Offering diners an authentic line-up of Singaporean delicacies, hawker centres have become the go-to hotspots for culinary enthusiasts touring the Lion City. Here are a few helpful hints to help you navigate these popular food halls in Singapore.

What to Expect

Contrary to popular belief, hawker centres are not small food courts that resemble those found in malls all across Asia. Made up of individual stalls that specialise in one signature dish or meal, hawker centres are community dining hubs that serve inexpensive culinary treats.

Where to Go

While hawker centres are ubiquitous in Singapore, some locations are more popular among local diners. Those occupying a studio apartment near Marina Bay at a venue such as Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore, for instance, can head to Lau Pa Sat, which is within walking distance of their base. The Maxwell Food Centre and the Newton Food Centre are other hawker centres you shouldn’t miss.

What to Order

Although “Chicken Rice” and “Chilli Crab” are some of the best dishes to order in hawker centres, these classics are not all that’s accessible at these popular food joints. So try a plate of satay, Kaya Toast, and Char Kway Teow the next time you dine out.

Image by ศรัณย์ สุชาติเจริญยิ่ง from Pixabay

Reserve a Seat Like a Local

As there’s limited seating space available at hawker centres, it is crucial to reserve your seat by placing an umbrella or a similar item before going to place your order.