Essential Singaporean Dishes Every Visitor Must Try
These iconic dishes represent the heart and soul of Singaporean cuisine. No visit to the Lion City is complete without sampling these local favorites.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Often considered Singapore's national dish, this seemingly simple plate consists of poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by chili sauce, ginger paste, and dark soy sauce. The magic lies in its perfect execution—the chicken must be tender and succulent, while the rice should be flavorful without being greasy. Best places to try it include Tian Tian at Maxwell Food Centre, Wee Nam Kee at United Square, and Loy Kee in Balestier.
2. Chili Crab
This messy but delicious dish features mud crabs stir-fried in a thick, sweet-spicy tomato and chili sauce. The dish is typically eaten with hands (bibs are provided!) and served with fried mantou (steamed buns) to soak up the delicious sauce. Jumbo Seafood at East Coast Seafood Centre, No Signboard Seafood at Geylang, and Long Beach Seafood at Dempsey Hill are all excellent places to experience this Singaporean classic.
3. Laksa
This spicy coconut milk-based noodle soup combines Chinese and Malay influences. The most popular variant in Singapore is Katong laksa, which features thick rice noodles cut into shorter lengths (no chopsticks needed!), prawns, fishcake, and cockles in a rich, spicy coconut broth. 328 Katong Laksa and Janggut Laksa are both renowned for their authentic versions.
4. Char Kway Teow
This stir-fried flat rice noodle dish is cooked with dark soy sauce, bean sprouts, eggs, Chinese lap cheong (sausage), fishcake, and cockles. The noodles should have a smoky "wok hei" (breath of the wok) flavor that comes from being cooked over high heat. Hill Street Char Kway Teow at Bedok South Market and Food Centre is widely considered one of the best.
5. Roti Prata
This South Indian-influenced flatbread is stretched into a thin sheet and folded before being fried on a flat grill, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft, layered interior. It's typically served with fish or mutton curry for dipping. Mr. and Mrs. Mohgan's Super Crispy Roti Prata in Joo Chiat and Springleaf Prata Place in Upper Thomson are local favorites.
Singapore's Hawker Culture: A UNESCO-Recognized Treasure
In 2020, Singapore's hawker culture was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural significance and the important role these community dining spaces play in Singaporean society.
Understanding Hawker Centers
Hawker centers are open-air complexes housing dozens (sometimes hundreds) of food stalls, each specializing in a particular dish or cuisine. They offer affordable, delicious meals in a communal setting that brings together people from all walks of life. Here's what you need to know:
- Chope Culture: Singaporeans "chope" (reserve) tables by placing tissue packets or other small items on them. This is a locally accepted practice.
- Self-Service: You'll typically order and pay at individual stalls, then carry your food to your table.
- Tray Return: Many centers have tray return systems. Look for signs indicating where to return your trays and utensils after eating.
- Peak Hours: Hawker centers get extremely busy during lunch (12-2pm) and dinner (6-8pm). Visit outside these hours for a more relaxed experience.
Must-Visit Hawker Centers
Each hawker center has its own character and specialty stalls. Here are five that represent the best of Singapore's hawker scene:
1. Maxwell Food Centre (Chinatown)
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Maxwell is famous for Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (endorsed by celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain) and Zhen Zhen Porridge. With over 100 stalls, it offers an excellent introduction to Chinese-influenced Singaporean cuisine.
2. Old Airport Road Food Centre (Geylang)
One of the largest and most beloved hawker centers among locals, Old Airport Road houses over 150 stalls, many of which have been operating for decades. Don't miss the famous lor mee (noodles in thick gravy) at Xin Mei Xiang, satay bee hoon at Chuan Kee, and wonton noodles at Hua Kee.
3. Lau Pa Sat (Raffles Place)
Housed in a historic Victorian building in the CBD, this hawker center is especially popular with office workers. In the evenings, Boon Tat Street outside becomes "Satay Street," with vendors grilling skewers of marinated meat over charcoal fires.
4. Tekka Centre (Little India)
This vibrant hawker center showcases Singapore's Indian and Muslim cuisines. Try the biryani at Yakader, murtabak (stuffed pancake) at Singapore Zam Zam, and thosai (lentil crepes) at Aromas of India.
5. Tiong Bahru Market (Tiong Bahru)
Located in one of Singapore's hippest neighborhoods, this renovated food center combines traditional hawker fare with Instagram-worthy surroundings. Popular stalls include Jian Bo Shui Kueh (steamed rice cakes), Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, and Hui Ji Fishball Noodles.
Beyond Hawker Centers: Singapore's Diverse Dining Scene
While hawker centers represent Singapore's culinary heart, the city's food scene extends far beyond these communal dining spots.
