Hawker Centre Singapore
Singapore is renowned as a food lovers’ paradise, and the hawker centres are at the heart of this culinary wonderland.
The best hawker centres in Singapore are Maxwell Food Centre, Tiong Bahru Market, Kim San Leng Food Centre Bishan, and Amoy Street Food Centre.
When selecting a hawker centre, it is important to take into account the food choices, cleanliness, pricing, and location.
In Singapore, hawker centres provide a captivating fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisine, promising a one-of-a-kind culinary journey for all food enthusiasts.
Here, we’ve curated a list of the best Hawker Centres in Singapore, which no food enthusiast should miss.
Quick Summary
- Best hawker centres in Singapore are Maxwell Food Centre, Tiong Bahru Market, Kim San Leng Food Centre Bishan, and Amoy Street Food Centre.
- When choosing a hawker centre, make sure to consider the food options, cleanliness, price, and location.
- Hawker centres offer a delightful blend of traditional and modern cuisine, presenting a unique gastronomic adventure for every food lover.
Key Consideration Factors
When looking for a hawker centre in Singapore, make sure to consider these important factors:
- Food options: The variety and quality of food offerings are crucial in determining the overall experience at a hawker centre. Look for hawker centres that offer a diverse range of dishes, from traditional local food to modern fusion cuisine.
- Cleanliness: Singapore is known for its strict cleanliness standards, so it’s important to choose a hawker centre that maintains high levels of hygiene and sanitation. This will ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
- Price: Hawker centres are known for their affordable food options, but prices may vary between different stalls. Look for hawker centres that offer good value for money without compromising on taste or quality.
- Location: With over 100 hawker centres located across Singapore, it’s important to choose one that is conveniently located and easily accessible. Consider the proximity to public transport, parking facilities, and nearby attractions.
Best Hawker Centre Singapore
1) Maxwell Food Centre
| Key Service | Open-air food Hawker centre |
| Address | 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184 |
| Phone | +65 6225 5632 |
| Operating Hours | Daily 8AM–2AM |
As one of the oldest and most iconic, Maxwell Food Centre is an absolute must-visit spot for any food enthusiast. Situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Chinatown, this bustling and lively centre is a true culinary haven that promises an unforgettable experience.
With over 100 stalls, each offering a delectable array of delectable local dishes, ranging from the beloved Hainanese chicken rice, nasi lemak, tai wah pork noodle to the delightful chwee kueh (water rice cake), there is something to satisfy every palate.
Whether you’re a fan of fragrant spices or crave the comforting flavors of traditional Singaporean cuisine, the diverse range of options available will surely leave you spoilt for choice.
Key Differentiators:
- Chinatown hawker center
- Convenient location
- Place for international chef Anthony Bourdain
Customer’s Review:
Great place for eating. Plenty of shops are open the whole day, and lots of people come here to have lunch/dinner. The choice is vast, and everything is quite cheap. You can find dishes from all other Asia, especially some dishes from Singapore.
Martin Collard
2) Tiong Bahru Market
| Key Service | Lively food court with Singaporean hawker stalls |
| Address | 30 Seng Poh Rd, Singapore 168898 |
| Website | https://tiongbahru.market/ |
Nestled in the quaint and charming art deco neighborhood of Tiong Bahru, you’ll find a delightful two-story hawker center that exudes a hipster vibe. This culinary haven is home to a variety of traditional heritage stalls and has garnered recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide, with several Bib Gourmand award winners gracing its premises.
As you explore this vibrant area, you’ll be spoiled for choice with an array of culinary delights. Start your gastronomic journey on the ground floor wet market, where fragrant aromas entice you to try local delicacies such as chwee kueh, a delectable steamed rice flour cake topped with flavorful preserved turnip.
Venture up to the upper level, and you’ll discover over 80 stalls offering an extensive range of mouthwatering dishes. Indulge in tantalizing treats like the sweet mung bean soup, a comforting bowl of warmth and sweetness, or curry chicken noodles, or savor the robust flavors of Hokkien prawn mee, a noodle dish that combines succulent prawns with a rich and savory broth.
Key Differentiators:
- Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand award winners
- Heritage stalls
- 80+ stalls to choose from
Customer’s Review:
Great selection of delicious food in one hawker centre. Many stalls are long-time favourites which have been around for years. Airy area with good lighting and many seats. Always satisfied when I get a chance to go.
