Best Places To Eat Local Food In Singapore

Singapore is known for its vibrant food scene, with a diverse range of cuisines that reflect the multicultural makeup of the city-state. From hawker centres to fancy restaurants, there are plenty of options available for foodies looking for a taste of Singaporean cuisine. If you’re visiting Singapore and looking to sample some of the best local food, here are some places you should definitely check out:

1. Maxwell Food Centre 🌭

Maxwell Food Centre is one of the most popular hawker centres in Singapore and it’s not hard to see why. This food centre is home to some of the best local dishes, from chicken rice to laksa. The stall owners here take their food seriously, and you can taste the love and care that goes into each dish.

2. La Pa Sat 🍝

La Pa Sat is another popular hawker centre in Singapore, located in the heart of the Central Business District. This historic building is a foodie’s paradise, with over 30 stalls serving up a variety of local and international dishes. The satay here is a must-try!

3. Tiong Bahru Market 🌮

If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, Tiong Bahru Market is a great option. This market has been around for decades and is a favourite among locals. You can find all sorts of local delicacies here, from kaya toast to Hokkien mee.

4. Chomp Chomp Food Centre 🌮

Chomp Chomp Food Centre is a hidden gem tucked away in Serangoon Gardens. This hawker centre is known for its barbecued seafood and satay, which are cooked to perfection over charcoal flames. It’s the perfect spot for a casual dinner with friends and family.

5. Liao Fan Hawker Chan 🌭

If you’re in the mood for some Michelin-starred food, head over to Liao Fan Hawker Chan. This humble hawker stall was awarded a Michelin star in 2016 and has been a hit ever since. The signature dish here is the soya sauce chicken rice, which is incredibly tender and flavourful.

6. Jumbo Seafood 🍰

Jumbo Seafood is a must-visit for seafood lovers. This restaurant has been serving up some of the freshest seafood in Singapore for over 30 years. The chilli crab here is a crowd favourite and is best enjoyed with a side of mantou.

7. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh 🍛

Bak kut teh is a pork rib soup that’s a favourite among locals. If you’re looking to try some authentic bak kut teh, head over to Song Fa. This restaurant has been around since 1969 and is known for its rich and flavourful soup.

8. Old Airport Road Food Centre 🌮

Old Airport Road Food Centre is another popular hawker centre in Singapore, located near the iconic National Stadium. This food centre has over 150 stalls, serving up a variety of local and international dishes. The lor mee and rojak here are a must-try!

9. 328 Katong Laksa 🍛

Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that’s a favourite among Singaporeans. If you’re looking to try some of the best laksa in town, head over to 328 Katong Laksa. This stall has been serving up laksa for over 30 years and is known for its thick and creamy soup.

10. Swee Choon Dim Sum 🍡

Swee Choon Dim Sum is a popular late-night spot for supper-goers. This restaurant serves up a variety of dim sum dishes, from xiao long bao to har gao. The queues here can get pretty long, but the food is definitely worth the wait.

11. Geylang Serai Market 🌮

Geylang Serai Market is another great option for those looking to sample some local food. This market is located in the heart of the Malay community and is known for its authentic Malay dishes. The nasi padang and mee rebus here are a must-try.

12. Ya Kun Kaya Toast 🍔

Kaya toast is a popular breakfast dish in Singapore, consisting of toast spread with coconut jam and butter. If you’re looking to try some authentic kaya toast, head over to Ya Kun. This chain has been around since 1944 and is a favourite among locals.

13. Din Tai Fung 🍜

Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese chain that’s famous for its xiao long bao. This restaurant has several outlets in Singapore and is known for its consistent quality and service. The xiao long bao here are a must-try!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Singaporean cuisine?

Singaporean cuisine is a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. Some popular dishes include chicken rice, laksa, bak kut teh, and chilli crab.

2. What is a hawker centre?

A hawker centre is a type of food court in Singapore that’s known for its affordable and delicious food. Hawker centres are often located in residential areas and offer a variety of local and international dishes.

3. What is the best time to visit a hawker centre?

The best time to visit a hawker centre is during off-peak hours, such as late morning or early afternoon. This is when the crowds are thinner and you’ll have an easier time finding a table.

4. How much does it cost to eat at a hawker centre?

Eating at a hawker centre is very affordable, with dishes typically costing between SGD 2 to SGD 6. However, some dishes, such as seafood or premium cuts of meat, can be more expensive.

5. What is the signature dish at Liao Fan Hawker Chan?

The signature dish at Liao Fan Hawker Chan is the soya sauce chicken rice, which was awarded a Michelin star in 2016.

6. What is bak kut teh?

Bak kut teh is a pork rib soup that’s popular in Singapore and Malaysia. The soup is flavoured with a variety of herbs and spices and is typically served with rice or youtiao (fried dough fritters).

7. What is kaya toast?

Kaya toast is a popular breakfast dish in Singapore, consisting of toast spread with coconut jam and butter. It’s often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

8. What is laksa?

Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that’s popular in Singapore and Malaysia. The soup is flavoured with a variety of herbs and spices and is typically served with rice noodles and toppings such as shrimp, chicken, and tofu puffs.

9. What is xiao long bao?

Xiao long bao, also known as soup dumplings, are a type of Chinese dumpling filled with meat and soup. They’re typically steamed and served with a dipping sauce.

10. What is nasi padang?

Nasi padang is a Malay dish that consists of steamed rice served with a variety of sides, such as curries, vegetables, and fried chicken.

11. What is rojak?

Rojak is a popular Southeast Asian salad that’s made with a mix of fruits and vegetables, such as cucumber, pineapple, and mango. The salad is dressed with a sweet and spicy sauce and topped with peanuts.

12. What is har gao?

Har gao, also known as shrimp dumplings, are a type of Cantonese dim sum. They’re filled with a mixture of shrimp and bamboo shoots and are typically steamed and served with a dipping sauce.

13. What is mantou?

Mantou is a type of Chinese steamed bun that’s typically served as a side dish. It’s often enjoyed with savoury dishes such as chilli crab or sweet dishes such as condensed milk.

Conclusion

Singapore is a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of options available for those looking to sample some local cuisine. Whether you prefer hawker centres or fancy restaurants, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city-state. So why not plan a trip to Singapore and experience the food scene for yourself?

If you’re not able to travel to Singapore right now, why not try making some of these dishes at home? With a little bit of research and practice, you can recreate some of the flavours of Singapore in your own kitchen.

So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and start exploring the delicious world of Singaporean cuisine!

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