What to Eat in Singapore: Guide to Best Local Food and Must Try Dishes

When you get to Singapore, you’ll be amazed by how many delicious foods there are to try. The city’s food is a mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan flavors, making it a true food paradise. From tasty chicken rice to spicy laksa, every dish is full of flavor. You can enjoy satay at a busy hawker center, have kaya toast with kopi for breakfast, or cool off with a bowl of chendol on a hot day.

I’ll guide you to the best hawker centers, hidden food spots, and share tips to eat like a local in Singapore. Get ready for an amazing food adventure!

Must-Try Local Dish in Singapore

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice

(Source: the.fat.guide)

I stopped at a busy hawker center where the smell of chicken stock filled the air. When my plate arrived, it had tender poached chicken on top of fragrant rice with chili sauce on the side. My first bite was simple but perfect. The chicken was soft and juicy, the rice flavorful, and the chili added just the right kick.

📖 About Hainanese Chicken Rice
This dish came from Hainan, China, and has become one of Singapore’s national dishes. The rice is cooked in chicken broth, making it rich and aromatic.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for first-time visitors and anyone who likes mild flavors.

💡 Pro Tips
🎀 Always ask for extra chili sauce.
🎀 Try a mix of poached and roasted chicken if available.

2. Laksa

(Source: 328katonglaksa.sg)

I found a small stall in Katong, known for its laksa. The bowl arrived with a rich, orange-colored broth, prawns, and cockles. The first spoonful was creamy from the coconut milk and spicy from the sambal. The noodles were soft and easy to eat with just a spoon.

📖 About Laksa
Laksa is a Peranakan noodle soup that combines Chinese and Malay flavors. Its rich coconut base and sambal paste make it a Singaporean favorite.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for spice lovers and adventurous foodies.

💡 Pro Tips
🎀 Mix in sambal for extra spice.
🎀 Don’t skip the cockles—they’re a must for authenticity.

3. Satay

At Lau Pa Sat, I saw rows of charcoal grills and smelled the smoky aroma of meat cooking. My plate came with several chicken and beef skewers and a bowl of peanut sauce. Each bite was smoky, tender, and slightly sweet, and the sauce made it even better.

📖 About Satay
Satay is grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce, a dish popular across Southeast Asia but loved in Singapore for its unique marinade and street food charm.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Perfect for groups, families, and meat lovers.

💡 Pro Tips
🎀 Go at night when Satay Street is lively.
🎀 Order a mix of chicken, beef, and lamb for variety.

4. Chili Crab

I went to Jumbo Seafood at East Coast, where they had big tanks of live crabs. When my chili crab came, it was a large plate of crab covered in thick red sauce. I cracked the shell, dipped the meat in the sauce, and it was sweet, spicy, and savory all at once. The fried mantou buns on the side were great for scooping up the sauce.

📖 About Chili Crab
Chili crab is one of Singapore’s most famous dishes. It started in the 1950s and is made by stir-frying fresh crab in a tomato-based chili sauce. It’s messy to eat but worth it.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Good for seafood fans and anyone who doesn’t mind a bit of a mess while eating.

💡 Pro Tips
🎀 Always order mantou buns to go with the sauce.
🎀 Be ready to use your hands; ask for crab crackers if needed.

5. Chwee Kueh

I went to Bedok Chwee Kueh early in the morning. The chwee kueh came as small white rice cakes with chopped preserved radish on top and chili on the side. The rice cake was soft and plain, while the topping was salty and crunchy. It was light, simple, and tasty with a bit of chili.

📖 About Chwee Kueh
Chwee kueh is a Teochew snack made of steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish. It’s a common breakfast dish in Singapore because it’s cheap, filling, and easy to eat.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Best for a light breakfast, budget-conscious travelers, or those wanting a simple, local bite without fuss.

