What to eat in Singapore: Guide to 58 Singapore must-eats

With a myriad of options, you might often find yourself asking what to eat in Singapore, whether you’re a local who has been living here your whole life or a new tourist to the country.

With Singapore’s birthday coming up, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride looking at how diverse our food scene is, so we’ll help you out a little.

Here’s a list of 58 of the best Singapore foods to check off, or to revisit — along with the team’s favourite spots to visit for these foods. If you’re passionate about our local cuisine or wondering where to bring foreign friends to eat in Singapore, this guide will be one for the books. 

 1. Ayam penyet

Ayam Penyet translates to ‘flattened or pressed chicken’ in Malay and refers to a popular Indonesian dish found in many Malay hawker stalls and restaurants in Singapore. 

The star of this dish is a deep-fried bone-in chicken thigh seasoned with a blend of spices that usually includes tamarind and lime. It is served on top of white rice and accompanied by a generous side of sambal chilli as well as a sprinkling of crispy bits. It sometimes comes with fried tofu and vegetables. 

Where to find ayam penyet in Singapore

Rayyan’s Waroeng Upnormal
Amoy Food Centre, 02-86, 7 Maxwell Road
Open: Monday to Friday (9.30am to 2.30pm) 

2. Bak chor mee

Bak chor mee is a popular noodle dish in Singapore typically made with egg noodles, minced pork, mushrooms, meatballs, lard, and pork liver. It’s seasoned with various sauces such as vinegar, soy sauce and chilli.

Sometimes abbreviated as BCM, you’ll usually come across the dry version of the noodles, served together with a small bowl of pork broth on the side. However the soup version of BCM is also relatively popular and comes with the broth added directly to the ingredients.

Where to find bak chor mee in Singapore

Seng Hiang Bak Chor Mee
Bedok 85 Market, 01-08, 85 Bedok North Street 4
Open: Thursday to Tuesday (3.30pm to 12am) 

Explore 15 of the best bak chor mee stalls in Singapore.

3. Bak kut teh

Bak kut teh, which translates directly to ‘meat bone tea’ in the Hokkien dialect, is a soupy dish made from simmering pork ribs together with a blend of herb and spices. Commonly used spices include garlic, pepper and star anise. 

You’ll usually find the Teochew-style of bak kut teh in Singapore, which comes with a clearer broth that is more peppery, while the Klang-style is more commonly served in Malaysia and comes darker due to the use of soy sauce. The latter is also more heavily spiced.

No bak ku teh meal is complete without a piping hot bowl of fluffy rice, and a deep-fried youtiao, or dough fritter. 

Where to find bak kut teh in Singapore

Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh
Multiple outlets islandwide
Operating hours vary across stores

4. Ban mian

A warm, comforting dish, ban mian (Chinese for handmade noodles), is a very unassuming dish made simply of handmade noodles and broth. The dish is topped off with vegetables, anchovies, meat and eggs. 

Modernised versions of this dish include the dry version, topped with fusion toppings such as truffle oil and salted egg yolk. 

Where to find ban mian in Singapore

Mdm Leong Ban Mian
Amoy Street Food Centre, 02-109, 7 Maxwell Road
Open: Monday to Friday (10.30am to 2pm)

5. Beef noodles

If you’re looking for a more robust and flavourful food to eat in Singapore, beef noodles could be a go-to option. Beef noodles in Singapore are served both ways — dry and topped with a starchy brown sauce, or in a rich beef broth.

The noodles typically come with beef slices, but it is not uncommon to find stores offering combinations of beef balls, beef tendon and even beef tripe. 

Where to find beef noodles in Singapore

Hwa Heng Beef Noodles
290 Jalan Besar
Open: Monday to Sunday (8.30am to 4am)

Want to try other beef noodles around Singapore? Here’s 15 places to head to.

6. Beef Rendang

Beef rendang originates from the Minangkabau region in West Sumatra, Indonesia, and can be found in many other Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. 

For this dish, beef is slow-cooked over a low heat with coconut milk, herbs and spices over an extended period. It is simmered until the moisture from the meat evaporates, and the liquid becomes a thick, flavourful sauce. It is usually served alongside rice. 

Where to find beef rendang in Singapore

Hjh Maimunah Restaurant
Multiple outlets islandwide
Operating hours vary across stores

Find out how Hjj Maimunah makes its beef rendang.

7. Biryani

Biryani is a South Asian rice dish, very commonly found in Singapore, that comes with flavoured long-grain rice. It’s usually topped with vegetables, meat or seafood. 

The rice is flavoured with spices such as cumin, cardamom and saffron, while the meats and vegetables are cooked with spices such as turmeric, cloves, cinnamon and chilli powder. Aside from rice, you might also see it served with papadum, a type of crispy Indian flatbread. 

