Top Places to Eat in Singapore: A Food Lover’s Guide
Explore Singapore’s vibrant culinary scene and discover the top places to eat in Singapore, from hawker stalls to fine dining restaurants. This food lover’s guide and our Singapore tour packages will take you on a journey to experience unique cuisine, iconic street foods, casual and fine dining spots, seafood places, cafes, and food courts that cater to every palate. Whether you’re a local or a tourist looking for the best places to eat in Singapore, this guide has got you covered.
Exploring the Singapore Food Scene
When it comes to great places to eat in Singapore ( often hailed as one of the most expensive cities in the world), the options are endless. From traditional hawker centres to upscale restaurants, food lovers can discover a plethora of dining experiences in the Lion City.
Whether you are craving the iconic chili crab, fragrant chicken rice, or mouthwatering laksa, Singapore has the best places to eat to satisfy your cravings. If you’re planning your summer vacation places in the world, make sure to put Singapore on your list of must-visit destinations for its amazing food scene.
Best Casual Places To Eat In Singapore
The places to eat in Singapore offer a myriad of dining experiences, ranging from street food to fine dining. For those seeking a casual dining experience, the city boasts several options that combine great food and a relaxed atmosphere.
Whether you want to savor artisanal pastries, enjoy a cup of specialty coffee, or sample the best kaya toast in town, these places offer the perfect balance between flavor and ambiance.
1. Tiong Bahru Bakery
Tiong Bahru Bakery in Singapore is one of the best places to eat in Singapore and a must-visit for food lovers. It offers artisanal bread, delectable pastries, and signature dishes like the kouign amann.
The bakery is located on North Bridge Road, one of the romantic places in Singapore, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. It also serves croissants, tarts, cakes, and aromatic coffee. With its cozy ambiance, it’s popular among locals and tourists.
Location: North Bridge Road
2. The Banana Leaf Apolo
The Banana Leaf Apolo is one of the top places to eat in Singapore, famous for its authentic South Indian cuisine. This iconic restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines the rich flavors of Indian spices with the aroma of banana leaves.
Their signature dish is banana leaf rice, a traditional South Indian meal served on a fragrant and antibacterial banana leaf. It includes rice, curries, vegetables, and papadum, creating an unforgettable experience of flavors, textures, and aromas.
Location: Little India District
Timings: 10 AM to 11:30 PM
3. Candlenut
Candlenut, one of the best places to eat in Singapore is a must-visit for food enthusiasts in Singapore. Chef Malcolm Lee helms this Michelin-starred restaurant, which showcases the richness and complexity of Peranakan cuisine.
Aromatic spices, herbs, and condiments like tamarind, galangal, and belacan create a symphony of flavors that transport diners to the heart of Peranakan culture. Don’t miss their flavorful nasi lemak dish made with coconut milk and pandan leaf, which make it one of the best places to eat in Singapore and also one of those places to witness the best sunsets in the world.
Location: North Bridge Road
Timings: 12 PM to 10 PM
4. Red House Seafood Restaurant
For the best chili crab in Singapore, visit Red House Seafood Restaurant, located near Marina Bay Sands. With 40 years of experience, they are known for their delicious cuisine, especially their famous chili crab. The renowned dish features a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Enjoy it with mantou, soft steamed buns that complement the flavors. Red House Seafood Restaurant also offers other seafood delicacies like black pepper crab, salted egg yolk prawns, and steamed fish to showcase the freshness of the ocean, and find out what makes it one of the greatest places to eat in Singapore.
Location: Seafood District
Timings: 12 PM to 10 PM
5. Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant
For the best crab dishes in Singapore, visit Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant. With over 60 years of experience in one of the oldest countries in the world, they offer a dining experience that showcases the city’s finest seafood. Their signature dishes include the chili crab and black pepper crab, both cooked to perfection in a rich and flavorful sauce. Don’t miss out on trying the spicy, sweet, and tangy chili crab – a true Singaporean delicacy.
Location: North Bridge Road
Timings: 12 PM to 10:30 PM
Singapore’s Unique Cafes and Coffee Shops
In Singapore, you’ll find captivating coffee shops that attract both locals and visitors. Each shop, from Ya Kun Kaya Toast to Chye Seng Huat Hardware Coffee Shop, has its own unique charm.
Tiong Bahru Bakery offers artisanal pastries at an additional cost, while The Banana Leaf Apolo serves delicious South Indian cuisine and has a charming coffee shop. These coffee shops are more than just places for coffee – they offer a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.
6. Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Ya Kun Kaya Toast, a traditional coffee shop in Singapore, was established in 1944 by founder Loi Ah Koon. Located in Keong Saik Road, Chinatown, it has become a beloved establishment known for its signature dish of crispy toast with kaya, soft-boiled eggs, and local coffee.
