During trying times like these, do continue to support our local hawkers by getting takeouts or ordering local hawker food from delivery apps such as Deliveroo and Foodpanda.

Here are 5 hawker centres in Singapore where you can order your favourite local dishes from and have them delivered to your doorstep.

Photo Credit: Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice on Facebook & @paulasjunk14

#1 MAXWELL HAWKER FOOD CENTRE

Loved by both tourists and locals alike, Maxwell Hawker Food Centre is one of the most popular hawker centres in Singapore and there are many famous hawker stalls that have long queues every day.

If you’re a chicken rice lover, you will be glad to know that Ah Tai Hainaese Chicken Rice is available to order on Foodpanda. The Steamed Chicken Rice is a hit. Besides chicken rice, there are other stalls to check out, including Rojak, Popiah & Cockle, a Michelin-Recommended stall; and the crowd-favourite Jin Hua Sliced Fish Bee Hoon.

Available for food delivery on Foodpanda.

Maxwell Food Centre
1 Kadayanallur St
Singapore 069184
Open Daily: 8am – 2am (stall hours might differ)

#2 CHOMP CHOMP FOOD CENTRE

Arguably one of the most popular supper spots in Singapore, Chomp Chomp Food Centre is in the heart of Serangoon Gardens. Some of the hawker stalls at Chomp Chomp you can order via Foodpanda include Traditional Hai Nam Fang Yuan Satay, AMK 409 Fried Carrot Cake, and even desserts from Ding Hao Sugarcane & Desserts!

If you’re a fan of barbecued food, Chomp Chomp has an array of choices, but our favourite remains the Large Sambal Stingray from Lucy BBQ Seafood on Deliveroo.

Available on Foodpanda and Deliveroo.

Chomp Chomp Food Centre
20 Kensington Park Rd
Singapore 557269
Open Daily: 4pm – 12.30am (stall hours might differ)

Read our guide on the best dishes at Chomp Chomp Food Centre.

#3 OLD AIRPORT ROAD FOOD CENTRE

This hawker centre was voted “Best Hawker Centre In Singapore” last year when 96.3 HAO FM launched its “The Search for Singapore’s Best Hawker Centre” campaign, garnering the most votes and twice as many votes as its nearest competition.

You will be overjoyed to know that Michelin-Recommended stall Hua Kee Hougang Famous Wanton Mee is available for delivery on both Foodpanda and Deliveroo, starting at S$5.90. Other options from Foodpanda include Fried Carrot Cake, Albert Street Prawn Noodle, and Xin Bee Congee.

Available on Foodpanda and Deliveroo.

Old Airport Road Food Centre
51 Old Airport Rd
Singapore 390051
Open Daily: 6am – 11pm (stall hours might differ)

Read our guide on the best eats at Old Airport Road Food Centre.

#4 YISHUN PARK FOOD CENTRE

One of the newer hawker centres in the hawker scene, Yishun Park Food Centre was opened in 2017. A modern take on the traditional hawker centres, the founders wanted to attract the younger generation and encourage them to support local hawkers.

Be sure to order the Atas Wing Meal from Ah Tan Crispy Chicken Har Cheong Gai, which is available on both Foodpanda and Deliveroo. Deliveroo also has options such as Thunder Tea Rice from Ah Lock Tofu, and Beef Brisket Noodles from One Mouth Noodle. Foodpanda has Belgian Chocolate Pancakes from Munchi Delights and Century Egg and Lean Meat Congee from Li Fang Congee.

Available on Foodpanda and Deliveroo.

Yishun Park Food Centre
51 Yishun Ave 11
Singapore 768867
Open Daily: 6am – 10pm (stall hours might differ)

Photo Credit: @jennysggoh

#5 BUKIT PANJANG HAWKER CENTRE

This hawker centre is one of the newest in the hawker scene as well, opened by NTUC Foodfare back in 2018. Selling tasty, delectable food at affordable prices, its no wonder everyone who dines here is spoilt for choice.

Hawker favourites include Prawn Noodle from Zai Lai Prawn Noodle, Fishball Noodle from You Xiang Teochew Noodles, Chicken Rice from Tong Fong Fatt Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, and Fried Carrot Cake from Father & Son’s Fried Carrot Cake And Char Kuey Teow.

Available on Foodpanda.

Bukit Panjang Hawker Centre and Market
2 Bukit Panjang Ring Rd
Singapore 679947
Open Daily: 6am – 10pm (stall hours might differ)

Few things in life satisfy as much as the Kaya Toast—a traditional Singapore-style breakfast. It has undoubtedly become a staple for many Singaporeans since generations ago, and today, it is still widely loved.

We enjoy the old-school fare in various ways—dipping it in soft boiled egg, coffee, or just having it on its own. Very often, it is also paired with a set meal of two soft boiled eggs and your choice of coffee or tea.

You can find renditions of this dish almost everywhere you go, and to get you started, here are 11 Best Kaya Toasts In Singapore.

#1 YA KUN

Ya Kun is one of the most frequented coffee stalls in Singapore, with its history dating back to the early 1940s.

The kaya from Ya Kun—made up of eggs, coconut milk, sugar and pandan—is sandwiched between crisp brown toasted bread. The household brand constantly keeps up with the trend to offer new menu items, and the consistency is the reason for our loyalty.

Ya Kun Kaya Toast
1 Harbourfront Walk, #B2-26, Vivo City
Singapore 099253
Tel: +65 6225 5789
Sun to Thu: 8.15am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 8.15am – 10.30pm
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront

#2 FUN TOAST

Fun Toast was originally Kheng Nam Hong, a coffee house widely known by the early residents of Telok Ayer Street. It has since rebranded to a fun-loving label where the younger generations of Singaporeans can better relate to.

