Singapore is known as a food haven by many. As a multiracial and multicultural country, we are blessed with a huge variety of food from all around the world.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the best places to experience authentic local dishes are at the best hawker centres where our favourite food is priced at its lowest.
At Discover SG, we have rounded up the best hawker centres offering popular local dishes you can find in Singapore.
1. Geylang Serai Food Centre
If you love spicy food or the Malay culture, you’re in for a treat at Geylang Serai Food Centre.
Alongside the huge range of Indonesian and Malay food vendors, this place also sells traditional clothing and fresh produce.
The Haijah Mona, a nasi padang stall, serves a huge variety of dishes like the must-try beef rendang and fried tempeh.
Also, try the classic homemade Chendol dessert from Cendol Geylang Serai to end your meal on a refreshing note.
Geylang Serai Food Centre
Address: 1 Geylang Serai, S402001
Stalls to try:
Cendol Geylang Serai: #02-107
Hajjah Mona Nasi Padang: #02-166
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar
2. Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Located in the heart of Chinatown, this five-storey building comprises of 226 cooked food stalls serving mainly Chinese food, and 477 market stalls selling anything from clothing to ancestral worship items.
Loved by both locals and tourists, Chinatown Complex is one of the biggest, busiest, and best hawker centres in Singapore. It also offers dishes at their cheapest prices.
Recommended food stalls include Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice, Tian Tian Pork Porridge and Xiu Ji (Ikan Bilis) Yong Tau Fu.
From the spectacular claypot rice to flavourful Cantonese pork porridge, Chinatown Complex is definitely worth a trip. You’ll get to experience the best local food across dialects and cuisines.
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Address: 335 Smith Street, S050335
Stalls to try:
Lian He Ben Ji Claypot: #02-198
Xiu Ji (Ikan Bilis) Yong Tau Fu: #02-88
Tian Tian Pork Porridge: #02-185
Nearest MRT: Chinatown
3. Maxwell Road Hawker Centre
Looking for a convenient and affordable location to grab a bite around CBD area? Maxwell Road Hawker Centre is the place!
This place is known for its excellent and cheap local fares.
Aside from the famous Tian Tian Chicken Rice, the other regular favourites are Lim Kee Banana Fritters, Fuzhou Oyster Cake and Special Shanghai Tim-Sum. Dig into delectable small bites, such as juicy pan-fried dumplings and crispy oyster cake.
As this hawker centre tends to get really crowded during lunch hour, you should try and avoid that period or drop by earlier to score a seat.
Maxwell Road Hawker Centre
Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, S060000
Stalls to try:
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice: #01-10
Special Shanghai Tim Sum: #01-92
Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake: #01-05
Nearest MRT: Chinatown
4. Old Airport Road Hawker Centre
Voted the best hawker centre in Singapore, Old Airport Road Hawker Centre is the one-stop location to satisfy all your cravings for local dishes.
It houses the highest number of famous food stalls in the city, such as the legendary Nam Sing Hokkien Noodle, Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow, and Toa Payoh Rojak.
Please note that many shops tend to close in the late afternoon. So head over early to avoid disappointment.
Old Airport Road Hawker Centre
Address: 51 Old Airport Road, S 390051
Stalls to try:
Nam Sing Hokkien Mee: #01-32
Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow: #01-12
Toa Payoh Rojak: #01-16
Nearest MRT: Dakota
5. Whampoa Food Centre & Hawker Centre
The Whampoa Food Centre and Hawker Centre is actually three complexes; a wet market, a morning market and a night market.
From traditional handmade dried ban mian to the famous Singapore Hokkien Noodle, you will definitely leave this place feeling satiated.
Remember to order a plate of Ah Hock Oyster Omelette or a bowl of silky smooth traditional soya beancurd to end the meal on a good note.
Additionally, this market is one of the few places in Singapore that operates till late night.
Whampoa Food Centre and Hawker Centre
Address: 90/91 Whampoa Drive, Singapore 320090
Stalls to try:
China Whampoa Home Made Noodles: Blk 91 #01-24
Whampoa Soya Bean and Grass Jelly: Blk 91 #01-52
Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee: Blk 90 #01-32
Nearest MRT: Newton/Farrer Park
From local favourites like Hokkien mee and chicken rice to spicy dishes such as curry and biryani, you are spoilt for choice at each of these best hawker centres. Share this with your friends so you can all go on a food haunt together! Let us know which is your favorite stall while you’re at it.
Header Image Source: GoingplacesSingapore
Also, read Blast From The Past: 7 Nostalgic Old-School Food Spots That Your Grandparents Dined At