Chi Hong Hwang
3) Amoy Street Food Centre
| Key Service | Hawker center with endless stalls |
| Address | 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore, Singapore |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/AmoystreetFC/ |
| Phone | +65 6225 5632 |
| Operating Hours | Daily 6:30AM–9PM |
Positioned in the bustling business district, this vibrant food market offers a variety of traditional and modern vendors. From heritage hawkers to recent recipients of Michelin’s Bib Gourmand Award (an acknowledgement from the French tire company honoring top-notch cuisine at great prices) – there is something for everyone!
You will find all sorts of delicious dishes such as nasi lemak, mutton soup, sliced fish soup, vadai (fried Indian snacks), mee goreng and rice dumplings. However, do be mindful during lunchtime when office workers flock here to enjoy their beloved hawker meals – it gets extremely crowded!
Key Differentiators:
- Central business district food centre
- Mixture of heritage hawkers and Michelin Bib Gourmand awardees
- Modernized hawker staples like A Fishball Story’s Singapore-style ramen
Customer’s Review:
Clean environment and plenty of choices. Tried their Teochew beef noodles; great tasting, especially the dry type. Crowd was crazy during lunch.
Cher Lee Kiat
4) Kim San Leng Food Centre Bishan
| Key Service | 24/7 Hawker food centre |
| Website | http://www.kimsanleng.org/ |
| Phone | +65 6694 4429 |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours |
Established in 1965, Kim San Leng’s coffee shops have become an essential part of the Singaporean landscape. The first store was opened in Hougang and still reflects its classic style with a variety of self-service options and hawker stalls.
Their 24/7 food centre at Bishan is one to remember – whatever time of day or night it may be, you can find something that will satisfy all tastebuds! From early morning boosts to late night snacks, visitors are sure to enjoy their selection of scrumptious local delights available throughout the hours at Kim San Leng Food Centre!
Key Differentiators:
- Signature hawker fare from Kim San Leng Coffee Shop Chain
- Late night meals and early morning snacks
- Self-service ordering options
Customer’s Review:
A great place for an all day breakfast or late night supper. A wide variety of dishes at reasonable prices. The fried carrot cake and Hokkien mee are especially popular. The place is always quite crowded, but the queue moves quickly. Highly recommended!
Winnie Koh
5) Ghim Moh Market and Food Centre
| Key Service | Diverse selection of tasty hawker delights |
| Address | 20 Ghim Moh Rd, Singapore 270020 |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/ghimmohhawker/ |
| Phone | +65 6225 5632 |
From sunrise to the late afternoon, this beloved food joint in the west is typically overlooked by tourists. A diverse blend of locals, students and hikers on their journey along the 15-mile Green Corridor nature trail come here for a bite to eat and recharge.
Enjoy traditional hawker delights such as delectable boneless braised duck, tangy appam (fermented rice pancakes), flavorful fried prawn mee, tasty peanut sauce, or exhilarating peanut pancakes. All at once you can witness new-generation hawkers continuing family legacies while exploring your taste buds!
Key Differentiators:
- Popular neighborhood eating spot
- Traditional dishes and new-generation food creations
- Wide variety of vegetarian options
- 15 mile Green Corridor nature trail nearby
Customer’s Review:
Classic hawker centre tag. Brings out the singapore heritage. Some food there is good some bad as per normal. After 8.30pm only got a handful of stores though. Usually people go for the banmian/fish porridge store after 8.30.
Zhi wei H
6) Old Airport Road Food Centre
| Key Service | Iconic local dishes like satay and char kway teow |
| Address | 51 Old Airport Rd, Singapore 390051 |
| Operating Hours | Daily 6AM–10:30PM |
For over 40 years, Old Airport Road Food Centre has been the go-to spot in Singapore for tantalizing hawkers. People come from far and wide to snag a taste of their famous dishes like lor mee (Hokkien-style noodles), rojak (fruit salad with sweet dressing), satay, or char kway teow.
Even though lines can get long at times, it’s worth the wait to enjoy some people watching while you’re there!
