9 Best Singapore Hawker Centers
Our Favorite Hawker Stalls in Singapore
The best hawker center in Singapore is a hotly contested title, you could ask 10 different people and get a different answer each time. Singaporeans are passionate about their food, which means the only way to find out which is the best hawker center in Singapore is to try them for yourself.
Singapore hawker centers are basically large food courts with stalls around the perimeter serving everything from full meals to snacks and drinks. You’ll usually find a selection of local dishes as well as flavors from across the world, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and western. The mood is vibrant, the dishes are cheap, and enjoying lunch in a bustling hawker center is an experience not to be missed.
1. Lau Pa Sat Hawker Center
Satay under the stars
Good for: Budget, Food, Nightlife
Lau Pa Sat is one of Singapore’s most iconic hawker centres, blending rich history, stunning Victorian architecture, and vibrant street food culture. Housed in a national monument, this 120-year-old building is comprised of huge cast-iron frames that were originally shipped from Scotland. It offers over 80 stalls serving beloved local dishes like satay, laksa, and chicken rice, alongside international flavours.
Its famous Satay Street transforms nightly into a bustling open-air feast, perfect for soaking in the city’s energy under the stars. Located in the heart of the CBD, Lau Pa Sat is not just a place to eat, it’s a cultural experience. With live music, heritage murals, and festive events, it’s a must-visit for foodies and explorers alike. Read more
Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Open: 24/7
Phone: +65 6220 2138
Lau Pa Sat Hawker Center
2. Old Airport Road Food Center
Generations of heritage
Good for: Food, Budget
This beloved hawker haven is celebrated for its rich heritage and unbeatable variety. Established in 1973, it houses over 160 stalls, many run by generations of hawkers serving time-honored recipes. From Michelin-recognized kway chap at To-Ricos Guo Shi to iconic oyster omelets and fragrant Hokkien mee, the food here is consistently top-tier.
The center blends old-school charm with modern upgrades, offering a comfortable dining experience with authentic flavors. Whether you’re craving traditional dishes or innovative bites, this bustling food center delivers a true taste of Singapore’s culinary soul at wallet-friendly prices
Location: 51 Old Airport Rd, Singapore 390051
Open: Daily from 6 am to 10:30 pm
Phone: +65 6756 0266
Old Airport Road Food Center
3. Maxwell Road Hawker Center
A taste of tradition
Good for: Food, Budget
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Maxwell Food Centre is a must-visit hawker gem. With over 100 stalls, it offers a rich tapestry of local flavours—from iconic Hainanese chicken rice at Tian Tian to traditional Fuzhou oyster cakes and silky Cantonese porridge.
Its heritage dates back to 1928, making it one of the city’s oldest and most beloved food centres. Renovated for modern comfort yet steeped in tradition, Maxwell blends affordability, authenticity, and variety. Beloved by tourists and locals alike, it’s the perfect spot to experience Singapore’s multicultural culinary soul in a vibrant, communal setting. Read more
Location: 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184
Open: Daily from 8 am to 10 pm
Phone: +65 6225 5632
Maxwell Road Hawker Center
4. Tiong Bahru Market
Singapore’s Morning Flavours, Served Fresh
Good for: Food, Budget
Nestled in the heart of a heritage estate, this market is a top-tier breakfast and brunch destination in Singapore. Mornings buzz with locals queuing for chwee kueh from Jian Bo Shui Kueh, lor mee topped with crispy shark nuggets, and fragrant chicken rice from Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice. For lighter fare, Teck Seng’s silky soya milk and bean curd are crowd favorites.
The hawker center’s clean, airy layout makes dining comfortable, while the wet market below offers fresh produce and seafood. With its blend of tradition, quality, and variety, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic flavors to start the day.
