If you are planning a trip to the Lion City, you shouldn’t miss the experience of dining at one of the famous hawker centres in Singapore. This hub of culinary delight offers a wide array of local dishes that will tease your taste buds without emptying your wallet. But how do you navigate this world of mouthwatering choices and customs? Here’s your ultimate guide to ordering local food in a hawker centre, with advice from a local who knows the best hawker centres in Singapore.
How to Order Local Food in a Hawker Centre in Singapore
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Choose the right Hawker Centres in Singapore
The first step to enjoying the best local food in Singapore is choosing the right hawker centre. To make the most of your experience, head to one of the best food centres in Singapore, such as:
A.Lau Pa Sat
Lau Pa Sat, also known as Telok Ayer Market, is a historic food center located in the central business district of Singapore. It is one of the most popular hawker centers in the city-state. The market has a long history, dating back to the 19th century when it was originally a simple wooden structure.
Lau Pa Sat is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a diverse range of affordable and delicious local and international cuisines. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of Singaporean hawker food, including satay, laksa, chicken rice, and more. The center also comes alive in the evenings, with outdoor satay stalls and a vibrant atmosphere.
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B.Newton Food Centre
It is a well-known hawker center in Singapore, located at Newton Circus along Newton Circus Road. Newton Food Centre is famous for its diverse selection of local hawker fare, including popular dishes like satay, barbecue seafood, hokkien mee, and more.
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- Satay by the Bay
Satay by the Bay is a food court and dining area located in the Gardens by the Bay,a popular attraction in Singapore. This dining spot offers a unique outdoor experience with a view of the iconic Supertrees and the Marina Bay skyline. Satay by the Bay is known for its variety of local and international cuisines, with a focus on satay, a popular Southeast Asian dish consisting of skewered and grilled meat, usually served with a flavorful peanut sauce.
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D. Maxwell Food Centre
Maxwell Food Centre is one of the most renowned hawker centers in Singapore. It is located in the Chinatown area and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a diverse range of delicious and affordable Singaporean hawker food. Some of the must-try dishes at Maxwell Food Centre includes Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake, Zhen Zhen Porridge, Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice & Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle
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➕Insider Tip: Have your physical money ready. While some stalls accept online payment methods, it’s always good to be prepared.
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Finding a Seat
As you enter the hawker centre, the first task is to find a seat. Singaporeans have a clever way of reserving tables using tissue packets. Simply place one on the table to signal that somebody has taken it. If you see a table with a number, remember it; some stalls require you to provide the table number when you order.
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Eat In or Takeaway?
As you approach the hawker stall, the first question they will ask is, “Eat in?” or “Takeaway?” It’s an easy choice. If you plan to enjoy your meal at the hawker centre, simply say, “Eat in.” If you prefer to take your meal to go, say “Takeaway” or “Dabao.” ‘Dabao’ means takeaway in Mandarin.
➕Insider Tip: If you’re an eco-conscious traveller, consider bringing your container to avoid additional fees for takeout and reduce plastic waste.
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Ordering Your Meal
When it’s time to order, you might be surprised by the variety of local dishes. Let’s break down how to order some of the local yet best food in Singapore’s hawker centres:
➕Insider Tip: Most hawker stalls allow customisation. Feel free to remove or add ingredients to create a meal that suits your taste.
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Chicken Rice
Singapore’s signature chicken rice is a fragrant plate of rice served with poached chicken, bean sprouts, cucumber, and sometimes soup. You can choose between breast, thigh, or drumstick when ordering. If you want a more diverse experience, try a combination of white chicken, roasted chicken, and soy sauce chicken.
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Laksa
Laksa in Singapore is a unique delight. It’s a bowl of thick vermicelli in a coconut-milk-based broth, topped with various proteins and ingredients. Spice up your laksa by adding chilli for an extra kick.
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Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle (Bak Chor Mee)
Dry or soup, mushroom minced meat noodle is a local favourite. Customise your dish by selecting the type of noodle, level of spiciness, and additional ingredients like pork slices or meatballs.
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Wanton Noodle (Wanton Mee)
Singapore’s wanton mee is a delightful twist on this classic dish. Choose between the dry and soup versions and opt for your preferred type of noodle. You can even swap char siew (BBQ pork) for other proteins like roasted chicken or duck.
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Hainanese Curry Rice
This dish offers a comforting mix of rice, succulent meat (often chicken or pork), and a generous serving of fragrant curry sauce. Feel free to customise your plate with your choice of meats and sides, like crispy pork chops or braised cabbage.
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Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a beloved stir-fried noodle dish. It’s a harmonious blend of flat rice noodles, prawns, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and chives, all wok-fried to perfection. You can choose the level of spiciness and opt for extra ingredients to suit your taste.
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Chilli Crab
A Singaporean seafood classic, Chilli crab, features succulent crab cooked in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce. Don’t forget to request for mantou, a fluffy Chinese bun, to soak up every bit of the delectable sauce.
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Hainanese Chicken Chop
A variation of the iconic Hainanese Chicken Rice, this dish presents tender chicken chops lightly battered and fried to golden perfection. Served with a savoury sauce, it’s a delightful choice for those craving a crunchy delight.
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Satay
Satay is a popular street food featuring skewered and grilled meat, often chicken or beef, served with a fragrant peanut sauce. Customise your order by choosing your preferred type of meat and level of spiciness for the sauce.
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Rojak
This unique dish, served at almost every best food centre in Singapore, combines a mix of fruits, vegetables, and fried dough fritters, all tossed in a sweet and tangy shrimp paste dressing. Customise it by asking for extra peanuts or a spicier sauce, and savour the delightful medley of flavours and textures.
➕Insider Tip: If you’re craving extra rice without an additional charge, say “more rice” instead of “add rice.” The server will likely serve you a more generous portion.
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Waiting for Your Meal
After placing your order, you can wait by the stall or for a buzzer. The buzzer system is commonly used in hawker centres. The buzzer will ring when your food is ready and alert you to collect it. This way, you can relax at your table until your meal is piping hot and ready to enjoy. Also, try the chilli sauces or condiments at the hawker centre to enhance your dining experience.
➕Insider Tip: Help maintain cleanliness by returning your used plates and trays to the designated tray return stations. Also, be mindful of halal and non-halal areas, which are signposted.
Ordering local food at one of the best hawker centres in Singapore is a delightful experience that allows you to savour the authentic flavours of the city. Following these simple guidelines, you can dine like a local, make the most of your culinary adventure, and discover the best food in Singapore’s hawker centres. Enjoy your meal and immerse yourself in the vibrant hawker culture!
