A Guide to Dining at Singapore's Hawker Centers
A trip to Singapore is not complete without a meal, or ten, from the local hawker centers. Meals for under $7 in one of the most expensive cities in the world? Count me in. We often play a game in our family of asking each other where we would want to be teleported to for lunch. Most days my answer is a Singapore hawker center. And I’m not the only one!
Singapore’s cultural diversity can be experienced through a trip to the nearest hawker center. Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities make up the majority of the population. Food from these cultures fill hawker centers and even though we ate every meal (but one!) in hawker centers, we still had so many dishes on our list left uneaten.
Not only is hawker center food delicious but multiple stalls have been recognized for their culinary talents and awarded Michelin stars. Food & Wine has a guide to the hawker centers with Michelin stars. But awards aside, your success rate of finding a delicious dish anywhere in the city is high in Singapore!
Hawker Centers are their own world and can be a bit of a dizzying experience for first-timers. In this guide, I’m going to break down the experience step-by-step so that you can visit like a local, or at least not upset the local next to you during your meal!
HAWKER CENTER TO TRY
Zion Riverside Food Center - this was our favorite. We must have eaten about 9 meals here! It’s very popular with locals as well. Every Uber or taxi driver that drove us home would comment on how great it was and then stop by for a meal after dropping us off.
Maxwell’s Food Center - one of the most famous hawker centers. Popular with locals and tourists alike. If you’re visiting Singapore’s Chinatown, this needs to be on the list for your meal.
Adam Road Food Center - best selection of Indian food. Across the road from the Botanical Gardens.
Lau Pa Sat - We had the best satay here. In the evenings, they set up tables in the street and the satay stands provide table service. Very different from most hawker-style dining which you’ll hear more about below. If you’re staying downtown, this will be your go-to hawker center.
Newton Food Center - Made famous by the mouthwatering food scene from Crazy Rich Asians. This hawker center is known to be great. Perfect if you’re visiting the Little India area of Singapore.
Satay by the Bay - We don’t recommend the hawker center in the Gardens by the Bay because the food was mediocre and more expensive.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Chope - Save yourself a seat. Pick a table, or more likely hunt one down if you’re dining at rush hour. To reserve your seat, place a packet of tissues on the table. You can use a packet that you already have, buy them at 7-11, or from someone in the center who is selling them. Side note! The origin of the word chope is such a reflection of Singapore’s history. “The word ‘chop’ was originally from the Malay word cap, which is from the Hindi word छाप ćhāp (stamp).” (says Angmohdan.com) You know I love a side of etymology with my meal!
Pick a stall - Hawker centers can have anywhere from 15 to over 100 places to eat. Most stalls specialize in one dish with variations on the dish to choose from. So you’re going to want to visit many different stalls during your meal. Best plan of attack? Split up from your group, order different dishes, and then share!
Have your cash ready - Many vendors take credit cards, but save everyone the time and hassle and pay with cash. Most meals are in the $2-5 range, so have small bills on you.
Self Service? - Note if the stand you’re ordering from has a “Self Service” sign. If so, you need to stand by for your meal. If not, you will need to give your table number and the dish will be brought out to you.
Drinks - Usually one or two stalls in the center will sell only drinks (soft drinks, beer, and tea). We usually opt for the juice stand to enjoy with and after our meal.
Enjoy - Now dig in and enjoy that delicious food.
Clean Up - Hawker Centers have people on hand to maintain the dining area, but it’s best to do your part and return your tray before heading out. Note: there are two different types of tray returns, halal and non-halal. If you didn’t eat from a halal designated stall, then make sure to return your tray to the non-halal tray return.
MUST-EAT DISHES
Hainanese chicken rice, prawn noodles (my favorite!), roti prata, laksa, char way teow, carrot cake (nothing like carrot cake in the U.S.), oyster omelette, roast duck (Trent’s favorite), satay, dumplings, and, of course, chili crab. Plus, a fresh juice! Mandatory addition for our kids. See what I mean! Singapore is full of never ending delicious meals.
Have you ever dined in Singapore’s hawker centers? What’s your favorite dish? How about your favorite street food anywhere in the world?
Most food images via TasteAtlas (click through image to head to website.)
