There's a bunch to see in Singapore. But if we were to give you one good reason why you must visit this island nation, it is food. With a population made up of multiple cultures, Singapore is bubbling with robust and authentic flavours of Indian, Chinese, Singaporean, and Malay cuisines. While any place in Singapore can floor a foodie, there are a few that have rightfully attained cult status, compelling many gourmands from all over the world to make a pilgrimage. If you are heading to the country anytime soon, we've put together a trusty guide to help you score the best bites in every neighbourhood and across hawker centres to straight-up Michelin star champions.
Hawker centres are the heart and soul of Singaporean cuisine, offering a wide variety of affordable and delicious street food. One of the most famous is the Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, located in the heart of the Central Business District. This historic hawker centre dates back to 1824 and features over 100 stalls serving up local favourites like satay (grilled meat skewers), roti prata (flaky flatbread), and char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles with seafood and Chinese sausage).
Another must-visit hawker centre is the Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown. This bustling food court is home to Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, which has been awarded a Michelin star for its succulent poached chicken and fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth. Other standout stalls include Zhen Zhen Porridge for comforting congee and Ah Tai Hainanese Curry Rice for a delicious mix of braised pork belly, fried chicken, and curry gravy over rice.
Singapore's Chinatown is a foodie's paradise, with a mix of traditional coffee shops, hawker stalls, and modern restaurants. One of the most famous eateries is the Michelin-starred Hawker Chan, known for its soy sauce chicken rice and noodles. For a taste of old-school Cantonese cuisine, head to Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, another Michelin-starred stall famous for its tender, flavorful chicken. Another must-try is the Chinatown Complex Food Centre, the largest hawker centre in Singapore. Here, you'll find stalls serving up all kinds of Chinese specialties, from dim sum to roast meats. Don't miss the char siu (barbecued pork) at Hua Kee Hougang Char Siew Wanton Mee and the laksa (spicy coconut noodle soup) at Katong Laksa.
Little India is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its colourful shops, temples, and, of course, delicious food. One of the most popular spots is Tekka Centre, a massive hawker complex with over 200 stalls selling Indian, Malay, and Chinese cuisine. Must-try dishes include crispy lentil crepes, murtabak (stuffed pancakes), and biryani (fragrant rice dish with meat or vegetables). For authentic South Indian fare, head to Komala Vilas, a longtime favourite among locals and tourists alike. Their menu features a wide range of vegetarian dishes like dosa (savoury crepes), idli (steamed rice cakes), and vada (savoury doughnuts), all served with an array of flavourful chutneys and sambar (lentil stew).
The Katong and Joo Chiat neighbourhoods are known for their Peranakan (Straits Chinese) cuisine, a unique blend of Malay and Chinese flavours. One of the most famous spots is Katong Laksa, which serves up a rich, spicy coconut-based noodle soup with cockles, shrimp, and sliced fish cake. Another must-try is the Michelin-starred restaurant Candlenut, which offers a modern take on Peranakan classics. Chef Malcolm Lee's menu features dishes like buah keluak fried rice (rice with a black nut that tastes like chocolate), ayam buah keluak (chicken with black nuts), and babi pongteh (braised pork with fermented soy beans).
Marina Bay is home to some of Singapore's most iconic landmarks, as well as a thriving food scene. One of the most popular spots is the Satay by the Bay hawker center, located in the heart of Gardens by the Bay. Here you'll find stalls serving up all kinds of satay (grilled meat skewers), from chicken and beef to mutton and even stingray. For a more upscale dining experience, head to the Michelin-starred restaurant Odette, located in the National Gallery Singapore. Chef Julien Royer's menu features modern French cuisine with Singaporean influences, like foie gras with mango, chili padi, and lime, and pigeon with smoked onion, black garlic, and pickled cherries