Singapore
Singapore is a small island nation that became independent on 9 August 1965, when it separated from Malaysia and established itself as a sovereign republic. Despite its size, the country is remarkably diverse: the population is primarily Chinese (~75%), with significant Malay (~15%) and Indian (~7–9%) communities, alongside Eurasians and others. This multiracial foundation shows up most clearly in food. Singaporean cuisine draws heavily from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian traditions, and one uniquely local highlight is Nonya (Peranakan) cuisine—a distinctive blend that emerged from intermarriages between early Chinese settlers and local Malays, combining Chinese techniques with Malay spices and ingredients in dishes like laksa and ayam buah keluak.
Food in Singapore is generally affordable compared to places like the U.S., and there is no tipping culture. Prices are usually clearly stated. At sit-down restaurants, it’s common to see a 10% service charge plus 9% GST. You’ll also notice that many MRT stations connect directly to malls, and where there’s a mall, there’s always food—so you’re never short of options.
Hawker Center Culture
Hawker centers are open-air food complexes where independent vendors sell specialized dishes, often refined over decades. They are central to everyday Singaporean life and were recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Office workers, students, retirees, and tourists share tables in a uniquely democratic food environment. If you don’t mind a more casual setting and want a cheaper, more authentic experience, hawker centers are the place to start.
Beyond hawker centers (usually larger venues with many stalls), you’ll also find:
- Air-conditioned food courts in malls (often run by chains like Kopitiam or Koufu). These are convenient and consistent, but can feel more standardized.
- Coffee shops (smaller neighborhood setups with ~3–5 stalls). These usually have a private landlord renting to different operators.
A simple difference: hawker centers typically rent stalls through government-managed systems, which can translate into lower overhead and, often, stronger competition on quality and price.
Some iconic hawker centers to visit:
- Chinatown Complex
- Hong Lim Food Centre
- Golden Mile Food Centre
- Serangoon Gardens Food Centre
Honestly, most hawker centers have great food. Just arrive on time (check Google Maps hours) because many stalls sell out and close early after serving the breakfast/lunch crowd. Return your trays after eating. And if you’re looking for a quick signal of quality: a line usually means it’s worth trying.
Viral & Must-Try Foods
Singapore’s food culture blends Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences. Many dishes have gone viral globally—but they’re best experienced locally.
Must-try dishes include:
- Hainanese Chicken Rice (most places are solid; if you want more meat, order half a chicken)
- Bak Kut Teh (Song Fa is popular with visitors; locals vary in how often they eat it)
- Cai Png (mixed rice: pick dishes to go with rice—cheap, fast, very local)
- Laksa (spicy coconut noodles; some versions include cockles—avoid if you’re sensitive)
- Janggut Laksa, Roxy Square Laksa
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcKf4sfP4nY
- Roti Prata with curry (widely available; check Google Maps for good nearby options)
- Char Kway Teow (often includes cockles; avoid if you’re sensitive)
- Kaya Toast + soft-boiled eggs (Ya Kun is the easiest; for old-school vibes: Heap Seng Leong)
- Bak Chor Mee (Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle is Michelin Bib Gourmand)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du0DRPetp-c
- Mee Rubus
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr3EE9UQZr0
Food Recommendations by YouTubers
- https://www.youtube.com/@HongisBored
- https://www.youtube.com/@vibingwithhunter
- https://www.instagram.com/bigjohnjiak
Beyond Food
- Walk through Jewel Changi Airport to see the Rain Vortex
- Visit Gardens by the Bay at night for the Supertree light show
- Yunomori Onsen (Stadium MRT) for a relaxing break
- Sentosa + Universal Studios Singapore for a half-day theme park option
- Explore Kampong Glam for Malay heritage and Haji Lane shops
- Visit Bugis (Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Bugis+ Mall, National Library)
- Take a sunset stroll at Marina Bay Sands
- Visit Tiong Bahru for cafés and art deco architecture
- If you’re bored, you can cross into Malaysia for a day trip: bus to the checkpoint, or book the train directly to JB