Best Street Food in Singapore
Street food guide for singapore: best street vendors, must-try snacks, food markets, and local eats.
A Street Food Lover’s Guide to Singapore
Singapore, a melting pot of cultures, is renowned for its vibrant street food scene. The city’s hawker centers and street stalls offer a delicious array of dishes that reflect the country’s diverse heritage. This guide will take you through 15 iconic street foods, providing practical tips on where to find them, estimated costs, and safety information.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Description
Considered Singapore’s national dish, Hainanese chicken rice features poached chicken served with fragrant rice and accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste.
Main Ingredients
- Poached chicken
- Jasmine rice
- Chicken broth
- Chili sauce and ginger
Where to Find
Head to Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown. Look for the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall.
Estimated Cost
Around SGD 5-7 per plate.
Best Times to Visit
Lunch hours (11 AM - 2 PM) can be busy but are ideal for this dish.
Hygiene/Safety Information
Look for vendors with a high hygiene rating displayed prominently.
2. Chilli Crab
Description
A must-try, this iconic dish features crabs cooked in a spicy tomato and chili sauce. It’s messy but delicious!
Main Ingredients
- Mud crabs
- Tomato sauce
- Chili paste
- Egg
Where to Find
Visit Jumbo Seafood at the East Coast Seafood Centre for a great experience.
Estimated Cost
Around SGD 60-80 for a full crab.
Best Times to Visit
Dinner time, especially from 6 PM onwards.
Hygiene/Safety Information
Choose established restaurants or stalls with good reviews.
3. Char Kway Teow
Description
This stir-fried noodle dish is made with flat rice noodles, prawns, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts, all wok-fried with soy sauce.
Main Ingredients
- Flat rice noodles
- Prawns
- Chinese sausage
- Bean sprouts
Where to Find
Check out Old Airport Road Food Centre for the renowned Char Kway Teow by Albert.
Estimated Cost
About SGD 4-6 per plate.
Best Times to Visit
Afternoons (12 PM - 3 PM) are less crowded.
Hygiene/Safety Information
Choose stalls with long queues; they are often popular for a reason.
4. Laksa
Description
This spicy noodle soup is a delightful blend of coconut milk, curry, and rice noodles, usually served with shrimp or chicken.
Main Ingredients
- Rice vermicelli
- Coconut milk
- Curry spices
- Prawns or chicken
Where to Find
Head to 328 Katong Laksa in the Katong district, known for its rich flavors.
Estimated Cost
Around SGD 6-8 per bowl.
Best Times to Visit
Lunch or dinner times, but be prepared for queues.
Hygiene/Safety Information
Look for stalls with a clean setup and good reviews.
5. Satay
Description
Grilled skewers of marinated meat, typically served with a peanut sauce and cucumber slices.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken, beef, or lamb
- Marinade (usually turmeric and spices)
- Peanut sauce
Where to Find
Visit Lau Pa Sat for a variety of satay options.
Estimated Cost
About SGD 0.80 per skewer.
Best Times to Visit
Evenings (6 PM onwards) when the satay stalls are bustling.
Hygiene/Safety Information
Opt for vendors who are busy, as high turnover indicates freshness.
6. Roti Prata
Description
A flaky, crispy flatbread, often served with curry and sugar for dipping.
Main Ingredients
- Flour
- Ghee
- Curry (usually chicken or fish)
Where to Find
Check out Roti Prata House in the Mackenzie Road area.
Estimated Cost
Around SGD 1-3 each.
Best Times to Visit
Breakfast hours (7 AM - 11 AM) are prime time for roti prata.
Hygiene/Safety Information
Choose stalls with visible cooking processes for assurance.
7. Nasi Lemak
Description
This Malay dish features coconut milk rice served with sambal, fried chicken, peanuts, and fried egg.
Main Ingredients
- Coconut rice
- Sambal (spicy paste)
- Fried chicken or fish
- Peanuts
Where to Find
Visit Adam Road Food Centre, where various vendors offer delicious versions.
Estimated Cost
Around SGD 4-6 per plate.
Best Times to Visit
Lunch hours are ideal, but breakfast is also popular.
Hygiene/Safety Information
Look for stalls that are well-maintained and busy.
8. Prata Bomb
Description
A sweet version of roti prata, stuffed with condensed milk or chocolate, crispy on the outside.
Main Ingredients
- Flour
- Sweet filling (condensed milk or chocolate)
Where to Find
Al-Ameen Eating House near Upper Bukit Timah is well-known for this treat.
Estimated Cost
Around SGD 2-3 each.
Best Times to Visit
Anytime, but particularly at night.
Hygiene/Safety Information
Choose places with high foot traffic.
9. Kway Chap
Description
A comforting dish of flat rice noodles served in a dark, savory broth, usually accompanied by braised meats.
Main Ingredients
- Flat rice noodles
- Braised pork or duck
- Soy sauce
Where to Find
Chinatown Complex Food Centre has great options.
Estimated Cost
Around SGD 5-8 per bowl.
Best Times to Visit
Lunch hours are ideal for fresh servings.
Hygiene/Safety Information
Check for cleanliness and busy periods.
10. Ice Kachang
Description
A refreshing dessert made of shaved ice topped with colorful syrups, sweet corn, and red beans.
Main Ingredients
- Shaved ice
- Syrups (like rose and gula melaka)
- Toppings (sweet corn, jelly, red beans)
Where to Find
Try AMK Food Centre for local favorites.
Estimated Cost
Around SGD 2-4.
Best Times to Visit
Perfect on a hot afternoon.
Hygiene/Safety Information
Ensure the ice is from safe sources and the stall looks clean.
11. Popiah
Description
A fresh spring roll filled with vegetables, egg, and sometimes shrimp, wrapped in a thin crepe.
Main Ingredients
- Thin wheat flour crepe
- Vegetables (jicama, bean sprouts)
- Egg
Where to Find
Tiong Bahru Market is a great spot for popiah.
Estimated Cost
Around SGD 2-4 each.
Best Times to Visit
Lunch or snack time (2 PM - 4 PM) is ideal.
Hygiene/Safety Information
Choose stalls with visible food
