Singapore is one of the easiest cities in the world to fall in love with through food. For tourists, eating in Singapore is not just about filling your stomach it is part of the travel experience itself. From world-famous hawker centres to small neighbourhood food courts, the city offers an unmatched mix of flavours shaped by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cultures.
If you are visiting Singapore in 2026 and wondering what food you should try first, this guide is for you. Below is a carefully curated list of the 14 best Singapore food for tourists, focusing on dishes that are iconic, easy to find, and deeply connected to local life. Whether it is your first visit or a return trip, these are the foods you simply should not miss.
Why Singapore Food Is a Must-Try for Tourists
Singapore’s food culture is globally respected for one key reason: hawker food. In fact, Singapore’s hawker culture is officially recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. This means the everyday food locals eat is considered culturally important.
For tourists, this brings several advantages:
- Authentic local food at affordable prices
- Clean, regulated, and safe food environments
- Clear menus with English translations
- A wide range of halal and non-halal options
You do not need fine-dining reservations to eat well in Singapore. Some of the city’s best meals are served in hawker centres for just a few dollars, including many hidden local food spots tourists often miss
Comparison Table Of 14 Best Singapore Food for Tourists 2026
| # | Singapore Food | Best For Tourists Who Want | Spice Level | Meal Type | Halal Friendly | Easy to Find |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hainanese Chicken Rice | A safe first local meal | Low | Lunch / Dinner | Limited options | Very easy |
| 2 | Chilli Crab | Iconic Singapore experience | Medium | Dinner | Not halal | Easy |
| 3 | Laksa | Rich, creamy local flavours | Medium–High | Lunch | Limited options | Easy |
| 4 | Char Kway Teow | Smoky hawker-style noodles | Low–Medium | Lunch / Dinner | Not halal | Very easy |
| 5 | Satay | Street food and sharing dishes | Low–Medium | Evening snack / Dinner | Yes | Very easy |
| 6 | Kaya Toast | Traditional local breakfast | None | Breakfast | Yes | Very easy |
| 7 | Bak Kut Teh | Comfort food with peppery taste | Low | Lunch | Not halal | Easy |
| 8 | Roti Prata | Budget-friendly local favourite | Low–Medium | Breakfast / Late night | Yes | Very easy |
| 9 | Nasi Lemak | Fragrant rice with balanced flavours | Medium | Any time | Yes | Very easy |
| 10 | Fish Head Curry | Bold and adventurous eaters | High | Lunch / Dinner | Not halal | Moderate |
| 11 | Hokkien Mee | Deep seafood flavour | Low | Dinner | Not halal | Easy |
| 12 | Wanton Mee | Light and simple noodle dish | None | Lunch | Not halal | Very easy |
| 13 | Ice Kacang | Cooling dessert in hot weather | None | Dessert | Yes | Easy |
| 14 | Chendol | Traditional Southeast Asian dessert | None | Dessert | Yes | Easy |
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese chicken rice is often considered Singapore’s national dish. It looks simple, but the flavour lies in the details. Poached chicken is served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, garlic, and ginger, alongside chilli sauce and dark soy sauce.
Tourists love this dish because it is:
- Mild and approachable for first-time visitors
- Filling but not heavy
- Easy to find in almost every hawker centre
It is a perfect introduction to Singapore food, especially if you prefer something comforting and balanced.
2. Chilli Crab
No list of best Singapore food for tourists is complete without chilli crab. This iconic seafood dish features fresh crab cooked in a thick, savoury-sweet tomato-chilli sauce, usually served with fried or steamed buns for dipping.
What makes chilli crab special:
- Bold flavours with a gentle spicy kick
- Meant to be shared, making it ideal for groups
- Deeply tied to Singapore’s culinary identity
Seafood lovers often pair this dish with other popular seafood dining options and buffets in Singapore, especially when travelling in groups.
3. Laksa
Laksa is a rich noodle soup that reflects Singapore’s Peranakan heritage. It combines coconut milk, dried shrimp, chilli paste, and spices into a creamy, spicy broth, served with noodles, prawns, fish cake, and eggs.
Why tourists should try laksa:
- Unique balance of spicy and creamy flavours
- Different from Thai or Malaysian curries
- A true representation of Singapore’s cultural mix
If you enjoy flavourful soups, laksa is a must.
4. Char Kway Teow
Char kway teow is a popular stir-fried noodle dish cooked over high heat. Flat rice noodles are fried with eggs, prawns, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and dark soy sauce, often with a slight smoky flavour.
Tourists love char kway teow because:
- It is rich and satisfying
- Shows classic hawker cooking techniques
- Offers a strong “wok hei” flavour unique to Southeast Asia
This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the stall.
5. Satay
Satay consists of skewered, grilled meat usually chicken, beef, or lamb served with peanut sauce, rice cakes, cucumber, and onions. It is one of the most popular street foods in Singapore.
Why satay is tourist-friendly:
- Easy to eat and share
- Available halal at many stalls
- Perfect for evening or late-night meals
Many travellers enjoy satay while exploring late-night food options in Singapore, as hawker centres become lively after sunset.
6. Kaya Toast with Soft Boiled Eggs
Kaya toast is a classic Singapore breakfast. Toasted bread is spread with kaya (a coconut and egg jam) and butter, served with soft-boiled eggs and local coffee or tea.
