Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, seamlessly blending diverse cultures, cuisines, and price points—from budget-friendly eats to Michelin-starred dining. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or a foodie ready to splurge, this guide has something for every palate and wallet.
🥡 Affordable & Must-Try Hawker Centres
Hawker centres are the heart of Singapore’s culinary identity. Affordable, authentic, and full of character.
1. Maxwell Food Centre
- What to try: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Michelin-recognized), Fish Bee Hoon Soup.
- Price Range: SGD $4–$8
- Vibe: Bustling, central, and popular with locals and tourists.
2. Lau Pa Sat
- What to try: Satay Street after 7PM – fresh grilled satay with peanut sauce, char kway teow.
- Price Range: SGD $5–$10
- Vibe: Historic architecture meets open-air dining.
3. Old Airport Road Food Centre
- What to try: Lor Mee, Fried Hokkien Mee, Wanton Mee.
- Price Range: SGD $3–$6
- Vibe: Local crowd, known for authentic recipes passed through generations.
4. Chomp Chomp Food Centre
- What to try: BBQ Stingray, Carrot Cake, Sugarcane Juice.
- Price Range: SGD $4–$12
- Vibe: Best visited at night, casual and festive.
🍽️ Mid-Range to High-End Dine-In Restaurants
When you’re ready to sit down and enjoy a more polished experience, these restaurants deliver on ambiance and flavor.
1. Candlenut (Dempsey Hill)
- Cuisine: Peranakan
- Highlight: The world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant.
- Price Range: SGD $70–$120 per person
2. Burnt Ends
- Cuisine: Modern Australian BBQ
- Highlight: Open-concept kitchen, Michelin-starred, tough to get a table (reserve early!).
- Price Range: SGD $80–$150
3. Violet Oon Singapore (Clarke Quay & ION Orchard)
- Cuisine: Nyonya fusion
- Must-Try: Dry Laksa, Beef Rendang, Kueh Pie Tee.
- Price Range: SGD $40–$80
4. PS.Cafe (Ann Siang Hill, Dempsey, etc.)
- Cuisine: Western / Asian fusion
- Highlight: Stylish décor, hearty portions.
- Price Range: SGD $30–$60
5. The Coconut Club
- Cuisine: Elevated Nasi Lemak
- Highlight: Michelin Bib Gourmand.
- Price Range: SGD $20–$35
🍸 Best Bars in Singapore (For Every Budget)
Singapore’s bar scene is as exciting as its food scene—some ranked among the best in Asia.
1. Atlas Bar
- Style: Glamorous, Art Deco, world-famous gin tower.
- Drinks: Gin-based cocktails, rare spirits.
- Price Range: SGD $25–$40
2. Jigger & Pony
- Ranked: One of Asia’s Top 50 Bars.
- Drinks: Refined classics and Japanese-style hospitality.
- Price Range: SGD $24–$38
3. No Sleep Club
- Vibe: Trendy, edgy, bar-meets-café.
- Must-try: Their signature Espresso Martini twist.
- Price Range: SGD $20–$30
4. Level33
- Highlight: The world’s highest urban microbrewery with a Marina Bay skyline view.
- Price Range: SGD $16–$25 for craft beers and SGD $30+ for mains
5. Native
- Concept: Singapore’s local foraging meets cocktails.
- Specialties: Ant-infused gin, local herbs, and house-made spirits.
- Price Range: SGD $22–$35
🍜 Local Tips for Eating in Singapore
- Reserve early for fine-dining spots.
- Don’t shy away from sharing tables at hawker centres—it’s the norm.
- Always bring tissue packets—Singapore’s way of reserving a seat.
- Look for stalls with long queues—that’s usually a sign of greatness.