This blog post is all about local Singapore dishes.

One of my favourite parts of traveling is diving into the local cuisine. There’s just something magical about eating food that reflects the heart and soul of a destination.
Give me a mom-and-pop shop or a local favourite dive over an Instagram-trendy five-star restaurant any day!
When I visited Singapore, I knew I had to embrace its vibrant food culture, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
From humble hawker centres to renowned food stalls, Singapore’s culinary scene is as diverse as its culture.
Each dish is steeped in history and tradition, making it an experience far beyond just eating.
If you’re heading to Singapore, make sure to come hungry because this city will take you on an unforgettable culinary adventure.
This blog post is all about local Singapore dishes to try.
Start at the Hawker Centres
Before we dive into the dishes, let’s talk about where you’ll find many of them: hawker centres.
These open-air food courts are the beating heart of Singapore’s food scene. They’re home to rows and rows of food stalls, each specializing in a particular dish, and they’re where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy affordable, authentic meals.
The beauty of a hawker centre is that you’re not tied down to just one dish or vendor. You can grab chicken rice from one stall, laksa from another, and maybe finish off with some ice kacang from a dessert stall—all in the same place.
Plus, meals here are ridiculously cheap compared to restaurants, so you can sample a wide variety of dishes without breaking the bank.
Some of the most popular hawker centres include:
- Maxwell Food Centre: Famous for its Hainanese chicken rice.
- Chinatown Complex Food Centre: A treasure trove of traditional Chinese dishes.
- Old Airport Road Food Centre: Known for its laksa and Hokkien mee.
- Newton Food Centre: My personal favourite! It has a lively atmosphere and a great variety of stalls, perfect for first-timers.
Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who appreciates good eats, hawker centres are the best places to immerse yourself in Singapore’s food culture.
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1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Let’s start with Singapore’s national dish.
Hainanese chicken rice might look simple, but its flavours are anything but. The chicken is poached to perfection, the rice is fragrant and cooked in chicken stock, and it’s all tied together with chilli sauce, ginger paste, and dark soy sauce.
It’s the ultimate comfort food that will leave you wanting more.
Local Singapore Dishes: Where to Try Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre: A legendary stall that even Anthony Bourdain raved about.
- Boon Tong Kee: A slightly more upscale spot offering consistently tender chicken and fragrant rice.
2. Chilli Crab
This dish is a messy affair, but trust me, it’s worth every bite. Fresh crab is cooked in a rich, sweet, and spicy tomato-based sauce that’s best enjoyed with fried mantou buns to soak up every drop.
It’s a quintessential Singaporean experience that seafood lovers simply can’t miss.
Local Singapore Dishes: Where to Try Chilli Crab
- Jumbo Seafood at Clarke Quay: A go-to spot for high-quality chilli crab.
- No Signboard Seafood: Famous for both chilli and black pepper crab.
3. Laksa
This Peranakan classic is a spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk base, brimming with rice noodles, prawns, fish cake, and cockles.
It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-comforting. Perfect for any time of the day.
Local Singapore Dishes: Where to Try Laksa
- 328 Katong Laksa: Known for their unique spoon-only method of eating laksa.
- Sungei Road Laksa: A humble stall serving a simple yet satisfying version.
4. Char Kway Teow
Char kway teow is a stir-fried noodle dish with flat rice noodles, prawns, Chinese sausage, cockles, and bean sprouts.
The secret to its smoky, caramelized flavour lies in the high-heat wok cooking technique known as “wok hei.”
Local Singapore Dishes: Where to Try Char Kway Teow
- Hill Street Fried Kway Teow: A fan-favourite for its perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavours.
- Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee: Located at Hong Lim Food Centre, another crowd pleaser.
5. Hokkien Mee
This noodle dish combines yellow noodles and rice vermicelli stir-fried with prawns, squid, and egg, then simmered in a rich prawn stock.
Served with sambal chilli and lime, it’s a delightful burst of flavours.
Local Singapore Dishes: Where to Try Hokkien Mee
- Nam Sing Hokkien Mee at Old Airport Road Food Centre: A must-visit for its lighter and less greasy version.
- Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Mee: Located at Chomp Chomp Food Centre, this is a top choice for late-night eats.
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6. Satay
These skewered meat sticks are grilled over charcoal and served with a peanut dipping sauce, rice cakes, cucumber, and onions.
Whether it’s chicken, beef, or mutton, satay is a classic dish that never disappoints.
Local Singapore Dishes: Where to Try Satay
- Lau Pa Sat: At night, this food centre turns into a satay street with countless stalls competing for your attention.
- East Coast Lagoon Food Village: A scenic spot to enjoy satay by the sea.
7. Nasi Lemak
This Malay dish features coconut rice paired with fried chicken, sambal chilli, ikan bilis (fried anchovies), and a fried egg.
The combination of savoury and spicy flavours makes it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Local Singapore Dishes: Where to Try Nasi Lemak
- Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak: A favourite at Adam Road Food Centre.
- The Coconut Club: A modern twist on this classic dish.
8. Kaya Toast
Kaya toast is Singapore’s answer to comfort food. This simple snack is made with toasted bread, kaya (a sweet coconut and pandan jam), and butter.
Paired with soft-boiled eggs and kopi (coffee), it’s the breakfast of champions.
Local Singapore Dishes: Where to Try Kaya Toast
- Chin Mee Chin Confectionery: A nostalgic spot for traditional kaya toast.
- Ya Kun Kaya Toast: With outlets all over Singapore, it’s a convenient option for a quick fix.
9. Roti Prata
This flaky Indian flatbread is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack.
Dip it in curry for a savoury treat or try it with sugar or condensed milk for a sweet twist.
Local Singapore Dishes: Where to Try Roti Prata
- Springleaf Prata Place: Known for their creative variations, like the Ultimate Murtabak.
- Mr. and Mrs. Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata: A Joo Chiat favourite.
10. Bak Chor Mee
Bak chor mee is a dry noodle dish topped with minced pork, liver, and crispy lard.
Tossed in a tangy vinegar-based sauce, it’s a flavour-packed bowl of goodness.
Local Singapore Dishes: Where to Try Bak Chor Mee
- Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles: A Michelin-starred stall.
- Lai Heng Mushroom Minced Meat Mee: Another solid option in Toa Payoh.
11. Ice Kacang
Cool down with this vibrant dessert made of shaved ice, syrups, and toppings like jelly, red beans, and attap seeds.
It’s a refreshing way to beat Singapore’s heat.
Local Singapore Dishes: Where to Try Ice Kacang
- Mei Heong Yuen Dessert: A Chinatown favourite.
- Ah Chew Desserts: A charming spot in Bugis.
12. Sambal Stingray
For adventurous eaters, sambal stingray is a must-try. This barbecued fish dish is slathered with spicy sambal chilli paste and grilled to perfection.
The smoky flavour pairs beautifully with the heat of the sambal.
Local Singapore Dishes: Where to Try Sambal Stingray
- Chomp Chomp Food Centre: Famous for their smoky and spicy stingray.
- Newton Food Centre: Another great spot to savour this local delicacy.
Best Local Singapore Dishes
Exploring Singapore through its food is one of the best ways to experience its multicultural heritage.
From the tender chicken rice to the fiery sambal stingray, every dish tells a story of the city’s history and its people.
What’s your favourite Singaporean dish? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your foodie adventures!
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