Must-try foods at Singapore’s Hawker Centres

Singapore’s hawker centres are a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering a wide array of dishes that reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity. Here’s a guide to some must-try foods at a hawker centre in Singapore:

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice

Often considered Singapore’s national dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice features tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by a trio of sauces: chili, ginger, and dark soy. Where to Try: Tian Tian Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre1.

2. Laksa

A spicy noodle soup with a rich coconut milk base, Laksa is typically served with thick rice noodles, prawns, fish cakes, and cockles. The broth is infused with a blend of spices, making it a comforting and flavorful dish. Where to Try: Katong Laksa1.

3. Char Kway Teow

This stir-fried noodle dish combines flat rice noodles with egg, Chinese sausage, prawns, bean sprouts, and chives, all cooked in a savory soy sauce. It’s a smoky, flavorful dish that’s a favorite among locals. Where to Try: Hill Street Fried Kway Teow at Chinatown Complex Food Centre1.

4. Satay

Skewers of marinated meat (usually chicken, beef, or mutton) grilled over an open flame and served with a rich peanut sauce, rice cakes, and a side of cucumber and onions. Where to Try: Chomp Chomp Satay at Chomp Chomp Food Centre2.

5. Nasi Lemak

A Malay dish consisting of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with fried anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, cucumber, and sambal (spicy chili paste). Often accompanied by fried chicken or fish. Where to Try: Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak at Adam Road Food Centre2.

6. Hokkien Mee

A stir-fried noodle dish made with a mix of egg noodles and rice noodles, cooked with prawns, squid, and pork belly in a rich seafood broth, and served with sambal and lime. Where to Try: Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee at Old Airport Road Food Centre2.

7. Roti Prata

A South Indian flatbread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served with a side of curry. It can be enjoyed plain or with various fillings like egg, cheese, or even banana. Where to Try: Mr. and Mrs. Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata at Joo Chiat2.

8. Chwee Kueh

Steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish and served with chili sauce. It’s a simple yet delicious breakfast item. Where to Try: Jian Bo Shui Kueh at Tiong Bahru Market2.

9. Bak Kut Teh

A peppery pork rib soup, Bak Kut Teh is a hearty dish made with pork ribs simmered in a broth of garlic, pepper, and various herbs. It’s often served with rice and a side of fried dough sticks (you tiao). Where to Try: Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh at Rangoon Road2.

10. Carrot Cake

Not a dessert, but a savory dish made from radish cake stir-fried with eggs, preserved radish, and sometimes prawns. It comes in two versions: white (without soy sauce) and black (with sweet soy sauce). Where to Try: Fu Ming Cooked Food at Redhill Food Centre2.

These dishes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the culinary delights you can find at Singapore’s hawker centres. Each dish tells a story of the country’s rich cultural heritage and is a must-try for any food lover visiting Singapore.