Swissôtel The Stamford - Luxury hotel - A Culinary Adventure: Hawker Centres to visit in Singapore

Singapore’s hawker centres are a key part of the country’s culinary identity, offering an extraordinary variety of local dishes at affordable prices. These bustling food hubs bring together different cultures through food, and no visit to Singapore is complete without a visit to one (or more) of these centres. Starting from Swissôtel The Stamford to the historic streets of Chinatown to the bustling hub of East Coast, each hawker centre promises an unforgettable dining experience. Here are eight of the best hawker centres you shouldn’t miss during your stay.

1. Lau Pa Sat

(Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board)

Lau Pa Sat, located in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, stands out with its historic Victorian-style architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Once a fish market, it now hosts a diverse range of food stalls offering everything from Hainanese chicken rice to Indian curries. The main highlight here is the satay street that opens in the evening, roads are closed off to make way for more seating and stalls grill skewers of marinated meat over charcoal. Dine al fresco and enjoy your food with the skyscrapers of Singapore’s skyline as your backdrop.

Best for: Night dining, satay, local and international flavours

Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Central Business District (click here for map)

Time: 10 minutes (by public transport)

Must-try dishes:

• Satay
• Grilled Seafood

2. Tiong Bahru Market

(Image credit: The Traveller DMC)

A charming blend of the old and new, Tiong Bahru Market is in one of Singapore’s most hip and historic neighbourhoods. The hawker centre, situated on the second floor of the market, is known for offering some of the best local breakfast options in Singapore with time-honoured recipes. Tuck into a plate of Chwee Kueh (steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish) or enjoy Kaya (sweet coconut pandan jam) Toast paired with Soft-boiled eggs and Kopi (coffee). Many of the stalls here have been operating for generations, so expect authentic flavours with every bite.

Best for: Traditional Singaporean breakfast, heritage dishes

Location: 30 Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru (click here for map)

Time: 25 minutes (by public transport)

Must-try dishes:

• Chwee Kueh
• Prawn Noodles
• Hainanese Porridge

3. Maxwell Food Centre

(Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board)

Maxwell Food Centre, located near Chinatown, is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. It’s famous for its array of traditional Singaporean street food, offering both quality and variety. Its central location makes it a popular stop for those exploring the popular streets nearby. One of the most famous stalls is Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, which Anthony Bourdain once endorsed. Expect long queues, but the tender succulent chicken and fragrant rice are well worth the wait. Maxwell also offers great options for other local dishes like Laksa, Popiah, and Fishball Noodles.

Best for: Street food classics, budget-friendly meals

Location: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Chinatown (click here for map)

Time: 16 minutes (by public transport)

Must-try dishes:

• Hainanese Chicken Rice (Tian Tian)
• Fishball Noodles
• Laksa

4. Tekka Centre

(Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board)

Tekka Centre, located in the heart of Little India, is a melting pot of Singapore’s Indian and Malay food culture. Here, you’ll find some of the best Biryani, Roti Prata, and Thosai (Indian pancakes) on the island. This hawker centre also offers delicious dishes such as Nasi Padang (steamed rice served with various Indonesian dishes). Don’t miss the Mutton Biryani, a dish packed with aromatic spices and tender meat. Tekka Centre’s vibrant atmosphere mirrors the colourful cultural diversity of the food.

Best for: Indian, Malay, and South Asian cuisine

Location: 665 Buffalo Road, Little India (click here for map)

Time: 22 minutes (by public transport)

Must-try dishes:

• Mutton Biryani
• Roti Prata
• Thosai

5. Chinatown Complex Food Centre

(Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board)

Chinatown Complex Food Centre is one of the largest hawker centres in Singapore, with over 260 stalls offering a staggering variety of dishes. Among the many options is Hawker Chan, known for their soya sauce chicken rice & noodle, which once gained international fame as the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal. The food centre also offers a wide range of other Singaporean dishes, from Fried Carrot Cake to Fish Head soup.

