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Eat Like A Local At These Hawker Centers In Singapore

There are two points to live by if you want to eat your way through Singapore’s famous hawker centers like a local. First, keep an eye out for long lines. This is usually a testament of how good a place’s food is. And the second one? Simple. Just enjoy the food. 

Here, we give you a lowdown of Singapore’s best food centers for delicious and affordable eats:

Maxwell Food Centre

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With over 100 stalls under its roof, Maxwell Food Centre is undoubtedly among Singapore’s largest and most popular hawker centers. Comb through lanes and lanes of food stalls selling Singaporean, Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Peranakan delights, then sit down to have your fill, while watching people hustle about. When you’re done eating, stretch your legs and go for a nice walk to Clarke Quay. You might want to take a cruise ride, too, for a new perspective of the city. 

1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore
8 AM – 2 AM daily

 

Newton Food Centre

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A seafood lover’s paradise, Newton Food Centre is best known for its wide array of seafood dishes. Check out over 80 stalls and prepare to gorge on specialties like chili crab and stingray sambal. Well-loved by locals and tourists alike, Newton Food Centre is among Singapore’s most popular hawker centers, and even had its Hollywood moment when it made a cameo in the blockbuster hit rom-com “Crazy Rich Asians!” 

500 Clemenceau Avenue North, Singapore
12 PM – 2 AM daily

 

Tekka Centre

via Shutterstock

For authentic Indian flavors, hit the first floor of Tekka Centre in Little India. The ever-so-busy food court awakens the senses and induces hunger with the enticing aromas of Indian and Malay-influenced dishes lingering in the air. Have your go at favorites like biryani, dosa, vadai, and more!

Bukit Timah and Serangoon Roads, Little India, Singapore
6:30 AM – 9:00 PM daily

 

Old Airport Road Food Centre

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Now, here’s a unique one. Just like what its name suggests, Old Airport Road Food Center can be found at an old airport. In fact, it’s situated right on the runway of Singapore’s old Kallang Airport! As one of the country’s original hawker centers, it used to be known among locals only. But recently, it’s emerging as a go-to hawker place of tourists as well. On your visit, make sure to try soya bean curds, fried hokkien mee, clams in sweet and sour sauce, and char kway teow. Have some patience, though, as the queues can get really long here!

51 Old Airport Rd, Singapore
6 AM – 11 PM daily 

 

Chinatown Complex Food Centre

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Moving their businesses from the roadside to the second level of the Chinatown Complex Food Centre, you can say that the vendors here took the saying “work your way up” quite literally. This food center is awash with decades-old food stalls with a loyal local following. Sample various buns and dumplings or slurp down a bowl of congee. But don’t forget to try the famous claypot rice before you leave. There’s no better place in the city to have it than here. 

335 Smith Street #02-127 Chinatown Complex, Chinatown, Singapore
8 AM – 10 PM daily

 

East Coast Lagoon Food Village

via East Coast Lagoon Facebook Page

If you want to feast on local treats while enjoying a scenic view, East Coast Lagoon Food Village is your best bet. Not only does it offer a plethora of food options, it is also the only beachside hawker center in all of Singapore! Don’t hesitate to line up for mustn’t miss eats like braised duck and BBQ pork noodles, as they’re truly worth the wait. Since this food center is an outdoor location, the best time to go is just before sunset, when the heat is starting to subside and the skies are painted with marvelous hues. Get your camera on the ready, too. You’ll be snapping a lot of Insta-perfect photos to share!

1220 ECP, Singapore 468960
5 PM – 12 AM Tuesday – Sunday (closed on Mondays)

 

Honorable Mention:

Supertree Food Hall

via Shutterstock

The recently-opened Supertree Food Hall is also a mustn’t-miss haven for avid foodies! Tucked in the horticultural standout that is Gardens by the Bay, it is composed of seven mini restaurants featuring international cuisines. From Western favorites to savory Vietnamese delights, it has something for every palate! But if you want to keep it local, the food hall’s Hill Street Coffee Shop is a great choice for classic Singaporean fare. 

18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore
8:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily

Get your discounted Gardens by the Bay ticket here!

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