Singapore is a vibrant city-state blending futuristic architecture, lush gardens, and diverse cultural neighborhoods. From the iconic Marina Bay Sands to historic hawker centers and world-class attractions, this island nation offers an unforgettable travel experience.
Singapore is one of the world's great food destinations, built on the intersection of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan (Nyonya), and Western culinary traditions. The hawker centre — an open-air collection of food stalls serving a rotating cast of vendors — is the cornerstone of Singapore's food culture and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The city has the highest density of Michelin stars in Asia and simultaneously the most affordable Michelin-recognised street food anywhere on Earth.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Singapore.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Singapore's unofficial national dish: poached or roasted chicken served over fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, with a trio of sauces — chilli, ginger, and dark soy. Seemingly simple but endlessly debated.
Where to try: Tian Tian Chicken Rice, Maxwell Food Centre; Boon Tong Kee, Balestier Road
Price: SGD 5-12
Chilli Crab
Mud crab cooked in a thick, tangy, slightly spicy tomato and egg gravy — one of Singapore's most iconic dishes and the subject of national pride. Order with fried mantou buns for dipping.
Where to try: Long Beach Seafood, East Coast Road; Roland Restaurant, East Coast; Jumbo Seafood, Riverside
Price: SGD 60-120 for a whole crab
Laksa
Spicy coconut milk noodle soup combining Malay and Chinese elements in a uniquely Peranakan creation. Katong laksa (short noodles eaten entirely with a spoon) is the most famous Singapore style.
Where to try: 328 Katong Laksa, East Coast Road; Sungei Road Laksa, Jalan Berseh
Price: SGD 5-8
Char Kway Teow
Wok-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, eggs, and chives in a dark soy and lard glaze. The 'wok hei' (breath of the wok) charred smokiness is essential.
Where to try: Outram Park Fried Kway Teow, Hong Lim Market; Hill Street Char Kway Teow, Bedok
Price: SGD 4-8
Satay
Skewered marinated meat (chicken, beef, mutton, or pork) grilled over charcoal and served with a rich peanut sauce, compressed rice, and cucumber. Best on Lau Pa Sat's satay street in the evening.
Where to try: Lau Pa Sat Satay Street, Raffles Place (evenings); Newton Food Centre
Price: SGD 0.70-1 per stick
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Burnt Ends
Dave Pynt's acclaimed restaurant at Dempsey Hill featuring open-kitchen barbecue cooking with premium ingredients. One Michelin star. Reservations essential weeks in advance.
20 Tek Lim Road, Dempsey Hill, Singapore 088391
Candlenut
World's first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant serving authentic Straits Chinese cuisine with modern refinement. Must-try for cultural food experience.
17A Dempsey Road, Block 17, Singapore 249676
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Iconic kopitiam chain serving traditional kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and local coffee since 1944. Perfect for authentic Singapore breakfast experience.
18 China Street, Singapore 049560
Maxwell Food Centre
Iconic hawker center in Chinatown housing legendary stalls including Tian Tian Chicken Rice. Must-visit for authentic hawker food experience.
1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184
Common Man Coffee Roasters
Specialty coffee roasters with multiple locations serving exceptional coffee and all-day brunch. Modern industrial design and quality food. Coffee enthusiast favorite.
22 Martin Road, #01-00 Seng Kee Building, Singapore 239058
Odette
Three Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Julien Royer at National Gallery. Sophisticated French cuisine with Asian influences in elegant art-filled setting.
1 St Andrew's Road, #01-04 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
The Coconut Club
Cult favorite specializing in nasi lemak with fragrant coconut rice and crispy fried chicken. Modern casual setting. Often long queues but worth the wait.
6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069786
Old Chang Kee
Popular chain famous for curry puffs and local snacks. Singapore comfort food institution since 1956. Multiple outlets island-wide.
Various locations
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Hawker Center
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Singapore's largest hawker center with over 700 stalls across multiple floors. Incredible variety and home to multiple Michelin-recognized stalls.
335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335
Old Airport Road Food Centre
Historic hawker center from 1970s with over 160 stalls. Local favorite with authentic flavors and generous portions. Less touristy than central locations.
51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
Tekka Centre
Bustling Little India hawker center specializing in Indian cuisine. Authentic flavors, spicy curries, and excellent banana leaf rice. Wet market downstairs.
665 Buffalo Road, Singapore 210665
Chomp Chomp Food Centre
Beloved outdoor hawker center in Serangoon with local favorites. Lively evening atmosphere, excellent satay, and seafood. Popular with locals.
