Singapore is one of the best foodie destinations in the world for first-time visitors. Despite being a small country, there are more places to eat than you could imagine. You’ll find traditional small hawker-style food courts, fine dining, riverside bars, and unique experiences. With so much to choose from, we’ll show you where to go to find the most delicious food. Here are the best places to eat for tourists in Singapore!
1. Singapore Chinatown
Singapore Chinatown has more hawker centers and places to eat than a tourist could ever wish for. The largest is the Chinatown Complex along Smith Street with over 260 hawker shops! Besides souvenir shops, you’ll find a range of stalls for foodies including yum cha, chili crab, and bubble tea. The Hong Lim Food Centre, just outside Chinatown, is another smorgasbord of delicacies. It’s ground zero for Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa – a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Close to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, there’s Maxwell Food Center which is a mainstay of traditional Singaporean recipes. More upmarket restaurants, cafes, and bars can be found along the popular Club Street and another choice pick is Keong Saik Road. If you’re venturing further from Chinatown station, Amoy Street Food Centre is also worth visiting.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am-10pm
- Highlights: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, shops, hawker food
- Location: Smith Street, Singapore, 058971
2. Marina Bay Sands
The Marina Bay Sands, Singapore’s most modern hotel and shopping mall, has plenty of choices for casual diners. There are over 45 restaurants with food choices that span the globe. You’ll be spoilt here for top-class casual dining, fine dining, rooftop dining, cafes, and bistros. Most are found in The Shoppes Mall, including the Michelin 2-star Waku Ghin by Tetsuya Wakuda. There are additional celebrity chef restaurants by Gordan Ramsey, Danial Boulud, Justin Quek, and Wolfgang Puck. Keep in mind, that some establishments may have a smart casual dress code. Reservations, especially for fine dining, can be made but there are exceptions.
- Opening Hours: Daily 8am-10pm
- Highlights: Marina Bay Sands hotel, The Shoppes mall
- Location: Bayfront Avenue, Singapore, 018956
3. Orchard Road
Orchid Road is Singapore’s internationally famous shopping boulevard. At the upper end, check out the mall Palais Renaissance for upscale dining, especially Japanese. Opposite, the Far East shopping center has three food halls and over 130 restaurants. On one of the busier intersections, there’s Ion Orchard Mall which features Hawkers Street. You’ll find dishes from some of Singapore’s most popular names in hawker food. Next door is Wisma Atria for light meals and sweet treats. And further down, there’s Takashimaya serving everything Japanese including upscale cafes. Across the road is Paragon Center, a finer and more original selection to match the upscale shops. Near Somerset station, there are more trendy restaurants at 313@somerset and Orchard Central.
- Opening Hours: Most shops open daily 9am-10pm
- Highlights: Shopping malls, food courts
- Location: Orchard Road, Central Singapore, 238858
4. Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is on a bend in the Singapore River. It’s populated by restaurants and bars with boat cruises stopping here regularly. The closest station is Clarke Quay MRT, on the North East Line. You can exit the station to the Clarke Quay Central shopping mall for popular fast food and café choices. Walking along the quay front you’ll come to the colorful pedestrian Read Bridge. On the station side, there are popular seafood, BBQ, and beer places like Brewerkz. Across the river, there’s a huge choice of restaurants in a spacious pedestrian zone marked by Clarke and Read Street intersection. At night, lighting along the terraced restaurant and roofs brings plenty of color to the area.
- Opening Hours: Most shops open daily 10am-11pm
- Highlights: Riverside restaurants, bars & cruises
- Location: River Valley Road, Singapore 179024
5. Boat Quay
Boat Quay is another wharf area just around the river bend from the New Bridge road. You easily walk from Clarke Quay MRT, but the closest station is Raffles Place. It’s a pedestrian walkway that runs about 300 meters. Along this strip, there are plenty of bars and alfresco restaurants with riverside patios. Asian and European cuisines are the more common food choices here. Most food places are open from around 11am until 11pm, and some drinking holes remain open early into the morning. Boat Quay is one of Singapore’s most popular night spots, especially for expat working communities. It’s generally less crowded than Clarke Quay with smaller establishments and tends to be less touristy.
