Singapore is famous for its skyline, clean streets, and multicultural charm—but if there’s one thing every traveller must experience, it’s the hawker centres. These bustling open-air food courts are the beating heart of Singapore’s culinary scene. From traditional Hainanese chicken rice and spicy laksa to satay skewers and oyster omelettes, hawker centres offer authentic local flavours at affordable prices.

Recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, hawker culture in Singapore is not just about food—it’s about community, history, and the joy of sharing a meal with locals. Whether you’re exploring Chinatown, Orchard, or East Coast Park, you’ll find a hawker centre worth visiting nearby.

Here’s a structured guide to the best hawker centres in Singapore you must try in 2025, along with signature dishes and travel tips.

These best hawker centre Singapore are a must-visit and should be included in your travel activities in Singapore.

Staying at hotels in Chinatown area is offering you so much, from rich heritage attractions, cute cafes, also best hawker centre Singapore like:

A short stroll from Chinatown MRT, Hong Lim Market is known for its Michelin Bib Gourmand stalls.

What to try: Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee, Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa, Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist. Nearest MRT: Chinatown or Clarke Quay Station Why visit: It’s less touristy than Maxwell, making it ideal for those who want to eat like locals.

Known as the largest hawker centre in Singapore, Chinatown Complex offers more than 200 stalls serving dishes that reflect the city’s multicultural roots. It’s a must-visit for those seeking the best hawker centre Singapore Chinatown experience.

What to try: Chan’s Soya Sauce Chicken Rice, Zhao Ji Claypot Rice, Xiu Ji Ikan Bilis Yong Tau Foo. Nearest MRT: Chinatown Station Tip: Visit during lunchtime for the best variety, but be prepared for queues—especially at the Michelin-starred stalls.

If you’ve watched Crazy Rich Asians, you might already recognise Maxwell Food Centre Singapore. Situated near the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, this hawker centre is home to some of the most famous hawker food in Singapore.

What to try: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Michelin-listed), Zhen Zhen Porridge, Fuzhou Oyster Cake. Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer Station or Chinatown Station Why visit: It’s the best place to experience authentic Chinatown hawker food Singapore at wallet-friendly prices.

Located in the heart of Singapore’s CBD, Lau Pa Sat (also known as Lau Pa Sat SG or Satay Street Singapore) is one of the city’s most iconic hawker centres. The Victorian-style structure, built in the 19th century, comes alive at night when Boon Tat Street transforms into a satay paradise.

What to try: Satay skewers, BBQ seafood, nasi lemak, and grilled chicken wings. Nearest MRT: Raffles Place Station Why visit: The combination of heritage charm and modern energy makes Lau Pa Sat perfect for both tourists and locals seeking great hawker food Singapore.

Tiong Bahru is a trendy neighbourhood in Singapore, known for its hip cafes and Instagrammable boutiques. With its post-war architecture and vibrant murals, it’s a popular spot for tourists, especially those looking for hotels in Tiong Bahru or accommodation in Alexandra, Bukit Merah.

The best part? There are plenty of hawker centres serving up delicious food that’ll leave both your stomach and wallet happy! Here are some of recommended hawker centre to eat in the area:

Just a few steps from Redhill MRT, this hawker gem is ideal for breakfast or brunch.

What to try: Redhill Pork Porridge, Shi Le Yuan kway chap, braised pork organs. Why visit: One of the most authentic and nice hawker centres in Singapore with a local community atmosphere.

One of the oldest markets in Singapore, Tiong Bahru Market Singapore offers a mix of nostalgia and culinary excellence.

What to try: Jian Bo Shui Kueh’s chwee kueh, Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee, Tow Kwar Pop rojak. Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru Station Why visit: Enjoy best hawker food Singapore in a charming Art Deco setting surrounded by cafes and boutiques.

Located in Bukit Merah, Alexandra Village is beloved for its authentic local dishes.

What to try: Leon Kee Claypot Pork Rib Soup, Tiong Bahru Lien Fa Shui Jing Pau, avocado juice. Nearest MRT: Queenstown Station Why visit: The place has a strong local vibe and fewer crowds compared to the central hawker spots.

Newton Food Centre Singapore, also called Newton Circus Singapore, rose to global fame after appearing in Crazy Rich Asians.

What to try: Chilli crab, sambal stingray, barbecued prawns, satay, and the famous Song Kee Teochew Fish Porridge. Nearest MRT: Newton Station Why visit: Its lively night-time vibe makes it one of the best hawker places in Singapore for dinner and supper.

