An insider's guide to Singapore's vibrant food scene, featuring authentic recommendations from a local foodie. While these recommendations were originally from 2019, most of these establishments are institutions that have stood the test of time, but it's always good to check current operating hours and availability, especially post-2019.
Tanjong Pagar District
Maxwell Food Centre Highlights
- Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice - A must-try Singapore classic
- Zhen Zhen Porridge - Authentic Singaporean congee
- Hum Jin Pa - Don't miss their Hum Ji Peng (fried dough snack)
Evening Entertainment
- Explore Club Street and Ann Siang Hill - especially vibrant on weekends when it becomes a car-free zone
- Wander through the historic shophouses along Amoy Street
Amoy Food Centre Gems
- Piao Ji Fish Porridge or Han Kee (2nd floor) - Outstanding fish soup
- Yuan Chun Famous Lor Mee - Classic Singaporean noodles
- Hong Kee - Renowned for beef noodles
Local Breakfast Culture
Don't miss the quintessential Singaporean breakfast:
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Kaya toast (coconut jam)
- Local coffee with condensed milk
- Try chains like Killiney or any hawker centre for an authentic experience
Haji Lane & Arab Street District
Dining Highlights
- Blujaz - Historic establishment featuring live jazz
- Sushi Airways - Themed Japanese restaurant in an aircraft setting
- Blanco Court Prawn Noodle - Famous for their refillable soup
* Various trendy cafes perfect for brunch
Cultural Experience
- Explore traditional Indian textile shops
- Browse hipster boutiques
- Immerse yourself in the area's rich cultural heritage
Tiong Bahru: Where Tradition Meets Trendy
Morning Market Must-Tries
- Jian Bo Chwee Kueh - Traditional rice cakes
- Teck Seng Soya Bean Milk - Fresh soya drink
- Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow - Famous stir-fried noodles
Notable Spots
- Books Actually - Singapore's longest-running independent bookstore
- Tiong Bahru Bakery - Excellent pastries
- Bincho - Day: Traditional mee pok; Night: Japanese yakitori
Orchard Road Food Guide
Mall Food Treasures
- Koh Grill (Wisma Atria) - Try the Shiok Maki
- Ion Orchard Food Court - Notable for fishball noodles and prata
- Wisma Atria Food Court - Famous for Hokkien noodles
Hidden Gems
- Lucky Plaza- Try Ayam Penyet at Ayam Penyet Ria
- Orchard Towers - Authentic Thai food (Level 3)
- Hai Di Lao or Beauty in The Pot - Premium hotpot experience
Essential Local Dishes to Try
1. Sambal Stingray
2. Char Kway Teow
3. Carrot Cake (Both black and white versions)
4. Hokkien Mee
5. Bak Kut Teh (Try Song Fa or Founder's)
6. Lontong
7. Popiah
8. Nasi Lemak
9. Economic Bee Hoon
10. Mala Bowl (for spice lovers)
Pro Tips for Hawker Centers
- Follow the queues - long lines usually indicate good food
- Look for newspaper clippings on stalls - sign of recognition
- Best nighttime hawker centres:
- Newton Food Centre
- Chomp Chomp (Serangoon Gardens)
- Simpang Bedok
- Bedok 85 (Must try: Seng Hiang Bak Chor Mee)
Late Night Eats
- Swee Choon - Famous for late-night dim sum - Must-try: Mee Sua Kueh and Liu Sha Bao
- Prata Places - Open late, perfect for supper - Order Teh Tarik (pulled tea) with your meal
- BK Eating House - Best Bak Chor Mee Sua in Clarke Quay
Beyond Food: Cultural Experiences
- National Art Gallery
- Singapore Art Museum
- Art Science Museum
- Little India (including 24-hour Mustafa Centre)
- Chinatown
- TreeTop Walk
- Little Guilin Park