Singapore Food Guide
Singapore 3 min read

A Food Lover’s Guide To Singapore: Must-try dishes in Singapore

Author

Angela

Published

June 12, 2023

Welcome to Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene. Ever wondered what are the must-try dishes here in Singapore? As a food lover, you're in for a treat! Whether they’re hawker centres, Michelin-starred restaurants or even hidden culinary Gems, our FunVee hop on and hop off buses are guaranteed to take you places where you what to go. So, get ready to tantalise your taste buds and embark on a food adventure like no other! 

Fantastic Hawker Centres – and where to find them

To truly experience Singapore's food culture, head to the hawker centres. These bustling open-air food courts house a wide variety of stalls offering affordable and must-try local dishes. Here are a few hawker centres you should visit:

Fareast Plaza Singapore Chicken Rice

a) Maxwell Food Centre

Located in the heart of Chinatown, Maxwell Food Centre is renowned for its diverse range of hawker stalls, each offering its own unique specialties. It has been a beloved food destination since the 1950s and continues to attract a steady stream of hungry visitors. Indulge in an array of tantalizing dishes that will ignite your taste buds and have you yearning for more. Dive into the succulent offerings of Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, where fragrant and flavorful chicken takes center stage. Experience pure comfort with a bowl of Zhen Zhen Porridge, its velvety texture and comforting warmth embracing your senses. And for a truly captivating culinary adventure, Ah Tai Hainanese Curry Rice beckons with its aromatic and tantalizing Hainanese curry rice that will transport you to a world of exquisite flavors.

Location: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184 (Chinatown)
Nearest Stop via FunVee Bus: Alight at MH7 / CH6 Kreta Ayer Road (5 minutes walk)
Click here for the FunVee Bus Route and Schedule

Singapore Michelin star Hainanese Chicken Rice

b) Lau Pa Sat:

Satay at Lau Pa Sat Singapore

Situated in the central business district, Lau Pa Sat, also known as Telok Ayer Market, is not only a food haven but also a historical and architectural gem. At Lau Pa Sat, you'll find an incredible selection of hawker stalls that offer a vast array of local and international cuisines. Craving traditional Singaporean flavors? Treat yourself to a plate of char kway teow, where wok-fried noodles are infused with a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to new heights. And for those seeking a fiery adventure, immerse yourself in the aromatic spices of a piping hot bowl of laksa, a soul-soothing spicy noodle soup that will tantalize your senses and leave you craving for more. One of the highlights of Lau Pa Sat is Satay Street, an entire stretch of the market dedicated to satay—a popular Southeast Asian dish consisting of skewered and grilled meat. As dusk falls, the market's iconic clock tower lights up, casting a warm glow over the bustling stalls. The intoxicating aroma of grilled satay fills the air, inviting you to sample this delectable treat. Savor succulent sticks of marinated chicken, beef, or mutton, accompanied by a generous dollop of peanut sauce. The lively atmosphere and mouthwatering flavors make Satay Street an unforgettable culinary experience within Lau Pa Sat.

Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Nearest Stop via FunVee Bus: Alight at MH7 / CH6 Kreta Ayer Road (7 minutes walk)
Click here for the FunVee Bus Route and Schedule

c) Old Airport Road Food Centre

Singapore Hawker Food

This hidden gem is located in the vibrant Geylang district of Singapore. Old Airport Road Food Centre is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a dizzying array of local and international cuisines. From traditional Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors to fusion creations and global favorites, there's something to satisfy every craving. Make sure to sample these must-try dishes such as fried carrot cake, a popular local dish made from radish cake stir-fried with eggs, BBQ Chicken Wings, a local favorite that's marinated in a special sauce and grilled to perfection, oyster omelette, a dish that combines plump oysters with a fluffy egg mixture, pan-fried to create a crispy exterior, and the Wanton Mee, featuring springy noodles tossed in savory sauce and served with succulent wanton dumplings.