One of their signatures includes the Kaya Butter Soft Bun set (S$5.20) which features kaya smothered on buns that are crisp on the outside and incredibly soft on the inside. We highly recommend you to dip it into their soft-boiled eggs for an elevated flavour.

Fun Toast
Citylink Mall, 1 Raffles Link, #B1-04, Singapore 039393
Tel: +65 6533 1233
Mon to Thu: 7am – 8.30pm
Fri: 7am – 9.30pm
Sat: 8am – 9.30pm
Sun & PH: 8am – 8.30pm
Nearest MRT: City Hall

#3 KILLINEY KOPITIAM

The pioneer outlet of Killiney Kopitiam was founded in 1919 and still operates along Killiney Road today; it is the longest standing Hainanese coffee shop in Singapore.

Other than the kaya toast (S$2.40 for 2 slices), the coffee shop also dishes countless of local delights such as their famed Laksa and Curry Chicken. The standards across various outlets have dropped over the years, but the original branch at Killiney Road is still as good as before.

Killiney Kopitiam
67 Killiney Road, Singapore 239525
Tel: +65 6734 3910
Mon, Wed to Sat: 6am – 10pm
Sun, Tue & PH: 6am – 6pm
Nearest MRT: Somerset

#4 TOAST BOX

Established under the BreadTalk group, Toast Box prides itself on offering authentic breakfast that will bring one back to the 70′s.

It is set to ignite nostalgia amongst the Singaporeans, completing the experience with a good Nanyang cuppa and grilled Kaya Toasts (S$1.70 per slice). Other standouts from the menu include the Floss Toast and Crunchy Peanut Butter Thick Toast.

Toast Box
AMK Hub, No. 53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, #01-01, Singapore 569933
Tel: +65 6484 6591
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio

#5 OLD TOWN WHITE COFFEE

Though the food at Old Town White Coffee is slightly pricier, their Kaya Toast (S$1.60 per slice) is still worth a shot.

Originating from Malaysia, this franchise is now a familiar name in Singapore too. Patrons visit them for fragrant white coffee and an array of simple but delectable local fares.

Old Town White Coffee
180 Kitchener Road
#B1-31/32 City Square Mall
Singapore 208539
Tel: +65 6509 8355
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park

#6 KAFFE & TOAST

Being the halal subsidiary of Coffee & Toast, Kaffe & Toast offers Kaya Toast at S$1.80 per serving. Their kaya spread is made with more doses of egg yolk and is generously slathered on each slice of freshly grilled bread.

We also love with the Mackerel Otah Bun that comes with fish otah.

Kaffe & Toast
Singapore General Hospital (SGH), 4 Hospital Drive, Level 1, Singapore 169608
Tel: +65 6221 0136
Mon to Fri: 7am – 8pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 8am – 5pm
Nearest MRT: Outram Park

#7 TONG AH EATING HOUSE 

Known for its rich history since the 1930s, Tong Ah has since moved a few doors from its original location to reside in the same space as Potato Head Folk.

Be sure to catch them toasting the kaya toast on traditional charcoal grills and you can even request for your toast to be extra crispy. Their formula? Toasting it thrice before scraping off the charred parts using a condensed milk lid.

Tong Ah Eating House
35 Keong Siak Road, Singapore 089143
Tel: +65 6223 5083
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Outram Park

#8 HEAVENLY WANG

Heavenly Wang serves a mean slice of Kaya Toast (S$1.50), with thick butter slices and a sweet kaya spread generously tucked in between slightly crisp bread.

This halal eatery also whips up several other Singaporean classics too, so be sure to try out their signature Mee Siam that is well-loved by the locals.

Heavenly Wang
277 Orchard Road, #B2-07/08, Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858
Mon to Sat: 8am – 9:30pm
Sun & PH: 9.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest MRT: Somerset

#9 GOOD MORNING NANYANG CAFE

The kaya toast (S$1.60) at Good Morning Nanyang Cafe is really unique. Their kaya spread is freshly made in-house, following the recipes of a man from Segamat; so rich, luscious and subtly sweet. But this is what sets them apart from the rest—they use ciabatta instead of regular white bread.

Other toast selections include the Orange Ciabatta set, with caramelised orange peel added to bring about a robust element in the toast.

Good Morning Nanyang Cafe
Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, #02-03, Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 9650 3256
Daily: 8.30am - 8.30pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest MRT: Orchard

#10 HILL STREET COFFEE SHOP

Hill Street Coffee Shop evokes a sense of nostalgia that is hard to beat.

Their Kaya Toast (S$2.50) spots a different execution with the replacement of steamed bread—and we love it so much. Expect to sink your teeth into the incredibly soft white bread, coated with a generous kaya spread with a distinct coconut element and topped off with pieces of savoury butter.

Hill Street Coffee Shop
Supertree Grove, Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6702 3373
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Bayfront

#11 TOAST HUT

One of our favourites in this list, Toast Hut is a place that is worth all the hype and crazy queues. The owner heads over to the stall at 4am every morning to prepare for the opening of the stall so patrons can get their coffee-fix as early as 6.30am in the morning!

Their Kaya Butter Toast (S$1.60 for 4 pcs, S$3.00 for a set) goes extremely well with the aromatic and fragrant coffee.

Toast Hut
51 Old Airport Road #01-52
Old Airport Road Food Centre
Singapore 390051
Daily: 6.30am – 1.30pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

A healthy diet is paramount to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. More often than not, eating healthy equates eating salads and quinoa. But that does not mean that the hawker fare Singaporeans love and know cannot provide us with the necessary nutrients and vitamins that we need too. You see, as long as we are conscious about picking healthier choices, those are baby steps to achieving a healthier lifestyle—slowly but surely.