20 Kensington Park Road, Singapore 557269
Hong Lim Food Centre
Chinatown hawker center known for authentic Chinese hawker fare. Multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand stalls. Great for lunch crowds.
531A Upper Cross Street, Singapore 051531
Adam Road Food Centre
Smaller neighborhood hawker center with quality stalls. Famous for nasi lemak and local favorites. Quieter alternative to tourist spots.
2 Adam Road, Singapore 289876
East Coast Lagoon Food Village
Beachfront hawker center at East Coast Park with seafood and satay. Great evening atmosphere with sea breeze. Popular after beach activities.
1220 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 468960
Tiong Bahru Market
Hip neighborhood hawker center in trendy Tiong Bahru. Mix of traditional stalls and modern cafes. Excellent breakfast options and local favorites.
30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
Lau Pa Sat
Historic Victorian-era hawker center with diverse food stalls. Famous for satay street in evenings. Mix of local and international cuisines in iconic octagonal building.
18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Newton Food Centre
Famous open-air hawker center near Orchard Road. Tourist-friendly with seafood and local dishes. Note: prices slightly higher than other hawker centers.
500 Clemenceau Avenue North, Singapore 229495
Cafe
Symmetry
Minimalist specialty coffee bar in Kampong Glam known for precision brewing and quality beans. Serious coffee in calm setting. Limited food menu.
9 Jalan Kubor, Singapore 199206
Chye Seng Huat Hardware
Hip cafe in converted hardware store serving Papa Palheta coffee. Industrial-chic setting in Jalan Besar with excellent brunch menu and specialty coffee.
150 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563
Craftsmen Specialty Coffee
Award-winning specialty coffee roasters with cafe in Duxton. Excellent coffee, friendly baristas, and relaxed atmosphere. Food menu focuses on toast and light bites.
32A Duxton Road, Singapore 089495
Forty Hands
Popular neighborhood cafe in Tiong Bahru serving excellent coffee and all-day breakfast. Cozy atmosphere, quality food, and friendly service.
78 Yong Siak Street, #01-12, Singapore 163078
Atlas Coffeehouse
Rustic-chic cafe in Bukit Timah with excellent brunch menu and specialty coffee. Spacious setting with outdoor seating. Family-friendly with kids' menu.
6 Duke's Road, Singapore 268886
Curious Palette
Charming cafe in Little India serving quality coffee, homemade cakes, and brunch. Relaxed atmosphere with vintage decor. Great spot to escape tourist crowds.
103A Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207672
Brawn & Brains Coffee
Specialty coffee bar and roastery in Bukit Timah. Science-driven approach to coffee with excellent pour-overs. Minimal food but outstanding coffee.
7 Wilkinson Road, Singapore 438897
Local
328 Katong Laksa
Legendary laksa specialist in Katong serving rich coconut curry noodle soup. No-frills setting but consistently excellent. Only spoons provided - traditional style.
51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770
Founding Farmers
Modern casual dining celebrating local flavors with contemporary twist. Nasi lemak, laksa, and local favorites in stylish setting. Good for groups.
20 Cross Street, #02-01 China Court, Singapore 048422
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
Famous chain serving traditional pork rib soup in peppery broth. Comfort food institution since 1969. Multiple locations, casual setting.
11 New Bridge Road, #01-01, Singapore 059383
Tian Tian Chicken Rice
World-famous Hainanese chicken rice stall at Maxwell Food Centre. Featured on Anthony Bourdain's show. Expect long queues but worth it for tender chicken and fragrant rice.
1 Kadayanallur Street, #01-10/11 Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184
Seafood
Jumbo Seafood
Famous seafood restaurant chain known for award-winning chilli crab and black pepper crab. Multiple locations. Quintessential Singapore dining experience.
20 Upper Circular Road, #B1-48 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416
No Signboard Seafood
Iconic seafood restaurant famous for white pepper crab and claypot crab bee hoon. Multiple locations across Singapore. Great for groups and special occasions.
414 Geylang Road, Singapore 389392
Long Beach Seafood
Established seafood restaurant known for black pepper crab and drunken prawns. Multiple waterfront locations. Great for authentic Singapore seafood experience.
1018 East Coast Parkway, #01-09, Singapore 449877
Chinese
Paradise Dynasty
Popular chain specializing in xiao long bao (soup dumplings) including colorful eight-flavored variety. Modern Chinese cuisine in upscale casual setting.
313@Somerset, #05-26/30, Singapore 238895
Haidilao Hot Pot
Famous Chinese hot pot chain known for exceptional service and quality ingredients. Entertainment including noodle shows and manicures while waiting. Fun group dining.
