It is no secret that Singapore is an expensive country but very few travelers know you can save on food budget here. Introducing the culture of hawker food in Singapore and where to find them!
Even if I visit this country frequently, there are still many hawker food in Singapore that I have not tried – there are many! For starters, let me introduce you to what hawker food is.
Hawker food in Singapore refers to the diverse, flavorful, and affordable dishes sold at numerous food centers (often called “hawker centers”) throughout the city-state.
These hawker centres are large, open-air complexes housing many individual stalls, each specializing in specific types or styles of food.
💡 Fun fact: The hawker culture in Singapore is so iconic that it was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020!
Originating as street food vendors, hawkers have been a cornerstone of Singapore’s food culture since the 1800s.
Over time, they were moved indoors for health and safety reasons, leading to the establishment of hawker centers that have become community dining rooms, where people from all walks of life gather to enjoy an inexpensive and tasty meal.
Hawker food in Singapore is typically enjoyed in an informal setting, with communal seating that encourages a sense of community and conviviality.
It’s common to see a mix of locals, expats, and tourists all sharing tables and enjoying the bustling atmosphere.
Here are some delicious and affordable Singapore hawker food stalls, all under $7 USD!
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😋 Hawker food in Singapore: what to eat
If it’s your first time visiting Singapore hawker centres, you may get overwhelmed with what to order so before proceeding on the list of places for best Singapore hawker food, here’s a crash course on what to order:
Hainanese Chicken Rice
This dish, originating from the Hainan province of China, is Singapore’s national dish. It’s a platter of tender, poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and clear soup.
The combination of simple ingredients creates a rich flavor profile. Spicy lovers, add a spoonful of chili and ginger sauce for that extra kick!
Chilli Crab
Introduced in the 1950s, Chilli Crab is a dish where giant crabs are cooked in a sweet, savory, slightly spicy tomato-based sauce. Typically, it’s eaten with mantou (fried buns).
Use your hands to crack open the crab and dip the mantou into the sauce for an authentic experience.
Laksa
A Peranakan dish, Laksa is a spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk, dried shrimp, and spices, served with prawns, fish cake, and tofu puffs.
It’s the perfect comfort food. Don’t forget to stir in the sambal chili paste and squeeze the lime for a more robust flavor.
Satay
Satay, which has roots in Indonesia, consists of skewered, grilled meat served with peanut sauce, rice cakes, and cucumber-chili relish.
Alternate between meat and rice cakes for balanced bites, and don’t forget to use the sauce!
Roti Prata
Brought to Singapore by Indian immigrants, Roti Prata is a flaky, pan-fried bread served with curry. Tear off pieces of Prata with your right hand and dip them into the curry for the traditional way of eating.
Hokkien Mee
This dish, created by Chinese sailors in the post-war era, features stir-fried noodles with prawn and pork, served with lime and sambal.
Squeeze the lime over the noodles and mix in the sambal for an enhanced flavor.
Nasi Lemak
Originally a Malay dish, Nasi Lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, served with various side dishes.
Char Kway Teow
A dish of flat rice noodles stir-fried with dark soy sauce, prawns, cockles, egg, and Chinese sausage, Char Kway Teow, evolved from a poor man’s meal to a nationwide favorite.
Stir the lime and chili into your noodles for a tangy heat.
Bak Kut Teh
Translating to “meat bone tea”, this dish is a pork rib dish cooked in broth. It’s of Hokkien and Teochew origin. The best drink to pair your Bak Kut Teh is a pot of strong Chinese tea.
🗺️ Map of Hawker food stalls in Singapore
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🍛 Best Singapore Hawker food stalls
Adam Rd Noo Cheng Big Prawn Noodle
📍2 Adam Rd, #01-17
💲 from $3 USD
A cultural culinary institution nestled amidst the hustle of Adam Road Food Centre, this Singapore hawker food stall is famed for its succulent prawn noodles.
Serving customers for nearly three decades, it’s one of the top hawker food in Singapore.
The vibe is authentically local, with no-nonsense seating and a get-in, get-out attitude. There are usually many regulars during lunch, so if you want a quieter time, go in the late afternoon.