Key Differentiators:
- Over 40 years of history
- Wide variety of dishes including vegetarian options
- Long queues for popular stalls as testament to their quality
Customer’s Review:
Lovely food center with lots of choices. We had the salted egg yolk chicken and it was really good. Their Lor Mee was also really good. There was a queue but the wait wasn’t too long. Prices were pretty reasonable and service is fast. Definitely worth checking out!
James Tan
7) Tekka Market Food Centre
| Key Service | More than 100 hawkers with diverse specialties such as biryani, thosai and murtabak |
| Address | 2 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218227 |
| Website | https://www.tekkaplace.sg/ |
| Phone | +65 6718 4360 |
| Operating Hours | Tues to Sun 6AM–11:30PM |
Experience Singapore’s savory Indian cuisine at Tekka Centre, the bustling entrance of Little India. This multi-faceted complex features a wet market, food center and an array of retail stores, as well as more than 100 hawkers with delectable specialties such as biryani (aka briyani), thosai, and murtabak.
To sample your favorites from these diverse stalls head to Bukit Timah Road — facing level one!
Key Differentiators:
- Wet market, food center and retail stores
- Located at the entrance of Little India
- Easy access from Bukit Timah Road
Customer’s Review:
This place is a must visit when you are in Singapore! Amazing selection of food , we had the murtabak, thosai -all so yummy! It’s cheap and cheerful and it’s a great place to sample all kinds of different Indian cuisine. Highly recommend!
Romina M
8) Chomp Chomp Food Centre
| Key Service | Open air Hawker centre |
| Address | 20 Kensington Park Road Singapore 557269 |
| Website | https://chompchompfoodcentre.business.site/ |
| Operating Hours | Daily 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM |
Another slightly out-of-the-way Singapore Hawker Centre, Chomp Chomp at Serangoon Garden, is where you go for midnight cravings. Most stalls only open at 5:30pm and remain open until late at night. It was opened in 1972 and continues to satisfy the cravings of most people.
The laidback Serangoon Gardens Neighborhood sits beside a trendy yoga studio in the open-air standalone food court. Still, you will see it at night because it is probably the only building with bright lights there.
Key Differentiators:
- Variety of stalls open late at night
- Situated in the laidback Serangoon Gardens neighbourhood
- Trendy yoga studio next door
Customer’s Review:
Lovely place to catch up with friends for dinner or just a bite. Food portions are huge and definitely worth the price. Variety is great and all the dishes are so flavourful. A place to chill and nosh down for sure!
John S.
9) Lau Pa Sat
| Key Service | 150-year old Hawker Centre |
| Address | 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582 |
| Website | https://laupasat.sg/ |
| Phone | +65 6220 2138 |
| contactus@kopitiam.biz | |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours |
For an extraordinary 150-year-old experience, make sure to visit Lau Pa Sat in Singapore. Translating to “Old Market” in the Hokkien language, this incredible architectural wonder is a glimpse into British influence on Singapore centuries ago; however, modern upgrades keep it preserved for visitors today. Its octagonal structure encompasses eight entrances and an incredibly lofty ceiling that guarantee stellar ventilation throughout the market. Don’t miss out!
Key Differentiators:
- Ornate octagonal structure with a high ceiling and eight entrances
- Preserved British architecture with modern upgrades
- Beautiful clock tower atop the building with four clock faces
Customer’s Review:
Lovely place to hang out or grab a bite. Amazing selection of food, wide variety and all reasonably priced. You get a real sense of the culture here and the place looks beautiful at night. Highly recommend!
Susan K
10) Geylang Serai Market
| Key Service | Wide range of cuisines and stalls available, from local favourites to international dishes |
| Address | 1 Geylang Serai , Singapore 402001 |
For over five decades, the iconic Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre has been a staple in Singapore’s heritage district of Geylang Serai. Boasting two stories and countless renovations since its inception in 1964, many of the market’s tenants have stayed put throughout all the upgrades – symbolizing its unwavering commitment to serve generations of Singaporeans for years to come.
Key Differentiators:
- Two-story building in the heritage district of Geylang Serai
- Built in 1964 and has undergone several renovations
- Many long standing tenants that have served generations of Singaporeans
Customer’s Review:
This place is amazing! Great variety of food, you will be spoilt for choice. The atmosphere is lively and the people are friendly. Prices are really reasonable too! Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Singapore.
