Singapore Street Food: Guide to Must-Try Eats in 2023

Singapore is a food paradise. The city-state is primarily known for its hawker culture, which has shaped Singapore's identity as a food destination. This guide will introduce you to 10 must-try eats in the city!

Singapore is a melting pot of various cultures. It's best reflected in the food served by many hawker centers and street food stalls throughout the city-state. So whether you're craving Malay, Chinese, or Indian cuisines, you’ll find many that serve them here. 

Aside from its rich, unique flavors, Singapore street food is also known for being extremely affordable! This is fantastic news for foodies traveling on a budget.

From rice and noodles to seafood and curry, the street food in Singapore has them all. For a different side of the city, you can also experience Singapore’s nightlife. But first, head to these best food destinations in Singapore. Relish the most affordable yet delicious dishes you’ll find in the world’s most expensive city!

Best Street Foods in Singapore & Where to Find Them

Prepare to start the best culinary journey of your life. This one-stop guide shares some of the best street foods in Singapore and the best Singapore hawker centers that offer them. If you’d like to learn about Singapore through its food, this Singapore food tour is a must-try!

10. Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hands down, Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of the most popular Singapore street food staples. Many would even consider it Singapore's national food!

Whether or not you agree, there's no denying that it's one delicious chicken dish. It’s sold at surprisingly affordable prices in most hawker centers. The delightful broth fuses with moist and tender chicken meat.

The aroma of ginger and pandan over a bowl of rice makes it a truly hearty meal. Remember to enjoy yours with the ginger dip and chili sauce!

For the best Hainanese chicken rice in Singapore, visit Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Center. Here, you can get Michelin-rated food for just $5 a plate!

9. Kaya Toast

Another street food that has become synonymous with Singapore is kaya toast. It's a breakfast staple in Singapore, served with soft-boiled eggs and local coffee, known as kopi.

Toasted bread slices are lightly buttered and spread with kaya, a sweet coconut jam.

It's a simple yet ultra-comforting meal. There's nothing better to start your day than this! For the best kaya toast, visit any branch of Ya Kun Kaya Toast or Toast Box in Singapore.

8. Singapore Laksa

Laksa is a dish of rice vermicelli noodles in a sweet and spicy soup. The thick and creamy broth is made from chili and coconut milk. The dish also uses various spices, such as galangal, turmeric, and coriander. It's often served with seafood, bean sprouts, and fish cakes. 

For the best laksa in Singapore, visit 328 Katong Laksa at East Coast Road. Each serving costs just $5, but you can get a larger serving for $7. It also has other branches across Singapore. Sip on a hearty bowl of laksa on a rainy day or any time of the year!

7. Singapore Chili Crab

You can’t go to Singapore and not try its world-famous chili crab! Delicious crabs are cooked in a signature chili sauce made with tomato paste, vinegar, sambal chili, and egg. If you’re planning a trip with friends, this dish is perfect for sharing.

Prepare to get your hands dirty, as you won't be able to resist the tender crab meat and sweet, savory chili. The dish is served with crispy fried buns known as mantou, so you'll have something to scoop out the amazingly rich sauce!

You won't need to dine at expensive Chinese restaurants for the best Singapore chili crab.

You can visit 31 Heng Heng BBQ in Newton Food Center for mouth-watering chili crabs at $35 per order. It's a higher price for hawker food, but it's one of the most affordable chili crabs you can get at this quality.

6. Roti Prata

Roti prata is another breakfast staple in Singapore street food stalls and hawker centers. 

Roti prata originated in South India. Its popularity is another testament to Singapore’s multicultural identity. This dish is flatbread fried on the griddle with all kinds of sweet and savory toppings. You'll also find it served alongside curry or other dishes.

For the best roti prata in Singapore, visit Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s at 300 Joo Chiat Road. The price ranges from $1.20 to $5 each, depending on your choice of fillings and toppings. Expect a long queue since it's a very popular stall!

If you’re craving more Indian cuisine in Singapore, I highly suggest this Little India food tour. 

5. Nasi Lemak

Another dish you must try at hawker centers in Singapore is nasi lemak. It's a traditional Malay dish with coconut rice, fried chicken, eggs, and peanuts. It's a savory and spicy meal that you can enjoy any time of day.

Nasi lemak is a simple yet filling dish. There’s an abundance of food stalls serving it in Singapore. For the best nasi lemak, visit Ponggol Nasi Lemak on Tanjong Katong Road. You can also find many hawkers selling this dish at Changi Village Food Center.

4. Satay

Add satay to your list of must-try eats in Singapore. It's crowned as one of the best street foods in Singapore, and there are many places where you can enjoy this delicious dish.

Satay is a beloved hawker food, with tender and flavorful grilled meat on skewers. You can try a mix of chicken, pork, and mutton satay. It’s served with a rich peanut dipping sauce that makes it addictive! 

Visit Geylang Lorong 29 and look for the family-run hawker stall serving what many consider the best satay in Singapore! The satay prices range from 80 cents to $1.60 per stick!

3. Char Kway Teow

You won’t have tried the best street food in Singapore if you haven’t ordered char kway teow. It's a dish found in most hawker centers. Flat rice noodles are stir-fried with soy sauce, prawns, egg, and bean sprouts. Indulge yourself in umami goodness with this delicious meal!

You'll find stalls serving the best char kway teow in Singapore at Amoy Street Food Center and Tiong Bahru Food Center. Each serving can cost between $3 to $7.

2. Hokkien Mee

Another plate of stir-fried goodness that Singaporeans love is Hokkien mee. It's a mixture of two types of noodles, cooked with ingredients such as pork belly strips, eggs, and seafood. It's a fan favorite in many hawker centers in Singapore.

Make sure to squeeze a lime in and add some sambal chili before digging into a plate of this dish. It’s sure to elevate the flavor! For the best Hokkien mee in Singapore, visit the Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Noodles stall in Chomp Chomp Food Centre. 

1. Chee Cheong Fun

Chee cheong fun is a popular dish in local food stalls in Singapore. It’s made of thick rice noodle sheets expertly rolled up and stuffed with ingredients like shrimp and pork. This comforting dish is tasty and convenient to eat. 

For the best chee cheong fun, visit Duo Ji Chee Cheong Fun or Chef Leung’s Authentic Hand-Milled Rice Noodle Rolls at Chinatown Complex. This food tour is highly recommended for more culinary discoveries in Singapore’s Chinatown! 

Get a Taste of Singapore With Pilot!

Singapore street food will satisfy even those with discerning taste buds. The best part about Singapore hawker food is that it’s affordable, so you can indulge without breaking your travel budget. Get ready for a taste of Singapore with Pilot!