Food in Singapore: A Culinary Paradise

What makes food in Singapore so special? The answer lies in its rich mix of flavors, cultures, and dining experiences. This small island nation is a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences, creating a food scene like no other.

From bustling hawker centers serving mouth-watering local dishes to Michelin-starred restaurants offering world-class dining, Singapore has something for every foodie. Whether you crave a plate of Hainanese Chicken Rice, a spicy bowl of Laksa, or the famous Chilli Crab, every meal here is an experience.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the must-try dishes, the best places to eat, and insider tips to help you enjoy Singapore’s vibrant food culture. Get ready to explore a city where every bite tells a story!

Let Us Add Your Food Tour to: Singapore Tour Packages

12 Must-Try Foods in Singapore

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Often called Singapore’s national dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice features tender steamed or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice, chili sauce, and a flavorful broth. The balance of juicy chicken, aromatic rice, and spicy-sour chili makes it a comforting yet flavorful meal.

Where to Try: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Maxwell Food Centre), Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice

Chilli Crab

One of the best food in Singapore, Chilli Crab is a mouthwatering seafood dish where fresh crabs are stir-fried in a thick, sweet, and spicy tomato-based sauce. It’s messy but worth every bite, especially when paired with fried mantou buns.

Where to Try: Jumbo Seafood, No Signboard Seafood, Long Beach Seafood

Laksa

A perfect blend of Chinese and Malay flavors, Laksa is a rich, spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk, dried shrimp, and a fragrant mix of herbs. The creamy broth, paired with thick rice noodles and prawns or chicken, makes for a hearty meal.

Where to Try: 328 Katong Laksa, Sungei Road Laksa

Char Kway Teow

This beloved street food features stir-fried flat rice noodles tossed with dark soy sauce, eggs, prawns, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts. Smoky, slightly sweet, and full of umami, it’s a dish that locals swear by.

Where to Try: Hill Street Char Kway Teow, Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee

Satay

Grilled skewers of marinated chicken, beef, or lamb, served with a rich peanut sauce, cucumber, and rice cakes. The smoky aroma and juicy, charred meat make Satay a must-try snack, best enjoyed at bustling night markets.

Where to Try: Lau Pa Sat’s Satay Street, Chomp Chomp Food Centre

Kaya Toast & Kopi

A classic Singaporean breakfast, Kaya Toast is crispy bread spread with kaya (a sweet coconut-egg jam) and butter, served with soft-boiled eggs and local-style coffee (kopi). It’s a simple yet satisfying way to start the day.

Where to Try: Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Killiney Kopitiam

Hokkien Mee

A mix of yellow noodles and rice vermicelli stir-fried with prawns, squid, eggs, and a flavorful seafood broth. Served with a side of sambal chili and lime, it offers a delicious balance of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors.

Where to Try: Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee, Geylang Lor 29 Hokkien Mee

Bak Kut Teh

A comforting peppery pork rib soup, Bak Kut Teh is slow-cooked with garlic, white pepper, and Chinese herbs, resulting in a rich and aromatic broth. Traditionally enjoyed with rice, you tiao (fried dough sticks), and a side of braised tofu.

Where to Try: Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, Founder Bak Kut Te

Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway)

A savory dish made of radish cake stir-fried with eggs, garlic, and preserved radish. Available in two styles: "white" (without soy sauce) and "black" (with sweet dark soy sauce), both offering a crispy yet soft texture.

Where to Try: Heng Carrot Cake (Newton Food Centre), Fu Ming Carrot Cake

Roti Prata

This Indian-influenced flatbread is crispy on the outside and soft inside, often served with a side of curry or sugar. Variations include egg, cheese, and even chocolate prata for those with a sweet tooth.

Where to Try: Springleaf Prata Place, Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata

Nasi Lemak

A fragrant Malay dish featuring coconut rice, fried chicken, crispy anchovies, sambal chili, peanuts, and a boiled egg. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal, perfect for breakfast or lunch.

Where to Try: Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak, The Coconut Club

Ice Kachang

A refreshing dessert made of finely shaved ice, flavored syrups, jelly, red beans, and sweet corn, sometimes topped with a scoop of ice cream. It’s a must-try to beat the Singapore heat.

Where to Try: Jin Jin Dessert, Annie’s Peanut Ice Kachang

Let's Explore What's the - What is Singapore known fo

Best Hawker Centers & Street Food Spots in Singapore

Why Visit Hawker Centers?

Hawker centers are the heart of Singapore’s food culture. They offer affordable, authentic, and diverse local dishes under one roof. Whether you're craving Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, or Satay, these food courts provide some of the best flavors at wallet-friendly prices.