- Opening Hours: Most shops open daily 11am-11pm
- Highlights: Alfresco restaurants & bars
- Location: Bonham Street, Singapore 049782
6. Chijmes
Chilmes is one of the most historical places you can dine and be entertained in Singapore. You can’t miss its steepled church façade built in 1903. Inside the grounds of this former convent and girl’s school is a selection of restaurants and entertainment venues. On the sunken level, there’s a Jazz Club, a Tapas Club, and a live entertainment venue. The base level also includes a winery and tapas bar. On the main ground level, there are more restaurants to try. This includes Chinese cuisine, pan-Asian fusion, Singaporean seafood, Latin, Japanese, and casual al fresco. There’s also a whiskey and cocktail bar for adults downtown.
- Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours
- Highlights: Indoor & outdoor restaurants, bars, cafes
- Location: 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
7. Little India
Singapore, with its diverse population, has various ethnocentric enclaves. Little India has its own flair, and the MRT train will get you to the doorstep and into the Tekka Centre. Here you can sample hawker foods from all over the Indian subcontinent. Restaurants dotted around Little India specialize in Kerala, Bengali, Tamil, and Sri Lankan food, and more. Check out popular places like Gayatri, Komala Villas, Banana Leaf Apolo, MRT Singapore, and Khansama Tandoori. But for a unique dining experience, we recommend Mustard Singapore. Little India is a great place for pure veg food, but Indian sweetmeats are not to be missed. Between bites, stop by the Indian Heritage Centre, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, and Abdul Gafoor Mosque.
If you want to learn more about this area, it’s best to join a Little India tour.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:30am-12:30am
- Highlights: Tekka Center, Indian food
- Location: Serangoon Road, Singapore 21795
8. Bugis Street
Bugis Street is where your wallet stretches further so you can shop until you drop. However, it’s a good idea to fuel up on street food or give your feet a break in its various cafes and eateries. You can pick up numerous treats along the pedestrian streets or browse the actual Bugis Food Street arcade. Bugis Junction Mall has the largest selection by far of local, SE Asian, and international fast food brands. Fortune Centre, along Middle Road, is an excellent place for vegetarian restaurants. A little further up is Sunshine Plaza which is another non-descript plaza with good cheap food. Its Victoria Kitchen is recommended for real Hong Kong-style dim sum.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am-10pm
- Highlights: Cheap souvenirs, Asian street food
- Location: 3 New Bugis Street, Singapore 188867
9. Haji Lane
Haji Lane is one of Singapore’s narrowest and most colorful commercial streets. It’s part of Kampong Glam, Singapore’s best ‘Indie neighborhood’ with eclectic boutiques and cafes. Habibi-san is your best bet for Turkish and Lebanese food and Shalaby Sweets for baklava. If you feel like a beer, stop at Black Sheep & Co and grab some food to go with it. At the end of Haji Lane onto Beach Road, you’ll find more popular food spots. Mexican cuisine at Piedra Negra and Prawn Mee noodle shop are two of the more popular places. Just behind Haji Lane is Bali Lane with some gems not to be missed. One is Kulon for Indonesian food, but for something more vibey, check out BluJaz. For a full gauntlet of Middle Eastern food, you’re better off in Arab, Bagdad, or Bussorah Street streets.
- Opening Hours: Most shops open daily 11am-8pm
- Highlight: Shophouses, boutiques, bars, and restaurants
- Location: Haji Lane, Singapore 189213
10. Arab Street
Arab Street runs parallel to Haji Lane just to the north and is only a 5-minute walk from Bugis station. It’s a busy commercial street selling mostly fabrics, but the food starts from the corner of Bagdad Street. Into Bagdad Street, you’ll pass Julie Bakes which is one of the best cake shops in the area. The key destination, however, is the Bussorah pedestrian street that runs up to the Masjid Sultan Mosque on your left. Here you will find plenty of restaurants and sweet shops with a good picking of Turkish and Lebanese places. The lower section of Bussorah Street has more variety including Teppanyaki, Italian, Indian, Egyptian, and Malay. You can tour the Masjid Sultan Mosque as long as you’re dressed appropriately.
