Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more evident than in its hawker centres. Hawker centres are open-air food courts that offer a wide range of dishes from different ethnic groups, such as Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan. Hawker centres are not only a place to eat, but also a place to socialize, relax, and experience the local culture.
Hawker centres are an integral part of Singapore’s heritage and identity. They date back to the colonial era, when street vendors sold food to the masses. Over time, the vendors were relocated to designated areas with proper hygiene and sanitation facilities, and the hawker centres were born. In 2020, Singapore’s hawker culture was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, in recognition of its significance and value.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about hawker centres in Singapore, including what to eat, where to go, and how to navigate them like a local. Whether you are a foodie, a culture lover, or a budget traveller, you will find something to suit your taste and preference in the hawker centres of Singapore.
What to Eat in Singapore Hawker Centres
One of the main attractions of hawker centres in Singapore is the variety and diversity of cuisine that they offer. You can find dishes from different regions and countries, such as China, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and more. You can also find dishes that are unique to Singapore, such as Peranakan, Eurasian, and fusion cuisine.
Some of the most popular and iconic dishes that you can try in hawker centres are:
Chicken rice:
This is Singapore’s national dish, and a must-try for any visitor. It consists of tender and juicy chicken, served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and garlic, and accompanied by chilli sauce, ginger sauce, and dark soy sauce. You can find chicken rice stalls in almost every hawker centre, but some of the best ones are Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre, Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice at Lau Pa Sat, and Boon Tong Kee Chicken Rice at Balestier Market.
Laksa:
This is a spicy and creamy noodle soup, made with coconut milk, curry paste, and various toppings, such as chicken, prawns, fish cakes, tofu, and bean sprouts. There are different types of laksa in Singapore, such as Katong laksa, which has a thicker gravy and shorter noodles, and Nyonya laksa, which has a more sour and tangy flavour. Some of the best places to try laksa are 328 Katong Laksa at East Coast Road, Sungei Road Laksa at Jalan Berseh Food Centre, and Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa at Alexandra Village Food Centre.
Roti prata:
This is a crispy and flaky flatbread, made with flour, water, oil, and eggs, and cooked on a hot griddle. It is usually eaten with curry, but you can also find variations with different fillings, such as cheese, chocolate, banana, and ice cream. Roti prata is a popular breakfast and snack item, and can be found in many hawker centres, especially those with Indian stalls. Some of the best places to try roti prata are Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata at Tin Yeang Restaurant, The Roti Prata House at Upper Thomson Road, and Springleaf Prata Place at Upper Bukit Timah Road.
Satay:
This is a grilled meat skewer, marinated in spices and served with peanut sauce, cucumber, onion, and ketupat (rice cake). You can choose from different types of meat, such as chicken, beef, mutton, or pork. Satay is a popular street food and a great snack for sharing. You can find satay stalls in many hawker centres, but the most famous one is Satay by the Bay at Gardens by the Bay, where you can enjoy your satay with a view of the waterfront and the iconic Supertrees.
Char kway teow:
This is a stir-fried noodle dish, made with flat rice noodles, dark soy sauce, eggs, bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, fish cake, and cockles. It is a hearty and satisfying dish, with a smoky and savoury flavour. Char kway teow is a common dish in hawker centres, and some of the best ones are Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee at Hong Lim Market and Food Centre, No. 18 Zion Road Fried Kway Teow at Zion Riverside Food Centre, and Hill Street Fried Kway Teow at Bedok South Market and Food Centre.
Chilli crab:
This is a signature dish of Singapore, and a treat for seafood lovers. It consists of fresh and succulent crabs, cooked in a thick and spicy sauce, made with tomato, chilli, garlic, and egg. It is usually eaten with mantou (fried buns), which are dipped in the sauce. Chilli crab is a more expensive dish, and can be found in some hawker centres, as well as seafood restaurants. Some of the best places to try chilli crab are No Signboard Seafood at Esplanade Mall, Jumbo Seafood at East Coast Seafood Centre, and Roland Restaurant at Marine Parade Central.
These are just some of the dishes that you can enjoy in hawker centres in Singapore, but there are many more to discover and taste. You can also find vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options in some hawker centres, catering to different dietary preferences and needs.