Michelin-Starred Experiences
Singapore is home to both the world's most affordable Michelin-starred meal (Hawker Chan's soya sauce chicken rice, though it recently lost its star) and multiple fine dining establishments with two and three Michelin stars. Some standout options include:
- Odette (3 Michelin stars) - Chef Julien Royer's modern French cuisine at the National Gallery
- Les Amis (3 Michelin stars) - Classic French dining perfected over three decades
- Burnt Ends (1 Michelin star) - Modern Australian barbecue with an open kitchen concept
- Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle (1 Michelin star) - A hawker stall serving perfect bak chor mee (minced meat noodles)
Peranakan Cuisine: Singapore's Original Fusion Food
Peranakan or Nyonya cuisine emerged from the blending of Chinese and Malay cultures, creating dishes that are rich in spices, herbs, and complex flavors. Key dishes include:
- Ayam Buah Keluak - Chicken stewed with the black nuts of the keluak tree, creating a rich, earthy sauce
- Laksa - Spicy coconut milk soup with noodles
- Babi Pongteh - Pork braised in fermented soybean paste
- Kueh - Colorful traditional desserts with glutinous rice and coconut milk
For authentic Peranakan cuisine, visit Violet Oon's National Kitchen at National Gallery, Candlenut (the world's first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant), or the more casual PeraMakan at Keppel Club.
Modern Singaporean (Mod-Sin) Cuisine
A new generation of Singaporean chefs is reinterpreting traditional flavors using contemporary techniques and presentations. These restaurants honor Singapore's culinary heritage while pushing boundaries:
- Labyrinth - Chef LG Han's cuisine tells the Singapore story through innovative dishes like chili crab ice cream
- Mustard Seed - Chef Gan Ming Kiat's intimate dining experience showcases seasonal ingredients with Singaporean and Japanese influences
- Po - Located at The Warehouse Hotel, this restaurant offers refined Singaporean classics
Specialty Food Experiences
Beyond restaurants and hawker centers, Singapore offers unique food experiences that combine dining with cultural immersion.
1. Kopi Tasting
Singaporean coffee (kopi) has a distinct preparation method and vocabulary. Traditional kopi is roasted with butter and sugar, creating a strong, aromatic brew. Visit traditional kopitiams (coffee shops) like Heap Seng Leong or Tong Ah Eating House to try different variations:
- Kopi - Black coffee with condensed milk
- Kopi-O - Black coffee with sugar
- Kopi-C - Black coffee with evaporated milk and sugar
- Kopi Gao - Strong coffee with condensed milk
- Kopi Po - Weak coffee with condensed milk
2. Food Tours
For a guided introduction to Singapore's food scene, consider booking a food tour. Several companies offer specialized tours focusing on different aspects of Singaporean cuisine:
- Hawker Center Tours - Learn how to navigate these bustling food markets with expert guidance
- Cultural Food Walks - Combine sightseeing with eating in neighborhoods like Kampong Glam, Little India, or Chinatown
- Cooking Classes - Learn to make local favorites like laksa, chicken rice, or kueh
3. Supper Culture
Singaporeans love eating late at night, and many food establishments stay open until the early hours. Experience this unique aspect of local food culture by visiting these popular supper spots:
- Swee Choon Tim Sum - Dim sum restaurant open until 6am
- 333 Bak Kut Teh - 24-hour pork rib soup restaurant
- Spize - Late-night restaurant serving local and Western dishes until 4am
- Kayam Kopi - Traditional breakfast venue that opens at 11pm
Dining Etiquette and Tips
To make the most of your Singaporean food experience, keep these tips in mind:
Practical Advice
- Cash is King - While many places accept cards, smaller establishments and hawker stalls often prefer cash
- Tipping - Not expected in Singapore, as most restaurants include a 10% service charge
- Sharing is Caring - Most local meals are designed for sharing, so order several dishes for the table
- Water - Tap water is safe to drink, but you'll need to request it at restaurants
- Tissues on Tables - Leaving a packet of tissues on a table is the local way of reserving it
Cultural Sensitivities
- Halal Food - Many Muslim Singaporeans eat only halal food. Look for MUIS (Islamic Religious Council of Singapore) certification
- Vegetarian Options - Ask specifically for vegetarian dishes, as many seemingly vegetable dishes may contain fish sauce or other animal products
- Respect Food - Singaporeans take their food seriously. Avoid negative comments about local dishes in public
Planning Your Singapore Food Adventure
Singapore's compact size makes it possible to experience multiple dining venues in a single day. Here's a sample one-day food itinerary:
- Breakfast (7-9am): Traditional kopi and kaya toast at Ya Kun Kaya Toast or Killiney Kopitiam
- Mid-Morning Snack (10-11am): Sample kueh (traditional cakes) at Bengawan Solo or HarriAnns
- Lunch (12-2pm): Explore a hawker center like Maxwell or Tiong Bahru Market
- Afternoon Tea (3-5pm): Experience old-school local desserts like ice kachang or chendol at Mei Heong Yuen Dessert or Jin Jin Hot/Cold Dessert
- Dinner (6-8pm): Enjoy a memorable meal at a Peranakan restaurant or modern Singaporean establishment
- Supper (10pm-late): Join locals for late-night dining at Newton Food Centre or Geylang Serai
At StachinGES Travel Agency, we can arrange personalized food tours, restaurant reservations, and cooking classes as part of your Singapore itinerary. Our local guides know exactly where to find the best versions of each dish and can help you navigate Singapore's rich and diverse culinary landscape. Contact us to start planning your food-focused Singapore adventure today!
