Singapore is a fantastic city and is now among our favourite destinations worldwide. When you think of Singapore, its impressive skyline, modern architecture and luxury shopping malls probably come to mind first. But in our opinion, you will only discover the real Singapore when you visit the Singapore hawkers! These local food stalls can be found all over the city and are without a doubt our favourite places to eat. Here you can enjoy authentic, affordable and above all delicious dishes. In this blog, we take you to six of the best hawkers in Singapore that you should not miss during your trip.
General information on Singapore
Are you planning your trip to Singapore? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and applying for the SG Arrival Card. You can find all information on Singapore here.
What exactly are Singapore Hawkers?
A hawker centre is a collection of small food stalls under one roof, selling different types of food. Yes... everything is organised in Singapore, so this too. So you can think of a hawker centre as an indoor food court where dozens of stalls serve the most delicious local dishes for a few euros.
Singapore hawkers are important to local culture which is why the hawker tradition has even been recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. For locals, these places are not a ‘dining out’ moment, but part of everyday life. From quick lunch to dinner with family, everyone eats here.
Opt for classics like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, satay or char kway teow. And don't forget the sugarcane juice or an ice-cold kopi (Singapore-style coffee).
How do you order in a hawker?
Ordering from a hawker is very easy, even if you don't speak the language. Just a matter of some sign language and English words. In fact, you can usually see the dishes (incl. picture) clearly displayed on a plate or map with prices. You just walk up to the stall, choose what you want and order directly from the vendor. Payment is usually in cash or via an ATM. After ordering, you get a number or a pager so they can ‘call’ you as soon as your food is ready. Many hawker centres also have shared seating areas, so you can easily queue up and enjoy your meal.
Tip: Do you see a packet of tissues or a bottle of water at a table? Then the place is occupied. This is called local ‘chope’ and is normal.
Our favourites hawkers in Singapore
Singapore may be super-modern, but in our opinion, the best food is often found on plastic chairs under fluorescent lights. Yes, really, these hawker stalls are absolutely not to be missed! Of course, not all hawkers are the same; some have a more luxurious look. But whether they look luxurious or not, we ate delicious food at all of them. Besides hawkers, do you want to know which restaurants in Singapore we recommend? Then read our blog on the best restaurants in Singapore.
1. Makansutra Gluttons Bay
At Makansutra Gluttons Bay we have eaten several times. In fact, this open-air hawker centre has a view of the stunning Marina Bay skyline. Okay... you can't see this from every seat... but we loved walking around Singapore afterwards. This place has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike who want to enjoy authentic Singaporean food.
2. Maxwell Food Centre
Located a stone's throw from Chinatown is Maxwell Food Centre. This is one of Singapore's most famous hawker centres and for good reason. Here you'll find, among other things, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, a stall that became world-famous after chef Gordon Ramsay tried to top the dish (spoiler: he didn't succeed).
3. Lau Pa Sat
At the heart of the financial district is Lau Pa Sat. This beautiful 19th-century building with cast-iron structure. A popular lunch spot for office workers during the day, but at night the street next door turns into a veritable satay paradise. Order a mix, plop down on one of the plastic chairs and soak up the atmosphere.
4. Newton Food Centre
Newton Food Centre is known from the film Crazy Rich Asians, and it shows: this place is just a bit fancier than the average hawker. Yet it remains affordable and atmospheric.
5. Tekka Centre
In the middle of Little India, you will find Tekka Centre. This colourful and fragrant food centre is all about Indian and Malay flavours. Try a freshly baked roti prata, biryani or a fragrant curry with naan. Inside is also a local market with fruit, clothes and flowers, perfect for a stroll around after your lunch.
6. Old Airport Road Food Centre
In the southeast of Singapore, you will find one of the city's oldest and best-loved hawker centres: Old Airport Road Food Centre. This really is a classic among hawkers centres, with over 150 stalls there is something for everyone here!
Tip: Click on the hawker centre name above and you will be redirected directly to Google Maps. This way you can easily check opening hours, reviews and photos. Ideal, right?
Read also: The ultimate itinerary for Malaysia and Singapore + tips
Read also: Travelling from Langkawi to Singapore. Check out our tips!
Frequently asked questions about Hawkers in Singapore
1. What is the difference between a hawker centre and a food court in Singapore?
A hawker centre focuses on traditional, local dishes and is often run by families or permanent chefs. Food courts are mostly found in shopping malls and are more modern, expensive and touristy. For authentic food, always choose a hawker.
2. Are Singapore hawkers hygienic?
Yes, absolutely! Singapore is known for strict hygiene checks. Every stall gets an official hygiene score, which is visibly displayed. Many hawker centres are cleaner than average restaurants in other countries.
3. How do you recognise a good hawker stall in Singapore?
You can often recognise a good hawker stall by long queues, especially with locals. In addition, prices are usually clearly visible and the food is freshly prepared. Some popular stalls also have a Michelin Bib Gourmand or a local seal of approval hanging on the wall. See people ordering several portions at once? Then you are almost always in the right place!
4. Is eating out in Singapore expensive?
That depends entirely on where you eat. Restaurants, especially in luxury hotels or at Marina Bay Sands, can be quite pricey. But at Singapore hawkers, you eat for just a small amount! For just a few Singapore dollars, you can have a good meal.
5. What does food at Singapore hawkers cost on average?
At most hawkers, you pay between 4 (€2.65) and 8 (€5.30) Singapore dollars per dish. That makes it one of the cheapest ways to eat well in Singapore, especially considering the quality.
6. Paying at Singapore hawkers: do you need cash?
At most Singapore hawkers, cash is still handy but absolutely not necessary. More and more stalls now accept QR payments or local payment systems, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. However, keep in mind that at the smaller or popular stalls, cash is often the quickest and easiest option. Our advice: always take some cash with you when you visit a hawker centre.
7. How do you pay in Singapore as a tourist?
In Singapore, you can pay by credit or debit card almost everywhere as a tourist. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in restaurants, cafes, hotels and shops. Cash is still sometimes needed for street food and hawkers, but for the rest of your expenses, a card will do just fine. Paying is fast, secure and contactless!
8. What is Singapore's most popular hawker centre?
Maxwell Food Centre is often cited as Singapore's most famous and popular hawker centre. Located near Chinatown, it has more than a hundred stalls with cuisines from China, Malaysia and Singapore itself, among others. Due to its central location and large selection, this is the first introduction to Singapore hawkers for many travellers.
9. Can you eat vegetarian or halal at Singapore hawkers?
Yes. Many hawker centres have vegetarian, vegan and halal options. Especially in neighbourhoods like Little India and Chinatown, the choice is huge.
10. What is the best time to visit hawkers in Singapore?
For lunch (11:30 - 13:00) and dinner (18:00 - 20:00) it is busiest. If you go a little earlier or later, you will have more peace and quiet and often shorter waiting times.
The hawkers not only offer great food, but also give you a unique insight into local culture and daily life in Singapore. So be sure to pay them a visit! Find more Singapore inspiration in our blog What to do in Singapore? The best tips for 3 days! Still have questions? Send us a message via [email protected] or Instagram!
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