Singapore is widely known to be a food lover’s paradise, and tourists flock from all over the world to our tiny city-state island just to try the mouth-watering food that we have on offer. While most individuals tend to associate delectable cuisine with a hefty price tag, you’ll be pleased to know that Singapore has a wide variety of mouth-watering local dishes such as chicken rice, Laksa, Satay, and Hokkien Mee that come at affordable prices.

These top-quality dishes that come at inexpensive prices are housed at food courts – also known as Hawker Centres. While there are air-conditioned hawker centres located in shopping malls, head to the outdoor hawker centres for the most authentic experience. As Singapore is peppered with a variety of hawker centres for you to explore, we’ve narrowed down a few – along with their most famous dishes, so you can indulge like a local while exploring stunning Singapore.

Old Airport Road Food Centre

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As the name suggests, this hawker centre is called Old Airport Road Food Centre as it used to house Singapore’s first civil airport – Kallang Airport. While the airport has long ceased operations, the food centre has been feeding hungry Singaporeans since 1973. There are more than 150 hawker stalls present and is home to some of the best dishes in Singapore.

While at Old Airport Road Food Centre, you’ll feast on genuine Singapore local dishes such as Char Kway Teow from Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow, Rojak from Toa Payoh Rojak and Satay served with a special pineapple peanut gravy at Chuan Kee Satay. Save room for dessert as you’ll want to try the renowned Lao Ban Soya Beancurd and 51 Soya Beancurd. Order either the original silky smooth beancurd or pay a little extra for one that’s almond-flavoured.

Maxwell Road Food Centre

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Unbeknown to most, Maxwell Road Food Centre was previously known as Kim Hua Market. In 1986, it was then transformed into Maxwell Road Food Centre and has since established a reputation for serving some of the most scrumptious food in Singapore. The food centre is also strategically located at Chinatown and is right opposite the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. As you’re exploring the area, remember to pop by to satisfy your tummy.

One of the most famous stalls in Maxwell Road Food Centre is Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall. It’s been frequented by many celebrities – including Anthony Bourdain and is certainly worth a visit. While you’re there, also pay a visit to Zhen Zhen Porridge for a silky bowl of delicious porridge. For something a little out of the ordinary, order the yu sheng rice porridge for a piping hot bowl that’s served with raw fish slices. If you’re a fan of fish, don’t forget to also check out Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon for a satisfying milky broth that’s filled with goodness. If none of these dishes are to your liking, you’re sure to find something amongst the many stalls that’ll satisfy your craving.

Tiong Bahru Market

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If you’re looking for a hawker centre that’s open for breakfast or brunch, Tiong Bahru Market is the perfect place. Either than being one of the best hawker centres in Singapore, it’s also open early in the market – making it the ideal breakfast joint. In the past, Tiong Bahru used to be a neighbourhood that had its fair share of graveyards and squatter settlements. Now, however, it is a residential area that’s surrounded by hip cafes and delicious eateries. Tiong Bahru market is also newly renovated and is one of the most spacious and cleanest hawker centres in Singapore. After getting your fill of food, you can even head to the wet markets below to take a look at produce and do some grocery shopping.

While at Tiong Bahru Market, you’ll have to check out Jian Bo Chwee Kueh. They’re known for serving some of the best Chwee Kueh, and the heavenly ingredients come together to form a perfect bite that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Either than Chwee Kueh, there are also stalls serving roasted duck, prawn noodles, and even a hearty bowl of wanton noodles.

Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre

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Dishes offered at hawker centres are generally affordable, but Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre has some of the most competitive prices around. Here, you’ll be able to indulge in some local dishes at prices between S$2.50 and S$3.00. Very few tourists seem to stumble upon this reputable hawker centre that is frequented by locals and embodies some of the best food in Singapore.

While at Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre, don’t forget to visit Tian Tian Pork Porridge, they’re one of the best places to experience Cantonese porridge along with a plate of raw fish that’s sure to arouse the senses. Try the pork porridge that comes with minced pork, liver, and other parts of the pig, or try the delicious fish porridge that comes with fresh slices of carp. With over 260 food stalls, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the vast array of local dishes from BBQ stingray to chilli crab, and even desserts like ice kachang, and chendol.

Lau Pa Sat

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While it can be a little more touristy in comparison to other hawker centres, Lau Pa Sat is still one of the most popular hawker centres in Singapore. Its interiors differ from other places in Singapore as it has architectural features that are reminiscent of the Victorian era. Prices are also relatively reasonable and average around $5 a dish.

As Lau Pa Sat is open throughout the day, start your morning by heading to Quay 18 for Kaya Toast – a sweet toast that has a coconut and egg spread. It’s usually accompanied by coffee and some half-boiled eggs. For a snack, try a curry puff from Power Puff or sweet potatoes from Visa Fortune. For a feast for the senses, head to Lau Pa Sat at night and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of vendors that set up their stalls on Satay Street. You’ll enjoy these grilled meats on a stick while washing it down with a cold glass of local beer. Don’t forget to indulge in the Roti Prata from Stall 61, the Hainanese Chicken Rice from Whampoa Nanxiang Stall, and other dishes such as chilli crab and Laksa.