Eating in Singapore - Our Tips

Eating in Singapore offers you an immense variety. In this article, find out where to discover the best local dishes. From Hawker centers to Michelin-starred restaurants, Singapore has a lot to offer.

The Hawker centers in Singapore offer a wide selection of Asian dishes at affordable prices. They are known for their high hygiene standards. Popular Hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat serve well-known dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice and Satay. Singapore also boasts upscale restaurants and specialized food courts with vegan and vegetarian options, such as Candle Nut and Little India, that offer unique culinary experiences.

Hawker centers are the heart of the street food culture in Singapore, providing an incomparable variety of Asian dishes. These food courts, known as they are in other countries, bring together many small food stalls under one roof, offering a wide range of delicacies from various cuisines. With over 100 Hawker centers that evolved from the initial street stalls, they are extremely popular for dining out.

A visit to a Hawker center is a must for anyone looking to experience the culinary diversity of Singapore. Here, you can stroll from stall to stall and sample dishes ranging from traditional specialties to modern fusion creations. The atmosphere is lively, and the selection of food seems endless.

In a Hawker center, you'll find everything from juicy Satay to aromatic Laksa to delicious barbecue dishes. Prices are affordable, and food quality is world-class.

But how does dining work in a Hawker center, and what should you know about hygiene and prices? In the following sections, we'll provide you with a detailed insight into these aspects so that you are well-prepared.

Dining in a Hawker center is a unique experience that differs from traditional restaurants. First, you reserve your table by placing a pack of tissues, also known as 'Tissue Packs', on the table. This may seem unusual, but it is common practice in Singapore.

Once your table is reserved, you can line up at one of the many food stalls. The general rule is: the longer the queue, the better the food. At the stalls, you will find a variety of dishes often eaten with a fork and spoon, as knives are rarely used in Asian cuisine.

Locals usually come during lunch with colleagues and in the evening with family and friends to share small treats. This communal eating not only fosters sociability but also allows you to sample multiple dishes and fully savor the culinary diversity. This is especially interesting for foodies always on the lookout for new taste experiences.

In Singapore, great importance is placed on hygiene and safety, especially in Hawker centers. These places are known for their high hygiene standards and cleanliness. Each stall is regularly inspected and receives a hygiene seal that is prominently displayed. An 'A' is the highest grade, but a 'B' is also considered good.

I recommend bringing wet wipes to clean the table and utensils before eating, as markets do not provide napkins.

Another significant advantage of the Hawker centers is the low prices. You can get a delicious dish for just $2 to $3 (about $1.50 to $2). The food is very affordable and truly delicious. Dishes that are more expensive rarely cost more than $6 to $8, which is about $4 to $6.

Although the prices are low, the quality of the food is high. Dishes are always freshly prepared since the stalls need to constantly replenish due to high customer demand.

If you've been to one of the neighboring countries of Singapore, you will surely miss the many small, shabby street kitchens where locals slurp and chew on tiny plastic chairs day in, day out. You can get a taste of this wonderful tradition at food markets like theLau Pa Sat Market.

Wooden benches, cold beer, and impressively crispy and carefully spiced Satay skewers from Indonesia, surrounded by shiny skyscrapers - it can be that simple.

For three years, Michelin has been evaluating restaurants and happily awarding stars even in Singapore. Besides the mentioned street food (at €1.50 likely the cheapest star in the world) atHawker Chan, it is primarily the more exotic restaurants that impress and aren't found everywhere in the world.

A prime example is theCandle Nut, which specializes in the cuisine of the Peranakan, an ethnic group of Malays. I was entirely new to this cuisine until this trip.

In short: Only in a few metropolitan areas around the world can one find such a concentration of high-profile restaurants, and if you want to save yourself the trouble, check out the page ofMichelin Singapore (Tip: Restaurants marked with 'Bib' offer particularly good value for money away from the more expensive starred restaurants).

Breakfast is best in Chinatown: The Chinatown Complex Food Center, the largest street food complex in the city, offers you over 250 food stalls in a small area at the lowest prices. From chicken with rice and Char Sui at Hawker Chan to BBQ buns and very solid coffee at Wu Shi Nian Dai- there is something to satisfy every culinary craving.

For the evening, I recommend visitingLong Beach right by the beach. Be sure to try the seafood (My tip: Black Pepper Crab) or dine at a branch ofSong Fa. At Song Fa, you will mostly encounter locals enjoying tender pork and known for its 'Bak Kut Teh', a Malaysian-Singaporean specialty - a pork bone tea.

Sounds strange, but it's delicious.

I love Little India. Wandering through the narrow streets and allowing yourself to be swept away by the smells and vibrant shops. You can eat here on nearly every corner, and during my visit, theBanana Leaf Apolo (also with various branches) came quite close to the lively, tight finger food experience of my trip to India. Highly recommended.

The Centrepoint is now a gastronomic oasis in the heart of Orchard Road. It hosts three dining areas - Gastro+, Food Hall, and Food Street - offering over 30 dining concepts across 6 floors, from popular family restaurants like Astons Steak & Salad, Beauty in The Pot, Din Tai Fung, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, Malaysia Boleh! and Song Fa Bak Kut Teh to unique restaurants like Fire Ramen, LA Bird, Misato, and The Dim Sum Place.