💡 Pro Tips
🎀 Go early (before 10 AM) for fresh chwee kueh. Most stalls sell out midday.
🎀 Try the chili sauce. It complements the mild cake and salty chye poh.
🎀 Order an even number so they serve in standard wrappers for easy eating.

Street Food and Hawker Favorite in Singapore

1. Hokkien Mee

(Source: aspirantsg.com)

I went to Old Airport Road Food Centre for lunch, and Nam Sing had one of the longest queues. When my plate came, it had thin bee hoon and yellow noodles fried in a prawn and pork stock, topped with prawns, squid, and egg. The noodles were soft and flavorful, and a squeeze of lime with some sambal chili made it even better.

📖 About Nam Sing Hokkien Mee
Nam Sing is one of Singapore’s oldest Hokkien mee stalls, around since the 1960s. It’s known for using more bee hoon than usual, which soaks up the broth well.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Best for foodies hunting authentic hawker legends, solo travelers, or anyone craving smoky noodles

2. Kway Chap

(Source: eatbooksg.com)

I went to Havelock Road Cooked Food Centre in the morning, and the smell of braised pork and soy sauce was everywhere. The stall was already busy with people getting meat platters and bowls of rice kway. My set had soft flat noodles in broth, pork belly, intestines, tau pok, and half a braised egg. Simple, tasty, and very comforting.

📖 About Covent Garden Kway Chap
This stall has been around for decades and is known for its clean-tasting offal and simple, balanced flavors. Prices are still affordable, and many regulars come back because it tastes just like how it did years ago.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Best for early risers, comfort‑food lovers, and budget travelers

3. Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs

I went to Ya Kun Kaya Toast in the morning, and the smell of toasted bread and coffee filled the place. It was already busy with people having breakfast. My set came with two slices of thin, crispy toast with kaya and butter, plus two soft‑boiled eggs. The kaya was sweet with coconut and pandan flavor, and the toast had a nice crunch. Simple but tasty.

📖 About Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Ya Kun started in 1944 and is now one of Singapore’s most famous kaya toast chains. They’re known for their thin, charcoal‑toasted bread, homemade kaya, and consistent quality at all outlets.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Good for first‑time visitors, breakfast lovers, and anyone wanting a quick local meal

4. Chai Tow Kway

I went to Toa Payoh West Market & Food Centre in the morning, and the smell of fried garlic and radish cake filled the air. The stall was already busy, with the uncle frying up plates of white carrot cake. The pieces were crispy on the outside and soft inside, with egg and preserved radish giving it a nice savoury taste.

📖 About Chey Sua Carrot Cake
This stall is famous for its white version of chai tow kway. They fry it flat and crispy, like a pancake, which makes it different from most stalls. It’s a regular breakfast spot for many locals.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Good for early risers, breakfast lovers, and local food fans

5. Bak Kut Teh

(Source: valoir.vercel.app)

I went to the Song Fa outlet at New Bridge Road, and the smell of peppery pork rib soup filled the place. It was busy but still easy to get a table. My bowl came with three pork ribs in a clear, peppery broth and some youtiao on the side. The soup was hot and full of flavour, and the ribs were soft and easy to eat.

📖 About Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
Song Fa has been serving Teochew-style bak kut teh since 1969. The broth is peppery and clear, made with garlic and pork bones. It’s one of the most well-known bak kut teh chains in Singapore and is consistent across its outlets.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Good for tourists, families, and anyone who wants a simple, hearty meal

Signature Restaurant and Food Institution In Singapore

🦀 Chilli Crab Origins at Roland Restaurant

When I entered Roland Restaurant, the staff was welcoming, and the smell of fresh seafood filled the air. I ordered their famous chilli crab, and it came covered in a rich, tangy-sweet sauce. Cracking the crab claws and dipping the meat into the sauce was messy but so tasty—spicy, sweet, and full of flavor.

📖 About Roland Restaurant
Roland is known as the place where Singapore’s chilli crab was first created in the 1950s. It started as a pushcart stall and is now run by the founders’ son, keeping the same recipe.

