We all know how expensive dining out can be. One of the best ways to save some money is to eat at a hawker centre. Hawker centres offer a wide selection of cuisines, serve delicious food, and are much more wallet – friendly than your typical restaurant or coffee shop. Just make sure to return your tray and cutlery afterwards or you may face a hefty fine!
Here are our picks for the best hawker centres in Singapore and the best stalls there:
Old Airport Road Food Centre
One of the most famous hawker centres in Singapore, Old Airport Road Food Centre has been serving patrons for over 50 years since 1972. Many acclaimed hawker stalls can be found here, with one of our favourites being the Albert Street Prawn Noodle shop. Why? Because their handmade noodles and rich prawn – pork rib broth is second to none!
Maxwell Food Centre
Located in the heart of Singapore’s CBD is one of the most popular hawker centres around. Maxwell Food Centre prides itself in representing local cuisine and elevating them to the next level.
One of their most renowned dishes is Tian Tian’s Hainanese Chicken Rice, the same dish which impressed both Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain when they visited Singapore. Just make sure to come here early, since most stalls close by 4 pm.
Ayer Rajah Food Centre
Yes, hawkers centres are very affordable, but this low price is also what makes them overcrowded. If you prefer eating somewhere more peaceful, we suggest dining at Ayer Rajah. Due to its location, it is not as crowded as other hawker centres, but it does offer a wide selection of food.
It is also well known for having tons of Halal food options. One Halal hawker stall that you should definitely try out is Habib’s Rojak, an iconic Indian rojak store that has been handed down for generations!
Tiong Bahru Market Hawker Centre
Under its old name of Seng Poh Road Market, Tiong Bahru Market has a history that stretches back over 70 years. It is a large 2 storey complex with a wet market on the bottom floor and a modern hawker centre on the top floor. They even have an alfresco dining area where you can enjoy your meal while gazing upon the landscape!
Out of the countless amazing stalls here, we highly recommend you try the legendary chwee kueh from Jian Bo Shui Kueh.
East Coast Lagoon Food Village
Bored with the usual city surroundings? Then try eating by the beach at East Coast Lagoon Food Village! This hawker centre has a very laid back vibe along with a bunch of mouth – watering food such as barbecued seafood, smokey satay, and savoury popiah.
If you are feeling adventurous, then we suggest going for the flaming hot barbequed sambal stingray at Stingray Forever BBQ’s Seafood. But if you’re in the mood for something classic, then try one of either the chicken, beef, or lamb satay at Haron Satay. They are always barbecued to perfection and are served with a generous amount of rice cake.
Amoy Street Food Centre
Amoy Street Food Centre is well – known for its attractive street art as well as colourful dining scene.
Here you can find cuisines from all over the world which makes it unique among hawker centres. There is even an iconic coffee stall (Coffee Break) that has been in operation since 1935 and serves everything from traditional Kopi to the popular espresso. The ramen restaurant A Noodle Story is a must – try when visiting.
Boon Lay Place Food Village Hawker Centre
Our last entry on this list is the best hawker centre in the western part of Singapore: Boon Lay Place Food Village. What we especially love about this place is that a lot of hawkers here open till 2 in the morning, making it the perfect spot for a midnight snack. They also provide free wifi so that you won’t get bored while waiting in line.
You should definitely try Boon Lay Power’s Nasi Lemak when visiting this joint. It is served with perfectly cooked coconut rice, peanuts, savoury sambal, crispy fried chicken, fish paste otah, and fresh deep-fried fish.
