Singapore Food Guide 2026 | Must-Try Hawker Centers and Michelin Restaurants Recommended by Locals!

As you step into the year-round summer of Singapore, beyond visiting the iconic Gardens by the Bay to see the Supertrees and enjoying thrilling rides at Universal Studios, one experience you cannot miss is the vibrant culinary culture! Singapore is a melting pot of various ethnic groups, including Chinese, Malay, and Indian, which has given rise to a unique gastronomic landscape. From humble street snacks hidden in hawker centers to exquisite dining options that have earned Michelin accolades, this destination is undoubtedly a paradise for food lovers.

As we step into 2026, are you ready to treat your taste buds to a "new" level of culinary delight? Kinnso has meticulously compiled a must-try list that locals are crazy about, featuring everything from breakfast kaya toast and warming bak kut teh to dinner's chili crab and late-night satay. This guide is designed to help you plan perfectly! (A friendly tip: the current exchange rate for Singapore dollars to Hong Kong dollars is approximately 1:5.8, and to New Taiwan dollars, it's about 1:23.5, giving you a better idea while budgeting!)

If you visit Singapore and haven't tried Hainanese chicken rice, then you really haven't been there! Located within the famous Maxwell Food Centre, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice boasts over thirty years of history. It is not only one of the first local dishes in Singapore to receive the Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendation, but it has also been highly praised by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who personally visited to sample the dish.

The chicken here is sourced from plump, fresh birds, treated with ice water to achieve a smooth, jelly-like texture on the skin, while the meat remains incredibly tender and juicy. However, what truly lingers in the mind is the bowl of "chicken rice," which is infused with the essence of chicken broth. Each grain is distinct and exudes a rich aroma of garlic and chicken fat, making it delicious enough to enjoy on its own! Don't forget to dip it in their exclusive chili sauce, which uniquely uses orange juice instead of white vinegar. The refreshing sweet and sour layers instantly elevate the entire dish to a new level. - Practical Information: - Address: 1 Kadayanallur St, 01-10/11 Maxwell Food Centre - Transportation: Take the MRT to Chinatown Station, then walk for about 10 minutes. - Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed on Mondays) - Kinnso Travel Tip: It is recommended to visit before 11 AM or after 2 PM to avoid the lunchtime crowds of office workers. There are also many stalls selling sugarcane juice within Maxwell Food Centre, so order a refreshing sugarcane lemon drink to pair with your chicken rice for the ultimate experience!

Bak Kut Teh is a signature dish from the Singapore-Malaysia region. Unlike the herbal black soup commonly found in Malaysia, Singapore primarily favors the Teochew-style "white soup" Bak Kut Teh. Established in 1969, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh has consistently earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendations for several years and is a top choice for many travelers' first meal after landing.

At Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, the broth is simmered with a generous amount of garlic and white pepper. While it may appear light, it delivers a strikingly aromatic and slightly spicy flavor that warms your stomach with each sip, providing a refreshing experience. One of the highlights is that the staff roams between tables with large teapots, offering unlimited free refills of soup to guests—this is truly one of the most charming aspects of Singapore's Bak Kut Teh culture! When you visit, be sure to order the "Pork Rib Bak Kut Teh," where the ribs are tender and flavorful, allowing the meat to easily separate from the bone. Additionally, don’t forget to add an order of youtiao (fried dough sticks). Soaking the crispy youtiao in the rich Bak Kut Teh broth and taking a bite after it has absorbed the flavors is an unforgettable experience. - Practical Information: - Address: 11 New Bridge Rd, 01-01 (Clarke Quay Flagship Store) - Transportation: Take the MRT to Clarke Quay Station and walk for about 2 minutes. - Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM - Kinnso Travel Tip: If your schedule is tight, there’s also a branch of Song Fa at Changi Airport, so you can seize the opportunity to savor it one last time before you leave. The Bak Kut Teh packets sold in-store also make for excellent souvenirs, allowing your friends and family to enjoy a taste of it at home with ease.

If you enjoy sipping a drink or have a keen interest in cocktail culture, the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel is an absolute must-visit on your itinerary. This is not just an ordinary bar; it is the birthplace of the world-renowned cocktail, the Singapore Sling! In 1915, bartender Ngiam Tong Boon created this iconic drink, which boasts a pink hue and resembles fresh fruit juice, to allow women to drink gracefully in public during a time when societal norms were more conservative.

Stepping into Long Bar, you are greeted by the vintage decor reminiscent of the colonial era. One particularly intriguing tradition that defies Singapore's "strict regulations" is the practice of providing a bag of shelled peanuts at each table. Guests are encouraged to toss their peanut shells directly onto the floor after enjoying the nuts! Walking on the floor covered in peanut shells creates a delightful crunch, perfectly complemented by the sweet and tangy Singapore Sling, making for a refreshingly contrasting experience. - Practical Information: - Address: 1 Beach Rd, 2nd Floor, Raffles Hotel - Transportation: Take the MRT to City Hall Station and walk for about 4 minutes. - Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM - Kinnso Travel Tip: A Singapore Sling typically costs around 35-40 SGD (plus service charge and taxes). While the price may be on the higher side, what you are paying for is a century-old legacy and a unique experience, making it a perfect spot for couples or friends to enjoy a tipsy romantic outing.

