If you love food and travel, a hawker staycation is the perfect experience. Instead of staying in a regular hotel and eating at fancy restaurants, why not stay near the best hawker centres and enjoy affordable, world-famous street food?

Singapore is the best place in Asia for this kind of staycation. It has a rich hawker culture, Michelin-recognised dishes, and a variety of food stalls serving everything from Hainanese chicken rice to satay. Unlike many other Asian cities, Singapore’s hawker centres are clean, organised, and easy to explore, making it a comfortable experience for all travelers.

In this guide, we’ll explore why Singapore is the best destination for a hawker staycation, from the best food spots to nearby hotels and essential tips for making the most of your trip.

Singapore’s hawker culture is more than just street food—it’s a national identity. In 2020, UNESCO officially recognised Singapore’s hawker culture as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, proving how special it is.

Unlike typical street food in other countries, Singapore’s hawker centres are organised, hygienic, and accessible to everyone. They offer a wide variety of dishes at affordable prices, from local favourites like char kway teow and laksa to international cuisine.

Hawker centres are also an important social hub. Locals from all backgrounds gather to eat, chat, and enjoy traditional recipes that have been passed down for generations. Many hawker stalls are run by third- or even fourth-generation families who take pride in their cooking.

This strong food culture, combined with quality, cleanliness, and affordability, makes Singapore the perfect place for a hawker staycation. You don’t have to spend a fortune to eat amazing food, and you can enjoy it just like the locals do!

Singapore has many amazing hawker centres, but some are more iconic than others. Each hawker centre offers a unique experience, making your staycation even more exciting.

Here are some of the best places to visit during your hawker staycation, along with must-try dishes:

Located in Chinatown, Maxwell Food Centre is home to one of Singapore’s most famous dishes—Hainanese chicken rice. The most popular stall, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, is loved by both locals and tourists. If you’re planning a hawker staycation, there are many hotels near Maxwell Food Centre that offer convenient access to this iconic food spot, allowing you to enjoy authentic Singaporean flavours just minutes from your stay.

If you love satay, this is the best place to go. At night, Lau Pa Sat’s satay street comes alive, serving delicious grilled skewers with peanut sauce. The historic architecture also adds to the charm, making it a must-visit for food lovers. To fully experience Asia’s Best Hawker Staycation, consider staying in one of the hotels near Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre, where you can enjoy a mix of culinary delights and comfortable accommodations in the heart of the city.

This hawker centre became world-famous after appearing in the movie Crazy Rich Asians. It’s the best place to try barbecue seafood, chilli crab, and oyster omelette, all of which are local favourites. If you’re looking for a food-focused staycation, there are several hotels near Newton Circus Food Centre that make it easy to explore this famous hawker spot while staying in a comfortable and convenient location.

This is Singapore’s largest hawker centre and home to Hawker Chan, the world’s first Michelin-starred hawker stall. Their soya sauce chicken rice is a must-try! Chinatown is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide variety of affordable and authentic local dishes. If you want to immerse yourself in this vibrant food scene, staying in popular hotels in Chinatown is a great choice. Many hotels in the area are within walking distance of Chinatown Complex, making it the perfect base for an unforgettable hawker staycation.

Finding the right hotel is essential for a perfect hawker staycation experience. Staying near top hawker centres ensures that you can enjoy Singapore’s best street food just a short walk away. Here are some of the best hotels near the city’s most famous hawker spots, making them ideal choices for Asia’s Best Hawker Staycation.

Robertson Quay Hotel is a great choice for travellers looking for affordable comfort with a riverside atmosphere. Located along the Singapore River, it offers easy access to Maxwell Food Centre, where you can enjoy iconic dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and laksa. The hotel also provides a cosy stay with great city views, making it a perfect base for exploring Singapore’s hawker scene.

Address: 15 Merbau Rd, Singapore 239032

For budget travellers, 7 Wonders Capsule Hostel @ Boat Quay offers a unique and modern capsule-style stay. It’s located near Boat Quay, a short walk from Maxwell Food Centre, making it easy to enjoy Asia’s Best Hawker Staycation on a budget. The hostel provides clean, minimalist pods with shared facilities, making it an excellent choice for solo travellers and backpackers.

Address: 52 Boat Quay, Singapore 049841

Furama RiverFront is a family-friendly hotel that balances comfort with convenience. It is located near Chinatown and Maxwell Food Centre, making it ideal for food lovers who want to experience Singapore’s rich hawker culture. The hotel features spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and family-friendly amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay after a long day of food adventures.

Address: 405 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169633

For a luxurious hawker staycation, Marina Bay Sands is the ultimate choice. Just a short walk from Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre, guests can enjoy high-end accommodations while still indulging in Singapore’s best hawker food. After savouring delicious satay and local delicacies, relax at the world-famous infinity pool overlooking the city skyline.

