The Best Hawker Centres to Visit on a Food Tour in 2025
One of the best ways to experience Singapore is through its food — and nothing captures that better than its hawker centres. Whether you're stopping for a quick bite between sightseeing or enjoying a sit-down lunch, these open-air food courts offer a taste of everyday life in Singapore.
If you're planning a customised tour, including a few hawker centres in your itinerary is a great way to connect with local culture and cuisine — all in one bite.
Here are some of the best hawker centres to include in your 2025 Singapore adventure:
1. Maxwell Food Centre – Chinatown
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Maxwell is ideal for a midday stop during a heritage walk. It’s home to the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, but you’ll also find dumplings, oyster cakes, and fresh sugarcane juice.
Perfect for: A quick bite while exploring Singapore’s Chinese heritage.
2. Lau Pa Sat – Downtown Core
This beautifully restored colonial-era food court offers both local delights and international options. If your tour includes a stop in the financial district or Marina Bay, Lau Pa Sat is a great place to rest and refuel.
Try: Satay in the evening — the street outside transforms into a smoky, delicious night market.
Perfect for: A sit-down lunch in a unique architectural setting.
3. Tekka Centre – Little India
Bright, bustling, and full of flavour, Tekka Centre is a must if your customised tour brings you to Little India. From roti prata and biryani to freshly made lassi, this place is a feast for the senses.
Perfect for: Sampling Indian and Malay dishes in a colourful, cultural area.
4. Tiong Bahru Market – Heritage Meets Modern
Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s oldest residential neighbourhoods, now known for its blend of retro charm and modern cafés. The hawker centre upstairs serves classic local dishes like chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes) and lor mee (braised noodles).
Perfect for: A relaxed brunch before or after exploring the Tiong Bahru mural trail and boutiques.
5. Old Airport Road Food Centre – Local Favourite
A little off the beaten tourist path, Old Airport Road is where locals go for authentic, wallet-friendly hawker fare. Great for visitors wanting to escape the crowds and enjoy a more laid-back lunch.
Perfect for: A deeper local experience during a customised neighbourhood tour.
Making Food Part of Your Journey
The great thing about custom Singapore tours is flexibility. You don’t have to set aside a whole day for food — just let your guide know you're interested in trying hawker fare, and they can plan the route to include one or two centres based on your sightseeing plans.
Whether you want to grab something quick or sit down and soak in the atmosphere, hawker centres are the perfect pit stops. Every tray of noodles or cup of teh tarik tells a story — and makes your trip just that much more memorable.