Location: 51 Old Airport Rd, Singapore 390051
Nearest Stop via FunVee Bus: Alight at MH1 / CH1 Pan Pacific Hotel Marina Bus Stop and take the circle line from Esplanade (Near Marina Square) and drop off at Dakota!
Click here for the FunVee Bus Route and Schedule

Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Michelin restaurants offer top-tier food experience, and this is readily available in Singapore! These culinary establishments showcase the creativity and expertise of talented chefs. Make sure to make a reservation in advance for these exceptional dining experiences. Here are some of our favourite restaurants:

Jiang Nan Chun Singapore Michelin-starred Dining

a) Odette

Odette Singapore Michelin-starred Dining

Nestled within the National Gallery Singapore, Odette is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Julien Royer. Odette offers a symphony of flavors and an ambiance that will transport you to culinary bliss. Prepare to be enchanted by their artfully crafted dishes, such as the divine "Rosemary Smoked Organic Egg" and the delicate "Hokkaido Uni." With impeccable service and a commitment to excellence, Odette promises an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you mesmerized. Indulge in this gastronomic gem and discover why Odette is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a taste of perfection.

Location: 1 St Andrew's Rd, #01-04 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
Nearest Stop via FunVee Bus: Alight at MH10 - Orange Route Hill Street, 7 mins walk
Click here for the FunVee Open-top Hop-on Hop-off Bus Route and Schedule

b) Burnt Ends

Burnt Ends Singapore Michelin-starred restaurant

Prepare to indulge in a remarkable culinary experience at Burnt Ends, a Michelin-starred restaurant that delights with its innovative menu. Under the creative guidance of Chef Dave Pynt, this culinary haven elevates wood-fired cooking to a whole new level of deliciousness. Brace yourself for the ultimate flavor explosion with their iconic "Sanger" burger, where luscious pulled pork, homemade pickles, and a tangy sauce unite in a pillowy brioche bun. Seafood enthusiasts will be captivated by the perfectly seared "Murray Cod," infused with a symphony of exquisite flavors. And of course, don't miss out on the mouthwatering "Burnt Ends' Classic," a juicy and succulent masterpiece crafted with a touch of wood-fired perfection. Get ready to satiate your cravings and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you longing for more at Burnt Ends.

Location: 7 Dempsey Rd, #01-02, Singapore 249671
Nearest Stop via FunVee Bus: Alight at CH14 Tanglin Road and grab a cab from Tanglin Mall (5 mins)
Click here for the FunVee Open-top Hop-on Hop-off Bus Route and Schedule

c) Hawker Chan

Hawker Chan Michelin-starred Soya Chicken

For a unique experience, head to Hawker Chan, the world's first Michelin-starred hawker stall. Sample their legendary signature dish, the "Soya Sauce Chicken Rice," where tender, succulent chicken is bathed in a tantalizing blend of aromatic soy sauce, served alongside fragrant rice. For a delightful twist, try their "Roasted Pork Rice," featuring perfectly crispy and juicy roasted pork belly that will melt in your mouth with each bite. Don't forget to savor the delectable "Char Siew Noodles," featuring tender barbecued pork slathered in a sweet and savory sauce atop a bed of springy noodles. Hawker Chan's menu is a testament to their mastery of flavors and commitment to delivering a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Location: 335 Smith St, #02-126, Singapore 050335
Nearest Stop via FunVee Bus: Alight at MH7 / CH6 Kreta Ayer Road (4 minutes walk)
Click here for the FunVee Open-top Hop-on Hop-off Bus Route and Schedule

The compilation above is not exhaustive in nature. Singapore's culinary landscape is a haven for connoisseurs, providing a diverse array of choices that span from modest hawker stalls to esteemed Michelin-starred establishments. With must-try local dishes, vibrant hawker centers, hidden culinary gems, and food tours, you're sure to have an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Embark on this remarkable culinary adventure, relish in the intricate flavors and discover why Singapore is truly a food lover's paradise.

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