Hawker food is the epicenter of Singaporean culture. But there is a common notion that hawker foods are not as healthy. As such, those of us in search of healthier options tend to give in to salad and grain bowls—which often take a massive toll on our wallets.

There are actually healthier options available in hawker centres that are generally lower in calories and some are even prepared with healthier oil or wholegrain ingredients.

Rejoice, for we now have 8 Healthier Hawker Food in Singapore Under S$5 for when you are broke but still want to eat healthier. Remember to look out for the Healthier Choice Symbol when placing your orders!

FATTY CHEONG – WANTON MEE

When it comes to roast and barbecued pork, Fatty Cheong, located at the ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre remains an institution. With most of their offerings featuring fatty cuts of meat slathered in a gooey dark sauce, we can see why people would not typically associate them with being a healthier choice—but we stand corrected.

We got their Wanton Mee (S$3.50) that we noticed was listed as a healthier choice. Remember? It may not be healthy through and through, but as long as it is healthier (and there is a worse option), we are good.

Underneath the thick and dark gravy hid springy yellow noodles as well as thick, lean cuts of barbecued pork. The absence of fat, which made the texture less oily, made us feel so much better about our waistlines.

6 Jalan Bukit Merah
#01-120 ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre
Singapore 150006
Tel: +65 9882 4849
(Closed on Thursdays)
Mon to Sun: 11am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

ROS MUSLIM FOOD STALL – SOTO AYAM

Boasting a huge bowl of soup packed full of lean shredded chicken breast and rice cakes, the Soto Ayam (S$3) is one of the heartiest yet lightest alternatives around. The soup itself is considerably clear, as opposed to many of its other counterparts that come with a layer of oil floating on the top.

The broth brimmed with spices and comforting chicken flavour and the chicken itself was lean and fork tender. For something that is light but definitely not short on flavour, this is a great healthier choice.

6 Jalan Bukit Merah
ABC Brickworks Market Food Centre #01-05
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

SOON LEE STEW BEEF – STEW BEEF NOODLES

The Stew Beef Noodles (S$4) at Soon Lee Stew Beef is just the thing to get you by on a rainy day. For only S$4, what you get is a generous plate of tender beef brisket that sits atop springy yellow noodles, which is topped with a ladle-full of their homemade beef and herb-infused gravy.

For a bit of texture and some added flavour, chunks of soft carrot and daikon are also added. We also liked that the gravy was tasty without being overly salty.

120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-16 Alexandra Village Food Centre
Singapore 150120
Daily: 11am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

LIAN KEE – MINCED MEAT NOODLES

One can never really go wrong with a tasty bowl of minced meat noodles. Encompassing the essential components of sweet, salty, sour and umami, the minced meat noodles (S$3) at Lian Kee over at Alexandra Village Food Centre is done just the way we like it with a few minor tweaks to ensure that it stays relatively healthy.

For one, the ingredients used are fresh and the chef takes his time per bowl to ensure that every order is cooked properly with minimal oil—hence the long wait.

120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-50 Alexandra Village Food Centre
Singapore 150120
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sun: 7.30am – 2pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

JIN DING XIANG PIG’S ORGAN SOUP CLAYPOT

Ang Mo Kio Market & Food Centre is filled with many food options and one of the more popular stalls is Jin Ding Xiang Pig’s Organ Soup Claypot. Specialising in a variety of pork and mutton herbal soups, their Bak Kut Teh (Pork Bone Soup, S$5) carries the Healthier Choice Symbol and it is lower in calories.

The pork fell off the bone so easily and was extremely lean with little to no fats, making it a healthier option compared to their other dishes.

However, the broth was the ultimate winner. Packed with spices and intense herbal flavours, it was a joy to slurp up. For just a mere $5, we had a very satisfying meal that didn’t guilt-trip us too much.

Ang Mo Kio Market & Food Centre
Blk 724 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #01-45
Singapore 560724
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio

AL ZAMIRA RESTAURANT

With a myriad of prata (S$1), biryani (S$5) and set options, this Indian Muslim stall does not fall short in providing great variety for its customers.

The Plain Thosai (S$1.50), however, deserves special mention for surprisingly being a healthier yet tasty alternative. For the aforementioned price, the crisp texture of the thosai and generous servings of accompanying gravy make for a superb deal indeed.

Apparently, eating healthy does not necessitate lavish spending after all.

724 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #01-04
Singapore 560724
(Closed on Sun)
Mon to Sat: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio

YUNOS N FAMILY

This corner stall within the bustling Ang Mo Kio Market and Centre offers a vast selection of hearty Malay hawker fare at very reasonable prices.

The menu includes the famous Mee Soto (S$3), Mee Rebus (S$3), Gado Gado (S$3) and Satay (S$0.60/stick). You also have the option of customizing your meals with their readily available add-ons.

The broth of their highly raved Mee Soto is well-flavoured and the portion of springy yellow noodles is decent. This affordable bowl of goodness also has a lower calorie count, which means less guilt while indulging in it.

724 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #01-01
Singapore 560724
(Closed on Sun)
Mon to Sat: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio

HOCK LAM STREET POPULAR BEEF KWAY TEOW

Hock Lam Street Popular Beef Kway Teow is also on our list of go-to when we crave hawker food but still need to toe the line of being healthy.

There is a variety of noodles as well as beef cuts from different parts of the cow. On a budget but still want something less sinful? You will be pleased to know that their Sliced Beef Noodles (S$5) option on their menu bears the Healthier Choice Symbol and it is lower in calories.

