Singapore In A Day

Whether you’re a first-timer or a repeat visitor, these are the dishes you simply can’t leave Singapore without trying .

If you’re visiting Singapore and wondering what to eat, congratulations! You’ve just arrived in one of the world’s most exciting food cities. Singapore is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences, and our local dishes show that beautifully.

Singapore is a food paradise. With flavours drawn from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan traditions, you can taste the world on one island.

But where should a visitor start?

Here’s a list of 11 must-try dishes. all of which locals swear by and yes, many are served at Michelin-awarded hawker stalls.

Taste these dishes with a local guide. join our Singapore Foodie Tour.

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice

The national dish of Singapore. Tender poached chicken, fragrant garlic-ginger rice, and a trio of sauces (chilli, dark soy, ginger).

Where to try:

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice – Michelin Bib Gourmand (Maxwell Food Centre)

Ah Tai Chicken Rice – Also at Maxwell, run by a former Tian Tian chef

tip: Ask for thigh meat and add an extra bowl of soup.

2. Char Kway Teow

A wok-fried plate of flat rice noodles mixed with egg, Chinese sausage, cockles, and bean sprouts. Smoky, greasy, and glorious.

Where to try

Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee– Michelin Bib Gourmand (Hong Lim Food Centre)

3. Katong Laksa

Spicy coconut milk curry noodles topped with shrimp, cockles, and sliced fishcake. Unlike other laksas, Katong-style is eaten only with a spoon!

Where to try:

328 Katong Laksa – Michelin Bib Gourmand

Fun fact: Even Gordon Ramsay lost to them in a laksa cook-off!

4. Chilli Crab

A legendary seafood dish — sweet, spicy, saucy, and finger-licking good. Best eaten with mantou (fried buns).

Where to try:

Jumbo Seafood(East Coast Seafood Centre)

Long Beach Seafood(Dempsey or East Coast)

East coast lagoon food village

Note:Not hawker-priced, but worth the splurge.

5. Bak Chor Mee (Minced Meat Noodles)

Springy noodles tossed in vinegar and chilli, topped with minced pork, liver slices, and mushrooms. A bold, punchy bowl.

Where to try:

Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle– Michelin *One Star(Crawford Lane)

tip: Go early or expect a 1-hour queue.

6. Hokkien Mee

A smoky mix of yellow noodles and rice vermicelli, stir-fried with prawns and squid in a rich seafood broth.

Where to try:

Geylang Lor 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee

Nam Sing Hokkien Mee (Old Airport Road Food Centre)

7. Satay

Grilled skewers of marinated meat served with rich peanut sauce, rice cakes, and cucumber.

Where to try:

Satay by the Bay (Gardens by the Bay)

Lau Pa Sat Satay Street (Evenings at Boon Tat Street)

east coast food lagoon food village

tip: Order mixed sets for beef, chicken, and lamb.

8.Roti Prata

Indian-style flatbread. crispy on the outside, soft inside. served with curry or sugar. Comes plain or filled with egg, cheese, or even chocolate.

Where to try:

Springleaf Prata Place (creative flavours)

Mr & Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Prata (Joo Chiat)

tip: Best enjoyed for breakfast or supper.

9. Nasi Lemak

Fragrant coconut rice with fried chicken, sambal, crispy anchovies, egg, and peanuts. Sweet, spicy, savoury — all in one plate.

Where to try:

The Coconut Club – Michelin Bib Gourmand

Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak (Adam Road Food Centre)

10. Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway)

No carrots here — this dish is made from radish cake, fried with eggs. Try the white version (no soy) or black (with sweet soy sauce).

Where to try:

Fu Ming Cooked Food – Michelin Bib Gourmand (Redhill Food Centre)

Lau Goh Carrot Cake (Zion Road Food Centre)

Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs & Kopi

11. Singapore’s Favourite Traditional Breakfast

Crispy charcoal-grilled bread slathered with kaya (coconut jam) and butter, served with runny soft-boiled eggs and a strong cup of local coffee or tea

Where to try:

Ya Kun Kaya Toast – A beloved chain found islandwide, known for thin crispy toast.

Killiney Kopitiam – A more traditional, old-school setting.

Chin Mee Chin Confectionery (Katong) – Retro vibes with homemade buns.

Tip: Break the eggs into a saucer. Add a dash of soy sauce and white pepper. Dip your toast into it. You’ll understand why we love it so much.

Final Bite: Why Not Join a Food Tour?

Love local food but not sure where to start?
Let a licensed guide (like me!) take you on a delicious trail of hawker favourites. from hidden gems to iconic spots.

Book Your Cultural, History, Food Tour Here.

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