Welcome, fellow food lovers! If there is one thing that unites everyone in Singapore, it is our shared passion for food. Our city is a paradise for culinary explorers and Singapore foodies alike, and at the heart of our vibrant food culture are the hawker centres. These bustling, open-air food centres are where you will find the most authentic and delicious local dishes, all at incredibly affordable prices. For true Singapore foodies, a day spent hopping between these culinary institutions is the ultimate adventure.
This itinerary is designed to create maximum deliciousness, guiding you through a full day of eating your way across the island. We will hit some of the most iconic hawker centres, from breakfast all the way to a late-night supper. So, grab your comfiest shoes, bring an empty stomach, and get ready for a foodie journey you will never forget of Singapore's diverse taste. Along the way, you will enjoy a mixed variety of Malay dishes, noodles, and other local favorites that have been passed down through generations, each bursting with unique fragrance and flavor.
Breakfast (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Maxwell Food Centre
Our day begins at Maxwell Food Centre, a legendary spot located conveniently in Chinatown. This hawker centre is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, so it is best to arrive early to beat the long queues and start your day right. The morning air is filled with the aroma of freshly brewed kopi (local coffee) and toasted bread.
For a classic Singaporean breakfast, you cannot go wrong with kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and a cup of kopi. Find a stall selling this quintessential breakfast set. The kaya, a sweet and fragrant coconut jam, is slathered on perfectly toasted bread with a slice of cold butter. Dip the toast into the soft-boiled eggs seasoned with a dash of dark soy sauce and a sprinkle of white pepper. It is simple, comforting, and utterly delicious. Expect to pay around S$4 to S$6 for a set.
While enjoying your breakfast, take a moment to chat with the friendly vendors or fellow Singapore foodies around you. The history of this hawker centre is rich, and many stalls have been passed down through generations, preserving authentic flavors and recipes. Be sure to check out the photos of the dishes displayed at each stall to help you decide what to try next.
If you prefer a lighter start to your day, you might want to avoid the kaya toast and opt for a bowl of fresh fishball noodles or wanton mee instead. These noodle dishes are served with a flavorful broth and fresh ingredients, making them a nice alternative for those who want something less oily in the morning. Either way, Maxwell Food Centre offers a variety of choices to satisfy your cravings and fuel your day of hawker centre hopping.
Mid-Morning Snack (10:30 AM): Tiong Bahru Market
After a satisfying breakfast, we will take a short bus or MRT ride to the charming neighborhood of Tiong Bahru. Here, you will find Tiong Bahru Market, a two-story complex with a wet market on the ground floor and a fantastic hawker centre upstairs. This spot is a treasure trove of beloved dishes and is a must-visit for Singapore foodies looking for authentic flavors.
For a mid-morning snack, I recommend trying the chee cheong fun (steamed rice rolls). Unlike the Hong Kong version filled with meat or shrimp, the local style is served plain with a sweet sauce, sesame seeds, and sometimes a dollop of chili. Another excellent choice is the fried carrot cake, or chai tow kway. You can get it "white" (fried with egg) or "black" (fried with sweet dark soy sauce). Both are fantastic. A plate of either of these snacks will cost you about S$3 to S$5.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Old Airport Road Food Centre & Char Kway Teow
Next, we are heading to one of the island's most celebrated hawker centres, Old Airport Road Food Centre. This place is a pilgrimage site for Singapore foodies, known for having a huge variety of top-tier stalls. The lunch rush here can be intense, so be prepared to queue for the most popular dishes. It is all part of the experience!
You are spoiled for choice here, but you cannot leave without trying some iconic noodle dishes. A plate of char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles) from a famous stall is a must. These flat rice noodles are wok-fried with dark soy sauce, bean sprouts, egg, and Chinese sausage. Another classic is the Hainanese chicken rice. The fragrant, flavorful rice cooked in chicken broth served with tender steamed or roasted chicken and a tangy chili sauce is pure perfection. Many Singapore foodies also flock here for the savory sate (satay) and flavorful prawn noodles. A hearty lunch here will typically cost between S$5 and S$8 per dish.
If you have time, guess what? You might even spot some vendors offering delicious nasi padang, a beloved Malay dish featuring rice served with a variety of spicy curries and side dishes. This diverse selection makes Old Airport Road Food Centre a must-visit spot for any month-long food adventure or even a quick week trip in Singapore.
