Singapore has around 100 hawker centres with over 6000 stalls. Too many, isn’t it?
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and a food lover’s dream. At the heart of Singapore’s culinary journey are hawker centres, where local flavours reign supreme. Imagine lively centres, boisterous marketplaces filled with sizzling woks, tantalising aromas, and a tempting exhibition of dishes to choose from. Can you resist it? This is the essence of a Singaporean hawker centre.
Singaporean cuisine is a delightful fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan flavours. It results in a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. Singaporeans have mastered the art of balancing sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavours, creating dishes that are both complex and satisfying. So, if you are going to Singapore for vacation, keep this list of the country’s best hawker centres handy.
Did you know how Hawker Centres in Singapore came into existence?
The government of Singapore, after its independence, decided to clean up the hawkers’ carts from the streets as it questioned hygiene practices. As a result, they built buildings for vendors to move into and prepare food cleanly, keeping in mind the safety of the citizens.
Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre, Singapore
This market was originally a fish market and was formerly known as Telok Ayer Market. It was built in 1824.
Located in Singapore’s central business district, this hawker street is the oldest and extremely beautiful hawker market. The magnificent building that stands here is 150 years old—can you believe it by looking at its timeless beauty?
Tourists and locals visit this hawker centre for many reasons, including its Victorian-styled building, the neat and tidy streets, and the food on Satay Street. If you are a meat lover, you’ll definitely enjoy the grilled meat skewers from Satay vendors, paired with a glass of craft beer. Lau Pa Sat is best visited at night. Besides Satay, you can also try popular dishes, such as Char Kway Teow, Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Laksa, in this hawker centre.
[Note: Stalls 7 & 8 are the most loved stalls which serve finger-licking Satays].
Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Timings: Open 24/7
Tiong Bahru Hawker Market, Singapore
Tiong Bahru is a two-storey complex and a very popular hawker market in Singapore. It is where daily life unfolds with around 138 hawker stalls and a seating capacity of 4000 people. Locals and tourists come to buy fresh produce and enjoy the delicious food served in the restaurants.
But do you know what makes this hawker centre very popular? It is the affordability. The first level sells fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables, meats, and seafood, and the second level serves the finest delicacies.
[Note: Tiong Bahru Roasted Duck stall is a must-visit, having been featured in many shows for its best-selling Roasted Duck.]
In addition to roasted duck, you can also try pork ribs with noodles, Hainanese chicken rice, Teck Seng Soya Bean, Jian Bo Shui Kueh, and Fried Carrot Cake, which are all popular dishes at this hawker centre in Singapore.
Location: 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore
Timings: 7 AM (stalls close at various times in the afternoon and evening)
Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre, Singapore
266 hawker stalls on the second floor of one building— can you imagine how huge it must be? Yes, it is true. Chinatown Complex is the largest hawker centre in Singapore. It is the perfect place to try some Chinese delicacies and take away Chinese souvenirs.
At the Chinatown Complex, you’ll find a Michelin-starred hawker stall run by Hawker Chan. Famous for its Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle, this stall should be at the top of your list during your visit to this massive hawker centre.
This hawker centre also offers authentic Chinese desserts, such as ice kachang and Chwee Kueh. For food lovers, it’s a paradise to explore and taste dishes from different stalls.
Location: 46 Smith St, Singapore 058956
Timings: 8 AM–9 PM (all days)
Amoy Street Food Centre, Singapore
Amoy Street Food Centre is the most popular hawker centre in Singapore, especially for employees who visit for lunch. It is located in the Central Business District.
This hawker centre has two levels of renowned local food stalls. Do you know why it’s so famous? It has many Michelin Bib Gourmand stalls, such as:
- Han Kee Fish Soup (Stall 126)
- Ah Chew Fried Noodles (Stall 135)
- Fu He Cooked Food (Stall 153)
There are also four vegan/vegetarian stalls, including one that sells fried fritters and dough sticks. It is a clean and well-maintained hawker centre in Singapore, so you need not worry about hygiene here; you can enjoy your meal carefree.
Location: 7 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069111
Timings: 6:30 AM –9 PM (all days)
Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre, Singapore
Geylang Serai is a two-storey structure with a market on the ground floor and a food court on the second level. Its architecture resembles conventional Malay architecture, with pitched rooftops and geometric patterns.
The popularity of this hawker centre in Singapore doubles during Ramadan, when the entire street is lit up, and the aromas of Ramadan specialities fill the air.
Geylang Serai is home to some of the oldest Malay inhabitants in Singapore. Over time, it became not just a business hub but also a social centre. As a result, you can find many authentic Malay dishes, such as:
- Sup Kambing (Lamb Soup)
- Pisang Goreng (Banana Squanders)
- Putu Piring (Sweet, Steamed Rice Flour Cakes)
So, if you are a foreigner, don’t forget to taste some authentic and delicious Malay food.