You can’t visit without trying their namesake Big Prawn Noodle, a riot of flavors swimming in a spicy, prawn-infused broth.
🍜 Pro tip: Customize your noodles by mixing yellow noodles with bee hoon, it’s the local way to get the best texture.
Heng Kee
📍531A Upper Cross St, #01-58
💲 from $3 USD
Nestled in Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, Heng Kee is a mecca for curry aficionados. In operation since the ’70s, it’s a nostalgic time capsule with a simple seating arrangement, adding to its rustic charm.
For the most enjoyable experience, hit the place during breakfast. Order their signature Curry Chicken Noodles, a hearty bowl of silky noodles swimming in rich, fragrant curry.
🥔 Pro tip: Ask for an extra serving of potato!
Selamat Datang Warong Pak Sapari
📍2 Adam Rd, Singapore
💲 from $3 USD
Situated in the East Coast Lagoon Food Village, this family-run Singapore hawker food stall is a satay specialist, originally started by the patriarch Pak Sapari. It boasts a relaxed, sea-side ambience, with casual picnic-style seating.
When you go early in the evening, the grills are just starting up. Try the famous Satay grilled meat on skewers with spicy peanut sauce.
🍢 Pro tip: Opt for a mix of chicken, mutton and beef satays for a variety.
Ji De Lai Hainanese Chicken Rice
📍105 Yishun Ring Rd, #01-152
💲 from $3 USD
In the heart of Ang Mo Kio, Ji De Lai is a bastion of Hainanese Chicken Rice. The setting is simple and welcoming, perfect for a family meal.
The best time to go is in the afternoon, after lunchtime. Try their tender, juicy Hainanese Chicken Rice, a dish that’s a flavorful balance of subtle and savory.
🌶️ Pro tip: Add a drizzle of their homemade chilli and ginger sauce for an extra zing.
Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee
📍90 Whampoa Dr, #01-32, Singapore
💲 from $3 USD
In Whampoa West’s heart, this Singapore hawker food stall gem has been serving its famous Fried Hokkien Mee since the ’60s. With simple hawker centre seating, the space is reminiscent of old Singapore.
A late afternoon visit lets you beat the rush. Order their signature Fried Hokkien Mee, a flavourful combination of noodles, prawn, squid, and pork belly.
🌶️ Pro tip: Pair it with a side of sambal chilli and a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavours.
Bahrakath Mutton Soup
📍2 Adam Rd, #01-10, Singapore
💲 from $3 USD
Established in 1991, Bahrakath has become synonymous with the most tantalizing mutton soup in Singapore.
Amidst the welcoming ambiance of Little India, this Singapore hawker food stall provides basic but comfortable seating, perfect for the comfort food they offer.
Bahrakath is a 24-hour operation, but for the best experience, head there for a hearty late-night meal. Try their signature mutton soup, a symphony of tender meat in a broth.
🥖 Pro tip: Ask for a side of crusty baguette and dip it in the delicious, savory broth.
Spinach Soup
📍7 Maxwell Rd, #02-114, Singapore
💲 from $3 USD
Perched in the Pek Kio Food Centre, Spinach Soup serves up healthy, delicious bowls of leafy goodness. The eatery provides minimalistic seating, promoting a fast-paced dining style.
It’s an ideal breakfast spot, providing a nutrient-rich start to your day. The must-try is their namesake Spinach Soup, packed with fresh greens, tofu, and a variety of eggs.
Beach Road Fish Head Bee Hoon
📍91 Whampoa Dr, #01-46, Singapore
💲 from $3 USD
This Singapore hawker food stall situated in the bustling Beach Road area, has been open since the early ’70s.
Its bare-bones seating only enhances the visceral experience of tucking into a Fish Head Bee Hoon bowl, a soup filled with chunks of tender fish head and smooth, silky rice vermicelli.
The optimal dining time is during dinner when the soup’s rich, milky flavor can be savored in the cool evening.
