Mirella Pandjaitan
Jun 21, 2025
Few places on earth reflect a nation’s soul through food quite like Singapore. In this city-state where culinary diversity is both cultural heritage and everyday reality, hawker centres stand as democratic temples of taste. Sniff the aromatic street-side satay. Drool over the Michelin-worthy chicken rice. Hawker centres are open-air food courts that serve up Singapore’s most beloved dishes — at accessible prices, with zero pretension.
Hawker centres are where heritage lives, and taste reigns.
Are you ready to hop on a culinary tour in Singapore? Here is a thoughtfully curated guide to some of Singapore’s most iconic hawker centres, each with its own character, specialities, and reasons why it deserves a place on your gastronomic map.
So grab a tray, join the queue, and let your senses lead the way.
Amoy Street Food Centre
Tucked between gleaming office towers in the Central Business District, Amoy Street Food Centre is where you'll find young professionals queuing for gourmet hawker dishes. While smaller and only open on weekdays, it houses some of the most creative stalls, including modern interpretations of traditional fare. It's an excellent lunch stop after a morning exploring Chinatown or visiting the Thian Hock Keng Temple nearby. For travellers who enjoy finding the “hidden gems”, Amoy offers that insider, hyperlocal experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
- A Noodle Story – Singapore-style ramen, Michelin Bib Gourmand.
- Han Kee Fish Soup – Light, clear, and comforting.
- Hoo Kee Bak Chang – Hand-wrapped glutinous rice dumplings.
Hours: Weekdays, 7 AM - 3 PM
Chomp Chomp Food Centre
Want to experience how locals eat after hours? Chomp Chomp is your destination. Located in the charming Serangoon Gardens estate, this centre offers a lively evening vibe with open-air seating and smoke curling up from sizzling grills. It’s not on the usual tourist circuit, making it a delicious detour for travellers who want to dig deeper. Popular among young Singaporeans, Chomp Chomp offers great people-watching, icy sugarcane towers, and bold, spicy flavours perfect for adventurous palates.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Hokkien Mee – Rich with prawn stock and wok essence.
- BBQ Stingray with Sambal – A spicy, charred delight.
- Sugarcane Juice with Lemon – The definitive beverage pairing.
Hours: Daily, 4 PM - 12:30 AM
How to get there
Lau Pa Sat
Staying in the city’s central business district? The ornate cast-iron structure, a restored Victorian market, offers a unique juxtaposition of history and high-rises. By day, it’s a sleek, polished food court with global variety. By night, “Satay Street” takes over — a dramatic row of grills popping up right on the street outside. Watch chefs fan the flames as you sip Tiger Beer under the stars. Ideal for first-timers or those wanting an easy, scenic introduction to hawker culture.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Satay (Beef, Chicken, Mutton)
- Popiah
- Thai & Korean Fusion Dishes
Hours: Open 24 hours
How to get there
Maxwell Food Centre
Maxwell is the quintessential starting point for anyone exploring Singapore’s hawker culture. Located just steps from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Chinatown Heritage Centre, it’s ideal for pairing sightseeing with authentic local dining. The energy is contagious — lines form fast, but the turnover is quick. It's also one of the few places where you can taste Michelin-lauded food for under SGD 6. This centre is a cultural experience in itself — sit shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, soak in the aromas, and watch the city’s culinary heart in motion.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice – So iconic it has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand and Anthony Bourdain’s praise.
- Zhen Zhen Porridge – Silky Cantonese congee that warms the soul.
- Popiah & Rojak – Classic street snacks full of crunch and zing.
Hours: Daily, 8 AM - 10 PM
How to get there
Newton Food Centre
Few hawker centres are as tourist-friendly as Newton — but that’s not. Its recent renovations have made it clean, spacious, and inviting, and the open layout encourages leisurely dining. It’s the go-to spot for trying local seafood like sambal stingray and chilli crab in an alfresco setting. Located just minutes from Orchard Road and several MRT stations, Newton is both convenient and cinematic (literally — it starred in Crazy Rich Asians). A good starting point for hawker food newbies.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Sambal Stingray
- Grilled Satay
- Oyster Omelette
- Chilli Crab – Best shared among friends.
Hours: Daily, 12 PM - 2 AM
How to get there
Old Airport Road Food Centre
Experience the depth of Singaporean food culture beyond the city centre at Old Airport Road Food Centre. Slightly off the beaten path but easily accessible via MRT, it’s one of the most authentic, no-frills places to enjoy time-honoured hawker fare. Many of the stalls here have been run by the same families for decades — and their dishes reflect that hard-won mastery. It’s also less touristy, making it an excellent place to eat like a local and enjoy generous portions at unbeatable prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow – Wok hei perfection.
- Nam Sing Hokkien Mee – A drier, more refined version of the noodle dish.
- Toa Payoh Rojak – Bold, messy, and addictive.
Hours: Daily, 6 AM - 11 AM
How to get there
Tekka Centre
This is where you truly taste Singapore’s multicultural roots. Situated in Little India, it’s a melting pot of Malay, Indian, and Chinese cuisines. Unlike more curated food spots, Tekka retains an edge of beautiful chaos — colourful, fragrant, and completely immersive. Trust that every dish tells a story. After your meal, browse the adjoining textile shops and spice stalls for a full sensory adventure.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Mutton Biryani
- Indian Rojak
- Thosai & Prata – Fresh off the griddle.
- Hainanese Chicken Rice – With a South Indian twist.
Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM - 9 PM
How to get there