Location: 30 Seng Poh Rd, Singapore 168898
Open: Daily from 7 am (stalls close at various times in the afternoon and evening)
Tiong Bahru Market
5. Tekka Center
From Curry to Kueh
Good for: Food, Budget
This 3-story complex lies at the gateway to Little India on Serangoon Road, and is one of the best hawker centers in Singapore to find cheap and generously portioned curries, with the overwhelming dish of choice being biryani.
The local Indian crowds that flock here for their fill is a clue to the quality of the food. Biryani dishes, complete with rice, a choice of chicken or mutton, poppadum, and sauces are very affordably priced. For an immersive experience you can also try your hand, quite literally, at eating like the locals do: ditch your spoon and folk and scoop up the curry into your mouth using just your right hand. Read more
Location: 665 Buffalo Road Zhujiao Centre, Tekka, Market, Singapore 210665
Open: Daily from 6.30 am to 9 pm
Tekka Center
6. Golden Mile Food Centre
Popular with servicemen
Good for: Food, Budget
Established in 1975, Golden Mile Food Centre is often referred to as the “Army Market,” it has long been a favorite among National Servicemen and locals seeking affordable, authentic meals. The center houses a variety of stalls offering local delights such as Hainanese chicken rice, satay, char kway teow, and Peranakan fare.
Notable stalls include 91 Fried Kway Teow Mee, known for its wok hei and healthier char kway teow, and Ashes Burnnit, famous for its gourmet charcoal burgers. Chung Cheng Chilli Mee, awarded a Michelin Plate, serves spicy noodles topped with pork ribs and prawns. Don’t miss out on the blend of traditional flavors and modern twists this market has to offer.
Location: 505 Beach Rd, Singapore 199583
Open: Daily 8 am to 8 pm
Golden Mile Food Centre
7. Chomp Chomp Food Centre
A favorite with locals
Good for: Food, Budget
Also known as the Serangoon Gardens Food Center, Chomp Chomp Food Centre is one of the most popular hawker centres among local Singaporeans. Due to its location away from the city’s downtown area, near Bishan, Chomp Chomp is sometimes overlooked by tourists but it absolutely shouldn’t be.
Come in the evening to witness the place buzzing with life and soak up the atmosphere of Singapore’s down to earth food cultures. Witness chefs preparing freshly grilled stingray, barbecued chicken wings, noodle broths, and sticks of juicy satay right in front of you. You’ll want to linger and try as many dishes as you can.
Location: 20 Kensington Park Rd, Singapore 557269
Open: Daily from 4 pm to 12:30 am
Chomp Chomp Food Centre
8. Makansutra Gluttons Bay
Food with a view
Good for: Budget, Food, Nightlife
If you enjoy a meal with a view, Makansutra Gluttons Bay is probably the best hawker center in Singapore for you. While the food choice is top tier, must-tries include the chili crab, oyster omelet and rotis, the location is Glutton’s main selling point. Situated right by the bay, the views across the water are fantastic.
The nearby Esplanade Theatre also puts on regular street performances to entertain you while you eat. This hawker center is open-air and stays open all evening, so it’s a great spot to while away the hours with friends or family.
Location: 8 Raffles Ave., #01-15 Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802
Open: Monday–Friday from 4 pm to 11 pm, Saturday from 3 pm to 11:30 am, Sunday 3 pm to 11 pm
Phone: +65 6438 4038
Makansutra Gluttons Bay
9. Satay by the Bay
Convenient waterfront eatery
Good for: Food, Budget
One of the most well-known attractions in Singapore is Gardens by the Bay, with its famous SuperTree Grove, spectacular Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. If you’re heading this way make some time for a trip to Satay by the Bay, which is located within the park.
The air is filled with aromas from barbecued pork, chicken, and beef, which is all served up with a generous helping of that rich peanut sauce. There’s also an onsite bar and plenty of other food stalls if you need a break from satay. Find it by entering Gardens by the Bay and following the signposted route along the water’s edge.
Location: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, #01-19 Gardens by the Bay, Singapore 018953
Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 10 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9 am to 10 pm
Phone: +65 6538 9956
Satay by the Bay
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