Where to find biryani in Singapore

Mr Biryani
Multiple outlets islandwide
Operating hours vary across stores 

8. Carrot cake

The name ‘carrot cake’ is a bit of a misnomer as the dish doesn’t actually contain any carrots. Instead, it is made up of white radish, which also directly translates to white carrot in Chinese, hence the name of the dish. The radish is grated, blended with rice flour and water, before it is steamed to form a soft white radish cake. 

The radish cake is then chopped up into tiny morsels, and pan-fried with eggs, garlic and preserved radish. You’ll easily find two versions of this dish at most carrot cake shops — black or white. The black version sees the radish cake fried in a thicker, sweet dark soy sauce, while the white version comes without.  

Where to find carrot cake in Singapore

Song Han Carrot Cake
Tampines Round Market and Food Centre, 01-07, 137 Tampines Street
Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday (6am to 12pm)

Hunt down good carrot cake at these 15 other stalls in Singapore.

9. Char kway teow

Char kway teow, which translates to fried kway teow, is a dish in Singapore that comprises wok-fried flat rice noodles (kway teow). Char kway teow usually includes sliced Chinese sausages, bean sprouts, cockles, shrimp and eggs. 

The noodle dish gets its characteristic deep brown colour from seasonings such as soy sauce, dark soy sauce and chilli. Most versions are also stir-fried with pork lard for extra umami and to give it a smokier flavour. 

Where to find char kway teow in Singapore

Meng Kee Fried Kway Teow
Havelock Road Cooked Food Centre, 01-07, 22A Havelock Road
Open: Monday to Friday (9am to 2.45pm), Saturday (9am to 5pm)

10. Chee cheong fun

Chee cheong fun is a dish made of steamed rice flour rolls, cut into small bite-sized portions. The rice rolls can come plain or stuffed with ingredients, and are usually topped with either a sweet or savoury sauce. 

The sweet version usually includes soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce and sugar, while the savoury version usually comes with soy sauce, chilli and dried shrimp. 

The dish is commonly eaten as a breakfast or as a midday or tea time snack. 

Where to find chee cheong fun in Singapore

Nan Rong Chee Cheong Fun
Bendemeer Market and Food Centre, 01-11, 29 Bendemeer Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (6.30am to 5pm or until sold out)

Read about Nan Rong’s wallet-friendly S$1 chee cheong fun. 

11. Chendol

Chendol is a sweet and refreshing icy dessert that can be found in Singapore and several Southeast Asian countries. The dish comprises shaved ice topped with pandan-flavoured jelly noodles, red beans, sweet corn and coconut milk.

What makes chendol unique is the use of gula melaka (palm sugar), which adds a rich sweetness to the shaved ice. This cold dessert is extremely popular in Singapore, thanks to our extremely hot and humid climate. 

Where to find chendol in Singapore

Old Amoy Chendol
Multiple outlets islandwide
Operating hours vary across stores 

Discover more traditional Chinatown eats. 

12. Chicken rice

Probably the first dish that comes to mind when you’re thinking about what to eat in Singapore, chicken rice is a popular dish in Singapore well-loved by both locals and tourists alike. Ask any Singaporean and they’ll probably have a favourite chicken rice store.

The dish is simple — it comprises steamed chicken served over a fragrant bed of rice that is cooked with chicken broth, garlic and ginger. Chicken rice is also accompanied by some dipping sauces such as chilli, garlic and soy sauce. 

Where to find chicken rice in Singapore 

Katong Mei Wei Boneless Chicken Rice
Katong Shopping Centre, B1-85/87, 865 Mountbatten Road
Open: Wednesday to Friday (10.45am to 7pm), Saturday and Sunday (11am to 7pm) 

13. Chilli crab

Chilli crab is an iconic Singaporean dish known for its delicious blend of flavours. It features a whole crab cooked in a rich, tangy and slightly spicy tomato-based sauce, often accompanied by ingredients such as ginger, garlic and beaten egg. 

The dish is typically served with steamed or fried buns, called mantou, which are used to soak up the flavourful sauce. 

Where to find chilli crab in Singapore

Mellben Seafood
01-1222, 232 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Street 22
Open: Monday to Sunday (5pm to 10.30pm) 

14. Chwee kueh

Often eaten as a snack, chwee kueh is a small, soft rice cake made from steaming rice flour and water. Chwee kueh is rather plain on its own, but it is typically topped with salty preserved radish and a generous serving of chilli for added flavour. 

