Hawker Markets

For a real local experience, visit one or two of Singapore’s famous hawker markets, also known as hawker centres, for a true ‘taste’ of Singapore. These huge food courts are where the locals love to eat and you can get fresh, delicious dishes cooked as you watch, for excellent value.

Some of the hawker’s stalls are established local favourites for over 40 years and long queues form early, so don’t let appearances fool you. Food is very much a favourite pastime of Singaporeans. Consider a stop by Chinatown Complex Food Centre; Jurong West Hawker Centre & Market; the Maxwell Food Centre; and Lau Pat Sat, situated in a 19th-century building in the CBD. 

Singapore’s most celebrated dishes include chicken rice, chilli crab, fish head curry… and let’s not forget the ice cream sandwiches! Food in Singapore manifests the diverse ethnic groups that inhabit the island but adds a local twist. 

For our fellow vegans and vegetarians out there, there are usually a couple of vegetarian only stalls in each centre which will have vegan options, or you can ask them to make one of their vegetarian dishes into a vegan one for you.

If you're a foodie lover, read more here on our top places to eat.