Chef Malcolm Lee from Michelin-starred restaurant Candlenut, one of the top places to eat in Singapore has partnered with Ya Kun to enhance the menu. Enjoy the unforgettable experience of char siew and fish cake with a cup of coffee at Ya Kun Kaya Toast on Keong Saik Road.
Location: Keong Saik Road
Timings: 7:30 AM to 9 PM
7. Chye Seng Huat Hardware Coffee Shop
Chye Seng Huat Hardware Coffee Shop, one of the best places to eat in Singapore is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts. Helmed by Chef Malcolm Lee, it offers artisanal coffee blends and Peranakan food. The industrial-chic ambiance adds to the allure of this coffee haven, making it a perfect place to visit in January in the world.
Location: North Bridge Road
Timings: 8:30 AM to 10 PM
Discovering Singapore Through Its Food Courts
Singapore’s hawker centers offer local dishes at affordable prices. Makansutra Gluttons Bay provides a waterfront setting for char siew and fish cake. Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, located in the CBD, offers iconic Singaporean dishes like chilli crab and pork belly.
These food courts showcase Peranakan food and renowned chefs like Malcolm Lee. Explore Singapore’s food courts for authentic flavors, including the famous Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, at no extra cost.
8. Makansutra Gluttons Bay
Makansutra Gluttons Bay is a hawker food center in the heart of the city. It offers iconic Singaporean street food, including chili crab and satay, with a stunning waterfront view. The diverse menu includes char siew and fish cake to cater to different tastes.
For those craving Peranakan food, there’s an extra cost but a worthwhile experience. Located on Geylang Road in the bustling Geylang district, it’s a must-visit for anyone yearning for authentic Singaporean culinary delights.
Location: Toa Payoh North
Timings: 4 PM to 11 PM
9. Lau Pa Sat Festival Market
Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, located in the central business district, offers a charming and vibrant atmosphere. This bustling food center serves a variety of local delights, including chicken rice, char kway teow, and hokkien mee.
It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Singapore’s rich flavors and street food culture. Conveniently located near Chinatown MRT Station (NE4) for easy access. Don’t miss out on trying the best local delicacies at this iconic MRT station!
Location: Chinatown MRT Station
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Why is Singapore a Food Lover’s Paradise?
Singapore’s culinary scene is a true reflection of its multicultural heritage. With hawker centers offering affordable and delectable dishes, the island nation is a haven for food lovers. From fresh ingredients to bold spices, Singaporean cuisine celebrates unique flavors and cooking techniques. The ever-evolving culinary landscape ensures endless gastronomic exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Singapore’s famous food?
Singapore is renowned for its diverse and delectable cuisine. From chili crab to laksa, chicken rice to bak kut teh, and even the famous Char Kway Teow with blood cockles, rice noodles, bean sprouts, and Chinese sausage slices, these are just a few of the must-try dishes. Indulge in the local flavors at affordable prices in the vibrant hawker centers. And don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with treats like ice kachang or durian.
What are the best Restaurants in Singapore for families?
Some of the top dining establishments in Singapore suitable for families include Din Tai Fung, Jamie’s Italian, and Swensen’s. With its delectable dumplings and Taiwanese fare, Din Tai Fung is a crowd favorite. Jamie’s Italian offers a kid-friendly menu and a relaxed ambiance. Swensen’s boasts a variety of ice cream flavors and family-friendly meals.
What is the best street food to try in Singapore?
Delve into Singapore’s vibrant food scene by exploring its best street food. From the iconic Hainanese chicken rice to flavorful laksa and chili crab, hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre in central Singapore offer a variety of delicious options. No trip to Singapore is complete without trying the famous street food at Maxwell Food Centre, located in the heart of central Singapore. Don’t forget to pair your meal with local beverages like teh tarik and sugarcane juice, and be sure to try the chili sauce for a well-balanced and addictive flavor. Order the kai lan vegetables with shallots on the side to go with your chicken rice and add a kick of flavor with the famous chili sauce.
What are the best restaurants in Singapore?
Discovering the best restaurants in Singapore is a delightful adventure. With a diverse food scene, there is something to satisfy every palate. From Michelin-starred establishments like Odette and Burnt Ends to local favorites found in hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre and Tiong Bahru Market, as well as iconic hotels like Raffles Hotel and its renowned Tiffin Room, Singapore offers a culinary experience like no other. Explore and indulge in the city’s gastronomic delights.
What are some popular street food stalls in Singapore?
Discover the vibrant street food scene in Singapore with popular stalls like Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Old Airport Road Food Centre. Indulge in must-try dishes such as chicken rice, laksa, and satay while exploring these culinary hotspots. Remember to bring cash as most vendors don’t accept cards.