Dig into this delicious bowl of goodness served with a generous amount of sliced beef, bean sprouts and kway teow. This for less than 500 calories and reasonably priced at S$5? Count us in!

51 Old Airport Road, #01-22
Singapore 390051
Tue to Sun: 10.30am – 8.30pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Dakota

This post is brought to you by Health Promotion Board, Singapore.

Singapore is a city filled with colourful cuisines and all sorts of (fattening) goodies. Eating is a national hobby in Singapore and it is not exaggerating to say that Singaporeans are all foodies in our own rights.

Here are 20 Times Singapore Proved To Be The Best Food City.

#1 THIS PLATE OF CHAR KUAY TEOW FROM ZION ROAD

Nothing says comfort food like char kuay teow with egg, bean sprouts and lap cheong (chinese sausage).

#2 A BOWL OF SAVOURY LAKSA FROM JANGGUT LAKSA

One of the best bowls of laksa you can find in Singapore! If you haven’t tried this, you haven’t lived.

#3 THE BEST ROTI PRATA FROM RK EATING HOUSE IN SERANGOON GARDENS

Roti prata is a lifetime staple. ‘Nuff said!

#4 HOKKIEN MEE FROM XIAO DI HOKKIEN MEE

If you love the wet version of Hokkien Mee, you will love Xiao Di Hokkien Mee’s renditon.

#5 CRAB BEE HOON FROM LONG BEACH SEAFOOD

This is a pot of delicious crab goodness.

#6 CHARCOAL WAFFLES WITH SALTED EGG YOLK SAUCE FROM FAT CAT ICE CREAM BAR

Salted egg yolk tastes great in desserts too.

#7 TINY KUEH TUTUS FROM LAU TAN TUTU KUEH

A sweet childhood snack with peanut or coconut fillings, Tutu Kueh is ever comforting.

Photo Credit: ConnexionSG

#8 KACANG PUTEH FROM KACANG PUTEH PUSHCART OUTSIDE PEACE CENTRE

Probably the last kacang puteh seller in Singapore.

Photo Credit: The Straits Times

#9 INTERESTING YUAN YANG MUAH CHEE FROM CIRCUIT ROAD FOOD CENTRE

Muah chee (chewy glutinous rice flour) is common but white and black sesame ones? Now that’s something.

#10 SHIOK MAKI FROM KOH GRILL & SUSHI BAR

The one dish that makes everyone go back to Koh Grill & Sushi Bar again and again is the Shiok Maki. It is a maki made up of avocado, unagi and aburi salmon, drenched with a supremely addictive creamy sauce that is seemingly a legit mixture of mayo and mentai, then topped with a copious amount of tobiko.

#11 TRADITIONAL KAYA TOAST AND SOFT BOILED EGGS SET FROM CHIN MEE CHIN CONFECTIONERY

Chin Mee Chin Confectionery is an icon of Singapore in its own rights and you have to try their legendary kaya toast and eggs.

#12 THE ICONIC CHILLI CRAB

We Singaporeans sure love our chilli crabs. Its savoury chilli sauce goes well with deep-fried mantous (buns) too.

#13 A SIMPLE BOWL OF WANTON MEE FROM ENG KEE NOODLE HOUSE

A classic Singapore dish of noodles, char siew, vegetables, wantons (dumplings) and hot soup.

Photo Credit: Wee Lee Brothers

#14 APPETISING OTAH FROM LEE WEE AND BROS OTAH

This is another traditional snack made of ground fish meat that is seasoned and wrapped in coconut leaves before it is flame grilled.

#15 THIS DELIGHTFUL ROLL OF POPIAH FROM QI JI

An alternative to the Western style crepes, the Chinese popiah has fillings such as steamed turnip, bangkuang, tofu, shredded omelette and chopped peanuts.

#16 A PLATE OF SPICY SAMBAL STINGRAY FROM CHOMP CHOMP FOOD CENTRE

Hands down one of the best hawker food in Singapore.

#17 LOVE ROJAK FOREVER

Even meat lovers will devour a plate of Singapore Rojak—essentially fruit and vegetable salad in sweet and spicy sauce.

#18 OUR SINGAPORE SLING IS WORLD FAMOUS

Yes, we have our very own national cocktail—the Singapore Sling.

#19 ICE CREAM SANDWICH

Buzzfeed needs to know that these Ice Cream Sandwiches are unique to Singapore. Yes, we own them.

#20 HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

And because there is nothing quite like Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore.

Singapore’s local food is so diverse and multi-cultural that you will never get sick of eating it. And what if we told you there are several buffet spreads that focus on local food?

Imagine free-flow roti prata, Chinese roast meats and delicious beef rendang!

You will find yourself going for a second, maybe third serving of that fragrant chicken rice. And free-flow chilli crab for you? Well, here are 8 Local Food Buffets in Singapore You Need To Try.

#1 CLIFFORD PIER 

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: Besides the fact that Clifford Pier’s interior is absolutely stunning with sleek furniture and natural light streaming in, their Heritage Afternoon Tea Buffet features an array of 8 savoury and 8 sweet items that reflect Singapore’s culinary past and present.

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PRICE:
Afternoon Tea /  S$45 (Daily)

The Fullerton Bay Hotel
80 Collyer Quay
Tel: +65 6597 5266
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 12 midnight
Fri: 11.30am – 1am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#2 COLONY

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: Everything about the local food spread at Colony is quintessentially Singaporean and we love it. Get the chef to slice some premium char siew for you and pair it with a plate of fragrant chicken rice. Then, finish off your meal with some tandoori meats and lip-smackingly good lobster laksa.

