Singapore, one of the world’s most expensive cities, is a hub of mixing culture and cuisines. Beyond its striking blend of futuristic architecture, and efficient public transportation, street foods in Singapore are celebrated worldwide as a melting pot where the diverse tastes and flavors from every corner of the globe, mostly from Asia, surprisingly unite.

In Singapore tourism packages, while discovering vibrant food culture and modernity, its street food hawker centers stand out as louder hubs of culinary diversity where you can find an incredible variety of delicious and affordable dishes. These centers bring together flavors from different cultures, providing a variety of foods ranging from savory snacks to sweet desserts. Whether you’re craving a traditional Singaporean platter or something more adventurous, the hawker centers are the perfect place to explore and enjoy the best street food in Singapore, and explore some of the best places to visit in Singapore.

What is a Hawker Center and What Can You Expect?

A hawker center in Singapore is an open-air food court featuring a vast variety of stalls, each offering different culinary delights. It was established in 1965 to relocate street vendors into more organized spaces. These centers are now bustling hubs where both locals and tourists gather to enjoy affordable, delicious food. Hawker centers often have several floors and shared seating areas, letting visitors try different dishes from many stalls in a lively and social setting.

Hawker centers are famous for their variety, offering many Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, and Peranakan dishes in one place, making it a hub for street foods in Singapore. The small portions allow diners to try multiple dishes in one meal, making it perfect for those who love to explore different flavors. Whether you’re eating alone or with friends and family, hawker centers allow you to taste authentic Asian food, often made from old family recipes. Once you experience the taste of a hawker center, you’ll find it hard to dine anywhere else.

Now, let’s explore some of the best places to visit in Singapore to unravel the finest street food hawker centers:

Amoy Street Food Centre

Location: 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111

Situated in the bustling Central Business District, Amoy Street Food Centre has been a beloved spot for both office workers and food lovers since its opening in 1983. This two-story hawker center is known for its wide range of stalls that mix traditional Singaporean dishes with modern foods. You can enjoy affordable, high-quality meals here, from old favorites like ‘Char Kway Teow’ to new items like ‘ramen’ and ‘muffins.’ A must-try is ‘A Noodle Story’, offering Singapore-style ramen that uses local ingredients and Japanese cooking methods. Another popular dish is ‘Han Kee Fish Soup’, famous for its fresh fish and tasty broth.

Favorites: A Noodle Story, Han Kee Fish Soup, Famous Crispy Curry Puff

Chomp Chomp Food Centre

Location: 20 Kensington Park Rd, Singapore 557269

Nestled in the lively Serangoon Gardens neighborhood, Chomp Chomp Food Centre has been an iconic culinary landmark in Singapore since its opening in 1972. It originally started with 36 stalls, and now has over 40, each offering a unique and authentic taste of the best street food in Singapore. Despite its modest size compared to other hawker centers, Chomp Chomp is the go-to spot for late-night diners, thanks to its extended hours. Over the years, it has undergone significant renovations, notably in 1984 and 2015, to cater to an increasing population of food enthusiasts. The center is particularly famous for its fantastic barbecue dishes when compared to the other options of street foods in Singapore.

Favorites: Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Noodles, Grilled Sambal Stingray, Carrot Cake from Chomp Chomp Carrot Cake

Tekka Centre

Location: 60 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229900 

One of the best street food in Singapore is situated in the vibrant Little India district, Tekka Centre is a multicultural gem offering a diverse range of Indian, Malay, and Chinese dishes. It was originally named “Kandang Kerbau” after its buffalo pens, and is now named after the bamboo that once grew in the area. The bustling atmosphere at Tekka Centre is complemented by a variety of hawker stalls, many of which are Muslim-owned or halal-certified. On the upper floor, you’ll find ethnic garments and accessories, while the ground floor is renowned for its culinary delights. It is highly famous for its aromatic and richly spiced biryani, and Azmi Restaurant’s Murtabak, featuring layers of flaky dough filled with savory meats and spices.

Favorites: Allauddin’s Briyani, Azmi Restaurant’s Murtabak, Temasek Indian Rojak

Tiong Bahru Market

Location: 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898.

Located in a charming heritage neighborhood known for its Art Deco-style apartments, Tiong Bahru Market offers a delightful mix of traditional and modern culinary experiences. This historic market is renowned for its local delights, such as delicious Wanton Mee (egg noodles with dumplings) and Chwee Kueh (steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish). Don’t miss the famous roasted pork buns at Tiong Bahru Pau or the must-try Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice, featuring tender chicken and fragrant rice. After sampling these local favorites, head to one of the many modern cafes in the area for a perfect coffee and dessert to complete your journey for the best street food in Singapore.

Favorites: Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice, Jian Bo Shui Kueh, Tiong Bahru Lor Mee

Chinatown Complex Food Centre

Location: 335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335 

Formerly known as Kreta Ayer Complex and originally built in 1981, Chinatown Complex Food Center has grown to become the largest hawker center for street foods in Singapore. It started with over 300 stalls and after renovations, it has expanded to around 700, with more than 250 on the second floor dedicated to cooked food. This bustling hub is so vast that it is divided into different colored zones. Chinatown Complex Food Centre, with its impressive list of over 260 food stalls, is a food lover’s paradise.

Favorites: Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, Zhao An Granny Grass Jelly, Xiu Ji Ikan Bilis Yong Tau Fu

Conclusion

Singapore’s street food hawker centers are more than just places to grab a quick bite – they represent the diverse culture and welcoming atmosphere of Singapore. Whether you’re indulging in the legendary chicken rice at Chinatown Complex Food Centre or sampling the aromatic biryani at Tekka Centre, each bite tells a story of Singapore’s culinary journey. So, the next time you find yourself in this flavoursome paradise, be sure to explore the variety of street foods in Singapore and discover the rich tapestry of flavors that make Singapore truly unique.