Location: 1 Geylang Serai, Singapore 402001
Timings: 7 AM–2:45 PM (all days)
Tekka Hawker Centre, Singapore
Located in the heart of the Little India district, Tekka Hawker Centre offers a lively and colourful atmosphere. It is a multi-storey building with a modern yet traditional design. The building is divided into three different storeys, including a wet market on the ground floor, food stalls on the second and retail shops on the third.
This hawker centre is an essential part of Singapore’s Little India, offering an authentic market experience with a rich blend of culinary and cultural diversity. You’ll find a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Singaporean, Malay, and Chinese. Haji M. A. Rahim, The Banana Leaf Apolo, and Tekka Chicken Rice are the popular hawker stalls to explore in Tekka Hawker Centre in Singapore.
Location: 665 Buffalo & Serangoon Roads, Singapore
Timings: 6.30 AM-10:00 PM
Maxwell Road Hawker Centre, Singapore
Maxwell Road Hawker Centre is conveniently located near the Chinatown MRT Station, making it an easily accessible hawker centre in Singapore for both locals and tourists. The area is surrounded by historical shophouses and nearby attractions like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
Locals enjoy visiting this hawker centre as the food is reasonably priced. It gets quite busy, especially during lunch and dinner hours. The Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall, a Michelin-starred spot, is a must-try.
Other popular stalls where you can enjoy delicious meals are Zhen Zhen Porridge, Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake, Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, and Rong Guang BBQ. So, if you’re craving traditional dishes or unique local flavours, you must visit Maxwell Road Hawker Centre.
Location: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore
Timings: Daily from 8 AM-10 PM
Newton Food Centre, Singapore
Newton Food Centre, commonly known as Newton Circus, is a renowned hawker centre located in Singapore’s Newton district. This hawker centre features modernist architecture, with a well-lit, high ceiling and large windows that allow natural light to enter. It is a well-maintained building with a clean and spacious central seating area where diners can enjoy their meals.
This hawker centre in Singapore is a tourist hotspot. It is famous for its BBQ seafood including chilli crab and black pepper crab, grilled satay skewers, savoury Hokkien mee, and fried carrot cake. One of its popular stalls is Hainan Street Steamboat, known for its hot pot offerings. Newton Circus Seafood and Wang Wang BBQ are also among the must try stalls.
Location: 500 Clemenceau Ave N, Singapore 229495
Timings: Open 24 hours
Changi Village Hawker Centre, Singapore
Changi Village Hawker Centre is a great spot to grab a quick meal or snack. It is a single-storey building with outdoor seating areas, allowing diners to enjoy their meals in a natural setting.
There are over 50 stalls offering a wide variety of different cuisines and drinks. As this hawker centre is known for its seafood delicacies, you must try some, especially Char Kway Teow, Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Laksa.
Location: 2 Changi Village Rd, Singapore 500002
Timings: 6 AM-2 AM (Weekdays) & 24 hours (Weekends)
Conclusion
Though Singapore can be an expensive country, don’t worry; you won’t spend a fortune dining out. Eating at hawker centres will help you save some dollars while giving you an authentic Singaporean experience. Not only can you enjoy local cuisine, but you can also explore a variety of cuisines including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Indonesian. To truly experience Singapore’s multiculturalism, a visit to its hawker centres is a must.
FAQs About Hawker Centres in Singapore
1. What is a Singapore hawker centre?
In India, we have food courts; similarly, Singapore has hawker centres. Hawker centres are typically a type of food court that offers a wide variety of affordable local dishes from different cuisines, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and more. These centres are known for their various flavorful food options, served in a complex or an open-air environment. They are a cornerstone of Singapore’s food culture, providing a vibrant, communal dining experience.
2. What are some of the famous hawker centres in Singapore?
Some of the most famous hawker centres in Singapore include Maxwell Food Centre, known for its delicious Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice; Lau Pa Sat, which is famous for its satay stalls; and Newton Food Centre, renowned for its seafood offerings. Each of these centres has its unique selection of stalls and signature dishes that make them popular among locals and tourists alike.
3. Can we find vegetarian options at Singapore hawker centres?
Yes, many hawker centres in Singapore offer a range of vegetarian options. Stalls often feature dishes such as vegetarian noodles, rice with vegetable curries, and tofu-based meals. Popular centres like Tekka Centre and Amoy Street Food Centre have specific stalls dedicated to vegetarian and vegan cuisine, ensuring a variety of choices for those with dietary preferences.
4. Are there specific times when certain hawker centres are less crowded in Singapore?
Yes, hawker centres in Singapore can be less crowded during off-peak hours. Lunch and dinner are usually the busiest times, particularly from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, which are usually the rush hours. Typically, visiting around mid-afternoon between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM or late evening after 8:00 PM can offer a more relaxed dining experience.
5. Which hawker centre is considered the best in Singapore?
Determining the “best” hawker centre is subjective and depends on personal preferences. However, popular choices among food lovers include Maxwell Food Centre for its famous chicken rice, Lau Pa Sat for its satay and festive atmosphere, and Hong Lim Market & Food Centre for its variety and quality. Each offers a distinct culinary experience that highlights Singapore’s rich food culture.