Singapore | Foodie on a Budget

Top 5 Food Centres in Singapore

 

1. Lau Pa Sat Festival Market (Telok Ayer Market)

Address: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours

Must-try: Satay (traditional meat skewers) from any of the stalls on Boon Tat Street after dark
Prices: $5.50 and up on average

Located at the heart of Singapore's Central Business District, Lau Pa Sat is convenient and not to mention a landmark food centre with over 50 stalls featuring both local favourites and regional cuisines like Filipino, Costa Rican and Thai. After dark, Boon Tat Street which is right beside Lau Pa Sat transforms into an al fresco food street, serving up traditional satay with a delicious peanut sauce, chicken wings and other seafood dishes that will leave you wanting more! Prices are a little higher than other hawkers but the quintessential victorian architecture, convenience and variety of yummy food make up for it!

2. Maxwell Food Centre

Photo via about.com

Photo via about.com

Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184
Opening Hours: Daily, 8am to 10pm except on public holidays
Must-try: Tian Tian Chicken Rice, #01-10/11 (opens 10am to 8pm, closed on Mondays)
Prices: $3 and up on average

Situated between Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, Maxwell Food Centre is another convenient hawker that is known for its wide selection of local delights. From traditional Hainanese Chicken Rice to healthy juices and smoothies, Maxwell Food Centre has become another favourite to locals and tourists alike. Furthermore, having seen the likes of celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsey and Anthony Bourdain, the food centre promises more than just good food but also a local flair that is sure to excite any foodie!

3. Makansutra Glutton's Bay

Photo via The Poor Traveler.

Address: 8 Raffles Ave #01-15, Singapore 039802
Opening Hours: Daily, 5pm to 2am except on public holidays
Must-try: Sambal Stingray
Prices: $5 and up on average

You can find the food street near Esplanade which is an iconic performing arts centre here in Singapore. As its name suggests, the food centre is a popular joint among food-enthusiasts and features special deals like the Singapore La! Sampler (S$29) and the Makansutra Prime Kiasu Set (S$39). The establishment is recommended for first-time tourists who want an introduction to local delicacies and party-goers looking for a quick bite before heading to nearby nightspots. 

4. Newton Circus Food Centre

Photo via jthejon.

Photo via jthejon.

Address: 500 Clemenceau Avenue North, Singapore 229495
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm to 2am except on public holidays
Must-try: Hup Kee Fried Oyster Omelette, #01-73
Prices: $4 and up on average

The recently renovated Newton Food Centre is located right by Newton MRT station (1 stop from Orchard MRT station) making it super accessible. It is said that the food centre serves up one of the best oyster omelettes, BBQ chicken wings and affordable beers in Singapore. It's no surprise that it's a favourite among both local and tourists. With a wide array of local treats, you'll never be short of options! 

5. Kopitiam at Changi Airport

Photo via 365days2play.

Photo via 365days2play.

Address: Changi Airport Terminal 3, Basement 2
Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Must-try: Appam (Traditional Indian Pancake)
Prices: $5 and up on average

Only here for a night or two and staying at ZEN Rooms Changi Airport? Fret not. Get access to an array of local regional delights at affordable prices! Kopitiam at Changi Airport Terminal 3 features 21 stores with a good selection of local foods. Get a taste of Singapore even on a quick stopover. The Indian Appam is a big hit among locals and tourist alike, try the traditional version served with orange sugar and dessicated coconut!