The quest to find the best hawker centers in Singapore is enthusiastically debated, and you can question ten different people and get ten different answers. Because Singaporeans are so passionate about their food, the only way to figure out which hawker centre is the greatest is to visit them all.
For the uninformed, hawker centers in Singapore are essentially enormous food courts with vendors lining the perimeter providing anything from entire meals to snacks and drinks. Local meals are frequently available, as well as flavours from around the world, such as Chinese, Malay, Indian, and western cuisines. The atmosphere is lively and the food is inexpensive!
Eating lunch in a crowded hawker centre isn’t exactly a fine dining experience, but it is a genuine Singaporean experience not to be missed.
We’ve prepared this list, which includes addresses, menu suggestions, and a price breakdown to help you taste test the best hawker centers in Singapore…
The 6 Best Hawker Centers In Singapore
Maxwell Food Centre
Location: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore
Maxwell Road Food Centre, located in Chinatown, is unquestionably one of the greatest places in Singapore to go for affordable Singapore-style Chinese food. The famous Hainanese chicken and rice, as well as the fried oyster omelette and substantial fish soup, are all must-try meals.
There are over 100 stalls, however sitting is limited, so you may have to wait for a seat during busy hours (during lunchtimes on weekdays). A plate of rice and chicken or a bowl of noodles will likely cost less than $S4, although vendors offering grilled meat and specialty seafood will price around $S8-10 for some items.
You must try the Chee cheong fun ($S2.50 to $S4), Famous Queens Briyani ($S10 to $S12), Heng Heng Ondeh Ondeh & Tapioca Cake ($S3 to $S6) and Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake ($S2 to $S3).
Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre
Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
This 120-year-old structure is made up of massive cast-iron frames that were originally transported from Scotland. It is located in the heart of the Central Business District, within walking distance from Chinatown and Marina Bay. Because the space is so large, expect to find a diverse selection of cuisines from around the world. Due to its proximity to the CBD and recent refurbishment, prices are slightly inflated, although most basic rice and noodle dishes cost approximately $S5-7. Telok Ayer Market is another name for it.
We recommend Thunder Tea Rice ($S5.50) or Mamacitas’ Costa Rican food such as Burrito ($S7.90) and Krispy Tavcos ($S6.90)
Newton Food Centre
Location: 500 Clemenceau Ave. N., S229495
This crowded hawker centre, just a short drive (or walk) from Orchard Road, may look recognizable thanks to its appearance in Crazy Rich Asians. Here, seafood stalls abound (and most are excellent), and there’s a vast range of food to sample.
Some crowd favourites are Soon Wah Fishball Kway Teow Mee ($S5), Hup Kee Fried Oyster Omelette ($S6) and Guan Kee Grill Seafood BBQ sambal stingray ($S12/$S15/$S20).
Ghim Moh Market and Food Centre
Location: 20 Ghim Moh Rd., S270020
This renowned eating place in the west is hidden from most tourists and bustles with activity from morning to late afternoon. It serves boneless braised duck, appam (fermented rice pancakes), fried prawn mee, and peanut pancakes, attracting a mix of students, surrounding neighbours, and active hikers refuelling while travelling the nearby 15-mile Green Corridor nature route. It’s also a great spot to see new-generation hawkers continuing their families’ traditions.
You might want to try out the centre’s Chuan Kee Duck Rice ($3, $4, $5), Kong Shang Hua Wanton Noodles ($3, $3.50, $4) and Guan Kee Fried Kway Teow ($3, $4, $5).
Old Airport Road Food Centre
Location: Block 51, Old Airport Road, Geyland, Singapore
This 30-year-old food centre, located just outside the city center and not particularly well-frequented by visitors, is largely regarded by residents as the best hawker centre in Singapore, both in terms of value and, more importantly, flavor.
Satay noodles, char kway teow (a noodle dish), and rojak (an Indonesian fruit/vegetable salad) are all popular dishes. Prices are comparable to those found in the rest of Singapore’s hawker centres, with a simple noodle soup costing less than $S5 – however larger meat-based dishes can cost up to $S10.
Try out their Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow ($S3 and $S4) or the Toa Payoh Rojak ($S3.50 to $4.50).
Amoy Street Food Centre
Location: 7 Maxwell Rd., S069111
This bustling food centre in the heart of the city is home to a mix of traditional hawkers, Michelin Bib Gourmand awardees (selected by the French tire company for serving “great food at reasonable prices”), and new-generation hawker staples like A Fishball Story’s Singapore-style ramen with handmade fishballs. There are a variety of dishes to try, including sliced fish soup, vadai (fried Indian snacks), mee goreng, and rice dumplings. Avoid going during noon, when the nearby office throng converges for their favourite hawker fare.
Some of the must-try dishes are Hoo Kee Rice Dumplings ($3 for original, $4 – $5 for salted egg yolk or mushrooms) and Amoy Street Fried Kway Teow ($S4 or $S5).