Where to find chwee kueh in Singapore

Bedok Chwee Kueh
Chinatown Complex, 02-43, 335 Smith Street
Open: Monday to Sunday (7am to 7pm)

Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre, 01-19, 208B New Upper Changi Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (7am to 8pm)

Want more places for great chwee kueh? Here’s 15 places you can go to.

15. Claypot rice

Served in a claypot, claypot rice is a traditional Chinese dish made by cooking rice and meat in a claypot over a charcoal flame. Usual toppings include Chinese sausage, chicken and salted fish.

Once ready, the claypot is served directly to the table, and customers are encouraged to mix the ingredients and rice up before digging in. The resulting dish tends to come with a smokey, charred (wok hei) flavour with bits of burnt crispy rice at the bottom of the pot. 

Where to find claypot rice in Singapore

Lian He Ben Ji
Chinatown Complex, 02-198/199, 335 Smith Street
Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday (4.30pm to 10.30pm)

16. Curry puff

Commonly eaten as a snack, the curry puff is a flaky pastry usually filled with curry chicken, potato, sardine or even beef. 

Its exterior is crispy and buttery, and makes for an extremely satisfying savoury snack. Some might liken it to samosas or empanadas, but sized slightly bigger. 

Where to find curry puff in Singapore

J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff
Amoy Street Food Centre, 01-21, 7 Maxwell Road
Open: Monday to Friday (8am to 3pm) 

17. Dim sum

Dim sum is a popular Cantonese-style dish that originates from Southern China. It usually consists of small bite-sized portions of savoury or sweet food items, traditionally served in bamboo steamers or on small plates. 

Items in a dim sum meal can range from steamed pork buns to dumplings and fried spring rolls. Most people enjoy dim sum in the morning or as brunch. Some restaurants allow diners to choose dishes from dim sum carts that are pushed around the restaurant. 

Where to find dim sum in Singapore

Sum Dim Sum
161 Jalan Besar
Open: Monday to Thursday (11.30am to 12am), Friday (11.30am to 1am), Saturday (10.30am to 1am), Sunday (10.30am to 11pm)

18. Durian

Durian is a popular fruit commonly found in Southeast Asia, including Singapore. It is easily recognised for its spiky, green exterior and strong, sharp odour. 

Many people consider durian to be an acquired taste, as its taste and texture can be quite unique and isn’t for everyone. The flesh of the fruit is custard-like and creamy, with a flavour that can be described as sweet, savoury, bitter or even pungent. In Singapore, durian is often enjoyed fresh or used in various dessert recipes such as cakes, ice cream or pastries.

Where to find durian desserts in Singapore

Ms Durian
11 Kelantan Road
Open: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (9am to 6pm), Friday to Sunday (9am to 10pm)

Find out more about durian specialty cafe Ms Durian and how to pick durians. 

19. Economy rice

Economy rice, or cai fan in Chinese, simply refers to rice and stir-fried dishes that one can commonly get at most coffee shops in Singapore. It is a popular food choice thanks to its economical pricing — you can easily get three dishes and rice for S$4. 

Most economy rice stalls draw long queues at lunch and dinner times not just because of the affordable prices, but also because of its variety. While economy rice or cai fan is usually single-portioned, if you’re out with friends, you can look for zi char stalls instead, where dishes are served in bigger portions for sharing. 

Where to find economy rice in Singapore

Goldhill Family Restaurant
6 Hougang Avenue 3, 01-78
Open: Monday to Friday (7.30am to 8pm), Saturday (7.30am to 7.30pm), Sunday (7.30am to 2.30pm)

Here are some affordable economy rice options below S$4. 

20. Fish head curry

Fish head curry is a popular dish in Singapore that is known for its rich and spicy flavour. It is made using a fish head, typically a red snapper, cooked in a curry stew. The curry is made using a combination of spices including cumin, coriander and turmeric, along with tomatoes, tamarind and coconut milk. 

Vegetables such as okra and eggplant are added to the curry to give the dish its rich texture and flavour. Fish head curry is a satisfying and filling dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. It is typically served with steamed rice and can be found in many hawker centres and restaurants throughout Singapore.

Where to find fish head curry in Singapore

Yu Cun Curry Fish Head
147 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Open: 11.30am to 10pm

Hungry for more fish head curry? Here are 15 places for delectable fish head curry around the island. 

21. Fish soup

Fish soup is a popular and simple dish that is easily found in many hawker centres and coffee shops in Singapore. As its name suggests, fish soup is a clear broth made by simmering fish bones and spices. The dish is typically served with fish slices, vegetables and noodles or rice.

It is often seen as a lighter meal option for most Singaporeans, though it is not uncommon to opt to jazz up your fish soup by opting for deep-fried fish slices and additional seasonings (such as milk and Chinese wine) in your soup. 

