Hainanese Chicken Rice is often considered Singapore's national dish and is probably the most popular street food among both locals and tourists.
Singapore's vibrant food scene is a melting pot of flavors that brings together Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences. The city-state's hawker centers are more than just places to eat — they're cultural institutions where locals and tourists alike can enjoy affordable, delicious meals in a bustling atmosphere. If you're planning a trip to the Lion City, here's your essential guide to the top 10 street foods you simply must try.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Often called Singapore's national dish, Hainanese chicken rice features tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock with ginger and pandan leaves. The dish comes with cucumber slices and dipping sauces—typically chili, ginger, and dark soy sauce.
Where to try it: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre has earned international fame (even Anthony Bourdain was a fan). For alternatives, check out Chinatown Complex Food Centre or Hawker Chan on Smith Street, which once held a Michelin star.
Key takeaway: The magic is in the rice, which soaks up all the chicken flavors during cooking. Judge a good chicken rice by the fragrance and taste of the rice as much as by the chicken itself.
2. Laksa
This spicy noodle soup represents Singapore's cultural fusion perfectly. Katong laksa, the most popular variety in Singapore, features thick rice vermicelli in a rich, spicy coconut broth loaded with prawns, fishcake, cockles, and bean sprouts.
Where to try it: 328 Katong Laksa on East Coast Road serves a version where the noodles are cut short so you can eat the entire dish with just a spoon. Sungei Road Laksa offers a more affordable but equally delicious option.
Key takeaway: The depth of flavor in the broth comes from a complex blend of spices, coconut milk, dried shrimp, and lemongrass—making each spoonful a taste explosion.
3. Chilli Crab
Despite its name, Singapore's chilli crab isn't overwhelmingly spicy. Instead, the mud crabs are stir-fried in a sweet and savory tomato-based sauce with a gentle kick of chili. The dish is typically served with fried mantou (Chinese buns) for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Where to try it: Jumbo Seafood at East Coast Seafood Centre is a long-standing favorite for this dish. No Signboard Seafood and Long Beach Seafood are excellent alternatives.
Key takeaway: This is a messy eat—restaurants usually provide bibs and hand washing facilities. Embrace the mess and dig in with your hands for the full experience!
4. Hokkien Mee
Singapore Hokkien mee combines yellow egg noodles and white rice vermicelli stir-fried with prawns, squid, pork belly, and egg in a rich seafood stock. The slightly wet dish is typically served with sambal chili paste and a squeeze of lime.
Where to try it: Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee at Old Airport Road Food Centre serves a drier version that's packed with wok hei (breath of the wok) flavor. Geylang Lorong 29 Fried Hokkien Mee is another top choice.
Key takeaway: A good plate of Hokkien mee should have a smoky aroma from the wok and a flavorful stock that isn't too soggy or too dry.
5. Satay
These grilled meat skewers marinated in turmeric, lemongrass, and spices are served with a rich peanut dipping sauce, cucumber slices, and rice cakes. You can typically choose between chicken, beef, or mutton satay.
Where to try it: Satay Street at Lau Pa Sat transforms into an open-air satay paradise in the evenings. Stalls #7 and #8 (Fatman Satay) are particularly popular among locals.
Key takeaway: The best satay has a perfect char on the outside while remaining juicy inside, with a sauce that balances sweetness, spice, and nuttiness.
6. Roti Prata
This crispy, flaky Indian flatbread is typically served with fish or mutton curry for dipping. The basic version is plain, but you can also find versions stuffed with egg, cheese, mushrooms, or even chocolate for a sweet treat.
Where to try it: Mr & Mrs Mohgan's Super Crispy Roti Prata at Tin Yeang Restaurant serves exceptionally crispy prata. Springleaf Prata Place offers creative variations for the adventurous eater.
Key takeaway: Watch the prata masters at work as they flip and stretch the dough until paper-thin before folding and grilling it to perfection.