Afternoon Dessert (3:00 PM): Chomp Chomp Food Centre
As the afternoon heat sets in, it is time for a sweet, icy treat. We are heading to Chomp Chomp Food Centre in Serangoon Gardens. While this spot is more famous for its evening BBQ delights, it also has stalls that serve fantastic traditional desserts perfect for a cool-down.
Indulge in a bowl of chendol or ice kachang. Chendol is a delightful concoction of shaved ice, coconut milk, red beans, and green jelly noodles, all drizzled with sweet gula melaka (palm sugar). Ice kachang is a mountain of shaved ice packed with various jellies and beans, then drenched in colorful sweet syrups and condensed milk. It is a refreshing and nostalgic dessert that will re-energize you for the evening ahead. A bowl of these sweet treats costs around S$2 to S$4.
Dinner (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Lau Pa Sat
As evening descends, we make our way to Lau Pa Sat, one of Singapore’s most beautiful hawker centres. Housed in a historic Victorian-era structure right in the heart of the central business district, Lau Pa Sat offers a magical dining experience that Singapore foodies have loved for generations. At night, one of the adjacent streets closes to traffic and transforms into the famous "Satay Street."
This is the perfect place to feast on satay skewers, available in chicken, beef, or mutton, all marinated in a fragrant blend of spices and grilled over a charcoal fire. The satay is served with a rich and nutty peanut sauce, soft rice cakes, and fresh onions. Beyond satay, Lau Pa Sat boasts an enormous selection of other delicious food, including BBQ stingray slathered in spicy sambal sauce. The lively atmosphere, combined with the variety of mouthwatering dishes, makes this a highlight for any foodie visiting Singapore.
To make your experience even better, consider downloading a hawker centre app that helps you locate stalls, check opening hours, and even enter digital queues at popular vendors. This modern convenience is loved by many Singapore foodies to enhance their culinary adventures.
Dining at Lau Pa Sat is truly a rite of passage for all Singapore foodies and a better way to immerse yourself in Singapore’s rich food history and vibrant culture.
Supper Option (9:30 PM): Newton Food Centre
If you still have room after a full day of eating (and true Singapore foodies always do), a late-night supper is in order. Our final destination is Newton Food Centre, famously featured in the movie Crazy Rich Asians. This place comes alive at night, with a buzzing atmosphere and rows of stalls serving up delicious seafood and other local favorites.
For supper, an order of oyster omelette (orh luak) is a great choice. It is a savory pancake of eggs and tapioca starch filled with plump, juicy oysters. Another classic late-night dish is bak kut teh (pork rib soup). The peppery, flavorful broth is incredibly comforting. Pair your meal with a tall glass of freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. It is the perfect way to cap off an epic day of eating.
Tips for Hawker Centre Hopping
- Getting Around: Singapore's public transportation system is excellent. You can easily get between hawker centres using the MRT (subway) and public buses. A travel card (like an EZ-Link card) makes it easy to tap and go for a seamless foodie adventure.
- Payment: While more stalls are adopting digital payments, cash is still king at many hawker centres and food centres. It is always a good idea to have some small notes and coins on hand for quick and easy transactions.
- Etiquette: After you finish your meal, be sure to return your tray and utensils to the designated collection points. It is a simple way to help keep the space clean for the next person. If the centre is crowded, it is common to share a table with strangers, just ask politely first to enjoy the vibrant social atmosphere.
- Pro Tip: For Singapore foodies looking to create the best experience, consider downloading a hawker centre app. These apps help you check opening hours, locate your favorite stalls, and even enter digital queues at popular vendors, making your trip more efficient and enjoyable.
Following these tips will help you make the most of your visit to Singapore’s hawker centres and food centres, where delicious food, rich history, and a lively community come together to delight your taste buds.
Your Own Foodie Adventure with Singapore Food Awaits
This one-day itinerary is just a starting point for all Singapore foodies eager to explore the rich tapestry of Singapore food culture. The beauty of Singapore's hawker centres is the sheer variety and endless possibilities they offer. Every neighborhood boasts its own beloved food centre, each with unique vendors serving up authentic Malay dishes, curries, and other local delights that will excite your taste buds.
So, go out and explore! Be adventurous, try something new, and do not be afraid to queue with the locals, it usually means the quality is top-notch and something truly delicious awaits at the end of the line. Whether you’re craving the creamy broth of Sungei Road Laksa or the crispy goodness of char kway teow, there’s no better way to experience Singapore’s vibrant food scene than by visiting these iconic restaurants and hawker centres.
Remember to subscribe to local food guides or Facebook groups to continue discovering tastier spots and hidden gems throughout your trip.