For tourists, this dish is:
- Light and affordable
- A great way to eat like a local
- Ideal for mornings before sightseeing
It is simple but deeply rooted in Singapore’s daily routine.
7. Bak Kut Teh
Bak kut teh is a peppery pork rib soup simmered with garlic and herbs. Despite its name, it contains no tea the “teh” refers to the tea traditionally drunk alongside it.
Why tourists should try it:
- Comforting and warming
- Popular among locals for breakfast or lunch
- Distinct flavour compared to other Asian soups
There are also lighter and herbal variations depending on preference.
8. Roti Prata
Roti prata is a crispy, flaky flatbread originally influenced by Indian cuisine. It is usually served with curry for dipping and can be enjoyed plain or with fillings like egg or cheese.
Tourists appreciate roti prata because:
- It is filling and budget-friendly
- Available almost all day
- Customisable to different tastes
It works well for breakfast, late-night meals, or quick snacks.
9. Nasi Lemak
Nasi lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with sambal chilli, fried anchovies, peanuts, egg, and meat such as chicken or fish.
Why it stands out:
- Strong yet balanced flavours
- Common halal option
- Popular among locals and tourists alike
It is one of the most satisfying meals you can have in Singapore.
10. Fish Head Curry
Fish head curry is a bold dish combining Indian spices with Chinese influences. A large fish head is cooked in a spicy curry with vegetables and tamarind.
Tourists who enjoy adventurous food will love:
- Its intense flavour
- Cultural fusion
- Communal dining style
This dish is best shared and enjoyed slowly.
11. Hokkien Mee
Hokkien mee is a noodle dish stir-fried with prawns, squid, and eggs, finished with a rich seafood broth. It is often served with sambal and lime.
Why tourists enjoy it:
- Deep seafood flavour
- Less sweet than other noodle dishes
- A local favourite with long history
It offers a good balance between comfort and richness.
12. Wanton Mee
Wanton mee features springy noodles tossed in sauce, topped with sliced char siu pork and dumplings. It can be served dry or with soup.
Tourist-friendly features:
- Mild flavours
- Easy portion size
- Widely available
This is a good option if you prefer lighter meals.
13. Ice Kacang
Ice kacang is a traditional Singapore dessert made from shaved ice, syrups, red beans, sweet corn, and jelly, often topped with condensed milk.
Why tourists love it:
- Refreshing in hot weather
- Colourful and fun
- A nostalgic local dessert
It is perfect after a spicy meal.
14. Chendol
Chendol is another popular dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar, and green jelly noodles.
For tourists, chendol is:
- Light and cooling
- Less sweet than expected
- A great introduction to Southeast Asian desserts
It is widely available in hawker centres and dessert stalls.
Best Singapore Food for First-Time Tourists
If you are short on time, start with these:
- Hainanese chicken rice
- Chilli crab
- Laksa
- Satay
- Kaya toast
These five dishes alone provide a strong overview of Singapore’s food culture.
Is Singapore Food Safe for Tourists?
Yes. Singapore is known for its strict food hygiene standards. Hawker centres are regularly inspected, stalls are graded, and cleanliness is taken seriously. Tap water is safe to drink, and food safety is rarely a concern for visitors.
Best Time to Enjoy Singapore Food
- Morning: Kaya toast, roti prata
- Lunch: Chicken rice, laksa, nasi lemak
- Evening: Satay, chilli crab
- Late night: Prata and noodle dishes
Singapore’s food scene operates almost 24 hours, making it easy to eat well at any time.
Conclusion
Trying the best Singapore food for tourists is one of the most rewarding parts of visiting the city. These 14 dishes offer more than taste they tell the story of Singapore’s people, culture, and daily life. In 2026, with travel fully active and food culture thriving, there has never been a better time to explore Singapore through its food.
Whether you are eating at a famous hawker centre or a quiet neighbourhood stall, each bite brings you closer to understanding why Singapore is considered one of the world’s top food destinations.
FAQs
1.What is the most famous food tourists should try in Singapore?
Chicken rice is widely considered the most famous food in Singapore. It’s simple, affordable, and found everywhere from hawker centres to premium restaurants, making it a must-try for first-time visitors.
2.Is Singapore street food safe for tourists to eat?
Yes, Singapore’s street food is among the safest in the world. Hawker centres are strictly regulated for hygiene, and food safety standards are enforced by the government.
3.Where do tourists find the best local food in Singapore?
Tourists can find the best local food at hawker centres such as Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Chinatown Complex. These places offer authentic flavours at reasonable prices.
4.What Singapore food is best for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors should start with chicken rice, laksa, chilli crab, satay, and char kway teow. These dishes represent the core flavours of Singaporean cuisine.
5.Are there halal food options available for tourists in Singapore?
Yes, Singapore offers plenty of halal food options. Many hawker stalls, food courts, and restaurants are halal-certified, especially in areas like Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai.
6.What is the best time to try Singapore food as a tourist?
Food is available all day in Singapore, but evenings are best for experiencing hawker centres at their busiest, especially for dishes like satay, seafood, and grilled items.
7.Is Singapore food expensive for tourists?
Singapore food can be very affordable if you eat at hawker centres, where meals often cost much less than restaurant dining while offering better authenticity.
8.Do tourists need to book food tours in Singapore?
Food tours are optional. Independent travellers can easily explore Singapore’s food scene on their own, but guided food tours can help first-time tourists discover hidden local favourites.
