10 Singapore Street Food Dishes That Will Leave You Hungry for More!
- Monster Day Tours
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
Singapore's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry woven from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences. The city-state's street food, often served in hawker centers, represents not just delicious sustenance but a living cultural heritage. From savory delights to sweet treats, Singapore offers an incredible range of flavors that tell the story of its multicultural identity. Join us as we explore ten iconic Singapore street food dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!
1. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
Location: Maxwell Food Centre, 01-10/11, 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (NE4/DT19) or Telok Ayer (DT18)
Often called Singapore's national dish, Hainanese chicken rice is a seemingly simple yet complex culinary masterpiece. At Tian Tian in Maxwell Food Centre, this dish reaches its pinnacle. The chicken is poached to perfection, resulting in tender, succulent meat with a silky texture. The fragrant rice, cooked in chicken stock with ginger and pandan leaves, is just as important as the chicken itself.
What makes Tian Tian special is their attention to detail. The chili sauce, mixed with ginger and lime, provides a perfect accompaniment to cut through the richness. Even the late Anthony Bourdain was a fan! For first-time visitors to Singapore, this dish provides an excellent introduction to the local food scene.
During our Singapore Free Walking Tours, our guides often recommend Tian Tian as a must-visit spot for authentic Hainanese chicken rice. They'll even share insider tips on the best times to visit to avoid the notorious queues!
2. Jumbo Seafood
Location: Multiple outlets, most popular at East Coast Seafood Centre
Address: Blk 1206 East Coast Parkway, 01-07/08, East Coast Seafood Centre, Singapore 449883
Operating Hours: 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM daily
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW5), then take a short taxi ride or bus 401 to East Coast Park
When it comes to Singapore's signature chili crab, Jumbo Seafood has earned its reputation as one of the best places to indulge in this national treasure. The dish features whole mud crabs stir-fried in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy tomato-based sauce that's thickened with beaten eggs.
The magic of chili crab lies in its sauce – thick, flavorful, and perfect for sopping up with fried mantou buns. While it's called "chili" crab, the dish is more sweet than spicy, making it accessible to most palates.
Though not traditionally found in hawker centers (seafood restaurants are more common for this dish), no food journey through Singapore would be complete without trying it. Our Singapore Free Walking Tours often pass near popular seafood districts, and our knowledgeable guides can direct you to the best spots depending on your budget and preferences.
3. 328 Katong Laksa
Location: 51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770
Operating Hours: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM daily
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC8), then take bus 10, 12, 14, or 32 to East Coast Road
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that perfectly exemplifies Singapore's cultural fusion. 328 Katong Laksa has perfected this dish with such finesse that they beat celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay in a cooking showdown – a fact they proudly advertise!
Their laksa features thick rice vermicelli noodles in a rich, spicy coconut broth infused with lemongrass, galangal, and dried shrimp. Topped with prawns, fishcake, cockles, and bean sprouts, each bowl is a flavor explosion. What makes 328 Katong's version special is that the noodles come pre-cut, so you can enjoy the entire dish with just a spoon.
Located in the culturally rich Katong neighborhood, this laksa stall provides not just a meal but a glimpse into the Peranakan culture that has shaped Singapore's food landscape. Our Singapore Free Walking Tours can help you discover more about this fascinating heritage and direct you to authentic culinary experiences.
4. Best Satay
Location: Lau Pa Sat Festival Market (Satay Street)
Address: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Operating Hours: Satay stalls open from 7:00 PM - 2:00 AM daily
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (NS26/EW14)
Satay is Southeast Asia's answer to kebabs – skewered, grilled meat served with a flavorful peanut sauce. In Singapore, you'll find excellent satay at various hawker centers, but one standout is Satay Street, which comes alive at night outside Lau Pa Sat.
Every evening, Boon Tat Street transforms into an open-air satay paradise with numerous vendors setting up their grills. Stalls 7 and 8 (Fatman Satay) are particularly popular among locals. These skewers of marinated chicken, beef, or mutton are grilled over charcoal, giving them a wonderful smoky flavor. The meat is tender and infused with a blend of lemongrass, turmeric, and other spices. The accompanying peanut sauce, with its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, elevates the dish to new heights.
Often served with ketupat (rice cakes), cucumber, and onions, satay makes for a perfect communal dining experience. During our Singapore Free Walking Tours, we often recommend this iconic location where locals gather, ensuring you experience the authentic atmosphere along with the delicious food.
5. Nam Sing Fried Hokkien Mee
Location: Old Airport Road Food Centre, 01-32
Address: 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Thursdays)
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC8)
Hokkien mee is a beloved stir-fried noodle dish that combines two types of noodles – yellow egg noodles and white rice vermicelli. Nam Sing at Old Airport Road Food Centre has been serving one of the best versions since the 1960s.
Their Hokkien mee is fried with prawns, squid, pork belly, and egg in a rich stock made from prawn heads and pork bones. The secret to great Hokkien mee is the stock, which should be absorbed by the noodles, creating a moist but not soggy dish. A squeeze of lime and a dollop of sambal chili paste add the perfect finishing touches.
What makes Nam Sing special is their "dry" style of Hokkien mee, which has less gravy but more intense flavor. It's a testament to how hawker stalls can perfect a single dish over generations. On our Singapore Free Walking Tours, we love sharing these stories of culinary heritage that make Singapore's food scene so special.