PRICE:
Lunch / S$58 (Daily) Dinner: S$78 (Daily)

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
7 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039799
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

#3 J65

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: J65′s buffet is extremely value-for-money and you get to enjoy fresh seafood on ice while getting the chef to whip up a scrumptious plate of Fried Oyster Egg (you must have it with the accompanying chilli) and grill satay for you. There’s also a DIY rojak station!

PRICE:
Dinner / S$55 (Sun to Thu), S$60 (Fri & Sat)

Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore
Lobby Level, 1A Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249176
Reservations: +65 6831 4374 / J65@hoteljen.com
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#4 MARRIOTT CAFE 

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: Get your tummies ready for a huge spread of local goodies at Marriott Cafe. The high tea buffet spread includes XO carrot cake, bak kut teh, chicken rice, char kway teow and many more local delights.

PRICE:
High Tea / S$42 (Mon to Fri), S$45 (Sat & Sun)

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Daily: 6am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#5 PLAZA BRASSERIE

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: In this buffet, you not only get a great range of local cuisine but also food from all over Asia. Think an aromatic bowl of prawn laksa, many local-style cooked dishes such as salted egg yolk prawns and rendang. There is also a prata station where you can enjoy free-flow prata!

PRICE: Dinner / S$53 (Mon – Thu), S$58 (Fri – Sun)

PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road, Level One
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 6505 5710
Daily: 6am – 12am
Nearest Station: Nicoll Highway

#6 SPICE BRASSERIE

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: Apart from its iconic Union of Crabs and Lobsters dinner buffet, Spice Brasserie at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road also offers the Singapore Nostalgic Lunch and Dinner buffet, featuring an extensive range of local and Asian cuisines, the popular Teochew Porridge corner, and a tantalising variety of appetisers and desserts.

PRICE: Lunch / S$33 (Daily), Dinner / S$36 (Mon to Wed)

 #7 STRAITS CAFE

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: To start, literally every single item featured in their buffet spread is delicious and perfectly encapsulates the essence of Malaysian and Singaporean street fare. Whether it’s their kueh pie tee, KL-style prawn noodles or even their Nonya laksa, we guarantee you that you will be filled with delight with each bite you take. We particularly love their à la minute-cooked sambal seafood from the live station and be sure to save space for their wide selection of durian-based desserts.

PRICE:
Lunch / S$42++ (Mon to Fri), S$48 (Sat & Sun)
Dinner / S$50++ (Mon to Thu) S$58++ (Fri to Sun)

9 Bras Basah Road, Level 1,
Singapore 189559
Tel: +65 6708 7745
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah / Dhoby Ghaut

#8 STRAITSKITCHEN

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: StraitsKitchen is a Halal-certified buffet restaurant and they are easily the best buffet restaurant in Singapore for a comprehensive local food spread. From grilled satay and black pepper crabs, fried carrot cake to chicken rice, prata and laksa, the choices are almost endless. The range of local-style dessert is also huge; think nyonya kueh, goreng pisang and muah chee!

PRICE: Dinner / S$73 nett (Daily)

10 Scotts Road, Lobby Level
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 6732 1234
Daily: 6am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Read: 14 Best Seafood Buffets In Singapore.

Is it not apparent enough that Singapore is a foodie’s heaven? We have all sorts of cuisine you can ever imagine, but more so, there are so many local dishes that are representative of Singapore and quite possibly exclusive.

Too many that we don’t even know where to start. Chilli Crab is something we all know, and the Singapore-style Laksa has become world famous; there’s Frog Leg Porridge that is comfort supper food, and we have rojak that is oh-so-wonderful.

They are everywhere—in coffee shops, hawker centres, full-fledged restaurants… and these are some of the Local Dishes That Are Representative of Singapore. The next time you run out of ideas, or are just having trouble satiating your local food cravings, this should be your checklist.

CHILLI CRAB

Gordon Ramsay loves it; don’t you too? Singapore is synonymous with Chilli Crab, and the prized seafood dish is something every overseas guest has on their to-eat list.

Some variations are sweet; some are spicy; some are both. What’s your favourite?

XO CRAB BEEHOON

This is one of our favourites! A piping hot pot that features vermicelli soaked in sweet broth that is prepared with fresh crabs, milk and XO; this is our all-time comfort food.

We love having a glass of ice-cold Coke light® to go with their XO Crab Beehoon. Imagine the fizzy ice-cold Coke®, paired with a mouth-watering bowl of rich, milky goodness – absolutely delicious.

KAYA TOAST

The traditional kaya toast is a widely consumed breakfast staple in Singapore. Sweet coconut jam spreads are sandwiched between butter-smeared bread toasts.

Kaya Toast usually comes in a set, complete with 2 half-boiled eggs and a hot drink (either coffee or tea) of choice.

FROG’S LEG PORRIDGE

Frog’s Leg Porridge sounds like an exotic dish to eat in TV series Fear Factor, except that it is not. The local Singaporean delicacy of succulent frog meat served with smooth congee is usually consumed during dinnertime or suppertime.

We like ours in gong bao-style, a great way to balance the spiciness from the dried chilli is with a refreshing glass of ice-cold Coke®. Instant happiness; we call that.

LAKSA

Nothing beats a warm bowl of Laksa and Singapore’s version of it is sometimes referred to as Katong Laksa.

Typically, the Katong Laksa is topped with cockles, fish cake and boiled prawns. Laksa is best consumed with a soup spoon only. You can add extra spice to your laksa with sambal chilli.

HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

Ask any local which dish you must try in Singapore and most of them will point you to their favourite Hainanese Chicken Rice stall.

Nobody does chicken rice better than Singapore. Period.

How to make it better? Do it the local way and reach out for that can of Coca-Cola®. The great taste of Coke® paired with a plate of familiar, fragrant, chicken rice delivers one of the most satisfying meal experiences!

ROTI PRATA

The Roti Prata (as it is called in Singapore) has made its mark and goes down as one of our country’s most iconic dishes.

It is like a flour pancake that is usually made a-la-minute, and the most common varieties are plain and egg prata.

FISH BALL NOODLES

Fish Ball Noodles is a true Singapore supper food. It comes in the form of soup noodles, or a dry version where egg noodles are tossed in chilli and served with a bowl of fish ball soup.

The savoury and flavourful dish goes great with can of refreshing ice-cold Coke® that gives an extra something to this bowl of bliss.

CHAR KWAY TEOW

The Singaporean version of Char Kway Teow is an addictive plate of sweet-and-savoury rice cake strip noodles stir-fried with several ingredients—bean sprout, belachan chili paste, blood cockles, eggs and sweet sauce.

ROJAK

We call Rojak the Singapore-style salad. It is a fruit and vegetable “salad” tossed in a shrimp paste sauce and sprinkled with crushed peanuts.

The Indian version of this is very different. It is a variety of deep-fried doughs, seafood and meats that is eaten with a red peanut sauce.

This article was brought to you in partnership with Coca-Cola®, the opinions are of the writers’ own.

This year’s Singapore Food Festival (SFF) focuses primarily on local food and chefs, circling around the theme of ‘A Fresh Taste of Tradition’. From 17 July to 2 August 2015, indulge in the festivities of Singapore Food Festival with various locations around Singapore, featuring modern takes on nostalgic local food by some of Singapore’s top chefs.

Do you miss the dishes your grandma or your parents used to cook when you were younger (or still do now)? As our society progresses, more and more people have taken the initiative of putting their own spin on these classic dishes to produce some of the best modern-traditional Singaporean fare.

In lieu of Singapore Food Festival 2015′s theme – ‘A Fresh Taste of Tradition’, share your Family’s signature dish and stand a chance to win weekly prizes including exclusive event passes to SFF 2015 and F&B dining Vouchers!

Be it using your family’s special recipe passed down for generations or one that you have experimented with yourself, if you think that your dish tastes fantastic, share it with all of us!

To celebrate Singapore’s tradition and all of the unique flavours we call our own, start a conversation flowing with Singaporeans who share the same passion in food as much as you do by starting with any of of the following:

1. Blog about it. You can choose to share photos, recipes and a little back story on the inception of your dish and what it means to you. If you want to keep your family’s ‘secret’ recipe to yourself, you need not share the recipes, just talk about the dish itself and maybe a little history of how it came about.
2. Social media. Take a beautiful photo of your dish and Facebook or Instagram it! Share it with your social circles and a conversation is bound to start. Your friends may ask you to share with them the recipe or even offer their own. It is always refreshing and eye-opening to hear about others’ very own dishes, unique to their own family.

From here on out, you can encourage these friends, family or acquaintances of yours to share these dishes on Hungrygowhere.com (http://sff2015.hungrygowhere.com/), where they stand a chance of winning exclusive event passes to Singapore Food Festival 2015 and F&B dining Vouchers. It is that simple!

For social media posts, use hashtags - #SFF2015, #myfamilyssignaturedish, and #YourSingaporeFood so others can find your photos easily using these to navigate. Also remember to mention that this initiative is part of Singapore Food Festival 2015.

Here is an example of how you can share your dishes.

For us, our family’s signature dish is Go Lo Yuk (Sweet & Sour Pork in dialect). Sweet & Sour Pork is a classic dish and has it’s own interpretations around the world. However, we do love the local version of dish this and especially the one cooked by our mother or grandmother.

This dish is a mainstay at dinner where mom would whip this up from scratch, using ingredients acquired from the wet market in the neighbourhood. She would sometimes add a little more spice to it to even out the sweetness of the pork.

Every family has their own special take on this dish, some would add a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables like cucumber and pineapple and some would omit these completely. If your family has a unique version of this classic local dish, remember to share it using the steps stated above. Good luck!

This post is brought to you by Singapore Tourism Board.

We Singaporeans love our hawker food – oh, yes we do. But as with all relationships in life, some love are a little more toxic than others. I got a local dietitian to help shed light on what dishes we should keep a distance from. Check out Singapore’s 10 unhealthiest hawker dishes, listed according to total calories. I do apologise for the impending heartbreak.

10. CHICKEN SATAY AND SAUCE
5 sticks of satay with 5g of sauce each (75g) = 185cal

Well, this is a small number – what’s the big deal, right? But this is a lot of calories, fat (10g) and sodium (249mg) in a small amount of food. Typically you’ll have satay alongside other dishes as well. Oh, and if you wolf down 10 sticks, you would have already hit about one-third of your daily fat allowance.

9. CHENDOL
Grass jelly, red bean and pandan jelly served in a sweet coconut milk base soup (368g) = 386cal

Who can resist the addictive combo of gula melaka and coconut milk? But it is precisely all of its sweet goodness that’s leading to the high calorie count. Plus, a bowlful has about nine teaspoons of sugar. Chendol has a high glycaemic index (GI), which means it’s digested and released into the body quickly, giving you a spike in energy that crashes, and leaves you tired and hungry quickly.