260 Orchard Road, #05-05 The Heeren, Singapore 238855
French
Les Amis
Legendary three Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined French haute cuisine for over 30 years. Impeccable service and extensive wine cellar. Singapore's fine dining institution.
1 Scotts Road, #01-16 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Corner House
One Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore Botanic Gardens serving gastro-botanica cuisine. Chef Jason Tan creates dishes inspired by gardens. Romantic colonial bungalow setting.
1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569
Indian
Samy's Curry
Legendary South Indian restaurant at Dempsey serving banana leaf meals since 1950. Famous for fish head curry. Casual no-frills atmosphere with authentic flavors.
25 Dempsey Road, Block 8, Singapore 249670
Muthu's Curry
Famous Little India restaurant specializing in fish head curry since 1969. Spicy and flavorful South Indian cuisine. Multiple locations, flagship in Race Course Road.
138 Race Course Road, Singapore 218591
Peranakan
Momma Kong's
Nostalgic Peranakan restaurant in Dempsey recreating grandmother's recipes. Authentic flavors in kampong-style setting. Generous portions and homestyle cooking.
19 Lorong Kilat, Singapore 598120
Violet Oon Singapore
Celebrity chef Violet Oon's flagship restaurant serving authentic Peranakan cuisine in National Gallery. Refined setting with traditional recipes and modern presentation.
1 St Andrew's Road, #02-09 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
Bakery Cafe
Tiong Bahru Bakery
French-style bakery with excellent croissants, pastries, and coffee. Multiple locations with signature Tiong Bahru flagship. Perfect for breakfast or afternoon break.
56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70, Singapore 160056
Brunch
Wild Honey
All-day breakfast cafe featuring breakfast dishes from around the world. Cozy atmosphere, quality ingredients, and excellent coffee. Multiple locations.
6 Scotts Road, #03-01 Scotts Square, Singapore 228209
Cafe Bakery
The Butter Studio
Charming cafe known for rainbow cakes and quality baked goods. Cozy atmosphere perfect for afternoon tea. Multiple locations across Singapore.
1 Evans Road, #01-01, Singapore 259367
Chicken Rice
Boon Tong Kee
Well-loved chicken rice chain with multiple locations. Tender steamed chicken, fragrant rice, and flavorful sauce. Consistent quality and good value.
401 Balestier Road, Singapore 329801
International Buffet
Carousel
Extensive international buffet at Royal Plaza on Scotts. Over 200 dishes including seafood, Western, Asian cuisines. Great value all-you-can-eat.
25 Scotts Road, Royal Plaza on Scotts, Singapore 228220
Japanese
Shinji by Kanesaka
Two Michelin-starred sushi restaurant by Tokyo's legendary Shinji Kanesaka. Intimate 10-seat counter serving edo-mae sushi with fish flown from Tokyo daily.
1 St Andrew's Road, #02-01 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
Local Cafe
Toast Box
Modern kopitiam chain serving traditional breakfast items and local comfort food. Contemporary setting with nostalgic menu. Multiple locations.
Various locations
Modern
Cloudstreet
Two Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Rishi Naleendra blending Sri Lankan heritage with global influences. Creative tasting menus in intimate shophouse setting.
7 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089591
Modern British
Jaan by Kirk Westaway
One Michelin-starred restaurant on 70th floor of Swissôtel showcasing British ingredients with modern techniques. Spectacular city views and refined cuisine.
2 Stamford Road, Level 70 Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore 178882
Modern Singaporean
Labyrinth
One Michelin-starred restaurant celebrating Singaporean flavors with modern techniques. Chef Han Li Guang's creative interpretations of local classics. Innovative and playful.
8 Raffles Avenue, #02-23 Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802
Nordic
Zen
Three Michelin-starred Nordic restaurant by Chef Bjorn Svensson. Seasonal tasting menus with Scandinavian techniques and Asian ingredients in elegant Bukit Pasoh setting.
41 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089855
Steakhouse
Cut by Wolfgang Puck
Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck's steakhouse at Marina Bay Sands featuring premium aged beef and seafood. Sophisticated atmosphere with harbor views.
2 Bayfront Avenue, #B1-71 Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972
Taiwanese
Din Tai Fung
World-famous Taiwanese restaurant chain known for meticulously crafted xiao long bao. Consistent quality, efficient service. Multiple locations across Singapore.