6. Outram Park Ya Hua Rou Gu Cha (Bak Kut Teh)
Location: Tanjong Pagar Plaza
Address: Blk 7 Keppel Road, 01-05/07, Singapore 089053
Operating Hours: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW15)
Bak kut teh, which translates to "meat bone tea," is a comforting pork rib soup that's popular for breakfast or dinner. Ya Hua, located near Tanjong Pagar, serves the peppery Teochew-style version that Singapore is famous for.
The dish features pork ribs simmered in a complex broth of garlic, white pepper, salt, and various herbs until the meat falls off the bone. Unlike the herbal Malaysian version, Singapore's bak kut teh emphasizes the pepper component, resulting in a clearer, more peppery soup.
Traditionally served with you tiao (Chinese crullers) for dipping, white rice, and Chinese tea to help digest the rich soup, bak kut teh offers a glimpse into Singapore's Chinese heritage. Our Singapore Free Walking Tours guides can tell you fascinating stories about the origins of this dish and how it became a staple in Singapore's food culture.
7. Mr & Mrs Mohgan's Super Crispy Roti Prata
Location: Tin Yeang Restaurant
Address: 300 Joo Chiat Rd, Tin Yeang Restaurant, Singapore 427551
Operating Hours: 6:30 AM - 1:00 PM (Closed on Wednesday)
Nearest MRT: Potong Pasir (NE10)
Roti prata is Singapore's take on the Indian flatbread paratha, and at Mr & Mrs Mohgan's, it reaches its crispy, flaky potential. This husband-and-wife team has perfected the art of hand-flipping dough until it's paper-thin, then folding it multiple times to create delicate layers.
The plain prata is a masterpiece in itself – crispy on the outside, soft and chewy within. Dipped in the accompanying fish or mutton curry, it's a simple yet satisfying meal. For those with a more adventurous palate, creative variations include egg, cheese, or even chocolate-filled prata.
What makes a great prata is the skill of stretching the dough – something that takes years to perfect. This dish represents the Indian influence on Singapore's culinary landscape, and on our Singapore Free Walking Tours, we explore how these different cultural traditions have blended to create Singapore's unique food identity.
8. Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Location: Multiple outlets, original at Far East Square
Address: 18 China Street, 01-01, Far East Square, Singapore 049560
Operating Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT18)
No culinary journey through Singapore would be complete without trying kaya toast, a beloved breakfast staple. Ya Kun Kaya Toast, a chain that began as a humble coffee stall in 1944, serves one of the most authentic experiences.
The simple yet delicious combination features thin, crisp toast spread with kaya (a sweet coconut and egg jam infused with pandan) and a generous slab of cold butter. It's traditionally served with soft-boiled eggs seasoned with dark soy sauce and white pepper, and accompanied by strong local coffee or tea.
This breakfast set represents Singapore's blend of Western influence (toast and butter) with local flavors (kaya and strong kopi). On our Singapore Free Walking Tours, we often start the day with this classic breakfast, explaining how it became integral to Singapore's food culture and daily routines.
9. Liao Fan Hawker Chan
Location: 78 Smith Street
Address: 78 Smith Street, Singapore 058972
Operating Hours: 10:30 AM - 7:30 PM daily
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (NE4/DT19)
The story of Hawker Chan is legendary – the first hawker stall ever to receive a Michelin star. Although it has since lost the star, the quality of the food remains exceptional. Their signature dish, soya sauce chicken rice, features tender chicken with a perfectly balanced sweet-savory soy sauce glaze that's been refined over decades.
What makes this dish special is its Hong Kong-inspired technique, where the chicken is poached in a complex soy sauce broth and then hung to dry, creating a distinctive texture and flavor profile. The accompanying rice soaks up the same flavorful sauce, making every bite delicious.
Despite international acclaim and expansion, Hawker Chan maintains its humble hawker roots. During our Singapore Free Walking Tours, we love sharing stories of local hawkers like Chan who have elevated Singapore's street food to global recognition, preserving traditional recipes while gaining international acclaim.
10. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle
Location: Crawford Lane
Address: 466 Crawford Lane, 01-12, Singapore 190466
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW11)
Another recipient of the coveted Michelin star, Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle specializes in bak chor mee – minced pork noodles that offer a complex symphony of flavors. The dish features thin or thick noodles tossed in a vinegary, spicy sauce, topped with minced pork, pork liver, pork balls, dumplings, and crispy deep-fried fish.
What sets Tai Hwa apart is their perfectly balanced sauce that combines black vinegar, chili, and a secret blend of other ingredients. The contrasting textures – from the springy noodles to the tender meat and crunchy lard – create a multidimensional eating experience.
Be prepared to queue for this iconic dish, as locals and tourists alike are willing to wait for a taste of perfection. Our Singapore Free Walking Tours guides can share insider tips on the best times to visit to minimize waiting time!
Experience Singapore's Street Food Culture with Monster Day Tours
Reading about these mouth-watering dishes is one thing, but experiencing them firsthand is entirely another. Singapore's hawker centers can be overwhelming for first-time visitors – with hundreds of stalls to choose from, how do you know which ones serve the most authentic dishes?
That's where our Singapore Free Walking Tours come in. Our expert local guides don't just show you the tourist attractions; they take you through Singapore's culinary landscape, helping you navigate the hawker centers like a local. They can recommend the best stalls, explain the cultural significance behind each dish, and even teach you how to order like a Singaporean!
Our tours are designed to provide an immersive experience of Singapore's food culture. You'll learn about the history of hawker centers and how they've become an integral part of Singaporean identity. You'll discover how different cultural influences have shaped the local cuisine and why UNESCO recognized Singapore's hawker culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
