Money-Saving Hack: Eat at Hawker Centres!

Singapore has some of the most expensive dining costs in the world, but you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy great food. The best way to eat delicious, authentic, and affordable meals is by dining at hawker centres—open air food courts where locals eat daily.

These food centres are scattered all over Singapore, offering everything from Hainanese chicken rice to laksa, satay, and chili crab at prices as low as SGD 4–7 per meal.

Here are some of the Hawkers centres that you can try:

• Maxwell Food Centre – Famous for Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Michelin-rated)

• Lau Pa Sat – Iconic, must-visit spot in the CBD, great for satay at night

• Chinatown Complex Food Centre – Home to the world’s cheapest Michelin-star meal (Hawker Chan’s soya sauce chicken rice)

• Old Airport Road Food Centre – One of the oldest and best-loved by locals

• Tiong Bahru Market – Clean, modern, and perfect for a relaxed hawker experience

• Newton Food Centre – Featured in Crazy Rich Asians, great for seafood and BBQ stingray

• Tekka Centre – Best spot for Indian and Malay food, known for its biryani

Hawker centres are not just about saving money—they’re an essential part of Singapore’s food culture. If you’re on a budget, try these centres and eat like a local!