Eat Like a Local: Discover the 10 Must-Try Hawker Centers in Singapore

Eat like a local and savor the flavors of this vibrant city-state. Don't miss out on these must-visit. Look no further than our highly recommended list of the 10 must-try hawker centers!

What is an hawker center ?

A hawker center is a type of food court commonly found in Singapore and Malaysia. It is a place where many different food stalls (called "hawkers") gather in a single location to sell a wide variety of affordable and delicious food.

Hawker centers typically offer a range of cuisines, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western, and the food is often cooked fresh and served hot. Some popular dishes include Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, satay, and roti prata.

Hawker centers are known for their bustling and lively atmosphere, as well as their affordability. They are a popular dining option for locals and tourists alike, and are often considered a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the vibrant food culture of Singapore and Malaysia.

Why is it so popular in Singapore ?

The hawker center culture is popular in Singapore and Malaysia for several reasons.

Firstly, hawker centers offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable food, making them accessible to people from all walks of life. This means that people from different socioeconomic backgrounds can enjoy the same quality of food at reasonable prices.

Hawker centers are known for their vibrant and bustling atmosphere, with a wide range of aromas and flavors wafting through the air. They are often seen as places where people from different cultures and backgrounds can come together to enjoy good food and conversation.

It is also an important part of the local food culture in Singapore and Malaysia. Many of the hawker stalls have been passed down through generations, and are often run by families who have perfected their recipes over many years. This means that the food is often prepared with great care and attention to detail, using traditional methods and recipes that have been honed over time.

Finally, hawker centers are an important part of the local economy, providing employment opportunities for many people. They are often seen as a symbol of the entrepreneurial spirit of Singapore and Malaysia, as many of the hawker stall owners have built successful businesses from humble beginnings.

By the way, when did it all begin ?

The hawker center culture has its roots in the street food culture that has existed in Singapore and Malaysia for centuries. Street food vendors have been selling food in the region since the early days of settlement, with early Chinese migrants setting up food stalls to cater to the growing population.

The modern hawker center as we know it today began to take shape in the 1960s, when the Singapore government began to regulate and formalize the street food industry. At the time, street food vendors were operating in unsanitary and crowded conditions, and the government saw the need to improve food hygiene and safety standards.

To address these issues, the government began building purpose-built hawker centers, which provided a hygienic and regulated environment for food vendors to operate. Over time, hawker centers became an integral part of Singapore and Malaysia's food culture, with people from all walks of life gathering to enjoy a wide variety of delicious and affordable food.

Today, hawker centers remain an important part of Singapore and Malaysia's food culture, and are a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the vibrant street food scene in the region.

You should know this..Hawker centers in Singapore have been recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide, with several stalls receiving Michelin stars for their excellent food.

In recent years, Michelin has recognized the quality of food in Singapore's hawker centers, and has awarded Michelin stars to several hawker stalls in the city-state. The Michelin Guide is a prestigious publication that rates restaurants and food establishments around the world, and receiving a Michelin star is considered a mark of culinary excellence.

In 2016, the Michelin Guide Singapore was launched, and for the first time, hawker stalls were included in the guide. Two hawker stalls were awarded one Michelin star in the inaugural edition of the guide: Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle, and Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle.

Since then, several other hawker stalls in Singapore have also received Michelin stars, including Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, which became the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant when it was awarded a star in 2016.

The recognition of hawker stalls in the Michelin Guide has helped to raise the profile of Singapore's hawker culture, and has brought greater attention to the quality and variety of food on offer in hawker centers around the city-state.

When visiting Singapore, there are several must-visit hawker centers that offer an authentic taste of the city-state's diverse food culture. Here are a few of the most popular hawker centers and why you should visit them

• Chinatown

Chinatown in Singapore is a great place to experience the city-state's rich cultural heritage, and it is also home to several popular hawker centers. Here's some information on three of the most popular hawker centers in Chinatown.

1. Chinatown complex

   Located in the heart of Chinatown, this hawker center is one of the largest in Singapore, with over 260 food stalls one is well-known among Singaporeans and residents from all over the island. It is known for its affordable prices and wide variety of food options, including some of the best fish soup, delicious dumplings, coffee, desserts and Hokkien mee in the city. The center is also a great place to try some of Singapore's iconic dishes, such as Hainanese chicken rice and laksa.

   
   

   
   

   

   
   2. Hong Lim Food Center
   Located just a short walk from Chinatown MRT, this hawker center is known for its excellent food and bustling atmosphere. Some popular stalls which you should not miss are Tai Wah Pork Noodle, Fuzhou Oyster Cake, Crispy Curry Puffs and Wonton noodles. The center is also home to a wet market, where you can find a wide variety of fresh seafood, meat, and produce in the mornings.
   