📍 Where It’s Located: 6th Floor, Marine Parade Central Multi‑Storey Carpark, Marine Parade, Singapore
🍴 What to Order: The Original Chilli Crab with fried mantou buns.
🕒 Reservation Tip: Yes, book ahead for weekends and dinner.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Perfect for seafood fans, families, and first-time visitors to Singapore

🍚 Iconic Hainanese Chicken Rice at Chatterbox

(Source: chatterbox.com.sg)

I visited Chatterbox at Hilton Singapore Orchard, and the place felt modern and welcoming. I ordered their signature Hainanese chicken rice. The chicken was tender and juicy, served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock. With chilli, soy sauce, and ginger paste on the side, every bite was simple but full of flavor.

📖 About Chatterbox
Chatterbox opened in 1971 and is famous for serving one of Singapore’s best chicken rice dishes. The recipe is closely kept, and the restaurant is known for its quality ingredients and consistency.

📍 Where It’s Located: Hilton Singapore Orchard, 333 Orchard Road, #05‑03, Singapore
🍴 What to Order: Signature Hainanese Chicken Rice, and try the coconut ice cream for dessert.
🕒 Reservation Tip: Yes, it’s better to book for lunch and weekends.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for families, tourists, and anyone wanting to try a classic Singapore dish.

🍛 Traditional Nasi Padang at Warong Nasi Pariaman

(Source: sethlui.com)

I went to Warong Nasi Pariaman, a simple and busy spot with dishes displayed at the counter. I ordered rice with beef rendang, chicken curry, and vegetables. The rendang was tender, and the curry had just the right spice. It felt like a proper home‑cooked meal.

📖 About Warong Nasi Pariaman
This stall first opened in 1948 and is the oldest surviving Nasi Padang eatery in Singapore. It’s recognized as a heritage institution and dubbed a “mini‑museum” by the National Heritage Board for preserving authentic recipes and traditions.

📍 Where It’s Located: 738 North Bridge Road, at the corner of Kandahar Street, Singapore
🍴 What to Order: Beef rendang, spicy chicken curry, sayur lodeh, all served with rice and pickles
🕒 Reservation Tip: Reservation recommended? No—best to go early for lunch before the crowd builds
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for locals, halal-seeking diners, families, and anyone wanting authentic Indonesian‑Malay flavours.

🍛 Signature Biryani at Saffrons Restaurant

I visited Saffrons one evening at their Swan Lake Avenue outlet. A clean, casual spot with friendly staff. I ordered their signature Gold Class Mutton Biryani: fragrant basmati rice richly spiced and layered with tender, well-marinated mutton. Every spoonful was flavorful, aromatic, and satisfying—simple yet refined.

📖 About Saffrons
Established in 1997, Saffrons is a long-standing Halal Indian-Muslim restaurant in Singapore. It’s well-known for its award-winning biryanis, especially the Gold Class series, cooked using slow-dum methods and premium ingredients for consistent depth and aroma

📍 Where It’s Located: Multiple branches, e.g. Swan Lake Avenue (Geylang Serai), Tampines Street 21—some open 24/7
🍴 What to Order: Gold Class Mutton Biryani or Chicken Biryani. Also try their crisp Cheese Egg Prata.
🕒 Reservation Tip: Booking is optional—but at peak times or late night at open outlets, you may want to go early.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for fans of Halal Indian cuisine, families, and anyone seeking robust, flavorful biryani at casual comfort.

Café, Bakery and Dessert Spot in Singapore

🍧 Chill Vibes at Oriental Ice Bistro

I went to Oriental Ice Bistro in Little India. The café is simple, with pastel walls and a casual crowd. I tried their mango bingsu—shaved ice topped with sweet mango and chewy mochi. The ice was soft, the mango fresh, and the mix was refreshing.