- Opening Hours: Sun-Wed 11am-9pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-10pm
- Highlights: Masjid Sultan Mosque, Middle Eastern restaurants
- Location: Muscat Street, Singapore 198833
11. Lau Pa Sat (Telok Ayer Market)
Lau Pa Sat is an old Victorian market that turned into a Singapore food center. It basically sits on the eastern edge of Chinatown about five minutes from Thian Hock Keng Temple. The closest MRT station is Downtown or it’s halfway between Shenton Way and Raffles Place. Lau Pa Sat is where foods of the world unite Singapore hawker style! You’ll find traditional Singaporean food, Halaal stores, Indian, Malay, Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Mexican. A key destination, however, is Satay Street along its outside edge. Here you can browse various BBQ stalls, skewered meats, and beer to wash it all down.
- Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours
- Highlights: Hawker center
- Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048852
12. Geylang Serai Market
Geylang Serai Market is on the edge of central Singapore towards the airport. It’s a combination of a wet market, a dry market, and hawker stalls. To get here, get off at the main station Paya Lebar MRT. There are more authentic Malay and Indonesian food stalls here than anywhere else in Singapore and most are strictly Halal. There are good biryani choices too and a splattering of other food stalls to remind you it’s still Singapore. Geylang is Singapore’s oldest Malay district. It’s best to follow a local guide if you want to try all the unique flavors in the markets.
- Opening Hours: Daily 6am-10pm
- Highlights: Wet market, hawker centers
- Location: 1 Geylang Serai, Singapore 402001
13. Sentosa
Sentosa is Singapore’s island getaway and you can get there via road, bus, train, or cableway. If you’re hungry, the first place to grab a bite coming off the Sentosa Gateway is Resorts World Sentosa. Located close to Universal Studios are numerous restaurants, fast food outlets, cafes, and a few bar lounges. A more unique dining experience is Sentosa’s cable car sky dining. Upon arriving at Mount Faber Peak, enjoy some drinks and starters at the Arbora Bistro before boarding your private cable car. Once aboard, your 4-course meal is ready and waiting, but you should book in advance. Another great dine-out is the award-winning City Lights Tall Ship cruise. The elegant ship departs from Sentosa Resorts World and it’s the perfect night out for couples and families.
- Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours
- Highlights: Resorts World, Cable car sky dining, Tall ship dinner cruise
- Location: Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
14. Raffles Hotel
Singapore wouldn’t be Singapore without Raffles! Raffles Hotel is named after the Britisher chap that turned Temasek or Singapura into a British East India trading post. This stunning historic colonial structure dates back to 1887. If you can’t afford a room, you may be able to enjoy some fine entertainment in the lap of luxury. Fine dining choices include French gourmet, modern Chinese, authentic Italian, and traditional North Indian. But make sure you sit down in the Raffle’s Courtyard for that unforgettable Singapore Sling. For all the restaurants at the hotel, make sure you book ahead and dress appropriately.
- Opening Hours: Daily 7:00am-10:00pm
- Highlights: Afternoon tea, Singapore Sling
- Location: 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
Best Places to Stay In Singapore
- Marina Bay Sands [for luxury] – Marina Bay Sands is a popular 5-star hotel known for its luxury rooms, rooftop infinity pool, and the finest restaurants in Singapore. They offer a variety of dining options, including Michelin star, rooftop restaurants, and cafes. This hotel landmark is basically an attraction itself.
- Resorts World – Hotel Michael [for families] – If you’re planning a family vacation to Sentosa island, Hotel Michael at Resorts World is a perfect choice. Their two-bedroom suites are big enough for six, with spacious living and dining areas. Themeparks like Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Water Park are easily accessible.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore [for couples] – If you’re planning a couples getaway to Singapore, the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia’s Marina Bay suites are worth a look. Each suite features comfortable king beds and large soaking tubs overlooking Marina Bay. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner at Michelin star Summer Pavillion or spa services for two at La Mer spa.
