Singapore is renowned for its diverse and delicious cuisine, ranging from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. And there’s no better place to sample these mouth-watering dishes than in the hawker centers, where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the best street food the city offers. If you’re a foodie, a trip to Singapore would be incomplete without trying out some of the local delicacies and street food at one of the many hawker centers. Here’s a guide to help you get started.

Maxwell Food Centre

Maxwell Food Centre is located in Chinatown and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Here, you’ll find stalls selling traditional Chinese dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice, pork porridge, and wanton noodles. Don’t forget to try the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, which has won numerous awards and accolades over the years.

Old Airport Road Food Centre

Old Airport Road Food Centre is a must-visit for food lovers. Located near the Kallang River, this hawker center has been around since the 1970s and is home to over 100 food stalls. Some of the must-try dishes include Hokkien mee, satay, and fried carrot cake.

Tiong Bahru Market

Tiong Bahru Market is located in one of Singapore’s oldest neighborhoods and has been around since the 1950s. It’s a great place to sample some of the city’s best local dishes, such as chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes with preserved radish), kopi (local coffee), and fried kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles).

Tekka Centre

Located in Little India, Tekka Centre is a bustling hawker center that’s known for its Indian food. Here, you’ll find stalls selling delicious biryani, dosa, and roti prata. Don’t forget to try the famous fish head curry, which is a local favorite.

Chinatown Complex Food Centre

Chinatown Complex Food Centre is one of the largest hawker centers in Singapore, with over 260 food stalls. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of Chinese dishes, such as char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles), bak chor mee (minced pork noodles), and popiah (fresh spring rolls).

Lau Pa Sat

Located in the heart of the Central Business District, Lau Pa Sat is a historic hawker center that’s been around since the 19th century. Here, you can find a wide range of dishes from different cultures, such as Indian, Chinese, and Malay. Some of the must-try dishes include satay, char kway teow, and rojak.

East Coast Lagoon Food Village

If you’re looking for a hawker center with a view, then East Coast Lagoon Food Village is the perfect spot. Located by the beach, this hawker center has over 50 stalls selling a variety of seafood dishes, such as chilli crab, black pepper crab, and barbecued stingray.

Chomp Chomp Food Centre

Chomp Chomp Food Centre is a popular spot for locals, especially in the evenings. Here, you can find a variety of local dishes, such as Hokkien mee, oyster omelette, and grilled chicken wings. Don’t forget to try the famous BBQ stingray and sambal kangkong, which are local favorites.

Golden Mile Food Centre

Golden Mile Food Centre is located near the city center and is known for its Malay and Thai dishes. Here, you can find a variety of dishes, such as nasi lemak, mee rebus, and tom yum noodles. Don’t forget to try the famous Hainanese curry rice, which is a local favorite.

Amoy Street Food Centre

Amoy Street Food Centre is a popular spot for lunch, especially for the office crowd in the Central Business District. Here, you can find a variety of dishes, such as fish soup, braised duck rice, and roast pork noodles. Don’t forget to try the famous lor mee, which is a thick, starchy soup with noodles, braised pork, and other toppings.

Hawker center etiquette

it’s important to note that it’s a self-service system. You’ll need to find your table, order your food at the respective stalls, and collect your cutlery and drinks. Once you’ve ordered your food, you’ll usually receive a receipt or a ticket, which you’ll need to bring to your table. The food will be delivered to your table when it’s ready.

After you’ve finished your meal, it’s customary to clear your own plates and cutlery and return them to the designated area for cleaning. This helps to keep the hawker center clean and tidy for the next customer.

It’s also important to note that some hawker centers may charge a nominal fee for using tissue paper or wet wipes. This is a common practice and helps to cover the cost of providing these items to customers.

In addition, some hawker centers may have specific rules or regulations, such as no smoking or no outside food allowed. It’s important to be mindful of these rules and respect the local customs and culture.

Overall, trying out local delicacies and street food in Singapore’s hawker centers is a must-do experience for any foodie or traveler. Not only is the food delicious and affordable, but it’s also a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and atmosphere. So, the next time you’re in Singapore, make sure to add a visit to a hawker center to your itinerary!