Singapore might be small, but when it comes to food, it’s an absolute giant. Influenced by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cultures, the local food scene is one of the most diverse (and delicious) in the world. You’ll find Michelin-starred dishes served in plastic bowls, century-old recipes passed down through hawker stalls, and modern twists that still stay true to their roots. This list covers the essentials. Save it, screenshot it, and come hungry.
A great way to experience Singapore’s food scene is by going on a guided food tour around the city with a local guide.
BREAKFAST & COFFEE
1. Ya Kun Kaya Toast ($)
This is the place to try Singapore’s classic breakfast: thin toast with kaya (coconut jam), a slab of butter, and two soft-boiled eggs. And by soft-boiled, we mean barely-boiled. Honestly, it is kind of weird at first, but it’s definitely a local experience worth trying at least once. It’s a local chain, but the vibe feels old-school in the best way.
2. Sarnies ($$)
Sarnies was our absolute favourite brunch spot in Bangkok, and since they have a few locations there, we already knew we loved it. But the original, the very first Sarnies, was born right here in Singapore, so of course we had to come try it. The menu is just as good as we hoped for, with all the comforting classics but also some more original dishes that make their brunch stand out. Great portions, great coffee, great flavours. Honestly, one of the best brunches you can have in Singapore and in Bangkok too.
3. DAWN ($$)
A minimalist café with a Japanese-inspired aesthetic and such a peaceful vibe. The coffee was amazing and the whole space felt very detail-oriented, calm, and thoughtful. It’s small though, so you might need to wait or share a table, but it’s a beautiful spot to ease into your day.
Tamago Sando
4. Kurasu Singapore ($$)
Kurasu Singapore is the overseas sibling of a specialty café from Kyoto, Japan. Every week, fresh-roasted beans are flown in direct from its Kyoto roastery, ensuring that every cup shares the same profile as the original location. The coffee is amazing, the vibe is super relaxed and it’s great if you’re looking for somewhere quiet and tucked away.
5. Alchemist The Heeren ($$)
Located on a corner of Orchard Road, this café stands out for its modern design and central location. It’s stylish without trying too hard, serves strong espresso, and roasts its own beans that you can buy to take home. A great pit stop between shopping and downtown wandering.
HAWKER CENTRES & RESTAURANTS
6. Lau Pa Sat ($-$$)
If you’re only visiting one hawker centre in Singapore, this is the one. Located in the heart of the city, Lau Pa Sat transforms in the evening when the surrounding street closes down and becomes Satay Street. Around 7 p.m., the smoke rises, the skewers sizzle, and the smell draws in locals and tourists alike. Stalls 7 and 8 are the most famous, and yes, we queued, and yes, we’d do it again. Honestly, best satay we’ve ever had.
Inside the hawker centre, there’s something for every craving, but Stall 64 completely stole the show for us. Their Shanghai fried xiao long bao and dumplings were hands-down the best we’ve ever had, and so addictive we went back for more without even pretending to think about it. Another solid option is the Nasi Lemak from Ayam Taliwang, which has one Michelin star and is incredibly flavourful. It reminded us how closely connected Singapore and Malaysia are, especially when it comes to food. We also tried a few other things like dim sum and noodle bowls, and honestly, everything we picked hit the spot. This hawker centre just has the kind of energy and variety that makes you want to come back the next night, and we actually did.
7. Maxwell Food Centre ($-$$)
This is where we came for one mission only: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (listed in the Michelin Guide). The stall is legendary and always has a line, but it moves fast and the chicken really is that good. Juicy, tender, full of flavour. We totally get the hype. That said, don’t stop there. We also found an amazing duck rice stall with a green sign written only in Chinese (Fu Shun Shao La Mian Jia). Don’t skip it if you see the line. And honestly, just wander and point. It’s the kind of place where even a random choice will surprise you.
8. Liao Fan Hawker Chan ($)
The world’s first Michelin-starred hawker stall. The soy sauce chicken rice is the most popular item, and while opinions vary, we thought it was delicious, simple and satisfying. Don’t expect a fancy experience, but it’s fun to try for the story behind and the price.
9. Din Tai Fung ($$)
Yes, it’s a chain, but it’s one we always look forward to. The vibe in Singapore is more casual compared to the U.S., where it feels like a fancy dinner spot with cocktails and dim lighting. Here it’s all about quick service, clean interiors, and delicious comfort food done right. You know it’s a solid spot when there’s always a line and no one minds waiting.
Unlike Europe or the U.S. where mall food usually means chains and fast food, Singapore’s food courts are all about local and authentic flavours. We loved ION Orchard and One Raffles Place for affordable and delicious meals.
BARS
10. 1-Arden ($$-$$$)
Easily one of our favourite rooftops of all time. Set on the 51st floor of CapitaSpring, 1-Arden gives you unbeatable panoramic views of the city, and watching Marina Bay Sands light up at sunset from here is honestly unforgettable. We got lucky with a front-row table and just sat there soaking it all in.
Don’t forget to book in advance and for the ladies, don’t miss out on Ladies’ Night from Wednesday to Friday, with martinis for just ten dollars from 5 PM till late.
Don’t miss out on a little walk around the rooftop garden, known as the “World’s Highest Urban Food Forest.” It spans over 10,000 square feet and is home to more than 150 species of herbs, vegetables, fruits and plants used by the restaurants below.
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