Top Hawker Centers in Singapore

Maxwell Food Centre – A must-visit for Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and rich, spicy Laksa.
Lau Pa Sat – Famous for Satay Street, where you can enjoy grilled skewers under the open sky. Great for late-night eats.
Old Airport Road Food Centre – One of the oldest hawker centers, known for smoky Char Kway Teow and crispy Oyster Omelette.
Chinatown Complex Food Centre – Home to Hawker Chan, the world's first Michelin-starred hawker stall, alongside amazing dim sum and noodle dishes.

Tips for Eating at Hawker Centers

Payment Methods – Most stalls accept cash and digital payments (NETS, PayNow, PayLah!). Some still operate on a cash-only basis, so carry small notes.
Peak Hours – Visit before noon or after 2 PM to avoid long queues. Dinner crowds peak from 6–8 PM.
Hygiene Ratings – Look for stalls with an ‘A’ or ‘B’ hygiene rating for cleanliness and food safety.
Table Sharing – It's common to share tables with strangers, especially during peak hours.

Singapore’s Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Singapore is a fine-dining paradise, offering a mix of Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class eateries. Whether you seek modern gastronomy, classic French cuisine, or upscale barbecue, the city has something for every gourmet enthusiast.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants Worth Visiting

Burnt Ends – A globally acclaimed modern barbecue restaurant known for its open-flame cooking and premium cuts.
Odette – A three-Michelin-starred French fine-dining experience, offering elegant dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients.
Hawker Chan – The world’s first Michelin-starred hawker stall, famous for its Soya Sauce Chicken Rice at unbeatable prices.
Les Amis – A top-tier French restaurant recognized as one of Asia’s best, known for its impeccable service and refined tasting menus.

Luxury Dining vs. Affordable Michelin Eats

Fine dining in Singapore ranges from extravagant multi-course meals to budget-friendly Michelin-recognized hawker stalls. For a high-end experience, Odette and Les Amis offer exquisite European cuisine, while Hawker Chan and Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle provide Michelin-starred meals for just a few dollars.

Best Cafes & Desserts in Singapore

From traditional Asian sweets to artisanal coffee, Singapore’s café culture is thriving. Whether you’re a dessert lover or a coffee aficionado, the city offers a variety of must-try treats and trendy cafés.

Iconic Desserts to Try

Ice Kachang – A colorful mountain of shaved ice, drizzled with syrups and topped with red beans, jelly, and sweet corn.
Chendol – A refreshing mix of coconut milk, palm sugar, green pandan jelly, and shaved ice, perfect for hot days.
Durian-Based Desserts – From Durian Pengat (sweet durian mousse) to Durian Ice Cream, these are a must for adventurous eaters.

Top Cafes in Singapore

Tiong Bahru Bakery – Famous for flaky croissants and artisanal pastries.
Common Man Coffee Roasters – A go-to spot for specialty coffee and all-day brunch.
Nylon Coffee Roasters – A hidden gem known for sustainably sourced coffee and expertly brewed espresso.

This Guide Will Make Your Decision Easier: Famous places to visit in Singapore

Food Tour Recommendations & DIY Food Trails

Exploring food in Singapore is best done through guided food tours or self-planned food trails. Whether you prefer expert-led experiences or discovering hidden gems on your own, here are the best ways to savor Singapore’s vibrant food scene.

Guided Food Tours

Joining a food tour ensures you get insider knowledge, history, and access to the best local spots. Here are some top-rated options:

Wok ‘n’ Stroll – Offers hawker food tours, Michelin food walks, and night market experiences.
Secret Singapore Food Tour – Covers Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam with tastings of local favorites.
Singabites Food Tours – Focuses on cultural storytelling alongside authentic hawker delights.

These tours provide curated tastings and insights into Singapore’s diverse culinary heritage, perfect for first-time visitors.

DIY Singapore Food Cuisine Food Trails

For those who love exploring at their own pace, these self-guided food trails will take you through Singapore’s best eats:

Chinatown Food Trail – Start at Maxwell Food Centre (Hainanese Chicken Rice), explore the Chinatown Complex for Char Kway Teow, and end with a bowl of Bak Kut Teh at Song Fa.
Katong Laksa & Peranakan Delights – Visit 328 Katong Laksa, sample Kueh (Peranakan sweets) at Kim Choo Kueh Chang, and end with a traditional Nyonya meal.
Hawker Centre Hopping – Hop between Lau Pa Sat (Satay Street), Old Airport Road Food Centre (Hokkien Mee), and Newton Food Centre (BBQ Stingray).