The Ultimate 48-Hour Singapore Food Guide

Calling all foodies! The Lion City has opened its borders once again, and fully vaccinated tourists like you are more than welcome to #RediscoverSingapore and Singaporean cuisine. From hawker centers to hipster neighborhoods, you’ll never run out of Singaporean street food to try. But with so many restaurants and eateries to choose from, a burning question comes to mind: where to start?

And so we came up with the ultimate Singapore food guide that’ll take you on a 48-hour gastronomic adventure across town. Stay hungry as you indulge your cravings in this food hunt!

It’s no secret that Singapore is a melting pot of Southeast Asian cultures, but one that stands out the most is its Peranakan heritage. Get to know more about the history of the Straits-born community through their pride and joy: Peranakan cuisine. 

Start your day with a hearty meal from 328 Katong Laksa, a local favorite on East Coast Road. They only serve two dishes: dim sum and–you guessed it–laksa, their best seller! Its thick, coconut-based soup is a flavor bomb filled with an incomparable richness that’ll have you craving for more. Alternatively, you can opt for classic kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs for breakfast at Alibabar. They also offer local hand-brewed coffee, Milo dinosaur, and other Singaporean breakfast staples to satisfy your hunger pangs.

While you’re there, make sure to drop by Kim Choo Kueh Chang for a taste of Peranakan delicacies. Discover a variety of treats, ranging from savory delights to decadent sweets, as Mr. Chang himself walks you through the contents of his store. Locals love meat-filled nyonya rice dumplings, colorful kueh lapis, and chewy ondeh ondeh, so if you’re looking for food souvenirs, look no further than Kim Choo Kueh Chang. 

Wanna see more of the Peranakan quarters? Extend your visit with this list of things to do in Joo Chiat Katong!

Haji Lane may be located in the mecca of Malay food, but one look at its trendy cafe neighborhood and it's clear to see that it sets its own culinary path from the rest of Kampong Glam. Fill your tummy and your Instagram feed with good food from the hipster district.

Indulge in next-level craft beers and burgers for lunch at Good Luck, or try Madd Pizza's Roman-style pizzas and pasta. If you’re going out with kids and kids-at-heart, The Mad Sailors' fish & chips and Harry Potter-inspired butter beer are halal-friendly and delicious. There are so many places to visit in Haji Lane besides carboloading, so make sure not to miss out on any fun activities and attractions while you’re there!

There’s only one place in Singapore where the hottest of all local staples can be found – Tekka Centre in Little India. This maze-like food market takes spicy to a whole new level through their authentic Indian, Indonesian, and Malay food options. 

Turn up the heat with an order of prawn vadai and green chilis from Sky Lab Cooked Food, a best-selling snack that’s soft on the inside yet crunchy on the outside. Once you’re ready for the main course, you can choose between Tekka Centre’s top two dishes: the chicken biryani from Sakunthala's Food Palace or Gandhi Restaurant's piping hot nasi padang. Both will have you sweating bullets in no time! And of course, last but not least is a cup of teh tarik (pulled milk tea) to calm down your taste buds after a savory dining experience.

Extending your cheat day isn’t a crime when it involves a trip to Chinatown, the go-to for every foodie in town! From Chinatown Complex to Maxwell Food Center, this hawker hotspot is overflowing with meals you simply can’t miss. 

Craving for noodles? Try Ah Gong Minced Pork Noodles’ signature claypot noodles or the char kway teow from Outram Road Fried Kway Teow Mee. Hungry for a proper rice meal? Dig into Michelin-starred Hawker Chan’s soya sauce chicken rice or Michelin Bib Gourmand finalist Lian He Ben Ji Claypot’s claypot rice and lup jeong (Chinese meat). Whatever carb dish you end up with, make sure to finish your Chinatown feast with a thick gula melaka from Old Amoy Chendol.

These delicious recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg – go beyond Chinatown and discover a complete list of must-try hawker food all over Singapore! 

Old meets new in Tiong Bahru, where creativity is celebrated in art, culture, and most especially food. Sample both artisan pastries and quintessential Singaporean dishes as you explore the busy Tiong Bahru Market.

First things first, you need to try the Kampong Carrot Cake at its namesake stall. Watch in awe as a cook whips up a combination of eggs, preserved radish, and sauces in the wok with impressive finesse. Next up is Tiong Bahru Bakery’s wide range of French baked goods, which you can pair with a cup of freshly-brewed coffee in-store. Don't miss Tiong Bahru Pau & Snacks, where you can buy more food souvenirs like egg tarts and char siew paus.

Once the hunger pangs have been silenced, you should go on a trip down Tiong Bahru’s memory lane by exploring its beloved landmarks.

End your 48-hour foodie itinerary on a sweet note at Holland Village, an old Dutch settlement turned commercial hub. Snack your way around its dessert bars and shops!

Satisfy your sweet tooth, as well as your love for art, at 2am Dessert Bar. This award-winning brand solves late-night cravings in the most creative ways. Treat yourself to keto and vegan pastries and ice creams that taste sinfully delicious. Get to know owner-chef Janice Wong as she shares her insights on innovative dessert creation and her top picks in Singapore with Klook.

Is your stomach growling yet? If yes, it's time to book that flight and plan a Singaporean trip with the help of this guide and our other recommendations down below. Have a safe trip!