17 Restaurants
Updated on
09 December 2025
More than just busy food courts, Singapore’s hawker centers are living cultural institutions; places where generations of culinary tradition meet the warmth of communal dining. Each stall carries a slice of the city’s rich food heritage, with hawkers preparing vibrant, affordable dishes rooted in time-honored recipes passed down through the decades. Here, Singapore’s multicultural identity comes to life one plate at a time.
1. Maxwell Food Center
Opened in 1935, Maxwell Food Centre has grown into one of Singapore’s most iconic hawker landmarks. Its long history and central location make it a favorite for both locals and visitors. Nearly every classic hawker dish can be found here. With its lively atmosphere and timeless flavors, it remains a quintessential stop for anyone wanting a taste of Singapore’s hawker culture.
Why?
- Just steps from Chinatown, Maxwell Food Centre is one of Singapore’s most iconic hawker hubs.
- With more than 100 food stalls offering Chinese, Malay, Peranakan and even Thai and Vietnamese cuisines, it’s a microcosm of Singapore’s food culture.
- Home to legendary stalls — most famously Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, whose global acclaim is reflected in its queues.
Where to Eat and What to Order?
2. Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre
Built in 1983 and refreshed in 2019, Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre is Singapore’s largest hawker hub, housing more than 700 stalls across its multi-story complex. Over 220 food stalls offer a wide range of local Chinese favorites and regional specialties. Set in the heart of a historic Chinese neighborhood, the center is steeped in cultural atmosphere, making it a vibrant spot to explore Singapore’s culinary heritage.
Why?
- Its remarkable scale — more than 220 food stalls — makes it one of Singapore’s largest hawker centers, offering almost every local dish you can imagine.
- Located above a traditional wet market, it gives visitors a glimpse into everyday neighborhood life.
- Positioned in the heart of Chinatown and near Chinatown MRT, it’s easy to reach and pairs well with cultural walks, temple visits or shopping in the area.
- The variety is outstanding, from breakfast noodles to regional Chinese dishes, seafood, desserts and more — perfect for exploring at your own pace.
Where to Eat and What to Order?
3. 51 Old Airport Road Food Centre
Established in the 1970s, 51 Old Airport Road Food Centre is considered one of Singapore’s most historic hawker centers. Home to more than 160 stalls, it brings together many long-standing names that have built loyal followings over the decades. Its popularity is clear from the queues that appear throughout the day as both locals and visitors return for their favorite dishes. With its strong heritage and concentration of iconic stalls, this is a destination worth arriving early for if you want to sample some of Singapore’s most enduring hawker flavors.
Why?
- Built in the early 1970s, it is one of Singapore’s earliest purpose-built hawker centers, carrying deep cultural significance.
- With more than 160 cooked-food stalls, the variety is extensive, and many of the stalls are long-established favorites with devoted regulars.
- Recent upgrades have improved comfort and cleanliness while preserving its old-school charm, and its large layout means there’s always something new to try.
Where to Eat and What to Order?
4. Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre
Located in one of Singapore’s oldest residential neighborhoods, Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre remains a long-time local favorite. The food options are plentiful, with well-loved dishes such as lor mee, prawn mee and chicken rice drawing steady queues. With its lively atmosphere and classic hawker flavors, the market offers a warm glimpse into everyday Singaporean food culture.
Why?
- Set in one of Singapore’s oldest neighborhoods, this hawker center has a relaxed, authentic charm.
- It attracts mostly locals, giving it a true neighborhood feel with many long-standing stalls that regulars return to again and again.
- The upgraded layout offers both comfort and atmosphere, balancing the bustling buzz of a classic hawker space with clean, airy seating.
- Surrounded by Tiong Bahru’s mix of heritage flats and trendy cafés, it’s easy to pair your meal with a leisurely walk around the area.
Where to Eat and What to Order?
5. Tekka Centre
Located in the heart of Little India, Tekka Centre is a colorful landmark known for its vibrant atmosphere and deep Indian cultural influence. Originally named Zhujiao Centre, it was renamed in 2000 to make pronunciation easier for non-Chinese locals. Inside, you’ll find a lively mix of market vendors and food stalls, with Indian specialties taking center stage — especially the beloved biryani, where each fragrant grain is infused with spice.
Why?
- Situated in the heart of Little India, Tekka Centre offers a vibrant mix of Indian, Malay-Muslim and local hawker flavors — perfect if you want to explore beyond the usual Chinese-led fare.
- Especially strong in Indian dishes, from fragrant biryani and tandoor-baked naan to roti prata and rich curries, alongside familiar local staples.
- With many halal and vegetarian-friendly options, it’s an inclusive place to eat for diverse dietary needs.
- Dining here gives you a taste of Little India’s daily rhythms — colorful, energetic and full of aromatic spice.
Where to Eat and What to Order?
6. Newton Food Centre
Upgraded and reopened in 2006, Newton Food Centre is often regarded as one of Singapore’s top hawker destinations. It gained even more international attention after being featured in the film Crazy Rich Asians. The atmosphere is lively, with rows of stalls specializing in classics such as BBQ seafood, black pepper crab, carrot cake and Teochew fish porridge. Its popularity means tables can be difficult to secure during peak hours, but the variety and vibrant buzz make it one of the most iconic spots for experiencing Singapore’s hawker culture.
Why?
- One of the few hawker centers that stays lively late into the night, making it a great choice for an evening meal in an energetic open-air setting.
- Its central location near Orchard and Bukit Timah makes it easy to reach and popular with both locals and visitors.
- Despite its fame, the mix of stalls remains diverse, and new vendors continue to join, adding more options without feeling repetitive.
Where to Eat and What to Order?
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