3 Must-Visit Hawker Centres

From bak kut teh (peppery pork bone soup) to satay (grilled skewered meat), hawker centres are popular and affordable places for visitors to sample local eats under one roof. This list of iconic hawker centres offers a buffet of great eats that are perfect for sharing in a group.​

Satay by the Bay

Satay by the Bay

Satay by the Bay is situated within the award-winning Gardens by the Bay – a 101-hectare green space featuring three waterfront gardens, sky-high vertical gardens (also known as Supertrees), the world's largest glass greenhouse, and the world's tallest indoor waterfall. When visitors aren’t busy exploring this incredible man-made attraction, they can pop by Satay by the Bay for its famous satay and barbecued chicken wings (prices start from S$6) from one of the many Halal-certified stalls, or for a more sumptuous meal of mixed seafood (crab, mussels, prawns) in a bucket (approximately S$60) at Wholly Crab.

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive; Tel: +65 6538 9956

Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre

Tiong Bahru, one of Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods, is home to the Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre. Here, visitors can check out signature stalls such as Jian Bo, which makes an excellent rendition of popular breakfast dish chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish, from S$2 for eight pieces); Lee Hong Kee Roast Meat, makers of char siew(barbecued pork) and sio bak (crispy roast pork belly, from S$10); and 178 Lor Mee, renowned for its lor mee, a yellow noodle dish served in a thick, starchy gravy (about S$3).

Address: 30 Seng Poh Road

East Coast Lagoon Food Village

East Coast Lagoon Food Village

Singapore’s main beachside district, East Coast Park is one of the country’s popular recreational enclaves. With plenty to do in the area, from swimming, cycling along the beach, prawning and playing mini golf, it’s no wonder this east side hangout is such a huge hit, especially with large groups and families. A main draw is the East Coast Lagoon Food Village. Recommendations for visitors include bak kut teh (about S$6) from Han Jia, char kuay teow (stir-fried rice noodles with ingredients like cockles and fish cake, about S$4) from Choon Chiang, and popiah (fresh spring roll, about S$3) from Lagoon Carrot Cake. Halal dining options – such as Haron Satay – are also available for those who have dietary restrictions.

Address: 1220 East Coast Parkway​