Best for: Authentic local eats

Location: 335 Smith Street, Chinatown (click here for map)

Time: 15 minutes (by public transport)

Must-try dishes:

• Soya Sauce Chicken Rice
• Fried Carrot Cake
• Claypot Rice

6. Old Airport Road Food Centre

(Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board)

One of the oldest hawker centres in Singapore, Old Airport Road Food Centre has recently underwent a renovation and reopened this October with new and improved facilities. Throughout the years, it has maintained its reputation as a hub for some of the best local eats. Popular amongst locals, it’s known for stalls that have been serving beloved Singaporean dishes for decades. Try the famous Char Kway Teow (stir-fried flat rice noodles) or a plate of Satay Bee Hoon (a noodle dish served with satay sauce). The old-school vibe of this food centre makes it a nostalgic experience for many.

Best for: Local favourites

Location: 51 Old Airport Road, Kallang (click here for map)

Time: 22 minutes (by public transport)

Must-try dishes:

• Char Kway Teow
• Satay Bee Hoon
• Lor Mee

7. East Coast Lagoon Food Village

(Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board)

East Coast Lagoon Food Village offers a unique dining experience by the beach, perfect for those who love fresh air and a sea breeze with their meal. This hawker centre is best known for its BBQ seafood, including stingray, prawns, and squid. With a relaxed outdoor seating area, it’s an ideal spot to grab some Sambal Stingray or BBQ Chicken Wings and enjoy a laid-back meal after a day at East Coast Park.

Best for: Seaside dining, barbecue seafood

Time: 44 minutes (by public transport)

Location: 1220 East Coast Parkway, East Coast Park (click here for map)

Must-try dishes:

• Sambal Stingray
• BBQ Prawns
• Satay

8. Newton Food Centre

(Image credit: contenthub)

For fans of the blockbuster film Crazy Rich Asians, Newton Food Centre is a familiar name. Featured in a memorable scene where the characters indulge in a variety of hawker fare, this centre is a vibrant spot that captures the essence of Singapore’s street food culture. Newton is known for its seafood offerings, with grilled prawns, chili crab, and sambal stingray topping the list of must-tries. As you stroll through the bustling stalls, you’ll find an array of dishes from all of Singapore’s ethnic groups, making it a true reflection of the country’s multicultural heritage.

Best for: Barbecue seafood

Location: 500 Clemenceau Ave N (click here for map)

Time: 21 minutes (by public transport)

Must-try dishes:

• Chilli Crab
• Sambal Stingray
• Sugarcane Juice (with lemon)

9. Explore ZiChar (煮炒): another uniquely Singaporean dining experience

Beyond hawker centres, another dining experience not to be missed is Singapore’s beloved zi char (meaning “cook and fry” in Hokkien) cuisine. Often found in neighborhood eateries or family-run casual eateries, zi char offers home-cooked dishes meant to be shared between family or friends. Inspired by traditional Chinese cooking techniques, zi char> menus usually consists of stir-fried dishes but also include varieties of braised, deep-fried and steamed dishes.

Some must-try favorites include Sambal Kangkong, Salted Egg Yolk Prawns, and the iconic Black Pepper Crab, often eaten with a plate of fluffy white rice. A beloved well known spot for zi char amongst locals is KEK Seafood. The casual yet communal atmosphere of a zi char meal provides an authentic yet casual taste of local dining culture.

(Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board)

Time to KEK Seafood @ Alexandra Village: 42 minutes (by public transport)

Each of these hawker centres offers something uniquely Singaporean, whether it’s a heritage dish passed down through generations, a seaside view, or just a delicious meal at budget prices. Singapore’s hawker culture reflects our multicultural society, and these centres are the perfect place to experience the island’s rich culinary diversity. Whether you’re a tourist looking for the best eats or a local revisiting a beloved spot, these hawker centres are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Our concierge is also always on hand to offer personalized recommendations and assist with transportation arrangements to ensure you make the most of your culinary adventure.

Enjoy your stay and happy feasting!