8. FRIED ECONOMIC BEE HOON
Fried vermicelli with fried luncheon meat and fried egg (273g) = 427cal

A favourite at breakfasts, this dish will almost hit your daily limit for cholesterol (300mg) at 219mg, so be careful with the rest of the day’s intake. Luncheon meats are also highly processed and contain a lot of MSG, which will make you thirsty. Try to reach for water instead of a sweet drink.

7. BLACK FRIED CARROT CAKE
Fried radish with egg and sweet sauce (295g) = 493cal

This dish scores high marks not just in taste but in all the wrong nutrients as well. There is a lot of fat in it (35g), because it’s usually cooked in pork lard. There is also a lot of sugar from the sweet sauce (up to 6 teaspoons) and about 1,289mg of sodium – this is more than half of your 2,000mg daily requirement.

6. MEE GORENG
Yellow noodle with vegetables, egg, cooked in tomato and chilli sauce (309g) = 500cal

This one’s a real danger for adults with hypertension as the salt content of 1,851mg is close to one entire day’s requirement of 2,000mg. A large proportion of mee goreng’s calories come from fat (20g), which makes the quality of the calories low. A dish with high quality calories would be a better balanced one (think salads with olive oil dressing and lean meats).

5. LAKSA LEMAK
Noodles with prawns and fish cakes in coconut-based soup (540g) = 591cal

The richness of the coconut milk which gives laksa that wonderful full-bodied mouthful is also the undoing of this dish – nutritionally. More that half the fat (32g) comes from saturated fat (17.8g), which is harmful to the heart. The sodium levels are right up there as well at 1,588mg.

4. CHICKEN RICE
“Roasted” chicken with skin, served with rice and chilli sauce (382g) = 607cal

The rice, while delicious, was cooked swimming in chicken fat. The total fat count here is at 23g, which is about one-third, or half of your daily requirement, depending on your gender. A fatty meal takes about four hours to digest – a plate of this will leave you sluggish and sleepy after you eat it, especially with a rush of serotonins (a feel-good hormone) from the high carbohydrate content. Again, watch the sodium too (1,287mg).

Read: recommendations on some of the best chicken rice in Singapore.

3. NASI LEMAK
Coconut rice with fried chicken wing, fried egg, fried anchovies and chilli sauce (306g) = 657cal

This one’s my personal favourite and I’m horrified to find it third on the list. The fat content of 25g is high and it’s all thanks to the rich coconut milk-soaked rice and deep fried accompanying dishes. At 657 calories, this exceeds your “budget” for a meal, based on a 1,800cal diet.

2. MEE SIAM
Thin, white rice noodle, hard boiled egg and dried beancurd in tangy gravy (655g) = 694cal

A bowlful of mee siam always looks so unassuming, until you find out about the high amount of carbohydrates from the noodles and sugar-laden gravy (92g). This dish also takes home the award for highest amount of sodium, clocking in a whopping 2,659mg – that’s one entire day’s allowance and a third of tomorrow’s.

1. CHAR KWAY TEOW
Rice noodles fried with cockles, Chinese sausage and sweet sauce (384g) = 744cal

This tasty plate of wok hei-heavy kway teow noodles tops the list at 744 calories. It is also extremely heart-unfriendly with it’s high levels of fat (38g) – of which 70% is saturated fat (29.2g) – and cholesterol (234mg). It gets most of its calories from the sweet sauce, highly processed meats and pork lard used. Also take note of the sodium levels, which sits at 1,459mg.

So there you go, remember that you don’t have to cut these hawker favourites from your life forever – they are after all, as Singaporean as they come. Enjoy them no more than once a week, and choose healthier dishes for your other meals on the days you decide to indulge.

Expert source: Jaclyn Reutens, clinical dietitian at nutrition consultancy Aptima Nutrition & Sports Consultants www.aptima-nsc.com

About the writer:
Ruby Tan used to write for Her World, and is now a freelance writer with a dream to travel the world. She believes that the some of best things in life don’t have to be bought. If you want to make a friend, share travel tips and advice, or even to discuss deeply about life, write to her at rubytan.work@gmail.com

Have you ever experienced that awkward silence when you are asked about Singapore’s culture, and you fumble, hem and haw as you try to find some costume, dance or tradition that is unique to Singapore? I have. Well, at least until I start talking about food. Now that’s where stopping me would be a problem.

It is amazing how much our nation loves food. Our day-to-day conversation inevitably revolves around food. And the best part is for a fraction of the price, you get something no less satisfying than a meal in a high-end restaurant. So here is a guide to introduce 10 of the best Singapore Hawker Food.

Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow was a dish created by coolie workers who needed a cheap way to prepare an energy-rich meal. Today, calories have become a bane, but we love our char kway teow all the same. How can anyone resist a plate of silky rice noodles fried with cockles, chinese sausage and – wait for this – heaps of crispy pork lard. I’d risk having a heart attack for Hill Street Char Kway Teow (Blk 16 Bedok South Road). Though the master is no longer helming the wok, he has imparted his skills to the son, who has taken over. Otherwise, try our Prime Minister’s favourite stall, Zion Road Char Kway Teow (Zion Road Food Center).