Jack H
11) Bendemeer Market and Food Centre
| Key Service | Hawker centre with mainly vegetarian food stalls |
| Address | 9 Bendemeer Rd, Singapore 330029 |
| Phone | +65 6225 5632 |
| Operating Hours | Daily 7AM–9PM |
For a vegetarian feast in Singapore, make your way to Bendemeer Food Centre! From vermicelli and pancakes to many other scrumptious delights, you’ll find all the delicious food you could wish for. Although it might take some extra effort if you’re visiting from afar, getting there is simple – merely an easywalk away from Boon Keng MRT station on the purple northeast MRT line. You can’t miss its towering building with brilliant yellow hues!
Key Differentiators:
- Variety of vegetarian dishes, such as vermicelli and pancakes
- Easily accessible, located a short stroll from Boon Keng MRT Station
- Recommended Stall – Jian Kang Vegetarian Food
Customer’s Review:
Amazing find! I’m vegan and there weren’t many options near me, so I was really glad to stumble upon this place. The food is delicious and great value for money. Highly recommend this place for vegetarians and vegans alike!
Mary P.
Hawker Centre Singapore
Singapore is home to an array of unique and remarkable hawker centres. From the 150-year old Lau Pa Sat, with its ornate octagonal structure, to Bendemeer Market & Food Centre for a vegetarian feast – there’s something for everyone in Singapore!
Whether you’re looking for traditional local dishes or international cuisine, these markets offer it all while providing glimpses into Singaporean culture and heritage. We hope this article has inspired you to visit one (or more!) of these incredible Hawker Centre Singapore on your next trip here.
Bon Appetit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have any questions about hawker centres in Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the hawker centres in Singapore below:
What are the best hawker centres in Singapore?
The best hawker centres in Singapore are Tiong Bahru Market Street Food Centre, Kim San Leng Food Centre Bishan, D Centre, Hong Lim Market & Food Centre , Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre, Newton Food Centre, Golden Mile Food Centre, and Amoy Street Food Centre.
What are Hawker Centres?
Hawker centres are open-air food courts that offer a wide variety of affordable and delicious local dishes. They are an essential part of Singapore’s food culture, where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy authentic and diverse cuisines from different cultures, such as nasi lemak, barbecued pork, hainanese curry rice, satay bee hoonsalted fish, and more. Hawker centres are also known for their vibrant atmosphere and bustling crowds, making them a popular spot for social gatherings.
What is the hawker zone in Singapore?
The hawker zone in Singapore refers to designated areas where hawkers can operate and sell their food. These zones are usually located within hawker centres or outdoor markets, and they provide a space for independent food vendors to showcase their unique dishes. The hawker zones in Singapore are strictly regulated by the government to maintain hygiene standards and ensure fair competition among vendors.
What are the benefits of Hawker Centres?
Hawker centres offer many benefits to both the vendors and customers. For vendors, hawker centres provide a low-cost and regulated space to sell their food, allowing them to focus on their culinary skills without worrying about high rental costs. They also benefit from the diverse customer base that these popular food hubs attract.
What is hawker style food?
Hawker style food refers to the local street food found in hawker centres or open-air markets in Singapore. It often consists of affordable, authentic and diverse dishes influenced by various cultures such as Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian. Hawker style food is usually prepared and sold by independent vendors who specialize in a certain dish or cuisine, making each stall unique and offering a wide variety of options for customers to choose from.
Which hawker centre in Singapore is famous for its food stalls?
Chinatown Complex Food Centre is renowned for its wide variety of food stalls. From traditional Singaporean dishes to international cuisine, this hawker centre offers a delightful culinary experience with its diverse range of food options.
Where can I find the best chicken wings in Singapore?
If you’re looking for delicious chicken wings, head to Adam Road Food Centre. This popular hawker centre boasts food stalls that serve mouthwatering chicken wings, prepared with flavorful marinades and crispy textures.
Are there vegetarian options available at the hawker centres?
Yes, many offer vegetarian options. You can find food stalls that specialize in vegetarian dishes, such as vegetable rice, salted fish, fried anchovies, satay bee hoon, vegetarian noodles, tofu-based dishes, and more.
Can I find authentic Singaporean street food at the hawker centres?
Absolutely! Hawker centres are known for serving authentic local street food. From iconic dishes like braised pork belly, fish head bee hoon, soya sauce chicken rice to flavorsome prawn noodle, you can indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Singapore at these food stalls.
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