Hui Wei Chilli Ban Mian
📍69 Geylang Bahru, #01-58, Singapore
💲 from $3 USD
Located in Geylang Bahru Food Centre, Hui Wei Chilli Ban Mian has carved a niche for itself with its unique rendition of Ban Mian.
With its standard hawker centre seating, the eatery is unpretentious, letting the food speak for itself. Best to visit in the evening when the chill in the air complements their spicy noodles.
The must-try is their Chilli Ban Mian, handmade noodles served in a flavorful broth, topped with chilli.
Tai Seng Fish Soup
📍3 Yung Sheng Rd, #03-145, Singapore
💲 from $3 USD
Over at Joo Seng Food Place, Tai Seng Fish Soup has been redefining the way fish soup is perceived and consumed. The vibe is casual, with a focus on quick service and communal dining.
A late morning visit guarantees fresh catch. The Sliced Fish Soup, prepared with delicate fish slices in a clear, light broth, is a must-order.
🍚 Pro tip: Pair your soup with steamed rice for a more filling meal.
Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee
📍51 Old Airport Rd, #01-32, Singapore
💲 from $3 USD
Tucked away in Old Airport Road Food Centre, Nam Sing is a legendary outpost for Hokkien Mee. With its traditional hawker centre vibe, you are bound to feel a part of Singapore’s culinary history.
The perfect time to visit is early evening, right before the dinner rush. Their Hokkien Mee, a medley of noodles, prawn, and squid in a savory broth, is an absolute delight.
Yong Chun Wan Ton Noodle
📍115 Bukit Merah View, #01-56, Singapore
💲 from $3 USD
Tucked into the bustling streetscape of Dunman Food Centre, Yong Chun Wan Ton Noodle has been dishing out some of the city’s most tantalizing wanton noodles since the late ’80s.
The space is a typical Singapore hawker food stall setup, with straightforward, communal seating that invites quick turnover and lively interactions.
To beat the queue and enjoy fresh ingredients, visiting for an early lunch is your best bet. Of course, the must-order is their signature Wan Ton Noodle—springy noodles served with plump, juicy wontons and char siew (BBQ pork).
🌶️ Pro tip: Request for their homemade chilli sauce on the side.
Cheok Kee
📍ECP, #01-29 1220, Singapore
💲 from $3 USD
Nestled in Geylang, Cheok Kee is a duck rice Singapore hawker food stall with roots dating back to the ’60s. Its modest outdoor seating lets you watch the world go by while enjoying your meal.
Visit at lunchtime when the freshly roasted ducks are brought out. Order the signature Braised Duck Rice, featuring succulent duck pieces served over fragrant rice.
🌶️ Pro tip: Try it with their homemade chili sauce for a tangy, spicy complement to the rich duck.
Kwee Heng
📍Newton, #01-13 Food Centre, Singapore
💲 from $3 USD
In operation since the ’50s, Kwee Heng at Newton Food Centre is a timeless classic known for its Dried Beef Noodles. Its alfresco seating lets you indulge in people-watching as you dine.
Best time to visit is during lunch when the full menu is available. The Dried Beef Noodles, an explosion of flavors with tender beef slices, is a must-try.
🌱 Pro tip: Request for extra spring onions and bean sprouts for a refreshing crunch.
Du Du Shou Shi
📍505 Jurong West Street 52, #01-19, Singapore
💲 from $3 USD
Situated in the heart of Chinatown, Du Du Shou Shi delivers traditional Shanghainese street food. The eatery is minimalist, with a few stools for patrons to perch on.
Best to visit mid-morning when they roll out fresh batches of Xiao Long Bao. Order the Shanghai Pork Dumplings, which burst with flavorful soup and tender pork with every bite.
🥟 Pro tip: Don’t rush when eating the dumplings, let them cool a bit to avoid a scalding soup surprise.
🥘 Singapore Hawker Centre List
Adam Food Centre
📍 2 Adam Rd, Singapore
🚆 Botanic Gardens MRT station
Adam Food Centre has been a culinary hotspot near the prestigious Bukit Timah residential area since the ’70s. Its unassuming, open-air design houses over 30 Singapore hawker food stalls, offering an array of multicultural fare.
