Top 10 Hawker Centers in Singapore
I’ve been to Singapore more times than I can count, and every visit feels like the first especially when it comes to the food. If you know me, you know I’m a serious food lover. And when I say Singapore is a food paradise, I mean it. This small island punches way above its weight when it comes to flavor, culture, and culinary diversity.
Forget the fancy restaurants for a moment. If you really want to experience the heart and soul of Singapore, head straight to the hawker centers. These open-air food courts are where locals eat, laugh, and share stories. They’re affordable, authentic, and packed with dishes that leave a lasting impression.
Over the years, I’ve eaten my way through countless hawker centers across the country. Some of them I stumbled upon by accident, others were recommended by Singaporean friends who knew where the good stuff was hiding. What I’m sharing with you here are my personal top 10 picks. Places I’ve returned to again and again.
1. Maxwell Food Centre
Maxwell Food Center is one of my favorite hawker centers in the whole of Singapore.
Location: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Chinatown
Let’s kick things off with a classic. Maxwell Food Centre is easily one of my favorite hawker centers in Singapore. Every time I’m in the city, I find myself coming back here. It’s located right in the middle of Chinatown and always feels alive, no matter the time of day. This is where I first tried Tian Tian’s famous Hainanese chicken rice, and let me tell you, it lived up to the hype. The chicken was juicy, the rice was packed with flavor, and that chili sauce tied it all together perfectly.
But Maxwell isn’t a one-dish wonder. The oyster cakes from China Street Fritters are another must-try, crispy on the outside, rich and satisfying on the inside. Maxwell feels like the heart of Singapore’s food culture to me. It’s where locals, office workers, and tourists all gather around a shared love for great food. If you’re only going to try one hawker center, make it this one.
2. Lau Pa Sat
Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Downtown Core
Lau Pa Sat is one of those places that just sticks with you. Right in the middle of the Downtown Core, this beautifully restored colonial building turns into something magical at night. I still remember the first time I saw the satay street come to life. They literally close off part of the road, set up rows of grills, and start serving up smoky, juicy skewers that fill the air with the most mouthwatering aroma.
The chicken and beef satay here are solid, and the peanut sauce is exactly what you want after a long day of exploring the city. It’s the kind of place where you can sit under the city lights, grab a cold drink, and enjoy the mix of locals and tourists soaking in the moment. Lau Pa Sat is where street food meets city life, and for me, that balance is what makes it such a standout spot.
3. Old Airport Road Food Centre
Location: 51 Old Airport Road, Geylang
If you ask any local where to find some of the best hawker food in Singapore, chances are they’ll mention Old Airport Road Food Centre. This place is a bit of a legend. It’s not as flashy or touristy as some of the others, but that’s exactly what I love about it. The food here speaks for itself.
I’ve eaten here a few times, and every single dish I’ve tried has been a hit. The char kway teow is smoky and rich, the Hokkien mee is full of that prawn broth goodness, and the lor mee is thick, garlicky, and comforting. You’ll see long queues at many of the popular stalls, and honestly, that’s a good sign. Singaporeans don’t queue for just anything.
Old Airport Road has this old-school charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. It feels like you’ve stepped into a piece of Singapore’s food history. If you want to eat like a local and taste flavors that have stood the test of time, this is the place to go.
4. Tiong Bahru Market
Location: 30 Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru Market feels like the perfect blend of tradition and modern comfort. It’s clean, well-organized, and has a great selection of food that keeps locals coming back. The first time I came here, I was honestly just exploring the Tiong Bahru neighborhood, but I ended up staying longer than planned—thanks to the food.
One dish I always look for here is the chwee kueh. Soft rice cakes topped with savory preserved radish—it’s simple but so good. The prawn mee is another favorite of mine, especially if you like a strong, flavorful broth.
What I love about Tiong Bahru is that it doesn’t feel rushed. You can take your time, enjoy your meal, then stroll around the neighborhood. The area itself has a bit of an artsy, retro feel, with charming bookstores, cafes, and murals around every corner. After a satisfying hawker meal, it’s the perfect place to slow down and take in a quieter side of Singapore.
5. Tekka Centre
Location: 665 Buffalo Road, Little India
Tekka Centre, which is loud and very colorful, is located right in the heart of Little India. This place hits you with a wave of sights, smells, and sounds the moment you walk in. It’s a sensory experience in the best way possible, and the food here is bold, rich, and full of flavor.