- Carlton City Hotel Singapore [best value] – Carlton City Hotel is a 5-star hotel in Singapore, a short drive from the city’s Chinatown and Raffles Place. They offer well-priced luxury accommodations, including double rooms, triple rooms, and suites. There’s also a variety of amenities, including restaurants, a sky bar, an outdoor pool, and a club lounge.
Best Time To Visit Singapore
Singapore is a vibrant and modern island, known for its cultural heritage and world-class attractions. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a long vacation, it’s important to consider the best times to visit. We’ve included different times of the year so that you can make the most of your experience.
- January to March – This is the dry season, offering pleasant weather and warm temperatures. It’s ideal for outdoor activities, like exploring the city’s outdoor food stalls and markets. It’s also Chinese New Year, and the streets are alive with parades, performances, and lots of food.
- July to September – This is the wet season, and the rain is more frequent, but comes in short bursts. For foodies, it’s a unique opportunity, because Singapore’s food festival happens in July. If you don’t mind dodging a shower or two, it’s a great time to sample the different foods that Singapore offers.
- November to December – The end of the year brings cooler temperatures and a festive atmosphere. It’s an excellent time to explore outdoor attractions, especially outdoor dining. The city comes alive at Christmas, with decorations light displays, and plenty of food and drinks.
- Major Events & Holidays – Singapore hosts major events and festivals throughout the year. While these events are exciting, they attract large crowds and result in higher prices for hotels. So, if you’re on a budget, you’ll want to plan around those dates.
Best Ways To Get Around Singapore
Getting around Singapore is easy, thanks to its efficient and well-connected transportation system. There’s the speed and convenience of the Mass Rapid Transit, the scenic routes of the bus network, or the comfort of taxis. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s a mode of transportation to suit your needs.
- Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) – The MRT is a popular and convenient way to explore the city. Its network of lines covers most of the city, making it fast and reliable. Be sure to buy an EZ-link card or Singapore Tourist Pass for easy access to the MRT.
- Bus – Singapore’s bus system is an easy way to explore the city. The bus routes include many tourist destinations and offer a scenic view of Singapore’s neighborhoods. You can use an EZ-link card, or buy a one-time ticket when boarding the bus.
- Taxis – Taxis are a comfortable and convenient way to get around Singapore. They’re readily available and best used when you’re only traveling a short distance or in a group. They can be expensive, so consider using a ride-hailing app like Grab.
- River Taxis & Bumboats – For a unique way to navigate Singapore’s waterfront, consider taking a river taxi or bumboat on the Singapore River. They’re a great way to view the city’s landmarks and offer visitors a different perspective of Singapore.
Best Bars And Restaurants By The Water in Singapore
- Zorba The Greek Taverna (Clarke Quay) – Zorba the Greek Tavern (photo above) is a charming Greek restaurant located along Singapore’s waterfront in Clarke Quay. It’s a popular spot for dining al fresco, catching the sunset, or enjoying the river breeze. They feature homemade Greek specialties, including moussaka and chicken souvlaki.
- Little Saigon (Clarke Quay) – Chill out Vietnamese Style at Little Saigon riverside restaurant in Singapore’s Clarke Quay. You’ll savor modern Vietnamese dishes, sip wicked Asian cocktails, and enjoy the hottest live bands. The best seats are on the river, so get there early because they fill up fast.
- La Belle Epoque Restaurant & Bar (Boat Quay) – La Belle Epoque is Singapore’s hottest new European restaurant on the river in Boat Quay. They offer a French and Mediterranean menu using only the freshest local ingredients. Be sure to book the outdoor patio, with its stunning river views and cooling river breeze.
Most Exclusive Places To Eat In Singapore
- La Dame de Pic (Raffles) – La Dame de Pic, located inside the iconic Raffles Hotel is recognized as the hotel’s premier dining space. This award-winning restaurant blends classic French and local Asian flavors. They specialize in pairing their signature dishes with the perfect wine or cocktail.