With alfresco seating that encourages communal dining, this place exudes an authentically local vibe. At night, the hawker centre morphs into a lively eating spot, buzzing with chatter and the clatter of dishes.
Closest tourist attractions to Adam Food Centre:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
- MacRitchie Reservoir
Jurong West 505 Market & Food Centre
📍 505 Jurong West Street 52, Singapore
🚆 Lakeside MRT station
Located in Singapore’s western heartland, this food centre presents a lively snapshot of Singapore’s hawker culture.
Seating is abundant indoors and outdoors, offering a welcoming community feel. Don’t miss the famous Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak, a true crowd-pleaser.
Closest tourist attractions to Jurong West 505 Market & Food Centre:
- Jurong Bird Park
- Chinese and Japanese Gardens
- Jurong Lake
Newton Food Centre
📍Newton, Singapore
🚆 Newton MRT station
Known for its signature overhead canopy design, Newton Food Centre is a Singaporean icon. It has been the backdrop for many movies and TV shows, amplifying its appeal to locals and tourists alike.
The seating is spacious, accommodating larger crowds, particularly in the evenings when the cool breeze enhances the dining experience. The seafood Singapore hawker food stalls here are legendary; indulge!
Closest tourist attractions to Newton Food Centre:
- Newton Circus
- Far East Plaza
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
Hong Lim Market and Food Centre
📍531A Upper Cross St, Singapore
🚆 Chinatown MRT station
Tucked in the bustling Chinatown area, Hong Lim Market and Food Centre is a two-story culinary haven dating back to the ’70s.
Known for its no-nonsense vibe and vast seating area, it serves as a testament to Singapore’s rich hawker heritage. Early birds should make a beeline for the famous curry puffs at Rolina Traditional Hainanese Curry Puff.
Closest tourist attractions to Hong Lim Market and Food Centre:
- Chinatown Heritage Centre
- Clarke Quay
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre
📍69 Geylang Bahru, Singapore
🚆 Geylang Bahru MRT station
Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre, a pillar of the Kallang neighborhood, is a beloved food centre known for its wide variety of hawker fare.
With its clean, airy design and ample seating, it promises a comfortable dining experience. Try the Kway Chap at To-Ricos Guo Shi for a local delicacy.
Closest tourist attractions to Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre:
- Kallang Riverside Park
- Kallang Wave Mall
- National Stadium
Chong Pang Food Centre
📍105 Yishun Ring Rd, Singapore
🚆 Yishun MRT station
Perched in the north of Singapore, Chong Pang Food Centre is a quintessential local food haunt. Brimming with charm, this spot features Singapore hawker food stalls selling an local delicacies.
Despite its basic seating, the atmosphere buzzes with the hum of happy diners. You can’t leave without trying the famous Nasi Lemak from Chong Pang Huat.
Closest tourist attractions to Chong Pang Food Centre:
- Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
- Yishun Park
- Orchid Country Club
51 Old Airport Road Food Centre
📍 51 Old Airport Rd, Singapore
🚆 Dakota MRT station
One of Singapore’s oldest and largest hawker centres, Old Airport Road Food Centre has been serving up mouth-watering local cuisine since 1973. Its spacious, open-air layout offers plenty of seating.
The place hums with activity, especially on weekends, giving visitors a slice of Singapore’s vibrant hawker culture.
Must-tries include Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee, a Singapore hawker food stall that’s been here since the centre’s early days.
Closest tourist attractions to 51 Old Airport Road Food Centre:
- East Coast Park
- Geylang Serai Market
- Katong/Joo Chiat Peranakan Houses
North Bridge Road Market & Food Centre
📍 861 North Bridge Rd, Singapore
🚆 Bugis MRT station
This two-storey food haven located in the historic Kampong Glam precinct has been a local favourite since the ’80s.
It offers a wide selection of Singapore’s culinary delights, and despite its basic setup, the open-seating arrangement invites a friendly, communal dining experience.
The authentic Indian-Muslim fare from Bismillah Biryani is a must-try.
