Foodies head to destinations around the world just to sample the best food. You can sample the delicious fresh seafood and beignets in New Orleans or head to New York City for pizza you won’t find anywhere else. When it comes to street food, though, one city sets itself apart from all the rest: Singapore. Home to more than five million people, Singapore boasts plenty of night markets and stalls that sell the best street food in the world. Legendary chef Anthony Bourdain even filmed an episode of his hit show there to focus on street food. Discover more about the Singapore food scene and why so many foodies visit yearly.
Singapore: The Street Food Capital of the World
Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, where the vibrant street food scene is an essential part of the culture. Residents eat out an average of four times a week, with loyal favorites scattered throughout the city. While you can always ask a local for recommendations, it’s worth knowing about some must-visit spots before your trip.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit Singapore’s food scene hard, with many markets and stalls temporarily shutting down due to lockdowns. However, the resilience of the hawkers—those who run the food stalls—has brought a remarkable recovery, with some reporting a 60% increase in sales in recent months. Despite rising ingredient costs, competition among hawkers keeps prices affordable, ensuring that you can enjoy the city’s culinary delights without breaking the bank.
Before diving into Singapore’s food scene, it helps to familiarize yourself with the local dishes. While Singapore doesn’t have one definitive dish, it boasts a variety of beloved options, like chili crabs and fish head curry. Chili crabs, often made with fresh Sri Lankan crabs, are cooked in a spicy, tangy sauce perfect for mopping up with a bun. Fish head curry is another favorite, featuring fish heads simmered in a rich curry sauce with okra and other vegetables—an ingredient often overlooked in Western cuisine.
For dessert, Singapore offers lighter yet equally delicious options. Chendol is a refreshing treat made with shaved ice, green rice flour jelly, adzuki beans, palm sugar, and coconut milk. Another popular choice is Tau Huay, a mildly sweet dessert made from soybean pudding, often enjoyed with crispy fried dough fritters.
When it comes to finding the best street food, Singapore has plenty of options. The Tiong Bahru Food Centre, dating back to the 1950s, is a bustling hub with over 250 hawkers offering a wide variety of dishes. The historic Lau Pa Sat market, located in the city’s business district, is one of the oldest night markets and a national landmark. Newton Food Centre made famous by the movie *Crazy Rich Asians*, is the place to try a fried oyster omelet, a local delicacy. For Michelin-starred street food, head to the Old Airport Road Food Centre, where Xin Mei Xiang Zheng Zong Lor Mee draws foodies from around the world.
With so many culinary experiences to explore, a trip to Singapore is a must for any food enthusiast. The city’s hawkers and food stalls offer a wide range of dishes, from fresh seafood to vegetarian delights, catering to every palate. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before sightseeing or indulging in a leisurely meal, Singapore’s street food scene has something for everyone. When you visit, be sure to take full advantage of the world’s street food capital and all it has to offer.