Where to find fish soup in Singapore

Han Kee Fish Soup
Amoy Street Food Centre, 02-129, 7 Maxwell Road
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 3pm)

22. Fishball noodles

Fishball noodles is a noodle dish commonly found in Singapore that comes with bouncy fish-meat balls, noodles and a flavourful broth. Diners can choose from a variety of noodles such as yellow noodles, rice noodles and flat rice noodles. 

The noodles also come topped with minced pork and fish cake slices. It is not uncommon to find both dry and soupy versions in most hawker centres and coffee shops in Singapore. 

Where to find fishball noodles in Singapore

Song Kee Fishball Noodle
100 Yio Chu Kang Road
Open: Friday to Wednesday (11.30am to 8.45pm) 

23. Frog porridge

Frog porridge is a unique dish in Singapore, and is most commonly deemed as supper food. The tender frog meat is usually stir-fried with flavourful sauces and spices such as garlic, ginger and spring onions and consumed alongside plain porridge. 

Some eateries cook the frog meat together with the porridge, producing an aromatic bowl of gruel. If you’re looking for a late night Singapore snack or wondering what to eat in Singapore after hours, frog porridge could be for you. 

Where to find frog porridge in Singapore 

Hong Chang Frog Porridge & BBQ Fish
2 Braddell Road
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (3pm to 2am)

Want more options? Here are 15 places you can find frog porridge in Singapore.

24. Hainanese curry rice

Hainanese curry rice is often likened to economy rice (featured in this list), but the dish is different in that it usually comes doused with a generous serving of thick curry and gravy. You’ll find that most Hainanese curry shops serve sides including pork chop, braised cabbage and eggs. 

While not the prettiest dish, it’s a savoury, quick and easy meal — a messy comfort food that is well-loved by most Singaporeans. 

Where to find Hainanese curry rice in Singapore

Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice
Tiong Bahru Food Centre, 02-67/68, 30 Seng Poh Road
Open: Friday to Wednesday (8.30am to 2.45pm) 

25. Hokkien mee

Hokkien mee is a noodle dish made by stir-frying egg noodles and rice vermicelli with prawns, squid and pork belly, typically with a rich and savoury prawn broth.

As Hokkien mee is usually stir-fried in a wok at high heat, some of the best versions come with a smokey, charred flavour (wok hei) that further enhances the umami from the prawn broth. Some diners also love having their Hokkien mee topped with chilli and pork lard. 

Where to find Hokkien mee in Singapore

Geylang Lorong 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee
Siglap 936 Food House, 936 East Coast Road
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (12pm to 8.30pm)

26. Ice-cream sandwich

Ice-cream sandwiches can be found all over the world, but the ones in Singapore usually come with a soft, fluffy colourful bread or thin, wafer-like slices. 

The ice cream is usually cut from a thick slab of ice cream, and comes in flavours such as the more classic chocolate and vanilla, or more unique ones such as durian and raspberry ripple. You won’t find this easily in shops — the thrill comes from spotting an ice-cream cart vendor on the streets and getting one from them in the sweltering heat.

Where to find ice cream sandwich in Singapore

Uncle Chieng’s ice-cream cart
In front of Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road
Opening hours vary

Want to make your own? Get old-school bread at these bakeries.

27. Ice kachang

With Singapore’s hot weather, ice kachang is a popular Singapore dessert among locals and tourists alike. It is essentially shaved ice topped with generous servings of sweetened red beans, jelly, corn and other sweet items before it is finished off with coloured syrups and condensed milk. 

It is an extremely refreshing treat that can be consumed any time of the day, and should not be missed if you’re feeling the brunt of Singapore’s weather. 

Where to find ice kachang in Singapore

Teck Kee Hot & Cold Dessert
Adam Food Centre, Stall 31,  2 Adam Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 11.30pm) 

28. Kambing soup

Kambing soup is a flavourful and hearty broth found in Southeast Asian countries.

It is made by slow-cooking mutton or lamb with vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and spices that give it a yellow-ish hue. The resulting broth is thick, somewhat gamey and usually served alongside rice or bread. 

Where to find kambing soup in Singapore

Haji M. Abdul Rajak Stall (Soup Kambing)
Upper Boon Keng Market & Food Centre, 01-03, 17 Upper Boon Keng Road
Open: Wednesday to Monday (11am to 11.30pm) 

Check out Haji M. Abdul Rajak’s stall, which serves unconventional dishes such as goat’s brain soup.