   

   

   
   3. People’s Park Hawker Center

   Located in the heart of Chinatown, this hawker center is known for its wide variety of food options, including some of the best dim sums, Mala Hot pot, roasted duck rice, and dumplings in the city. The center is also a great place to try some of the city's street food favorites, such as oyster omelets and BBQ pork buns.
   

   

   
   

• Old Airport Road
  The Old Airport Road Hawker Centre is a popular hawker centre located in a former airport terminal in the Geylang area of Singapore. It is known for its wide variety of food stalls, including some of the best oyster omelets and carrot cake in the city. The center has been around for over 40 years and is a beloved institution among locals and tourists alike.
  

  Some of the most popular stalls at the Old Airport Road Hawker Centre include Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee, which serves up delicious Hokkien-style fried noodles, and Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wanton Mee, which is known for its flavorful wanton mee (noodles with pork and shrimp dumplings). Other popular stalls include Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow, which serves up tasty fried rice noodles, and Song Zhou Luo Bo Gao, which specializes in radish cakes. You should not miss on Rojak, the famous Old airport fried oysters, Lor Mee and some Popiahs :)
  

  One of the unique features of the Old Airport Road Hawker Centre is its open-air design, which allows for a comfortable and breezy dining experience even in Singapore's humid weather. The center also has a spacious seating area with plenty of tables and chairs, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family.
  

  Overall, the Old Airport Road Hawker Centre is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the vibrant street food culture of Singapore, and to try some of the city's most iconic dishes.

  

  
  

• Newton Hawker Centre

  A popular hawker center located in the central region of Singapore, near the Newton MRT station. It is a large and bustling center with over 100 food stalls, and is particularly known for its seafood offerings.
  

  Some of the most popular dishes at Newton Hawker Centre include chili crab, black pepper crab, BBQ stingray, and satay. There are also plenty of other food options available, including Indian and Chinese dishes, and a variety of refreshing beverages to quench your thirst.
  

  One of the unique features of Newton Hawker Centre is its open-air design, which allows for a lively and bustling atmosphere. The center is particularly popular in the evenings, when the crowds gather to enjoy their meals and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
  

  However, it's worth noting that the prices at Newton Hawker Centre tend to be a bit higher compared to other hawker centers in Singapore, due to its popularity and location. Nevertheless, it is still a great place to try some of Singapore's iconic dishes and experience the city's vibrant street food culture.
  

  Lively and bustling atmosphere of one of the city's most iconic hawker centers which is worth the visit !
  

  

  
  

• Maxwell Food Center
  Also located in the Chinatown area of Singapore. It has a long history, dating back to the 1950s, and is known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere.

  Maxwell Food Centre has over 100 food stalls, serving up a variety of local and international cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, which has won numerous awards and is considered by many to be the best chicken rice in Singapore, and Zhen Zhen Porridge, which serves up comforting bowls of hot porridge with various toppings.
  

  Other popular stalls at Maxwell Food Centre include Fuzhou Oyster Cake, which serves up crispy and savory oyster fritters, and Jin Hua Sliced Fish Bee Hoon, which is known for its rich and flavorful fish soup.
  

  One of the unique features of Maxwell Food Centre is its location, which is situated near many of Singapore's top tourist attractions, such as Chinatown and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. The center is also easily accessible by public transport, making it a convenient stop for visitors to the city.
  
  Maxwell Food Centre also has a wet market on the ground floor, which sells a variety of fresh produce, seafood, and meats. Visitors can explore the market and purchase ingredients to take home, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of a bustling local market.
  

  Since this hawker center is located in the heart of Chinatown, which is a vibrant and historic neighbourhood with plenty of attractions and things to do. Visitors can explore the streets and alleys of Chinatown, visit cultural landmarks such as the Sri Mariamman Temple, and shop for souvenirs and gifts at the nearby street markets.
  

  

  
  

• Tiong Bahru

  This hawker center is known for its wide variety of local and international cuisine, as well as its vibrant and bustling atmosphere. It features over 80 food stalls that offer a range of dishes, from traditional Singaporean food like Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, and laksa, to international favourites like Korean BBQ and Japanese ramen.

  
  The prices at Tiong Bahru Hawker Centre are reasonable, with most dishes costing around S$3 to S$6. The hawker centre is open daily from early morning to late evening, and it can get quite crowded during peak hours. So, if you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to go during off-peak hours.
  
  Tiong Bahru is known for its famous Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, chwee kueh, Wonton mee, fried Oyster Omelette, Lor Mee, Milo Dinosaur Ice Kachang.
  

• Adam Food Center
  The hawker centre was officially opened in 1973 and quickly became a popular food destination in the Adam Road neighbourhood. It is also known for its role in Singapore's food culture. Many famous local food stalls have operated at the hawker centre, including Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak, which has won multiple awards for its delicious nasi lemak.