Closest tourist attractions to North Bridge Road Market & Food Centre:
- Sultan Mosque
- Haji Lane
- Bugis Street Market
Zion Riverside Food Centre
📍 70 Zion Rd, Singapore 247792
🚆 Tiong Bahru MRT station
Situated near the Singapore River, Zion Riverside Food Centre is a foodie’s paradise, known for its plethora of Singapore hawker food stalls.
With a riverside setting and al fresco seating, it provides a tranquil dining atmosphere. Be sure to indulge in the Char Kway Teow from No. 18 Zion Road Fried Kway Teow.
Closest tourist attractions to Zion Riverside Food Centre:
- Great World City Mall
- Clarke Quay
- Fort Canning Park
Whampoa Makan Place
📍90 Whampoa Dr, Singapore
🚆 Boon Keng MRT station
Tucked away in the residential area of Whampoa, this centre is a hidden gem offering an assortment of culinary delights. Its spacious, circular layout encourages a relaxed and convivial dining experience.
Closest tourist attractions to Whampoa Makan Place:
- Balestier Heritage Trail
- Toa Payoh Town Park
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital Heritage Museum
Taman Jurong Market & Food Centre
📍 3 Yung Sheng Rd, Singapore
🚆 Lakeside MRT station
Located in the heartlands, this market-cum-food centre serves up affordable, lip-smacking fare. A classic hawker centre, it features simple seating arrangements and a lively, buzzing environment.
The legendary Long Kee Carrot Cake is a must-try!
Closest tourist attractions to Taman Jurong Market & Food Centre:
- Jurong Lake Gardens
- Chinese and Japanese Gardens
- Science Centre Singapore
Bukit Merah View Market & Hawker Centre
📍115 Bukit Merah View, Singapore
🚆 Tiong Bahru MRT station
With its large, open-air layout, this centre in the Bukit Merah neighborhood is a bustling spot. The seats, though basic, are abundant, offering a sociable, local dining experience.
Grab a bowl of the highly rated Laksa from Bukit Merah Laksa.
Closest tourist attractions to 115 Bukit Merah View Market & Hawker Centre:
- Tiong Bahru Plaza
- Henderson Waves Bridge
- Gillman Barracks
📍 Singapore Hawker Centre Map
⁉️ FAQ: Hawker food in Singapore
Trisha is one of those people who left their comfortable life to travel the world and learn about life. Her style is to stay in one place she likes for 3 months (or more) to know what it feels like to eat, cook, speak, and sleep in another culture that isn’t hers. She’d like to believe she’s not traditionally traveling but she just chooses to be somewhere else all the time. In no particular order, her favorite cities in the world are Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Mexico City, and Tel Aviv.
John Ravi
Sunday 13th of March 2022
Hi Trisha,
What an amazing share! My cousins live in Singapore, and my sister and I are thinking about visiting them soon. I love the local food, and I was so excited to try it out again. I really appreciate you sharing about your favorite hawkers, I am really looking forward to trying them all out, but I will definitely be trying most of them. Thanks a lot for such an amazing share. My sister and I are total foodies, and I am sure she will love these too.
Suruchi
Wednesday 28th of August 2019
Singapore seems like a street food hub. My husband is going to love trying all these. But being vegetarian I think I will have a tough time and can only try the carrot cake. Thanks for compiling this guide.
Nisha
Wednesday 28th of August 2019
First, the comments like this motivate us to write more & more. Isn't it? :)
It's really hard to believe that one can have a meal under $10 in Singapore. But you showed us. I already found some of my favourite here. :) Fried Kway Teow Mee, Nasi Lemak, Soyabean curd, fried prawn mee.
sherianne
Wednesday 28th of August 2019
The Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle looks soooo good I can understand why it has a Michelin star! The Chey Sua Carrot Cake is intriguing but not sure about that line
Rosemary
Wednesday 28th of August 2019
Some of my favorite dishes and places...like Tian Tian. The best!! Loved the bean curd dessert as well, though we had it somewhere else, though. Quite tasty. Great yummy pictures!!