Planning a trip to Singapore? These are the local dishes I think every first-time visitor should try, from kaya toast and chili crab to laksa and nasi lemak.
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and food. It proudly boasts dishes from Chinese, Malay, Indian, Indonesian and Western cuisines.
Singapore’s vibrant food scene can be found on every corner, from Hawker Centers to hidden restaurants and rooftop bars.
In this guide, we’ll uncover seven iconic dishes you must try when you visit Singapore.
The unique style of Singaporean cuisine is marked by its emphasis on freshness, bold flavors, and meticulous preparation.
Whether you’re savoring street food at a hawker center or indulging in a luxurious dining experience, Singapore’s food culture is an invitation to explore, discover, and delight in the myriad flavors that define this culinary hub.
Table of Contents
- 7 Must-Try Local Dishes in Singapore
- Kaya Toast & Kopi
- Chili Crab
- Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Laksa
- Fried Carrot Cake
- Pork Floss Bun
- Nasi Lemak
- BONUS: Must-Try Foods in Singapore
- Where to Find the Best Local Food in Singapore
- Tips for Eating at Singapore Hawker Centres
- FAQ – Must-try Foods in Singapore
- Final Thoughts
7 Must-Try Local Dishes in Singapore
Kaya Toast & Kopi
Kaya Toast was easily my favorite meal, becoming a daily ritual during my stay. This green and surprisingly delicious jam had me hooked at first bite.
Kaya is served with toast and butter, kind of like a sandwich. You dip the kaya toast in soft-boiled eggs for a sweet and savory taste.
This is an absolute must-try in Singapore! My go-to spot was Ya Kun Kaya Toast. You can get a complete meal here for around $6 SGD. And don’t forget the Kopi! A traditional coffee in Singapore, it comes with the kaya toast meal and is another must-try!
Chili Crab
You can’t go to Singapore without trying chili crab. Known for its delectable marriage of succulent crab bathed in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce, Chili Crab has become an iconic dish among locals and visitors alike.
For those seeking the quintessential Chili Crab experience, Jumbo Seafood stands out as a go-to spot. This popular restaurant chain can be found in all the popular hubs around Singapore. And if you’re looking for a more local neighborhood location, check out Yi Jia South Village Seafood Restaurant. We’ve dined at both and honestly, we loved the menu at Yi Jia.
Don’t be afraid of the ‘chili’ name if you don’t like spicy food. This dish isn’t actually spicy, it’s more tomatoey and kind of sweet actually – at least to me.
What makes Chili Crab truly exceptional is pairing it with steamed buns. These pillowy-soft buns serve as the perfect way to mop up the luscious sauce.
Beyond Chili Crab, Singapore boasts a diverse crab menu, with Black Pepper Crab and Salted-Egg Crab taking center stage. Each variant offers a distinct flavor profile, showcasing the culinary ingenuity that defines Singaporean crab cuisine.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese chicken rice is just as it sounds, chicken and rice. It’s a very simple and comforting dish to enjoy. It’s served with a side of chicken broth to be enjoyed separately as another little treat.
What I like most about this dish is its simplicity, it’s accessible to everyone and approachable to everyone because a version of this can be found in most countries.
We enjoyed Hainanese Chicken Rice at Lau Pa Sat in downtown on one of our fits days in town. It was good but honestly, for great Hainanese Chicken Rice you should visit Tiong Bahru Market. At Tiong Behru Market, we ordered not just chicken but also pork belly and both were seasoned perfectly and so juicy and tender. The rice even tasted seasoned. I highly recommend paying a visit outside the downtown area for more local neighborhood cuisine.
Moreover, Hainanese Chicken Rice is a dish that never fails. Its simplicity extends beyond the ingredients to the very nature of its preparation, ensuring a wholesome and satisfying
experience for diners of all ages. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and resonates with both locals and visitors.
Laksa
Laksa is one of the iconic dishes of Singapore. It’s full of flavor, hearty and comforting to eat. Laksa reminds me of Tom Kha soup, rich and spicy.
The dish typically consists of rice noodles in a spicy coconut-based soup. The choice of protein varies, ranging from giant prawns to tender chicken or a combination of seafood, contributing to the dish’s versatility and appeal.
We enjoyed a bowl at the Tiong Bahru Market and finished every last drop.
If you enjoy Thai cuisine you’ll enjoy Laksa.
Fried Carrot Cake
This is not your Grandma’s carrot cake! Literally!
My grandma’s carrot cake is a cake, it’s sweet and layered and covered in cream cheese frosting. This is not that.
Fried carrot cake in Singapore is more of a savory dish. We first tried it at Lau Pa Sat in Downtown and it looked and tasted like a potato pancake but with a more mochi-type texture.
It was delicious!
After showing a photo of what we tried with our friends that live in Singapore they told us we had to try another version…a better version.
At the Tiong Bahru Market we ordered the best tasting carrot cake!
It was the same thing we had previously ordered, a potato-mochi type dish that was fried and then chopped up and covered in a sweet duck sauce.
It was divine! And an absolute must-try!
Pork Floss Bun
I had to try the pork floss bun at a couple of different bakeries. We tried it first at BreadTalk, an amazing bakery making TONS of unique baked goods, both sweet and savory.
Honestly, we ate it so quickly we didn’t get a photo at BreadTalk but we did get a photo at our second location.
The second place we tried the famous pork floss bun was at Victoria Bakery.
It was equally as delicious as the first time we tried it.
Pork floss bun is a very soft and fluffy bun with a light layer of dried and shaved pork. The light flavor and texture goes well with the soft bread and makes for the perfect afternoon treat.