Carrot Cake

No it does not come with cream cheese and walnuts, but I’d pick our local version of Carrot Cake any day. Black or white, a good carrot cake is one that is crispy and eggy on the outside, and as you place a chunk in your mouth, dissolves without the need to even masticate. Fu Ming Carrot Cake at Redhill Food Centre is the epitome of carrot cakes. For a more unique version, I’d recommend U Fried Carrot Cake (Block 89 Pipit Road Market). The chunks of steamed radish cake are chopped larger than the usual, and it is sweeter than usual since they are more liberal with their sauce. Still, it is fried just nice such that you get that smokey aroma of burnt caramel in your mouth.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

If there’s one dish that’s synonymous with Singaporean cuisine, it has to be Chicken Rice. The name itself sounds so unappealing; how good can chicken on rice taste? Pretty awesome, actually. The glistening grains of rice perfumed by fresh chicken stock and a whiff of ginger is so good you can even eat it on its own. I could go on for hours about the best chicken rice in Singapore, but for the sake of trying the most famous one in Singapore, head to Tian Tian at Maxwell market which has earned boasting rights to getting Anthony Bourdain’s stamp of approval. Otherwise, Sin Kee (Mei Ling market) is good for those who prefer grains with a little more moisture.

Tze Char

So Tze Char is not exactly a dish per se, but it represents our culture of communal dining. Dishes are placed in the middle of a round table for sharing and each person will be equipped with a bowl of rice and a pair of chopsticks. For me, Tze Char (which means ‘cook and fry’) is all about bold flavours, good wok hei and gravy. It is difficult to recommend a particular Tze Char stall since there are usually hits and misses, but I know I’d never go wrong with Kok Sen Seafood (Keong Saik Road). I have recommended to many people for their big prawn hor fun amongst other fantastic dishes, and not once has it disappointed. For more creative offerings (think pumpkin prawns and coffee crabs), check out Siang Hee (Serangoon Gardens Way). Joo Hing (Joo Chiat Road) is where you can get your Tze Char fix amidst classier ambience but with equally good food. Their rendition of the steamed fish head is one of the best in town.

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best Tze Char restaurants in the west of Singapore.

Chilli Crab

While chilli crab is not a hawker food, no food guide is complete without a feature of this national dish. The vibrant red hue of the dish instantly captures the attention of any reader. The silky gravy, laced with shreds of egg, is sweet and mildly spicy (at least by the standards of locals; I have heard foreigners breaking out into a sweat from it).

The history of this dish dates back to the 1950s when the owners of Roland Restaurant (Marine Parade Central) decided to do a little experimentation with crabs, tomato sauce and chilli sauce. Today, big players in seafood cuisine include Long Beach, No Signboard and Jumbo Seafood. Each restaurant’s rendition is slightly different, and it’s a tough call as to which is the best.

Bak Chor Mee

When I need something hearty after a hard day at school, I’d head straight for Bak Chor Mee. Perhaps it is the lightly blanched lean pork slices and pinkish liver, or maybe it is the sharp vinegar-laced sauce, or just the fact that everything comes together so well to make this the perfect comfort food. No one will dispute that Tai Hwa (Block 466 Crawford Lane) serves the best Bak Chor Mee in Singapore; you will find queues even at odd hours of the day despite the obscure location. Lian Kee (Alexandra Village Food Centre) is unique for its slightly sweet sauce, while the two stalls at Block 85 Fengshan Centre battle it out for the best soup version of Bak Chor Mee.

Rojak

Rojak is a fruit and vegetable salad dish consisting of you tiao (fried dough fritters), bean curds, bean sprouts, pineapples, and turnips. Everyone knows about Hoover Rojak (Whampoa Market) and Toa Payoh Rojak (oddly located within Old Airport Rd). But I will let you in on a little secret. The nameless rojak stall at the basement food court of Katong Shopping Centre is extremely value-for-money at just $2 for a regular size portion.

Ice Kacang

It is not as delicate as the Japanese version, nor is it as fine as Taiwanese snowflake ice, but our Ice Kacang is nonetheless, very satisfying on a hot day. A towering portion of crushed ice slapped on with sugar syrup in a myriad of colours. The standard version comes with atap seeds, grass jelly, agar bits and red bean, though we can be thankful for product differentiation by our hawkers these days.

Those who miss Annie’s, which started serving the first peanut ice kacang at Tanjong Pagar market, is now at Ghim Moh Market since the former closed for renovation. Jin Jin’s version comes with thick gula Melaka syrup, and is hands down my favourite dessert stall in Singapore. I can easily conquer another of their Gangster ice (which comes with mangoes and durian puree) after finishing a bowl of their ice kacang. It is the stall with the longest queue at ABC market at Bukit Merah.

Yong Tau Foo

The healthiest of the lot, Yong Tau Foo is probably something you will want to have after days of indulging in lard-laden hawker dishes. Hui Ji (Tiong Bahru market) serves a version that is a cross between fishball noodles and Yong Tau Foo. Yong Xing Xiang (People’s Park Complex) has one of the best Yong Tau Foo in Singapore with a soup base that is clear yet intensely flavourful. Do not miss the crispy deep-fried pork balls from Xi Xiang Feng (Ang Mo Kio central market). It is so addictive that I’d advise putting at least three of these little morsels in your bowl, lest you regret afterwards. Ok, maybe I lied… It is not exactly all that healthy after all!

Wanton Mee

Wanton mee is probably the most underrated hawker dish ever… or maybe it is just something I personally have a soft spot for. There is so much more to it than just noodles and dumplings. I like my noodles thick and al dente a la Ji Ji Wanton Mee (Hong Lim Food Centre); I am salivating just thinking about it. Though if I had the luxury of time, I’d queue half an hour every morning to have Chun Ji (164 Stirling Rd). It is sticky, gooey, mildly sweet gravy coats each strand of noodles, which in turn are cooked with deft skills that only comes with decades of practice. For ardent fans of Hong Mao Wanton Mee previously at Tembling Road, the man is back in action and has set up stall at the basement of Dunman Rd Food Centre; do pay Ah Huat Wanton Mee – they have the most flavourful wantons ever.

Words by Sarah Lim, photographs by ladyironchef