29. Kaya toast

Kaya toast is a classic Singaporean breakfast food that can also be found in several parts of Southeast Asia. It usually consists of toast (sometimes charcoal-grilled) that’s served with a sliver of butter and kaya jam — a type of sweet coconut jam that is typically tinged green from pandan leaves.

Kaya toast is most commonly eaten with a side of soft-boiled eggs and a piping hot cup of local coffee (kopi). You can have your toast on its own or dip it into the soft-boiled eggs before munching down on it. 

Where to find kaya toast in Singapore

Heap Seng Leong
10 North Bridge Road, 01-5109
Open: Monday to Sunday (5am to 4pm)

Keen on more kaya toast? Here are more places to find this traditional breakfast food.

30. Kueh tutu

Kueh tutu is a snack made from rice flour and usually filled with sweet crushed peanuts or grated coconut. It is often served as bite-sized pieces and on a banana leaf.

Most Singaporeans will associate this snack with our neighbourhood night markets but these days, it is not uncommon to find it in hawker stalls or coffee shops. Usually freshly made, it’s best eaten warm.

Where to find kueh tutu in Singapore

Chinatown Tan’s TuTu Coconut Cake
Multiple outlets islandwide
Operating hours vary across stores

31. Laksa

Laksa is a popular dish in Singapore. While there are many varieties here, the most popular one is the version that has rice noodles soaked in a spicy, coconut-based broth. It comes topped with prawns, fishcakes, beansprouts and sometimes cockles.

The broth is extremely aromatic and rich, owing to its coconut base, and is also cooked using laksa leaves and dried shrimp.

Where to find laksa in Singapore

Janggut Laksa
Multiple outlets islandwide
Operating hours vary across stores

Here are some of the best laksa places in Singapore.

32. Lontong

Lontong is a classic Malay dish that consists of rice cakes (known as lontong), cut into bite-sized pieces and simmered in a flavourful coconut-based sauce. It usually comes with vegetables, tofu, eggs and sometimes chicken. 

Where to find lontong in Singapore

Ole Ole Bumbu
50A Marine Terrace Market, 01-307, 50A Marine Terrace
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (6am to 1pm) 

33. Mala xiang guo

Mala xiang guo is a Chinese dish originating from the Sichuan province of China that is well-loved in Singapore, thanks to Singaporeans’ love for all things spicy. Mala xiang guo, which translates to spicy, numbing hotpot, is typically made by stir-frying vegetables, meat or seafood in a spicy, numbing sauce. 

The sauce comprises Sichuan peppercorns, which add to the numbing effect, and dried chillies, which up the spicy factor. Diners can choose their spice level depending on their own spice tolerance. It is definitely not for those who can’t take spicy food, though you can try asking for your dish to have zero spice level. 

Where to find mala xiang guo in Singapore

Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo
People’s Park Food Centre, 01-1152, 32 New Market Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (10am to 9.30pm) 

Find out where the cheapest Mala xiang guos in Singapore are.

34. Mee rebus

Mee rebus is a Malay noodle dish made with yellow egg noodles and doused with a curry-like gravy. The gravy can be described as thick, tangy, sweet and slightly spicy, and it’s made from potatoes, garlic, shallots and prawn paste. 

You’ll usually find mee rebus topped with bean sprouts, fried tofu and hard-boiled eggs, and served with lime and green chillies.

Where to find mee rebus in Singapore

Queenstown Lontong
Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, 01-27, 38A Margaret Drive
Open: Monday to Sunday (7am to 2pm)

35. Mee siam

Yet another noodle dish, mee siam is a dish originating from Penang, but commonly found in Singapore. It is made up of thin rice noodles doused in a watery gravy made of tamarind, chilli, shallots, garlic, and dried shrimp. The gravy is sweet, tangy and slightly spicy.

You’ll usually find mee siam dishes in Singapore topped with bean sprouts, hard-boiled eggs and fried tofu. 

Where to find mee siam in Singapore

Hup Hup Mee Siam
80 Circuit Road, 02-14
Open: Wednesday to Sunday (6am to 2.30pm)

36. Min jiang kueh

Originating from China, min jiang kueh is a popular local snack. It’s best described as a chewy pancake that’s typically stuffed with a crushed peanut filling. The pancake is thick, fluffy and spongy, and is best consumed warm.

While peanut is a common filling, there are an increasing number of shops in Singapore that sell pancakes with different types of sweet and savoury fillings, ranging from cheese and cream corn to even tuna and pork floss. 

Where to find min jiang kueh in Singapore

Mian Mian Bu Duan
Bukit Merah Central Food Centre, 02-17, 163 Bukit Merah Central
Open: Thursday to Tuesday (9am to 3pm)

Read about Mian Mian Bu Duan’s owner Li Jiali, and discover other underrated min jiang kueh stores in Singapore. 