Best Hawker Centres in Singapore
Singapore has over 100 hawker centres, each with its own charm and specialty. You can find hawker centres in different parts of the city, from the central business district to the residential neighbourhoods. Some hawker centres are more modern and air-conditioned, while others are more traditional and rustic. Some hawker centres are open 24 hours, while others have specific opening hours. Some hawker centres are more crowded and noisy, while others are more relaxed and quiet.
To help you choose the best hawker centres to visit, here are some of the most recommended ones, based on their location, atmosphere, quality, and popularity:
Maxwell Food Centre:
This is one of the most famous and popular hawker centres in Singapore, located in the heart of Chinatown. It has over 100 stalls, offering a variety of dishes, such as chicken rice, fish soup, porridge, dim sum, and more. It is also home to some of the Michelin-starred or Bib Gourmand stalls, such as Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, Zhen Zhen Porridge, and Lao Ban Soya Beancurd. Maxwell Food Centre is open from 8 am to 10 pm daily, and is usually crowded during lunch and dinner time. It is a great place to experience the hustle and bustle of hawker culture, and to sample some of the best dishes in Singapore.
Lau Pa Sat:
This is one of the oldest and most iconic hawker centres in Singapore, located in the central business district. It has a distinctive octagonal shape and a Victorian-style architecture, dating back to 1894. It has over 80 stalls, offering a range of dishes, such as chicken rice, laksa, roti prata, satay, and more. It is also known for its Satay Street, which is a section of the road that is closed at night and transformed into a satay paradise, with over 10 stalls grilling and serving satay. Lau Pa Sat is open 24 hours daily, and is usually busy during office hours and at night. It is a great place to enjoy the historical and cultural ambiance of hawker culture, and to try some of the local and international dishes.
Tekka Centre:
This is one of the largest and most vibrant hawker centres in Singapore, located in the Little India district. It has over 200 stalls, offering a variety of dishes, especially from the Indian, Malay, and Chinese cuisines. You can find dishes such as biryani, dosa, nasi lemak, mee goreng, and more. It is also a place to buy fresh produce, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood, as well as clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. Tekka Centre is open from 6.30 am to 9 pm daily, and is usually crowded throughout the day. It is a great place to immerse yourself in the colourful and lively atmosphere of hawker culture, and to taste some of the spicy and flavourful dishes.
Chinatown Complex Food Centre:
This is one of the biggest and most diverse hawker centres in Singapore, located in the Chinatown district. It has over 260 stalls, offering a variety of dishes, such as bak kut teh, dim sum, roast duck, claypot rice, and more. It is also home to the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal, which is a plate of soya sauce chicken rice or noodles from Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle. Chinatown Complex Food Centre is open from 7 am to 10 pm daily, and is usually crowded during peak hours. It is a great place to explore the culinary and cultural heritage of hawker culture, and to sample some of the cheap and delicious dishes.
Old Airport Road Food Centre:
This is one of the oldest and most renowned hawker centres in Singapore, located in the Geylang district. It has over 150 stalls, offering a variety of dishes, such as kway chap, hokkien mee, lor mee, oyster omelette, and more. It is also known for its desserts, such as ice kacang, chendol, and tau huay. Old Airport Road Food Centre is open from 6 am to 11 pm daily, and is usually busy during meal times. It is a great place to enjoy the authentic and traditional taste of hawker culture, and to try some of the sweet and savoury dishes.
Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre:
This is one of the most modern and stylish hawker centres in Singapore, located in the Tiong Bahru district. It has over 80 stalls, offering a variety of dishes, such as chwee kueh, wanton mee, fishball noodles, and more. It is also famous for its breakfast items, such as kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and coffee. Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre is open from 6 am to 10 pm daily, and is usually crowded during weekends. It is a great place to experience the trendy and hip vibe of hawker culture, and to try some of the classic and contemporary dishes.
These are just some of the best hawker centres in Singapore, but there are many more to discover and visit. You can find hawker centres in every corner of the city, each with its own personality and specialty. You can also find hawker centres that cater to specific cuisines, such as Golden Mile Food Centre for Thai food, Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre for Malay food, and Tekka Centre for Indian food.
Hawker centres are more than just food courts, they are the soul and essence of Singapore. They are where you can find the best local food and culture, at affordable prices and in a friendly and lively environment. They are where you can mingle with the locals, learn about their stories and traditions, and appreciate their diversity and harmony.
If you are planning to visit Singapore, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the hawker centres and taste the dishes that make Singapore a food paradise. You will not regret it, and you will surely come back for more.
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