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956

Carlton Hotel Singapore is a stylish and well-located hotel for those who want a balance of luxury and accessibility. Just minutes away from Lau Pa Sat, it’s the perfect spot for travellers who want to experience Asia’s Best Hawker Staycation while enjoying modern hotel facilities. Guests can easily explore nearby hawker food hotspots before unwinding at the hotel’s spa and pool.

Address: 76 Bras Basah Rd, Singapore 189558

A great blend of sustainability and comfort, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay is an eco-friendly hotel near Lau Pa Sat. The hotel features nature-inspired interiors, spacious rooms, and a stunning atrium, making it an ideal retreat after a food-filled day. Its close proximity to hawker centres allows guests to easily explore the best of Singapore’s food culture.

Address: 6 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039594

Hotel Royal is a budget-friendly hotel located near Newton Food Centre, one of the most famous hawker spots in Singapore. This is a great choice for travellers looking for a simple and convenient stay while enjoying classic hawker dishes like BBQ seafood and oyster omelette. The hotel offers spacious rooms and an outdoor pool, making it an excellent option for both families and solo travellers.

Address: 36 Newton Rd, Singapore 307964

YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road is a futuristic and modern hotel located near Orchard MRT, just a short ride from Newton Food Centre. Its compact yet high-tech rooms offer maximum comfort, perfect for travellers who want a stylish stay. With Newton’s famous hawker food just minutes away, it’s an excellent choice for a hawker-focused staycation.

Address: 366 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238904

York Hotel is known for its classic charm and spacious rooms, making it an ideal place for a relaxing hawker staycation. Situated near Newton Food Centre, guests can easily access one of the most iconic hawker destinations in Singapore while enjoying a comfortable and peaceful stay. The hotel’s quiet surroundings and excellent hospitality make it a favourite among travellers.

Address: 21 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228516

Furama City Centre offers affordable luxury in the heart of Chinatown, making it a perfect base for exploring Singapore’s hawker culture. With Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre just around the corner, guests can enjoy authentic local food such as soya sauce chicken rice and char kway teow. The hotel provides comfortable rooms, great city views, and easy access to MRT stations.

Address: 60 Eu Tong Sen St, Singapore 059804

For business travellers and food lovers alike, M Hotel Singapore City Centre is a top choice. Located near Chinatown’s best hawker centres, it offers a modern and stylish stay with excellent dining options. After a long day of food exploration, guests can relax at the hotel’s wellness facilities and rooftop bar.

Address: 81 Anson Rd, Singapore 079908

Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre is a boutique hotel with a modern touch, making it perfect for a hawker staycation. Situated in Chinatown, guests are just minutes away from famous hawker stalls and traditional street food. The hotel provides a cosy atmosphere, great hospitality, and easy transport links, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable stay.

Address: 8 Club Street, Singapore 069472

Many Asian countries have great street food, but Singapore stands out for several reasons:

1. Clean and Well-Organised Hawker Centres: Unlike street food markets in Bangkok or Jakarta, Singapore’s hawker centres are highly regulated, clean, and safe. You don’t have to worry about hygiene issues.

2. Variety of Affordable Yet High-Quality Dishes: Singapore’s hawker food is cheap but high in quality. Some dishes are even Michelin-starred, proving that great food doesn’t have to be expensive.

3. Convenient Transportation to Explore Multiple Hawker Spots: Thanks to Singapore’s efficient MRT system, you can easily visit multiple hawker centres in one day, unlike in other cities where travel can be challenging.

To make the most of your trip, follow these simple tips:

Hawker centres can get extremely crowded, especially during peak meal hours. If you want a more relaxed dining experience, visit early in the morning for breakfast or late at night when the crowds have died down. Early mornings are great for trying local breakfast dishes like kaya toast and kopi, while late nights are perfect for indulging in satay or BBQ seafood without the long queues.

With so many delicious dishes to try, it’s easy to get full too quickly. The best way to enjoy a hawker staycation without overindulging is to share dishes with friends or family. Instead of ordering full portions, get smaller servings and sample a variety of local favourites. This way, you can try chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, and satay all in one day without feeling overwhelmed.

While many hawker stalls now accept digital payments, some still only take cash. To avoid inconvenience, always carry small notes and coins, or use a contactless card or mobile payment app where available. Additionally, public transport is the best way to get around during your staycation. The MRT and buses in Singapore are efficient, affordable, and well-connected to most hawker centres, making it easy to explore different food spots without spending too much on taxis.

Whether you’re a local looking for a unique staycation or a traveler exploring Singapore, a hawker staycation is the perfect way to experience the country’s rich food culture.

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