- Waku Ghin (Marina Bay Sands) – Waku Ghin (photo above) is a Michelin-star restaurant inside the exclusive Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Guests can choose from a 10-course tasting menu, or a separate ala carte menu. The bar offers a selection of handcrafted Japanese cocktails and a premium sake collection.
Best Restaurants In Singapore With A View
- Spago (Marina Bay Sands) – Spago, on Marina Bay Sands’ 57th floor, is a garden in the sky. It has both indoor and al fresco dining areas. The restaurant offers incredible views of Singapore with a spectacular menu to match. They offer a selection of international cuisines, including Malay, Italian, Japanese, and American.
- CE LA VIE (Marina Bay Sands) – CE LA VI is a popular restaurant at Marina Bay Sands, with views of Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Straits. The menu is contemporary Asian featuring a variety of seafood, sushi, and meat dishes. They offer a carefully selected wine list, that is easily paired with the restaurant’s menu.
- LAVO Italian Restaurant (Marina Bay Sands) – LAVO Italian restaurant is famous for its rooftop views of Singapore and Marina Bay. They offer a variety of signature dishes, including meatballs and charred octopus. At night, it’s a popular spot to enjoy handcrafted cocktails and spectacular nighttime views.
- Cable Car Sky Dining (Sentosa) – A unique dining experience with great views is Sentosa’s cable car sky dining. It’s a 4-course meal served in a private cable car stardust cabin. Start with drinks and appetizers at Abora Bistro, then board your cabin for mains, desserts, and spectacular views.
Best Places For Hawker Food In Singapore
- Chinatown Complex Smith Street – This is the largest hawker center in Singapore with over 260 food stalls. It’s home to Hawker Chan’s Chicken and Rice, the first hawker stall to be awarded a Michelin star. This Hawker complex is also known for its clay pot cooking stalls and Chinese dumpling stalls.
- Maxell Food Center – This hawker center is one of the best places to try Singaporean dishes that are cheap and delicious. The most popular stall is the Michelin star, Tian Tian Hianese chicken and rice. Other favorites include dim sum, rice porridge, fish balls, and noodles.
- Lau Pa Sat (photo above) – Lau Pa Sat is a hawker center in downtown Singapore that’s open 24 hours a day. Inside are a variety of food stalls, including Singaporean, Malay, Thai, Indian, Korean, and Japanese. If you like BBQ, don’t miss the stalls on Satay Street offering a selection of grilled meats.
- Malaysian Food Street (Sentosa) – Malaysian Food Street at Resort World Sentosa is a great place to experience Malaysian cuisine. The food stalls offer a variety of dishes including Nasi Lemak, Malaysian fried chicken, and Char Kway Teow. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal it’s the perfect place to go.
- Golden Mile Market & Food Center – This iconic hawker center offers some of Singapore’s tastiest dishes. The braised duck and the smoky clay-pot rice stalls are both well known. But there are other offerings, including burgers, pasta, and surprisingly Colombian chicken.
Singapore Places to Eat Map
Summary
| Singapore Places to Eat | Highlights |
| Singapore Chinatown | Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, shops, hawker food |
| Marina Bay Sands | Marina Bay Sands hotel, The Shoppes mall |
| Orchard Road | Shopping malls, food courts |
| Clarke Quay | Riverside restaurants, bars & cruises |
| Boat Quay | Alfresco restaurants & bars |
| Chijimes | Indoor & outdoor restaurants, bars, cafes |
| Little India | Tekka Center, Indian food |
| Bugis Street | Cheap souvenirs, Asian street food |
| Haji Lane | Shophouses, boutiques, bars & restaurants |
| Arab Street | Masjid Sultan Mosque, Middle Eastern restaurants |
| Lau Pa Sat | Hawker center |
| Geylang Serai Market | Wet market, hawker centers |
| Sentosa | Resorts World, Cable car sky dining, Tall ship dinner cruise |
| Raffles Hotel | Afternoon tea, Singapore Sling |