290 Orchard Road, #B1-03/06 Paragon, Singapore 238859
Western Brunch
Cafe Melba
Popular brunch spot at Goodman Arts Centre serving hearty breakfast and lunch. Generous portions, quality ingredients, and relaxed atmosphere. Great eggs benedict.
90 Goodman Road, Blk N, #01-56 Goodman Arts Centre, Singapore 439053
Western Cafe
PS.Cafe
Trendy cafe chain with multiple locations serving Western comfort food, brunch favorites, and excellent desserts. Instagram-worthy settings and good coffee.
28B Harding Road, Singapore 249549
Food tours & tastings in Singapore
Eat your way through Singapore with a guide.
Browse food experiences in SingaporeWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Kaya Toast Set
Toasted bread with coconut-egg kaya jam and cold butter, served with half-boiled eggs in dark soy and white pepper alongside kopi or teh. The quintessential Singapore breakfast ritual.
Find it at: Yakun Kaya Toast (multiple outlets), Killiney Kopitiam, any traditional kopitiam
Roti Prata
Crispy pan-fried flatbread of Indian origin, served with fish or mutton curry. Available plain, with egg, cheese, or banana. A staple at 24-hour Indian Muslim restaurants throughout Singapore.
Find it at: Mr and Mrs Mohgan's Super Crispy Roti Prata, Springleaf; The Roti Prata House, Upper Thomson Road
Murtabak
Stuffed pan-fried bread filled with spiced minced meat and egg. A Singapore Muslim speciality descended from Indian paratha. Zam Zam on North Bridge Road has been making it since 1908.
Find it at: Zam Zam Restaurant, North Bridge Road, Kampong Glam
Popiah
Fresh spring roll with turnip, bean sprouts, egg, prawns, and crushed peanuts wrapped in a thin flour skin — a Teochew and Nonya staple. No frying involved, making it refreshingly light.
Find it at: Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah, Joo Chiat Road; Seng Thor Coffee Shop, Beach Road
Ice Kacang / ABC
Shaved ice dessert loaded with red beans, grass jelly, corn, cincau, attap chee, and sweet coloured syrup. A refreshing and beloved Singapore classic. Only SGD 2-4 at hawker centres.
Find it at: Any hawker centre dessert stall; Kim Choo Kueh Chang, East Coast Road
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Maxwell Food Centre
Legendary hawker centre in Chinatown with over 100 stalls serving some of Singapore's most iconic dishes including Tian Tian Chicken Rice and Zhen Zhen Porridge. Always busy, justifiably famous.
Hours: Most stalls 8AM-9PM; some close Monday
Old Airport Road Food Centre
Massive and historic hawker centre in Geylang considered by many food critics to have the highest concentration of outstanding stalls in Singapore. Worth the MRT + walk journey specifically for food.
Hours: 7AM-midnight; most stalls close by 9PM
Lau Pa Sat (Telok Ayer Market)
Victorian cast-iron octagonal market structure (1894) in the CBD, now a food court with hawker stalls by day. Famous for its outdoor satay street where grills fire up every evening from 7PM-1AM.
Hours: 6AM-midnight; satay street 7PM-1AM
Tekka Centre
Multi-storey complex in Little India combining a wet market on the ground floor with an upstairs hawker centre renowned for South Indian banana-leaf rice, biryani, and roti prata breakfasts.
Hours: Wet market 6AM-9PM; hawker stalls 7AM-8PM
Tiong Bahru Market
Charming two-storey market in Singapore's oldest HDB estate. Beloved morning destination for chee cheong fun, char kway teow, and the best carrot cake (chai tow kway) in Singapore.
Hours: 6AM-2PM; select stalls open until 9PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Hawker centres are the best way to eat in Singapore — meals from SGD 4-8, quality at the top stalls rivals restaurants at 10x the price
Reservations are essential at top restaurants like Odette, Shoukouwa, and Burnt Ends — book weeks or months in advance
Menu prices at sit-down restaurants exclude 9% GST and 10% service charge — the actual bill will be 19% higher than listed
Most hawker centres are cash-only for individual stalls, though many now accept PayNow/NETS — carry SGD 20-50 in small notes
Lunch is a good time to try expensive restaurants — many offer set lunch menus at 30-50% of dinner prices (including some Michelin starred venues)
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | SGD 4-8/meal | Hawker centres and kopitiams — full meals with drinks |
| Mid-range | SGD 20-50/meal | Casual restaurants, food courts in malls, dim sum restaurants |
| Upscale | SGD 80-400+/meal | Michelin-starred venues, hotel restaurants, chilli crab seafood restaurants |