When it comes to Singapore's most iconic dish, nothing compares to the famous "Chili Crab"! To savor this national treasure, the renowned Jumbo Seafood is undoubtedly a classic choice that won't disappoint. Since its establishment in 1987, Jumbo Seafood has been a pilgrimage site for seafood enthusiasts.

Their signature chili crab features the enormous and succulent Sri Lankan crabs. The essence of this dish lies in its rich sauce, which perfectly blends the sweet and tangy flavors of tomatoes with the spicy aroma of chili, enhanced by the addition of egg to create a smooth texture. Surprisingly, the heat level is not overwhelming; instead, it offers a delightful sweetness that whets the appetite. When enjoying the crab, be sure to set aside any reservations and dive in with your hands, savoring the fresh sweetness of the crab meat and the symphony of flavors from the sauce on your fingertips. Additionally, it is highly recommended to order the "fried golden mantou." With its golden, crispy exterior and soft interior, dipping the mantou into the thick chili crab sauce and taking a bite is simply a heavenly experience! - Practical Information: - Address: 30 Merchant Rd, 01-01/02 Riverside Point - Transportation: Take the metro to Clarke Quay Station, then walk for about 3 minutes. - Opening Hours: Lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Dinner from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM - Kinnso Travel Tip: Jumbo Seafood is extremely popular, especially during dinner hours when it often reaches full capacity, so it is advisable to make a reservation in advance on their official website. Most restaurants in Singapore charge extra for wet wipes, so you might consider bringing your own to save a little money.

If you want to experience authentic Peranakan flavors, you must try a bowl of laksa! Located in the Katong area of East Singapore, "328 Katong Laksa" has been consistently recommended by the Michelin Bib Gourmand for several years. Even stars like Tony Leung and JJ Lin have enjoyed dining here. Unlike typical noodle shops, 328 Katong Laksa stands out by serving thick rice noodles cut into short pieces, allowing guests to enjoy their meal with just a spoon, effortlessly scooping up both the soup and noodles in one delightful bite.

The broth is the essence of this bowl of noodles, brimming with dried shrimp, chili, and a rich array of Southeast Asian spices. It is simmered with thick coconut milk and garnished with a generous handful of fresh laksa leaves just before serving. Upon the first bite, the spiciness harmonizes beautifully with the creamy coconut milk, complemented by succulent prawns, fish cakes, and fresh cockles. The combination of seafood and spices makes it irresistible, prompting you to take bite after bite. - Useful Information: - Address: 51 E Coast Rd, Singapore - Transportation: There is no nearby subway station; it is recommended to take the MRT to Dakota Station and then transfer to bus number 12 or 14, or you can take a taxi/Grab directly there. - Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM - Kinnso Travel Tip: Katong is a cultural preservation area for the Peranakan (Straits Chinese) community in Singapore. After enjoying the laksa, it is highly recommended to take a stroll nearby to admire the colorful, intricately carved traditional Peranakan shophouses, which make for an excellent IG photo spot.

If you're looking for a late-night snack in Singapore, you absolutely cannot miss Satay Street, located just behind Lau Pa Sat in the financial district! At 7 PM each evening, the bustling Boon Tat Street is closed off, transforming into an outdoor barbecue haven filled with smoke and enticing aromas.

This location is home to over a dozen satay vendors, and watching them expertly grill skewers over charcoal, with flames leaping and the mouthwatering aroma of barbecued meat wafting through the air, is sure to whet your appetite. When you arrive, don’t be overwhelmed by the enthusiastic vendors; locals highly recommend "Best Satay 7 & 8" (Stalls 7 and 8). Order a generous platter featuring a mix of beef, chicken, and prawns, paired with a rich satay sauce sprinkled with crushed peanuts. To balance the flavors, enjoy some refreshing cucumber or raw onion on the side, and finish off with an ice-cold local Tiger beer. Experience the gentle breeze and the stunning contrast of the bustling city skyline—this is the essence of authentic Singaporean nightlife! - Useful Information: - Address: Boon Tat St (behind Lau Pa Sat Food Market) - Transportation: Take the MRT to Downtown Station or Telok Ayer Station, and walk for about 5 minutes. - Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM (open only in the evening) - Kinnso Travel Tip: Most vendors here will require you to order a set (starting from 20 skewers), making it perfect for sharing with friends. Before taking a seat, you can grab drinks inside Lau Pa Sat and then find a spot outside to soak up the vibrant street atmosphere.

The culinary scene in Singapore is much like the country itself—compact yet brimming with surprises and a rich diversity. From Michelin-starred street food that can be enjoyed for just a few Singapore dollars to century-old bars that call for a dressy outing, each bite tells a story steeped in history and culture. Get your passport ready and come with an empty stomach; in 2026, let’s embark on a journey to Singapore and explore this enchanting city through its flavors!