The 10 Best Hawker Centres in Singapore

Singapore’s hawker centres are a vibrant part of the city-state’s culinary culture, offering a delightful mix of affordable, diverse, and delicious food options. With hundreds of such centres scattered across Singapore, choosing the best can be overwhelming. Here, we’ll explore the top 10 hawker centres that should be on every food lover's itinerary. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure through some of the most renowned and beloved food hubs Singapore has to offer.

1. Maxwell Food Centre

Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, Maxwell Food Centre is renowned for its array of local delicacies. From the iconic Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice to the famous Zhen Zhen Porridge, this hawker centre boasts a variety of stalls that attract both locals and tourists alike. The centre's central location makes it a convenient spot for exploring nearby Chinatown attractions.

Highlights:

• Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice: A must-try dish famous for its tender chicken and flavorful rice.
• Zhen Zhen Porridge: Known for its comforting and hearty texture.

2. Chinatown Complex Food Centre

As one of the largest hawker centres in Singapore, Chinatown Complex Food Centre offers an extensive selection of food stalls. It's home to Liao Fan Hawker Chan, the world's first Michelin-starred street food stall, serving up delectable soya sauce chicken rice. Additionally, the centre features various stalls offering local favorites such as laksa and char kway teow.

Highlights:

• Hawker Chan: Famous for its Michelin-starred soya sauce chicken rice.
• Local Favorites: Offers a variety of traditional Singaporean dishes.

3. Old Airport Road Food Centre

Old Airport Road Food Centre is a beloved spot among locals for its authentic and hearty dishes. This centre is particularly well-known for its signature dishes like the famous Ming Fa Fish Soup and the aromatic Lao Ban Soya Beancurd. The variety and quality of food available here make it a favorite destination for food enthusiasts.

Highlights:

• Ming Fa Fish Soup: Known for its clear, flavorful broth and fresh fish.
• Lao Ban Soya Beancurd: Famous for its smooth and silky texture.

4. Tiong Bahru Market

Tiong Bahru Market combines a traditional wet market with a bustling hawker centre. It's a great place to experience local life and enjoy delicious food. The market is famous for its roast meat stalls and delectable chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes). With its vibrant atmosphere, Tiong Bahru Market offers a genuine taste of Singapore’s culinary scene.

Highlights:

• Roast Meat Stalls: Offers a variety of succulent and flavorful roast meats.
• Chwee Kueh: Known for its savory and tasty rice cakes.

5. Tekka Centre

Located in the heart of Little India, Tekka Centre is a bustling food hub that showcases Singapore’s multicultural food scene. It features a wide array of Indian, Malay, and Chinese dishes, making it a must-visit for those seeking diverse flavors. The centre is particularly renowned for its Indian roti prata and murtabak.

Highlights:

• Indian Roti Prata: Known for its crispy texture and delicious flavors.
• Murtabak: A savory stuffed pancake popular among locals.

6. Amoy Street Food Centre

Amoy Street Food Centre is a hidden gem in the heart of Singapore’s financial district. It offers a variety of classic hawker fare with some stalls standing out for their unique offerings. From the renowned Amoy Street Lor Mee to the Oven-Baked Hainanese Chicken Rice, this centre is a great spot for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Highlights:

• Amoy Street Lor Mee: Famous for its rich, savory gravy and tender ingredients.
• Oven-Baked Hainanese Chicken Rice: Offers a twist on the traditional dish.

7. Albert Centre Market & Food Centre

Albert Centre Market & Food Centre is a popular choice for varied and affordable meals. Located in the Bugis area, this centre offers a mix of local and regional dishes. It’s known for its diverse range of options, including the highly-rated Chatterbox Chicken Rice and A1 Popiah.

Highlights:

• Chatterbox Chicken Rice: Known for its flavorful and tender chicken rice.
• A1 Popiah: Offers delicious and fresh popiah (spring rolls).

8. Hainan Street Steamboat

For those who enjoy a more interactive dining experience, Hainan Street Steamboat offers a unique steamboat dining experience. This hawker centre allows diners to cook their own ingredients in a pot of simmering broth. It’s a great place for enjoying fresh seafood and various meat options in a social setting.

Highlights:

• Interactive Steamboat Dining: Offers a fun and customizable dining experience.
• Fresh Seafood: Known for its high-quality ingredients.

9. Jurong West Street 81 Food Centre

Jurong West Street 81 Food Centre is a local favorite for its affordable and tasty dishes. This centre is well-known for its roti john and duck rice. The variety of stalls here ensures that there's something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a hearty meal.

Highlights:

• Roti John: Offers a flavorful and satisfying sandwich.
• Duck Rice: Known for its tender meat and flavorful rice.

10. Punggol Nasi Lemak Centre

Punggol Nasi Lemak Centre is a go-to spot for fans of Nasi Lemak, a traditional Malay dish consisting of rice cooked in coconut milk served with various accompaniments. This hawker centre is famed for its crispy fried chicken and aromatic sambal, making it a must-visit for those craving a taste of Malay cuisine.

Highlights:

• Nasi Lemak: Offers a delicious and traditional Malay dish.
• Crispy Fried Chicken: Known for its flavorful and crunchy texture.