Newton Food Centre – 500 Clemenceau Ave N, Singapore 229495

Dig into the iconic Chilli Crab at Alliance Seafood, savour the boneless braised duck with rice, congee, or noodles from the 40-year-old Kwee Heng stall, and don’t miss the mackerel porridge or fish head soup from Song Kee Teochew Fish Porridge, which recently earned a Michelin star.

Staying at a hotel near Newton MRT is a huge plus, as Newton Food Centre is just a minute’s walk away. Plus, you’re just a short stroll or train ride from anywhere you want to go. For a hassle-free booking experience, make sure to find and book your stay through Traveloka!

Located by the beach at East Coast Park, this is the perfect place for seaside dining.

What to try: BBQ stingray, sambal squid, chilli crab, and black pepper crab. Nearest MRT: Bedok Station (then bus or taxi to East Coast Park) Why visit: Combines great food with sea breeze—one of the most scenic east coast hawker centres in Singapore.

When visiting East Coast Park beach, don’t miss the chance to dine like a local at this iconic hawker spot. Known as one of Singapore’s best hawker centres for BBQ seafood, satay, and grilled meats, it offers a relaxed, seaside dining experience. Must-try dishes in East Coast Lagoon Food Village include BBQ stingray, sambal squid, and grilled prawns from East Coast Lagoon BBQ Seafood, Teochew-style bak kut teh (pork rib soup) from Han Jia Bak Kut Teh to warm you up, and chilli crab, black pepper crab, or claypot seafood from Leng Heng BBQ Seafood & Claypot Deluxe.

Just minutes from Changi Airport, Changi Village Hawker Centre Singapore has a laid-back, old-school charm.

What to try: International Muslim Nasi Lemak, Weng Kee Ipoh Hor Fun, Charlie’s Peranakan Food. Why visit: Perfect for a pre-flight or post-flight meal. It’s also near the Changi Village Road food strip, filled with budget eateries.

Known locally as Bedok 85, this hawker centre is famous for its late-night dining scene.

What to try: Minced pork noodles, grilled stingray, BBQ chicken wings, and bak chor mee. Nearest MRT: Bedok Station Why visit: It’s a true east-side favourite with dozens of iconic hawker stalls.

One of the oldest and most beloved hawker centres Singapore, Old Airport Road Food Centre boasts a long list of must-try dishes.

What to try: Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow, Toa Payoh Rojak, Nam Sing Hokkien Mee. Nearest MRT: Dakota Station Why visit: Locals rate it as one of the best food centres in Singapore for quality and consistency.

Located at Yishun Avenue 11, this modern hawker hub brings together young chefs and classic local stalls.

What to try: Western fusion plates, nasi lemak, Hokkien mee. Why visit: Spacious, airy, and family-friendly—great for a relaxed dining experience.

This hawker centre is popular with students and families living in the west.

What to try: Fried carrot cake, Hainanese curry rice, chicken wings. Nearest MRT: Clementi Station

Why visit: A great spot for a casual lunch while exploring Singapore’s west neighbourhoods.

For those venturing west, Jurong West 505 offers some of the most affordable hawker food Singapore has to offer.

What to try: Wanton noodles, herbal soups, and chicken rice. Why visit: Ideal for travellers staying in Jurong or visiting nearby parks and attractions.

If it’s your first time diving into Singapore’s hawker culture, here’s a quick list of must-try dishes:

Choosing a hotel near a hawker centre Singapore means you’ll never go hungry! Many of these centres are conveniently close to MRT stations and top attractions. Staying nearby allows you to enjoy breakfast porridge, late-night satay, or kopi coffee with locals anytime you like.

Booking your stay through Traveloka helps you find affordable hotels close to these food hotspots. You can also book flights, airport transfers, and attractions all in one place—saving you time and money.

Singapore’s hawker centres are open year-round, but evenings are the best time to visit when the atmosphere is lively. Bring cash, go with an empty stomach, and be ready to queue—it’s part of the fun!

So, whether you’re after Michelin-starred street food or humble comfort dishes, these best hawker centres in Singapore promise a culinary adventure like no other.

Booking your accommodations in Singapore through Traveloka will help you save a fortune and also time. Plus, you can also book a flight, rent a car, and arrange airport transfer on the same platform with no fuss!

Whatever your travelling needs, just rely on Traveloka.