The Best of Singapore’s Food Scene: From Hawker Centres to High-End Dining

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.

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