  
  It features over 30 food stalls that offer a range of dishes, from traditional Singaporean food like chicken rice, laksa to Indian rojak and Murtabak

  
  The hawker centre is open daily from early morning to late evening, and it can get quite crowded during peak hours

  

• Amoy Food Center
  One of the most popular stalls at Amoy Street Food Centre is the famous A Noodle Story, which serves up a unique fusion of Singaporean and Japanese flavors in its ramen dishes. Other must-try dishes include the oyster omelette, kaya toast, and fried dumplings.

  Amoy Street Food Centre is also known for its clean and modern facilities, making it a comfortable and convenient place to enjoy a meal. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and can get quite crowded during peak hours.
  
  Amoy Street Food Centre has a rich history and is one of the oldest hawker centres in Singapore, having been established in 1983. It's located in a charming and historic part of the city, surrounded by beautiful colonial-era buildings and quaint shophouses.
  

  One unique feature of Amoy Street Food Centre is its rooftop garden, which was added in 2017 as part of an initiative to promote sustainable urban living. The garden features a variety of herbs and vegetables, which are used by some of the food stalls in their dishes.
  
  In addition to its delicious food offerings, Amoy Street Food Centre also hosts a variety of cultural events and performances throughout the year. This includes the annual Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, which features lantern-making workshops, traditional performances, and of course, plenty of mooncakes to enjoy.
  

  

• Ang Mo Kio

  Ang Mo Kio has several hawker centers where you can enjoy delicious and affordable local food. One of the most popular hawker centres in Ang Mo Kio is the Ang Mo Kio Central Market and Food Centre. This bustling food centre is home to more than 200 food stalls serving a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Hokkien mee and char kway teow to modern fusion creations like salted egg yolk pasta.
  
  Another hawker centre worth visiting in Ang Mo Kio is the Chong Boon Market & Food Centre. This smaller and more intimate food centre offers a range of local delicacies like chicken rice, prawn noodles, and bak chor mee.

  For those who are looking for a more upscale dining experience, the Broadway Plaza Food Court is a good option. This air-conditioned food court offers a more comfortable setting and features a range of stalls selling local and international cuisines.
  

  

• Chomp Chomp Food Center
  It's well-known among locals and tourists alike for its delicious street food offerings, lively atmosphere, and open-air seating located in Serangoon Gardens area in Singapore.
  
  One of the most famous dishes at Chomp Chomp Food Centre is the barbecued stingray, which is cooked to perfection on a charcoal grill and served with sambal chili sauce. Other must-try dishes include the Hokkien mee, satay, oyster omelette, and chicken wings.
  

  In addition to its food offerings, Chomp Chomp Food Centre is also a great place to soak up the local culture and atmosphere. The open-air seating area is always buzzing with activity, and you'll often find groups of friends and families gathered around the food stalls enjoying a meal together.
  
  It is also known for its late-night dining scene, as many of the food stalls stay open until the early hours of the morning. This makes it a popular spot for supper, especially on weekends when the crowds tend to be larger.
  
  The food centre has undergone renovations in recent years to improve its facilities and enhance the dining experience for visitors. However, it still retains its old-school charm and rustic ambiance, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
  

  

• Tekka Center
  Tekka Centre, also known as Tekka Market, is a vibrant and bustling hawker centre located in the Little India neighborhood of Singapore. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of affordable and delicious food options.
  

  One of the most popular dishes at Tekka Centre is the Indian-Muslim style biryani, which is served with fragrant rice and a variety of meat and vegetable toppings. Other must-try dishes include the crispy prata, fish head curry, and chicken rice.
  
  In addition to its food offerings, Tekka Centre is also a great place to shop for fresh produce, spices, and traditional Indian goods. The market has a wide variety of stalls selling everything from fruits and vegetables to textiles and jewelry.
  
  Also known for its lively and colourful atmosphere, with vendors calling out to customers and bargaining for the best prices. The market is particularly crowded on weekends and public holidays, when locals come to shop and socialize with friends and family.
  

  Apart from the Indian-Muslim cuisine, there are also several other food options available at Tekka Centre. You can try Chinese-style rojak, Malay-style nasi lemak, or even Western-style burgers and fries.
  

  

• Lau Pa Sat
  Known as Telok Ayer Market, is a historic and iconic hawker centre located in the heart of Singapore's central business district. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of delicious and affordable food options.
  

  One of the most popular dishes at Lau Pa Sat is the satay, which is grilled meat skewers served with a savory peanut sauce. Other must-try dishes include the Hokkien mee, oyster omelette, and chicken rice.
  
  Lau Pa Sat is also known for its impressive architecture and design. The market features a unique octagonal shape and Victorian-style cast iron columns, which were imported from Glasgow in the late 19th century.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article on Singapore's hawker centres. We hope that you found it informative and helpful in planning your next food adventure in Singapore.

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