When I’m craving Indian food in Singapore, Tekka is my go-to. The biryani is insanely good, with tender meat and perfectly spiced rice that warms you from the inside out. I also love getting roti prata here. They tend to be crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and always best with a side of curry. And if you’re into soups, try the mutton soup. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with spices.
One of the things I enjoy most about Tekka is how diverse it is. You’ll find Indian, Malay, Chinese, and even Halal Western options all under one roof. It reflects the multicultural heart of Singapore in the most delicious way possible.
6. Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Location: 335 Smith Street, Chinatown
Chinatown Complex Food Centre is massive. Believe me! With close to 300 stalls, this is one of the biggest hawker centers in Singapore, and it’s packed with choices. It can feel overwhelming at first, but once you start walking around and soaking in the smells and sizzling sounds, you’ll realize you’re in the right place.
What really draws people here is the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal. And the meal in question is Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle. I’ve tried it, and yes, the hype is real. The chicken is tender, the skin is glossy with that soy glaze, and the whole plate costs less than what you’d pay for coffee in some cities.
But there’s so much more to explore here. From claypot rice to satay to herbal soups, this place has something for every taste. It’s very local and very authentic. If you’re serious about diving deep into Singapore’s hawker culture, Chinatown Complex is a must-visit. My advice to you is to come here hungry.
7. Newton Food Centre
Location: 500 Clemenceau Avenue North, Newton
Newton Food Centre is one of the more well-known hawker spots, especially among tourists, and I get why. It has that open-air setup with a lively evening vibe, and once the sun goes down, it really comes to life. I know some locals say it’s a bit commercial now, but honestly, the food still holds up.
One of my go-to dishes here is the BBQ stingray. It’s smoky, spicy, and served with a generous dollop of sambal on top. And trust me that is exactly how I like my stingray prepared. The sambal prawns are another solid choice, and you can’t go wrong with a plate of fried oyster omelette or grilled satay.
What makes Newton stand out is the atmosphere. Sitting outside under the lights with a cold drink in one hand and a plate of sizzling seafood in front of you feels like the ultimate Singapore night-out experience. It might not be as traditional as some of the other centers, but I think it still delivers where it matters.
8. Amoy Street Food Centre
Location: 7 Maxwell Road, Downtown Core
Amoy Street Food Centre is another fantastic place to enjoy all kinds of delicious local foods. It is right in the middle of Singapore’s Central Business District. It’s mostly packed during weekday lunch hours because of the office crowd, but that’s actually a good sign. The crowd means the food is legit. When locals in suits and ties are willing to queue during their lunch break, you know the hawker game is strong.
I’ve eaten here a few times, and it never disappoints. The nasi lemak here is seriously good. I’ve also had some amazing fish soup and lor mee here. The portions are generous, and the flavors are comforting without being too heavy.
What I like most about Amoy is the variety packed into a relatively small space. If you’re staying near the city center or just exploring that part of town, make sure you swing by. Just try to avoid the peak lunch hour unless you’re ready to wait.
9. Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre
Location: 20 Ghim Moh Road, Buona Vista
Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre feels like one of those places that’s been feeding the neighborhood for generations. It’s a bit off the usual tourist trail, but that’s what makes it special. The atmosphere here is friendly and laid-back, and you can tell most of the people eating here are regulars who know exactly what they’re coming for.
One of my favorite things to get here is the fried carrot cake. They do it really well. I also have a soft spot for the peanut pancake here. It’s warm, fluffy, and goes perfectly with a strong cup of kopi. If you’re looking for comfort food in a more relaxed, local setting, this place delivers every time.
10. Chomp Chomp Food Centre
Location: 20 Kensington Park Road, Serangoon Gardens
Chomp Chomp might have a funny name, but it’s serious when it comes to flavor. Tucked away in the Serangoon Gardens area, this hawker center is smaller than the others on my list, but it packs a punch. The best time to come is at night when the place really comes alive. The tables fill up fast, the grills start firing, and the air is thick with the smell of satay and BBQ seafood.
Every time I’ve been here, I go straight for the Hokkien mee. It’s one of the best I’ve had in Singapore. It is rich, flavorful, and loaded with prawns. The satay here is top-notch too. Trust me! Juicy, smoky, and served with that thick peanut sauce that ties everything together. And if you want something to cool you down, the sugarcane juice with lemon is a classic Chomp Chomp must-have. They serve it in giant cups, and it’s super refreshing.
Chomp Chomp has a more local, neighborhood feel. It’s where families, groups of friends, and food lovers gather to enjoy a good meal under the stars. Definitely a great spot to end this list.