📖 About Oriental Ice Bistro
This halal-certified café serves Korean-style bingsu, waffles, and drinks. They focus on fun flavours while keeping everything Muslim-friendly.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for dessert fans, café hoppers, and halal-friendly outings.

🧁 Fluffy Soufflé Pancakes at Fluff Stack

I went to Fluff Stack at Suntec City, a bright café with a casual crowd. I ordered their classic soufflé pancakes—thick, soft, and slightly sweet, served with maple syrup and butter. They were light and fluffy, perfect for a simple dessert.

📖 About Fluff Stack
This café is famous for its soufflé pancakes, made fresh to order from scratch. It’s known for Instagram-worthy presentation and desserts that are satisfying without being overly sweet

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Best for dessert lovers, café-hoppers, and treat seekers.

🍰 Modern Tarts at Butter Studio

(Source: thebutterstudio.com)

I went to Butter Studio on Jalan Besar. The café is simple and modern, with a relaxed crowd. I tried their Gula Melaka cupcake. It had soft sponge and sweet frosting with a local flavour. It was tasty and not too heavy.

📖 About Butter Studio
Butter Studio is a bakery known for cupcakes, cakes, and tarts. They often mix local flavours like Milo and Gula Melaka with classic baked goods.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Good for dessert fans, café-goers, and friendly outings.

Local Snack And Food Souvenir In Singapore

Bengawan Solo Pineapple Tarts

I discovered Bengawan Solo at Jewel Changi while browsing local souvenirs. I chose their pineapple tarts because they’re neatly boxed and travel-friendly. The pastry had a buttery, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture, and the pineapple jam inside was sweet with a hint of tang—smooth and well balanced.

📖 About Bengawan Solo Pineapple Tarts
These bite‑sized tarts are a classic Singaporean treat, often enjoyed during festive seasons like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and Deepavali. Locals love them for their buttery crust and slow‑cooked pineapple jam that feels rich yet not overly sweet

🛒 Where to Buy It: Bengawan Solo outlets (nearly 50 island‑wide), including Jewel Changi Airport or VivoCity malls.
🎁 Travel‑friendly? Yes—it comes in sealed gift boxes, keeps well for days, and is easy to pack in your luggage.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for travelers who want a compact, halal‑friendly gift that's easy to share and well-loved by everyone.

Irvins Salted Egg Fish Skin

I bought Irvins Salted Egg Fish Skin at a shop in Orchard Road. The fish skin chips were very crunchy and coated with a creamy salted egg flavor, a bit spicy with curry leaves. It was tasty and easy to snack on.

📖 About Irvins Salted Egg Fish Skin
This snack is popular in Singapore for its strong salted egg taste. It became well known through the Irvins brand and is now a common souvenir for visitors.

🛒 Where to Buy It: Irvins outlets, supermarkets, and Changi Airport shops.
🎁 Travel‑friendly? Yes, it comes in sealed bags and is easy to pack.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for travelers who want a simple, halal-friendly snack to bring home.

Kaya Jam from Ya Kun

I picked up a jar of kaya jam at a Ya Kun Kaya Toast shop in a mall. I chose it because it’s neatly sealed and easy to pack. The jam is creamy and fragrant, made with coconut milk, egg, sugar, and pandan. It spreads smoothly over toast and tastes lightly sweet with a hint of caramel.

📖 About Kaya Jam
Kaya is a traditional coconut‑egg jam that's a staple in Singaporean breakfasts served with kaya toast. It’s beloved for its nostalgic taste and balanced sweetness—it comes in pandan (green) or brown versions, each with its own aroma and richness.

🛒 Where to Buy It: Ya Kun Kaya Toast shops, Killiney Kopitiam, and supermarket souvenir sections—also available at Changi Airport
🎁 Travel‑friendly? Yes—it’s jarred and sealed, keeps well if packed carefully, and won’t easily crush.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for travelers who want a compact, halal‑friendly gift that captures a local breakfast flavour.

