don’t leave it to chance.
Opening Hours: Hawker centres usually open for breakfast around 7-8am and close after lunch or dinner service, depending on where you are. Cafés and restaurants typically open later in the morning and close after dinner. Always check online before making the journey.
Pricing: Hawker meals are generally very affordable, ranging from SGD 3-8 per dish, whilst mid range restaurants can cost SGD 20-50 per person, and fine dining can easily exceed SGD 200 per person. Budget accordingly.
Dietary Options: Many eateries now offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. Do check menus beforehand if you have specific dietary requirements—it’ll save you disappointment later.
Local Etiquette: At hawker centres, there’s often a “queue first, eat later” system. Grab a seat by all means, but remember that tables get shared and you should clear your food promptly when you’re done.
Conclusion: A Culinary Journey Across Singapore
Singapore is so much more than just a city—it’s a culinary adventure that’s absolutely waiting to unfold. From the lively, aromatic stalls of hawker centres to sleek restaurants and tucked away local gems, the city offers endless opportunities to taste its cultural heritage and modern creativity. Every neighbourhood has its own signature flavours, and exploring them gives you a much deeper understanding of what makes Singapore tick.
Whether you’re indulging in a Michelin starred meal, savouring street food, or discovering a hidden café, Singapore’s food scene promises to delight all your senses. For locals and visitors alike, eating in Singapore is far more than just filling your belly—it’s a proper immersive experience, a way to connect with tradition, innovation, and the people who bring every dish to life.
So pack your appetite, bring your curiosity, and get ready to explore Singapore one bite at a time. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it.
Ready to start your Singapore food adventure? Check out our complete Singapore travel guide for more recommendations on attractions, activities, and experiences to complement your culinary journey. Don’t forget to explore our Singapore events calendar to discover food festivals and special dining events happening during your visit.