37. Nasi kandar

Nasi kandar is a dish originating from northern Malaysia, but it’s also commonly found in Singapore and several other parts of Southeast Asia. It comprises steamed rice served alongside an assortment of side dishes and different types of curries. 

Where to find Nasi Kandar in Singapore

ABC Nasi Kandar
67 Desker Road
Open: 24 hours 

38. Nasi lemak

Nasi Lemak is a well-loved dish in Singapore that has fragrant coconut rice served with several side dishes — usually fried chicken wings, fried fish, sambal chilli, fried anchovies, fried egg and peanuts. 

The rice is cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves, giving it a rich and creamy mouthfeel. Most nasi lemak stalls will serve up a robust sambal chilli paste that can be mixed with the rice or side dishes for added kick. 

Where to find Nasi Lemak in Singapore

Sembarang Nasi Lemak
63B Lengkok Bahru, 01-362
Open: Monday to Saturday (9am to 7pm)

Read our critics’ review of Sembarang Nasi Lemak. 

39. Nasi padang

Nasi padang means rice from Padang in Malay, with Padang being a city in Indonesia. It is a Minangkabau dish that consists of steamed rice served up with an array of meat, fish, vegetables and curries. 

It can be eaten alone with all dishes on an individual plate, or in groups, with dishes served on separate small plates. Some nasi padang shops specialise in certain dishes, such as beef rendang or its piquant sambal. 

Where to find nasi padang in Singapore

Warong Nasi Pariaman
738 North Bridge Road
Open: Monday and Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday (7.30am to 3pm)

Get your Nasi Padang fix at these restaurants in Singapore.

40. Nonya kueh

Nonya kuehs are small, colourful desserts of Peranakan origin. These desserts, known as kuehs, come in different shapes, textures and flavours. Common ingredients used to make these kuehs include rice and tapioca flour, coconut milk and sugar. 

Some of the more common nonya kuehs include ang ku kueh, a glutinous rice cake filled with a sweet filling such as mung bean paste or peanut, and ondeh ondeh, a round kueh made with glutinous rice flour and filled with melted palm sugar or gula meleka. 

Where to find nonya kuehs in Singapore

Molly’s Nonya Kueh
01-1121, 104 Hougang Avenue 1
Open: Tuesday to Friday (4am to 7.30pm), Saturday (4am to 6.30pm), Sunday (4am to 5pm), Monday (4am to 6.30pm) 

Read how Ji Xiang makes its ang ku kuehs from scratch.

41. Oyster omelette

Oyster omelette is commonly found in Singapore, and made by frying an egg batter with starch, vegetables and fresh oysters. The batter usually comprises potato starch and cornflour and results in a crispy omelette with a slightly chewy texture. 

Most love this dish for its varying textures and use of fresh oysters, giving it an additional umami flavour. 

Where to find oyster omelette in Singapore

Lim’s Fried Oyster
Berseh Food Centre, 01-32, 166 Jalan Berseh
Open: Wednesday to Sunday (6pm to 12am) 

Want more oyster omelette options? Here’s 12 to choose from.

42. Pandan cake

Pandan cake is a green, fluffy chiffon cake that gets its characteristic green colour from the use of pandan juice and leaves in its batter. The cake is made from flour, sugar, and eggs — coconut is also usually added for more depth. 

Pandan cakes are usually consumed as snacks in Singapore, and can be enjoyed alongside a cup of warm kopi or teh. It is not uncommon to see tourists carting home boxes of this fragrant cake to consume back in their home countries. 

Where to find pandan cake in Singapore

Bengawan Solo
Multiple outlets islandwide
Operating hours vary across stores

43. Popiah

Popiah is a dish usually presented as a roll, wrapped with a soft, thin crepe-like skin made of wheat flour. It is usually filled with cooked vegetables such as bean sprouts, and turnips, and sometimes meat such as pork and prawns.

Most places that serve popiah would first spread sauces such as hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce and chilli sauce on the roll, before laying on the ingredients and rolling it up. When rolled up, it resembles a burrito. You can opt to consume it as a whole roll or sliced into more manageable bite-sized portions. 

Where to find popiah in Singapore

Good Chance Popiah
Block 149 Silat Avenue, 01-58
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (11am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm)

Here’s 13 places for the best popiah in Singapore.

44. Prawn noodles

Prawn noodles, as its name suggests, is a noodle dish that comes with a prawn and pork based broth topped with fresh prawns, pork slices, vegetables and sometimes hard-boiled eggs. 

The broth is usually a result of simmering prawn heads and pork bones for many hours, and tastes both sweet and savoury. You can most likely easily find dry and soup versions of this dish in hawker centres and coffee shops. 