7. Kaya Toast
Singapore's classic breakfast consists of charcoal-grilled bread spread with kaya (a sweet coconut and egg jam) and cold butter, served with soft-boiled eggs and local coffee (kopi) or tea. It's simple but addictively delicious.
Where to try it: Ya Kun Kaya Toast, with multiple outlets across Singapore, has been serving this breakfast since 1944. Toast Box offers a more modern take but maintains authentic flavors.
Key takeaway: The proper way to enjoy this dish is to season your soft-boiled eggs with dark soy sauce and white pepper, then dip your kaya toast into the eggs for a perfect sweet-savory bite.
8. Bak Kut Teh
Literally "meat bone tea," this comforting pork rib soup comes in two main varieties in Singapore. The Teochew version is a clear, peppery broth loaded with garlic, while the Hokkien style has a darker, more herbal broth.
Where to try it: Outram Park Ya Hua Rou Gu Cha (Bak Kut Teh) at Tanjong Pagar Plaza serves an excellent peppery Teochew-style soup. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, which has earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, is another great option.
Key takeaway: Traditionally eaten for breakfast, bak kut teh is typically served with you tiao (fried dough fritters), rice, and Chinese tea which is said to help dissolve the fat.
9. Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway)
Don't be confused—this dish contains no carrots or cake. It's made from rice flour and white radish (daikon) that's steamed, cut into cubes, and stir-fried with eggs, garlic, and preserved radish. It comes in "white" (original) or "black" (with sweet soy sauce) versions.
Where to try it: Carrot Cake at Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre serves one of the best versions in Singapore. Chey Sua Carrot Cake at Toa Payoh is another winner.
Key takeaway: The best chai tow kway has crispy edges and soft centers with a good balance of savory and sweet flavors.
10. Char Kway Teow
This smoky, stir-fried flat rice noodle dish is cooked with dark soy sauce, chili, Chinese sausage, fishcake, cockles, bean sprouts, and chives. It's rich, slightly sweet, and utterly delicious.
Where to try it: Hill Street Char Kway Teow at Bedok South Market & Food Centre serves up one of the best plates in Singapore. Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee is another highly recommended option.
Key takeaway: Traditionally cooked over very high heat in a well-seasoned wok, good char kway teow should have a smoky "wok hei" flavor that cannot be replicated in home cooking.
Singapore's Best Hawker Centres
To sample these amazing dishes, head to these food havens:
Maxwell Food Centre: Located in Chinatown, this is home to Tian Tian Chicken Rice and dozens of other excellent stalls.
Lau Pa Sat: A historic building in the Central Business District that transforms into "Satay Street" each evening.
Old Airport Road Food Centre: A bit off the tourist track but worth the trip for Nam Sing Hokkien Mee and many other local favorites.
Chinatown Complex Food Centre: The largest hawker centre in Singapore with over 260 food stalls, including the famous Hawker Chan.
Tiong Bahru Market: A two-story complex with a wet market downstairs and food centre upstairs, known for excellent chwee kueh and roast meats.
Tips for Enjoying Singapore Street Food
- Bring cash – While some stalls accept cards or mobile payments, most are cash-only.
- Look for queues – A long line of locals usually indicates a great stall.
- Try the "chope" system – Reserve your table by placing tissue packets or other small items on it.
- Go early – Popular stalls often sell out by early afternoon.
- Be adventurous – Don't just stick to this list—ask locals for their favorites too!
Conclusion
Singapore's street food scene offers an incredible variety of flavors at remarkably affordable prices. These top 10 dishes provide an excellent introduction to the city-state's rich culinary heritage, which blends Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences into something uniquely Singaporean.
Whether you're slurping up a bowl of laksa, dipping roti prata into curry, or savoring the simplicity of perfectly poached chicken with fragrant rice, Singapore's hawker centres offer some of the most authentic food experiences in Asia.
To make the most of your culinary adventure in Singapore, consider booking a private chauffeur service to take you between the best hawker centres and food spots. A knowledgeable local driver can help you navigate the city efficiently, recommend hidden gems, and ensure you don't waste precious eating time on public transportation!
