Singapore may be one of the world’s most expensive cities. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be out of fortune when it comes to delicious food. Wonderfully, Singapore is full of bustling hawker centres and food courts, where locals and tourists alike can feast on both local and international culinary delights in a vibrant communal environment – all from $1 or a big meal for even less than $8. From satay and laksa, to fried kway teow…we’ve got you covered with our top picks of the best hawker centres in Singapore.
1. Tiong Bahru Market
One of the most popular food centres in Singapore is hidden in Tiong Bahru. It boasts more than 250 market stalls selling supplies and delicious delicacies, from different cultures, at a low cost. Particularly, diners love fried fishcakes and fish balls, unique pig organ soups, chwee kueh, duck rice, to name a few. Definitely, one of the best hawker centres in Singapore.
📍30 Seng Poh Rd, Singapore 168898
2. Lau Pa Sat
Experience Singapore’s unique food culture at Lau Pa Sat Food Court. It is arguably the most popular in all of Singapore, opened 24/7, and it seats up to 2,500 people. It’s housed in a striking, 120-year-old Victorian building, held up by giant cast-iron frames originally sent over from Scotland. From pizza to desserts, noodles and rice dishes…you’ll be in your element.
📍18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
3. Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre
Located in one of the oldest Malay settlements in Singapore, this traditional 2-storey hawker centre is famous for its Malay kampong-style architecture, reflecting the rich Malaysian culture and heritage. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of Malaysian and Indian dishes, as well as stalls selling cooking essentials and clothing. From delightful fried chicken briyani to Indonesian-style cendol, rice sets, and more…you’ll be spoilt to an authentic meal at an affordable price.
📍1 Geylang Serai, Singapore 402001
4. Newton Food Centre
First launched in 1971, this hawker centre is particularly famous from its appearance in the world-famous movie Crazy Rich Asians. It reopened this year after renovations, boasting more than 80 delicious food stalls, offering the best local delights and seafood. From Hokkien Mee, to Chinese and Malay treats, drooling dishes from the likes of XO Meat Noodles, desserts, and more…you’ll be in a food heaven.
📍Newton, Singapore
5. Old Airport Road Food Centre
This renowned food centre is home to legendary stalls such as Lao Ban Soya Beancurd, 51 Soya Beancurd and Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee, to name a few. So, if it’s a bowl of soya beancurd you’re after, this is place to hit up but be prepared to queue. The centre opens daily from 6am to 11pm.
📍51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
6. Maxwell Food Centre
This famous hawker centre in Chinatown sells iconic street food starting at $1. No wonder it’s one of the best cheap eats spots in the city. Indulge on all your favourites such as the famous Tian Tian’s chicken fried rice, bowls of laksa from Old Nyonya, creamy fish soup from Jin Hua, Zhen Zhen Porridge, Ramen Taisho’s Japanese noodles, bakery treats such as Tapioca cake…the list is endless. It opens from 8am to 2am daily.
1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184
7. Timber+ One North
This revamped building, made of warehouses and refurnished containers, is home to a modern hawker centre. It features alfresco terraces, dozens of food stalls, and innovative dishes to try at the urban park. From casual restaurants serving burgers and local-inspired dishes, to beers and hearty coffees, and more…you’ll be spoilt for choice. Additionally, there is plenty of entertainment and live music.
📍73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, JTC LaunchPad @ one-north, Singapore 139957
8. Tekka Centre
Another popular hawker centre, located in the heart of Little India, is Tekka Centre. The multicultural hawker centre is a go-to destination for those seeking authentic Asian cuisine. There’s a wide range of Indian, Malay, and Chinese dishes such as curries, prawn noodles, umami-rich broths, and so much more. Plus, there’s a wet market and cheap shops to explore.
📍665 Buffalo Road Zhujiao Centre, Tekka, Market, Singapore 210665
9. Ayer Rajah Food Centre
Ayer Rajah Food Centre is hiding some of the best hawker food in Singapore. Established in 1979, the popular hawker centre is known for its Indian and Malay cuisines, vegetarian meals, and a wide range of halal-friendly stalls. Notable dishes and stalls include Indian rojak, Mee Goreng, delicious meals from Habib’s Rojak, and Allauddin’s Biryani, to name a few.
📍503 W Coast Dr, Singapore 120503
10. Ghim Moh Market And Food Centre
Get your fix of food from 6am at this bustling food market boasting more than 70 stalls. Opt for the likes of char kway teow from Guan Kee Fried Kway Teow, order an Indian breakfast from Heaven’s Indian Curry or tuck into the famous Ghim Moh Carrot Cake. Luckily, most stalls open until the late afternoon, so you won’t go hungry!
📍 20 Ghim Moh Rd, Singapore 270020
11. Chinatown Complex Food Centre
This spot is easily the largest hawker centre in the city, boasting over 260 food stalls. You’ll find everything from chili crab and BBQ chicken wings to popular local desserts such as ice kachang and cendol. Certainly, one of the best hawker centres to eat at in Singapore. It opens from 7am to 10pm.
📍335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335
12. Golden Mile Food Centre
Indulge on the best local delicacies for cheap at Golden Mile Food Centre. From braised beef noodles to seafood options, Hokkien Mee, and more incredible dishes…you’ll be spoilt for choice from 11am to 8pm daily. Plus, it’s one of the best halal hawker centres because there are lots of halal-friendly dishes on offer.
📍505 Beach Rd, Singapore 199583
13. Chomp Chomp Food Centre
Another one of the best hawker centres in Singapore for indulging on local delicacies is Chomp Chomp. With a range of food stalls, serving dinners, oyster omelets, satays, and more. It opens from 4pm to 12.30am so it’s the perfect late-night hangout.
📍20 Kensington Park Rd, Singapore 557269
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