Where to find prawn noodles in Singapore

One Prawn & Co
458 MacPherson Road
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (11am to 9pm)

Read our review of One Prawn & Co.

45. Har cheong gai (prawn paste wings)

Prawn paste wings, also known as har cheong gai, is a fried chicken dish that has chicken wings marinated with shrimp paste (har cheong). Owing to the shrimp paste, the chicken wings are savoury, somewhat pungent and brimming with umami.

Most versions of prawn paste wings are served with a fiery chilli sauce to complement the fried chicken. 

Where to find prawn paste wings in Singapore

Whampoa Keng Fish Head Steamboat
556 Balestier Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 11.30pm) 

Try har jeong gai with nasi lemak at this store in Bedok.

46. Ramly burger

Ramly burger is a popular Malaysian street food that is commonly found in local Singapore night markets (pasar malam). Thanks to its popularity, it is not uncommon to find it in various shops and kiosks in Singapore, beyond just night markets.

Ramly burgers consist of a beef or chicken patty that is wrapped in an omelette and doused with barbecue sauce, mayonnaise and chilli sauce. Every bite is indulgent and flavourful.

Where to find ramly burger in Singapore

Mr Burger
159 Rochor Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 10.30pm)

Try other unique, affordable burgers in Singapore.

47. Roast duck rice

Roasted duck rice is a dish appreciated for its succulent slices of roasted duck, served on a bed of warm fluffy rice and doused with a fragrant gravy made from duck broth, soy sauce and Chinese herbs.

The roasted duck is marinated with ingredients such as five spice powder and honey, giving it a sweet and savoury taste. Roast duck rice is often also served alongside other roasted meats such as char siu pork and roast pork. 

Where to find roast duck rice in Singapore

Foong Kee Traditional Charcoal Roaster
Commonwealth Crescent Market and Food Centre, 02-90, 31 Commonwealth Crescent
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (11am to 2pm)

Read about Foong Kee’s reopening at Commonwealth.

48. Rojak

Rojak, which basically means mixed in Malay, comes in two main forms in Singapore, and is essentially a salad medley of different types of vegetables. 

The Chinese-style, which is also often called a fruit rojak due to the incorporation of fruits, consists of cucumber, pineapple, yam, bean curd puffs, dough fritters and bean sprouts. All of these ingredients are combined together with a spicy, sweet dark sauce and topped with chopped peanuts.

The Indian style rojak usually comes with deep-fried items such as eggs, potatoes and tofu, and is accompanied with a spicy, sweet sauce that you can dip your items into. This sauce is typically spicier and more tangy than the other version. 

Where to find Chinese-style fruit rojak in Singapore

Rojak, Popiah & Cockle
Maxwell Food Centre, 01-56, 1 Kadayanallur Street
Open: Thursday to Tuesday (11.30am to 8.30pm)

Where to find Indian rojak in Singapore

Habib’s Rojak
Ayer Rajah Food Centre, Stall 68, 503 West Coast Drive
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 10pm), closed on alternate Mondays

49. Roti prata

Roti prata refers to a type of crispy Indian flatbread that is commonly served in Singapore’s coffee shops. It is made from flour, water and ghee, and rolled and stretched into a thin consistency almost like a crepe. 

Roti pratas are cooked on a hot griddle and browned with a touch of oil or clarified butter (ghee). You’ll usually find roti prata served plain, with sugar or with different types of curries. Roti pratas also come in a variety of traditional and modern flavours, from egg prata to even chocolate banana prata. 

Where to find roti prata in Singapore

Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Prata
Tin Yeang restaurant, 300 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Thursday to Tuesday (6.30am to 1.30pm)

Check out these 10 prata places offering traditional and unique prata.

50. Sambal stingray

Sambal stingray is a grilled, slightly charred stingray dish that is served with a generous amount of spicy sambal sauce. It is often served alongside rice, and topped off with onions and freshly squeezed lime juice. 

The texture of the stingray is similar to fish — firm, slightly flaky with a tinge of sweetness. 

Where to find sambal stingray in Singapore

Lucy BBQ Seafood
Chomp Chomp Food Centre, 01-05, 20 Kensington Park Road
Open: Sunday to Friday (4.30pm to 11pm), Saturday (4pm to 11pm) 

51. Satay

Satay is a meat skewer dish that is typically grilled over charcoal. You can find different types of satay skewers in Singapore — chicken, beef, mutton or pork. 

In Singapore, the juicy satay sticks are served alongside a sweet and savoury peanut sauce, and is accompanied by rice cakes, cucumbers, onions and rice dumplings known as ketupat. 

