Singapore is a paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse culinary landscape that blends Chinese, Malay, Indian, and international influences. Whether you’re craving street food or Michelin-starred delicacies, Singapore has something to satisfy every palate. Here’s a guide to the must-try dishes and the best places to eat them.
1. Hawker Centres: The Heart of Singapore’s Food Scene
Singapore’s hawker centres are a treasure trove of local flavors. These open-air food courts serve affordable yet delicious dishes, making them the perfect spot for an authentic culinary experience.
- Maxwell Food Centre: Try the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, praised by chefs like Gordon Ramsay.
- Lau Pa Sat: This iconic hawker centre is known for its satay street, where skewered meats are grilled to perfection.
- Old Airport Road Food Centre: A local favorite for char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles) and Hokkien mee (stir-fried prawn noodles).
2. Must-Try Dishes and Where to Eat Them
Hainanese Chicken Rice
One of Singapore’s most famous dishes, this simple yet flavorful meal consists of poached chicken, fragrant rice, and a trio of dipping sauces.
- Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Maxwell Food Centre)
- Boon Tong Kee (multiple locations)
Chili Crab
A signature Singaporean dish, chili crab features fresh crab cooked in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce.
- Jumbo Seafood (East Coast & Clarke Quay)
- Long Beach Seafood (Dempsey Hill & East Coast)
Laksa
A rich, spicy noodle soup with coconut milk, laksa is a must-try dish, particularly the Peranakan-style Katong laksa.
- 328 Katong Laksa (East Coast Road)
- Sungei Road Laksa (Jalan Besar)
Char Kway Teow
A savory noodle dish stir-fried with eggs, Chinese sausage, and cockles, char kway teow is a favorite among locals.
- Hill Street Char Kway Teow (Bedok South Road)
- Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee (Hong Lim Food Centre)
Bak Kut Teh
A comforting pork rib soup simmered in a peppery or herbal broth, best enjoyed with rice and fried dough sticks.
- Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (Clarke Quay & Chinatown)
- Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh (Rangoon Road)
3. Michelin-Starred & Fine Dining Experiences
Singapore is home to some of the world’s best fine-dining restaurants, offering both local and international flavors.
- Burnt Ends: A modern Australian barbecue restaurant known for its smoky, wood-fired dishes.
- Candlenut: The world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, serving refined takes on classic dishes like ayam buah keluak.
- Hawker Chan: The world’s first Michelin-starred hawker stall, famous for its soya sauce chicken rice.
4. Café Culture & Trendy Eats
If you’re into café hopping, Singapore has plenty of Instagram-worthy spots offering artisanal coffee and creative dishes.
- Tiong Bahru Bakery: Famous for its flaky croissants and rich, buttery kouign-amann.
- Atlas Coffeehouse: A trendy café serving hearty brunch options like scrambled eggs with smoked salmon.
- PS. Cafe: Known for its truffle fries and lush garden settings.
5. Late-Night Eats & Supper Spots
For those who crave a midnight feast, Singapore offers plenty of 24-hour eateries and supper spots.
- Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant: A late-night dim sum joint serving favorites like xiao long bao and har gow.
- Springleaf Prata Place: A go-to spot for crispy roti prata with flavorful curries.
- Geylang’s Frog Porridge: A unique and delicious dish served with soy-glazed frog legs.
6. Sweet Treats & Desserts
No food tour is complete without dessert! Singapore offers a variety of sweet treats to cool you down in the tropical heat.
- Ice Kachang: A colorful mountain of shaved ice topped with sweet syrups, jelly, and red beans.
- Chendol: A coconut milk-based dessert with green pandan jelly and palm sugar syrup.
- Durian Delights: If you’re adventurous, try durian-based desserts at outlets like Goodwood Park Hotel.
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s food scene is a melting pot of cultures, offering a mix of street food, high-end dining, and trendy eateries. Whether you’re a fan of spicy noodles, fresh seafood, or decadent desserts, you’ll find something to love in this culinary haven. So, grab your chopsticks, bring an appetite, and get ready to explore Singapore, one bite at a time!