TheCentrepoint is home to the Tsujiri, which not only offers the best Japanese matcha soft serve in the world but also a branch of the Chinese chainDin Tai Fung - the dumpling heaven on earth. Specialty: homemade Soup Dumplings (called 'Xiao Long Bao'). It is said that the author of this article once had to roll out of a restaurant in Shanghai like a well-fed barrel after exuberant self-indulgence. Here's your chance.

An extremely friendly service - which I unfortunately did not always experience in the city - and the best Manhattan of my life. So, two of those. Really. Please pack your checkbook, alcoholic beverages are quite expensive in Singapore (the average beer price is €9).

If you prefer something a bit more European: InAnn Siang Hill and Club Street, many expats gather in the numerous somewhat hidden rooftop bars. Here you can unwind and end your evening in a relaxed atmosphere.

Singapore offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options that you can find in many restaurants as well as at street food stalls and food courts. This diversity makes it easy for vegetarians or vegans to enjoy Singapore.

From Chinese and Indian cuisine to modern vegan establishments - the selection is vast and caters to every taste. Here are some places we recommend for vegetarians and vegans:

The Little India neighborhood is known for its variety of vegetarian options from Indian cuisine. Restaurants like Komala Vilas and Ananda Bhavan offer a wide range of delicious vegetarian dishes.

South Indian vegetarian cuisine in Little India often includes Dosai, Idli, and Vada, served in a colorful environment. A visit to Little India is a feast for the senses and a must for anyone who loves authentic Indian dishes.

At Lau Pa Sat Food Court, there are several stalls with vegetarian options, including Indian and Chinese dishes. I particularly recommend the vegetarian stall 'Maya Indian Veggie Delight', which offers Indian dishes like Nasi Briyani, Naan, and Samosas.

Some of these dishes can even be prepared vegan upon request.

Highly recommended vegan restaurants in Singapore are NomVNom and VeganBurg, both offering plant-based burgers and other vegan options. The Vegan Burg restaurant places a strong emphasis on non-GMO foods and offers a selection of vegan burgers with sides like french fries or broccoli.

The Loving Hut restaurant exclusively serves vegan Asian cuisine, including local delicacies and European fusion dishes. At Afterglow in Chinatown, you can indulge in raw vegan dishes that are not only healthy but also incredibly delicious.

Singapore offers a rich selection of traditional and modern beverages that provide a refreshing change for both locals and tourists. From traditional drinks like Kopi and Teh Tarik to modern options like fruit shakes and craft beer - the beverage scene in Singapore has something for everyone.

In the following sections, we'll introduce you to some of the most popular drinks you must try during your visit to Singapore.

Kopi is Singapore's version of coffee and is traditionally served with sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk. This special preparation significantly distinguishes it from Western coffee and gives it its unique flavor.

Kopi is made from specific beans roasted in a wok with sugar and margarine, which gives it a distinct aroma. Variants like Kopi-O (without milk) and Kopi-C (with condensed milk) are also very popular and available in the numerous cafes and Hawker centers throughout the city.

Teh Tarik is a traditional tea drink in Singapore and Malaysia made from strong black tea and condensed milk. The name literally means "pulled tea" and refers to the special preparation method where the tea is repeatedly poured between two containers from a great height.

This method creates a frothy texture and slightly cools the tea down, making it particularly refreshing. The frothing and pouring require great skill and are often an attractive show for onlookers.

In the various food courts of Singapore, you will find a wide selection of refreshing fruit shakes made from a variety of tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, and dragon fruit. These vitamin-rich beverages are especially popular and provide a healthy and tasty refreshment.

Popular places to enjoy delicious fruit shakes include Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat Food Court, where these drinks are freshly and tastefully prepared.

Sugarcane juice is an incredibly refreshing drink that serves as a thirst quencher for many Singaporeans. The juice is often freshly pressed and served chilled to combat the heat.

This natural and sweet juice is available in many Hawker centers and food courts and is a must-try for anyone looking for a true refreshment. The freshness and taste of sugarcane juice make it a popular drink in Singapore.

The craft beer scene in Singapore is continuously growing. As a result, there are a variety of small breweries and beer types. The RedDot BrewHouse is a well-known craft beer brewery in Singapore that offers a wide selection of beers.

At Maxwell Food Centre, there is even a small craft beer stall with more than 10 different draft beers. Another great place to enjoy craft beer is the Timbre+ Food Court, which offers a wide range of food alongside live music.

What are Hawker centers in Singapore?

Hawker centers in Singapore are large food courts that unite a variety of small food stalls under one roof, offering a wide range of Asian dishes at affordable prices. They are a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy good food.

How do I reserve a table in a Hawker center?

To reserve a table in a Hawker center in Singapore, simply place a pack of tissues on the table. This indicates to other visitors that the table is already occupied.

Are the prices in the Hawker centers cheap?

Yes, the prices in the Hawker centers are very affordable, with dishes typically costing between $2 and $8.

What vegetarian options are available in the food courts?

In the food courts, there are a variety of vegetarian stalls offering Indian and Chinese dishes. You can find vegetarian options there.

What is the difference between Kopi and Western coffee?

The difference between Kopi and Western coffee lies in the preparation and the unique aroma of Kopi, which is created through the use of sweetened condensed milk and a special roasting process.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful in answering your questions. If you have any ideas or questions, we look forward to your comment here on the travel blog.

Do you have any street food or restaurant tips for Singapore?

Have you been to Singapore and indulged in food throughout the city like I did? I'm curious about the dining and restaurant tips you have for me.

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