The Ultimate Guide to Hawker Centers in Singapore

This is the BLOG version of my video guide on YouTube:

The BIGGEST Mistake Visitors Make…

when coming to Singapore is missing out on the most delicious and affordable local food at the hawker centers.
I get it — it can be overwhelming. There are so many people, so many shops… how do you even order food? But fear not! By the end of this guide, you’ll be walking into any hawker center and eating like a true local.

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What Is a Hawker Center?

Imagine rows of small shops, a common seating area, and an outdoor setting with no air conditioning — that’s your typical hawker center. They’re usually next to wet markets, making them a lively, bustling part of Singapore life. Sure, it’s not your typical fancy restaurant, but trust me, these are the BEST places to eat in Singapore.

Variety: So many stalls to choose from, each specializing in a different dish.
Affordability: You can easily get a decent meal for under $10. It’s the best bang for your buck!

How to Find the Right Hawker Center

Singapore has 121 hawker centers, but to make it easier, I’ve compiled a Google map bookmark of hawker stalls that have earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

or get it separately here.

Just check the bookmark, find the nearest one, and head over for some fantastic local eats. I’ve even listed the unit number and dish to order so you can just walk up, order, and enjoy. Easy, right?

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Bring Cash — Hawker Centers Don’t Take Credit Cards

One important thing to note: most hawker centers don’t accept credit card payments, so make sure to bring some cash. I’d suggest budgeting at least $5 per person for a meal, but having $10 on hand gives you more freedom to try different things without feeling limited.

Pro Tip: I love eating out with friends at hawker centers because each of us can get something different, and we all share. This way, we get to sample a lot of dishes without getting too full. It’s a great way to explore the variety of flavors that hawker centers have to offer.

A Quick Story About Ordering at Hawker Centers

Let me tell you about the time my sister visited from Australia. We were at a hawker center, and she decided to try a popular noodle shop. She waited in line, and when it was her turn, she asked the aunty, “Hmm, do you have any recommendation on what’s nice here?” The aunty replied, “WHAT YOU WANT TO EAT?” My sister came back with her food looking upset.

Now, you might think, “Wow, Singaporeans are so rude!” But let’s flip the script. From the hawker aunty’s perspective, she’s trying to serve a long line of people as quickly as possible. So, when someone hesitates or asks questions, it holds up the line. Sure, she could be nicer, but most hawkers are very straightforward — you come, you order, you pay. Minimal chit-chat.

Pro Tip: If there’s a long line, don’t take too long to order. Also, most hawkers don’t accept credit cards, so bring some cash (around $5-$10 per person per meal).

SPICY Food?

If you’re not used to SPICY food, when ordering food that might be spicy, you can ask the vendor for NO CHILI or LESS SPICY.
I highly recommend at least going LESS SPICY because sometimes alot of the flavor of the dish comes from the chili. Or do what I did by asking the chili to be on the side. This way you can adjust the chili to your level.

Beware of Long Queues at Popular Hawker Stalls

Now, a heads-up! You might see long lines at some of the more popular hawker stalls. Depending on the shop, the queue could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. It might sound like a long wait, but it’s often a sign that the food is worth it.

Quick Tip: If you see a long queue, you know you’re in for something good. Patience is key, and the delicious payoff will be worth it!

If this guide has been helpful or has made you hungry, please leave a like so more people can find it. Thank you very much!

History of Hawker Centers

Did you know that hawker centers are a relatively recent idea in Singapore? In the early days, hawkers would set up shop on the streets, causing congestion and hygiene issues. The government decided to relocate them into designated hawker centers, managing the food operation and waste management. Today, we get to enjoy a clean, comfortable space to eat, thanks to this system.

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Hawker Centers vs. Food Courts

You might have seen similar setups in shopping malls under brands like Food Republic, Kopitiam, or Koufu, but these are actually food courts. What’s the difference?

Hawker Centers: Managed by the government, with stalls privately run by hawkers.
Food Courts: Usually managed by an F&B chain, and stalls are run by employees.

Food courts are more comfortable (air-conditioned!) but pricier. Personally, I prefer hawker centers. The competitive nature and passion of a self-owned kitchen often produce better results.

Where to Sit at Hawker Centers?

When your food is ready, grab it and find an empty table. But be careful! If you see items like a tissue packet or water bottle on a table, that table is “choped” (reserved). It’s a unique local custom — you can do the same by leaving your own item before ordering.

And don’t worry about the restrooms; they’re always nearby, though there might be a small fee to use them.

Why Hawker Centers Are So Affordable

One reason is the lack of air conditioning, but another is the minimal customer service. You collect your own food, and when you’re done, you return your tray and used utensils. It’s a small effort that saves on service charges.

If you bought from a halal stall, remember to return your tray to the designated return point.

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Ordering Drinks Like a Local

Fancy a drink after your meal? If you go to a drink stall and order an “Americano,” you might get a puzzled look. Instead, try ordering in “Singaporean”:

Coffee: “Kopi”
- Black: “Kopi O”
- No sugar: “Kopi O Kosong”
- Iced: “Kopi O Kosong Peng”
Tea: Just replace “Kopi” with “Teh.”

Someone did a super comprehensive diagram at naumi.singapore

It’s super easy, and now you’re one step closer to being a hawker expert!

Ready for Your Food Adventure?

Congratulations! You’re now equipped to tackle any hawker center like a pro. For your next food adventure, check out my video on the top hawker centers in Singapore — I’ll see you there!

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