Singapore's Best Hawker Centers: A Foodie's Paradise
Singapore's hawker culture was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020. These open-air food courts are where locals and tourists alike discover authentic Singaporean cuisine at affordable prices.
Maxwell Food Centre
Location: Chinatown
Must-Try: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (made famous by Anthony Bourdain)
Other Favorites: Zhen Zhen Porridge, Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake
Lau Pa Sat (Telok Ayer Market)
Location: CBD/Financial District
Specialty: Satay Street comes alive every evening with grilled meat skewers
Heritage: Beautiful Victorian cast-iron structure built in 1894
Old Airport Road Food Centre
Location: Geylang
Why Visit: The largest hawker center with over 150 stalls
Must-Try: Famous Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee, Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow
Tiong Bahru Market
Location: Tiong Bahru Estate
Vibe: Heritage neighborhood with hipster cafes nearby
Must-Try: Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow, Lor Mee
Essential Singaporean Dishes to Try
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice - Poached chicken with fragrant rice
2. Laksa - Spicy coconut curry noodle soup
3. Char Kway Teow - Stir-fried flat rice noodles
4. Chilli Crab - Singapore's national seafood dish
5. Kaya Toast - Coconut jam on toast with soft-boiled eggs
6. Bak Kut Teh - Peppery pork rib soup