There are a TON of bakeries in Singapore, I would suggest stopping at a few to try the unique baked goods and local flavors.
They are a fun treat to eat between shopping and sightseeing and also great to bring back to your room for a late-night snack.
Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak, a beloved Malay dish, can be found all throughout Singapore.
This popular dish is comforting, filling and delicious.
At its heart is fragrant coconut rice and the crispiest chicken you’ve ever had.
The dish is often presented as a vibrant plate, showcasing an array of sides, including roasted peanuts, adding a delightful crunch and fried egg.
Sliced cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the other components.
The crowning glory of Nasi Lemak is the sambal, a spicy chili paste that ties the entire dish together.
Enjoy this dish at high-end restaurants and Hawker Centers. This is a dish for everyone.
Bonus: More Must-Try Foods in Singapore
Even after multiple trips to Singapore, I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of the food scene. If you’ve already tried the dishes above or you’re looking for even more local favorites to add to your list, here are a few more foods worth seeking out during your trip.
Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, egg, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and seafood. It’s smoky, savory, and packed with flavor thanks to the high-heat cooking method used at many hawker stalls. If you’re a noodle lover, this is one dish you shouldn’t skip.
Satay
Satay is one of my favorite hawker centre snacks. These grilled skewers are typically made with chicken, beef, or lamb and served with a rich peanut dipping sauce. You’ll often find satay stalls setting up grills in the evenings, filling the air with an amazing smoky aroma. Pair a few skewers with a cold drink and you’ve got the perfect snack.
Roti Prata
Roti Prata is a flaky flatbread with Indian influences that’s commonly served with curry for dipping. You can order it plain or with fillings like egg, cheese, or even chocolate. It’s a popular breakfast option, but honestly, I’d eat it any time of day.
Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Teh is a comforting pork rib soup that’s especially popular on rainy days or when you’re looking for something hearty. The broth is flavored with garlic, herbs, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful soup that’s often served alongside rice and fried dough sticks for dipping.
Hokkien Mee
Another noodle dish worth trying is Hokkien Mee. This dish combines yellow noodles and rice noodles stir-fried with prawns, squid, egg, and a flavorful seafood-based broth. Many locals add a squeeze of lime and a spoonful of sambal chili for extra flavor.
Fishball Noodles (Mee Pok Tah)
Fishball Noodles are a classic Singapore hawker centre meal. The dish usually features springy fish balls served with noodles, vegetables, and a light broth or sauce. It’s simple, affordable, and a great example of the everyday meals that locals enjoy.
Ais Kacang
Singapore can get incredibly hot and humid, so don’t forget dessert. Ice Kacang is a colorful shaved ice dessert topped with sweet syrups, red beans, jelly, corn, and other toppings. It’s refreshing, fun to eat, and perfect after a long day of sightseeing.
Where to Find the Best Local Food in Singapore
Hawker Centres Worth Visiting
- Lau Pa Sat
- Tiong Bahru Market
- Maxwell Food Centre
- Old Airport Road Food Centre
If you’re visiting Singapore, make time to visit at least one hawker centre. These food halls are one of the best parts of the local food scene and a great way to try a variety of dishes without spending a fortune. While Lau Pa Sat is probably the most popular hawker centre for visitors because of its central downtown location, we’ve visited all four of these hawker centres and honestly, they’re all worth exploring.
Hawker centres are home to hundreds of individually owned food stalls, each specializing in different dishes and recipes. You’ll find everything from chicken rice and laksa to satay, noodles, fresh juices, and local desserts all under one roof. One of my favorite things to do is visit with a group, order a bunch of different dishes, and share everything family-style so everyone gets to try a little bit of everything.
The prices are also incredible. It’s completely possible to enjoy a filling meal for just a few Singapore dollars, which still feels wild to me considering how good the food is. A lot of our favorite meals in Singapore came from hawker centres.
Tips for Eating at Singapore Hawker Centres
A few quick tips before you go: bring hand wipes or a pack of napkins, as complimentary napkins aren’t always available. You’ll often see vendors selling small packs for around SGD $1. Communal seating is common, especially during busy meal times, so be respectful when sharing tables with others. And when you’re finished eating, be sure to clear your trays and dishes at the designated return stations. It’s part of the local dining culture and helps keep these spaces clean for everyone.
FAQ – Must-Try Foods in Singapore
What food is Singapore known for?
Singapore is known for dishes like chili crab, Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, kaya toast, nasi lemak, char kway teow, and satay. These dishes reflect the country’s diverse cultural influences.
What is the most famous food in Singapore?
Many people consider chili crab and Hainanese chicken rice to be Singapore’s most famous dishes.
What should I eat in Singapore as a first-time visitor?
I would start with:
- Kaya Toast
- Chicken Rice
- Chili Crab
- Laksa
- Nasi Lemak
Are hawker centres safe in Singapore?
Yes. Hawker centres are a major part of Singapore’s food culture and are popular with both locals and tourists.
How much does food cost in Singapore?
A hawker centre meal can often cost between SGD $4–10, while seafood dishes like chili crab can cost significantly more.
What is the best hawker centre in Singapore?
Popular options include Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, Tiong Bahru Market, and Old Airport Road Food Centre.
Food in Singapore
Singapore is such a vibrant country with an array of beautiful food. Whether you’re into fine dining or venturing into Hawker Centres or a mix of both, you’ll find food that you can’t live without.
We’ve personally fallen in love with so many dishes from Singapore that we had to purchase items to bring home to recreate to enjoy at any time.
If you have any questions about an upcoming trip, drop them in the comments below. I’d love to help you find the right dining experience to make your trip the absolute best.
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