Love Letters Wafer Rolls

(Source: myweekendplan.asia)

I grabbed a pack of crispy Love Letters wafer rolls from a supermarket in Orchard Road. I chose them because the packaging is compact and they’re light—perfect for travel. Each wafer roll is thin and crunchy, with a sweet vanilla-like flavor that melts in your mouth. You can enjoy them plain, or fill them with chocolate or pandan cream.

📖 About Love Letters
These wafer rolls are a nostalgic snack in Singapore, especially popular during festivals like Chinese New Year. Locals love their delicate crispiness and simple sweetness—it’s a classic treat across generations.

🛒 Where to Buy It: Local supermarkets like FairPrice, or souvenir snack shops and airport stores.
🎁 Travel‑friendly? Yes—lightweight, sealed, and not fragile, they take up little space in your luggage.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for travelers who want an easy, halal-friendly snack souvenir that’s sweet, light, and crowd-pleasing.

Food Street and Dining Zone In Singapore

Maxwell Food Centre: Chicken Rice & Classic Hawker Vibes

(Source: nea.gov.sg)

I visited Maxwell at lunch. It was crowded with locals and tourists. I queued at Tian Tian Chicken Rice and got a plate of soft chicken, fragrant rice, and spicy chili. I also had crispy Ngoh Hiang fritters. The place felt busy and very local.

📖 About Maxwell Food Centre
Maxwell Food Centre is in Tanjong Pagar and features over 100 stalls, known for Tian Tian Chicken Rice, Peranakan dishes, fish soup, and more. Frequently visited by locals and tourists.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for street‑food lovers, budget travelers, and anyone wanting an authentic hawker experience.

💡 Pro Tips:
🎀 Join the longest queue—it’s usually the best.
🎀 Go before 2 PM; many stalls close early.

Tekka Centre: Indian-Muslim & Chinese Carnivore Mix

I went to Tekka Centre for dinner. The place was busy and full of the smell of biryani and curries. I ordered mutton biryani from Allauddin—it had soft meat, fragrant rice, and rich spices. I also tried a crispy dosa with chutney. The food was tasty and filling.

📖 About Tekka Centre
Tekka Centre is in Little India. It’s known for Indian-Muslim food like biryani and dosa, but also has Chinese dishes like prawn noodles. Many stalls are halal-friendly, making it popular with locals and tourists.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for Muslim travelers, fans of spicy food, and anyone who loves hearty hawker meals.

💡 Pro Tips:
🎀 Many stalls accept cash only.
🎀 Try mango lassi to cool down.

Old Airport Road Food Centre: East-Side Classics

(Source: storage.googleapis.com)

I went to Old Airport Road Food Centre for dinner. It was crowded with locals, and the stalls were bright with big menus. I tried Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow—smoky noodles with seafood. I also had a bowl of kway chap with braised pork and tofu. The food was flavorful and satisfying.

📖 About Old Airport Road Food Centre
This is one of Singapore’s biggest hawker centres, famous for fried kway teow, Hokkien mee, and kway chap. Many stalls here have been around for decades and are loved by locals.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for budget travelers and fans of authentic local hawker food.

💡 Pro Tips:
🎀 Cash only at most stalls.
🎀 Come early—some stalls sell out fast.

🍜 A Quick Food Getaway: Jakarta to Singapore for Hawker Delights

Singapore is a great city for food lovers. From chicken rice at Maxwell Food Centre to laksa in Katong, every meal is tasty and full of local flavor. Hawker centres are everywhere, with satay, roti prata, and kaya toast to try.

Flying from Jakarta is quick, and Singapore’s food makes the trip worth it. Book your Jakarta–Singapore flight and stay near the city center to explore both modern sights and local eats.

✈️ Hungry for a food trip? Start your day like a local with kaya toast and soft‑boiled eggs!