Singapore is a true paradise for food lovers, offering a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan flavors. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for the tenth, its vibrant hawker centres will always surprise you with something new and unforgettable. Here are the top 10 iconic Singapore street foods every visitor must try to truly experience the island’s culinary soul.
1 – Hainanese Chicken Rice
Often called Singapore’s national dish, this simple yet flavorful meal combines tender poached chicken, fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, and a trio of sauces – chilli, ginger, and soy. You’ll find it in almost every hawker centre, but the taste differs from stall to stall.
2 – Chilli Crab
A world-famous seafood delight, chilli crab features fresh crab wok-cooked in a sweet, spicy, and tangy tomato-based sauce. Don’t forget to dip the fried mantou (buns) into the rich gravy – that’s where the magic is.
3 – Laksa
This spicy coconut curry noodle soup is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors. With its creamy broth, rice noodles, shrimp, and sambal, Laksa warms the stomach and excites the taste buds in a single sip.
4 – Char Kway Teow
A smoky wok-fried noodle dish, Char Kway Teow blends flat rice noodles, eggs, Chinese sausage, prawns, and bean sprouts. The best versions have the perfect wok hei – the charred aroma that only comes from a seasoned wok.
5 – Satay
These skewers of grilled, marinated meat are served with a fragrant peanut sauce, rice cakes, and fresh cucumber. Satay is the ultimate street snack and a favorite at night markets across Singapore.
6 – Hokkien Mee
This noodle dish is a flavorful mix of egg noodles and rice noodles cooked in a rich prawn stock. Served with sambal and lime, Hokkien Mee offers an addictive combination of seafood flavor and smoky goodness.
7 – Roti Prata
A beloved Indian-influenced dish, Roti Prata is a crispy, flaky flatbread typically served with fish or curry sauce. You can enjoy it plain, or try modern variations with cheese, eggs, or even chocolate.
8 – Kaya Toast
A classic Singapore breakfast, Kaya Toast features lightly toasted bread filled with kaya – a sweet coconut jam. Pair it with runny soft-boiled eggs and local kopi for an authentic Singaporean morning.
9 – Bak Kut Teh
This aromatic pork rib soup is simmered for hours with garlic, pepper, and herbs. Served with rice, dough fritters, and soy sauce with chilli, Bak Kut Teh is comfort food at its finest.
10 – Oyster Omelette (Orh Luak)
Crispy yet gooey, this omelette combines eggs, starch, and fresh oysters, fried until golden and served with a tangy chilli sauce. It’s rich, indulgent, and unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1 – Where can I find the best hawker food in Singapore?
Popular spots include Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, Chinatown Complex, Tiong Bahru Market, and Newton Food Centre. Each one offers dozens of iconic Singapore dishes.
2 – Is street food in Singapore safe to eat?
Yes. Singapore maintains strict food safety regulations, and hawker centres are clean and well-organized. It’s widely considered one of the safest street food destinations in the world.
3 – How much does hawker food usually cost?
Most dishes range from SGD 4 to SGD 8, making hawker centres an affordable way to explore local cuisine.
4 – Are there vegetarian options in hawker centres?
Absolutely. Many stalls offer vegetarian or vegan versions of local favorites, such as vegetarian bee hoon, curry rice, and plant-based satay.
5 – What time of day is best for visiting hawker centres?
Mornings are perfect for breakfast classics like Kaya Toast and Roti Prata. Evenings bring the liveliest atmosphere, especially for dishes like Satay and Char Kway Teow.