Where to find satay in Singapore

Haron Satay 55
East Coast Lagoon Food Village, Stall 55, 1220 East Coast Parkway
Open: Wednesday to Sunday (3pm to 8pm)

52. Satay beehoon

Satay beehoon is a vermicelli noodle dish served with a rich and creamy peanut sauce (similar to what you’ll find served with satay skewers, but of a thinner consistency). The vermicelli is topped with bean sprouts, pork slices and thinly sliced cuttlefish. 

If you’re a fan of satay skewers already, then satay beehoon is a great choice if you’re looking for what to eat in Singapore! 

Where to find satay beehoon in Singapore

Bak Kee Teochew Satay Bee Hoon
Redhill Food Centre, 01-40, 85 Redhill Lane
Open: Monday to Friday (7am to 7.45pm), Saturday (7am to 6pm) 

53. Teochew porridge

Teochew porridge is a dish of Teochew descent that combines plain, white rice porridge with a variety of small side plates that usually include pickled vegetables, salted eggs, braised tofu and minced pork. 

It’s a comforting lunch or dinner option for those who want something warm on a cold day.

Where to find teochew porridge in Singapore

Teo Heng Teochew Porridge
Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, 01-56, 531A Upper Cross Street
Open: Monday to Friday (9.30am to 1pm) 

Here are 14 spots for comforting Teochew porridge in Singapore.

54. Vadai

Vadai is a deep-fried savoury Indian snack that is made from lentil flour and spices such as cumin, coriander and curry leaves. The mixture is then shaped into small patties and deep-fried till it turns golden brown. 

It is usually served on its own or with a side of chutney for dipping. Some versions in Singapore come topped with a crispy fresh prawn and can also be enjoyed with green chilli. 

Where to find vadai in Singapore

MTR Singapore
440 Serangoon Road
Open: Tuesday to Friday (8.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm), Saturday and Sunday (8.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm)

55. Wonton noodles

Wonton noodles is a noodle dish made up of springy egg noodles and typically accompanied by roasted meats as well as wontons — meat parcels filled with minced pork and shrimp.

The dish is usually served in both soup and dry variations, though the dry variation is more common and comes mixed with chilli sauce and soy sauce. 

Where to find wonton noodles in Singapore

Koung’s Wantan Mee
205 Sims Avenue
Open: Monday (8.45am to 8pm), Tuesday to Sunday (8am to 8pm) 

We try and rate 30 wonton noodle stalls in Singapore — here’s how it went.

56. Yong tau foo

Yong tau foo is a popular Hakka Chinese dish that typically refers to a variety of fish-paste stuffed ingredients and vegetables. You’ll commonly find items such as tofu, bitter gourd, bean curd and chilli stuffed with fish paste. 

The dish can be enjoyed in a dry or soup version. The dry version usually comes accompanied with a starchy, savoury brown sauce, sweet sauce or chilli sauce. If you opt for the soup version, your ingredients come doused in soup, but you’ll still have the sweet sauce and chilli sauce for dipping. 

Where to find yong tau foo in Singapore

928 Ngee Fou (Hakka) Ampang Yong Tou Fou
930 Upper Thomson Road
Open: Monday to Saturday (9am to 6.30pm)

Read our feature on the second-generation owners of 928 Ngee Fou (Hakka) Ampang Yong Tou Fou.

57. Youtiao

Youtiao, also known as a fried dough fritter, is a Chinese snack commonly found in many hawker centres and coffee shops. It is formed by mixing flour, yeast and water into a dough, and then stretched into long strips before deep-frying.

The resulting product is crispy on the outside and airy on the inside. Youtiao is best enjoyed with soya bean milk or porridge. You’ll also find youtiao in many other popular Singapore dishes such as rojak and the dessert tao suan — a sticky mung bean dessert. 

Where to find youtiao in Singapore

Huang Jin You Tiao
Kebun Baru Market and Food Centre, 226H Ang Mo Kio Street 22
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (6am to 1.30pm) 

58. Kway chap

Kway chap is a Chinese dish comprising wide rice noodles served in a dark soy sauce broth, accompanied by a variety of braised ingredients including tofu, egg, belly pork and pig’s intestines.

Dip the items in the accompanying chilli sauce for extra enjoyment.

Where to find kway chap in Singapore

Lao San Kway Chap
232 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
Open: Friday to Wednesday (8am to 8pm)

Keen for more local eats? Read our article on Paya Lebar food places or check out these Natonal Day food promotions. 

Most of these places featured can be found on the GrabFood delivery service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited. They can also be found on GrabFood Dine-in

Alternatively, book a ride to these local food spots as you discover what to eat in Singapore.