Best Food in Singapore: Complete Guide for Nepalese Travelers

Singapore is one of Asia’s most exciting food destinations. The best food in Singapore blends Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan traditions in ways you won’t find anywhere else. For Nepalese travelers, Singapore’s hawker stalls and food centers offer an adventure that feels both exotic and welcoming.

We explored Singapore’s bustling hawker stalls to find the best authentic tastes specifically for Nepali travelers. What we discovered is a city where food safety and hygiene are taken seriously. Plus, halal-friendly options are everywhere, making it easy for all travelers to eat with confidence.

Singapore’s food scene will surprise you. You’ll find world-class meals at prices you wouldn’t believe. The flavors remind many Nepalese visitors of home, yet feel completely new and different.

See our Singapore packages today to start planning your culinary journey to Singapore!

Singapore Food Culture: Everything You Need to Know

What Makes Singapore Food Special?

Singapore’s food culture is built on sharing and community. Locals gather in hawker centers, order multiple small dishes, and enjoy meals together. This communal approach to eating is something many Nepalese travelers appreciate immediately.

Understanding Hawker Centres

Hawker centres in Singapore are the heart of the country’s food scene. These are open air or covered food courts with dozens of individual stalls. Each stall specializes in one or two dishes they’ve perfected over years or decades.

The best food places in Singapore are often these humble hawker centers. They’re affordable, authentic, and beloved by locals. A complete meal costs between SGD 4-8 (about 300-600 Nepali Rupees). You order from different stalls, bring everything to one table, and enjoy together.

How Locals Eat in Singapore

Singaporeans eat quickly and efficiently. Many stalls don’t have seats, people stand and eat or rush back to work. During lunch (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) and dinner (5:30 PM to 7:30 PM), hawker centers become incredibly busy. This high turnover means your food is always fresh.

Chopsticks and spoons are the main utensils. If you’re not comfortable with chopsticks, ask for a fork. Nobody will judge you.

Important Food Etiquette Tips for Nepalese Travelers

Never waste food. In Singapore, wasting food is considered disrespectful. Only order what you can eat.

Return your tray. After eating, it’s your responsibility to take your tray to the collection point or a designated cart. This keeps hawker centers clean and organized.

Don’t leave chopsticks upright. This is a sign of death in Chinese culture. Always place them flat on the table.

Tipping is not expected. Service charges are included in the bill. Trying to tip might actually be confusing for vendors.

Respect cleanliness rules. Singapore has strict rules about littering and eating on public transport. Always dispose of garbage properly.

Best Singaporean Food in Singapore (Top Local Picks)

The best Singaporean food in Singapore tells stories of cultural fusion. Here are 15 dishes every Nepalese traveler should experience.

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice

Singapore’s national dish is simple but perfect. Tender poached chicken sits on fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth. Served with ginger paste, soy sauce, and chili paste.

Where to try: Tian Tian Chicken Rice, Maxwell Food Centre. Get there before 11 AM for best quality.

Cost: SGD 3.50-4.50

2. Laksa

This iconic dish is a creamy coconut curry noodle soup with Malay-Chinese roots. Rice noodles swim in rich, spicy broth with cockles, shrimp, and fishcake.

Where to try: Sungei Road Laksa or Katong Laksa in East Coast.

Cost: SGD 4-5

Note: The laksa in Singapore’s East side (Katong style) uses more coconut. The West side version is spicier. Try both to compare.

3. Chilli Crab & Black Pepper Crab 

This is Singapore’s signature seafood feast. Fresh crab is cooked in sweet and spicy tomato-based sauce or peppery gravy. It’s messy to eat, but absolutely worth it.

Where to try: Jumbo Seafood, Long Beach Seafood, or Roland Restaurant.

Cost: SGD 25-40 per crab (expensive but shareable)

Tips: Wear old clothes. Use the provided bibs. The best part is dipping the meat in sauce and eating it piece by piece.

4. Char Kway Teow

Flat rice noodles stir-fried at high heat with shrimp, eggs, and soy sauce. The best version has a slight charred flavor (that’s the whole point!).

Where to try: Hill Street Char Kway Teow, Tiong Bahru Market, or Tanglin Halt Market.

Cost: SGD 4-5

5. Hokkien Mee

This is a heavenly mix of thin egg noodles and yellow noodles stir-fried in seafood broth. Topped with shrimp, squid, and pork, it’s rich and satisfying.

Where to try: Old Airport Road Food Centre, East Coast Lagoon Food Village.

Cost: SGD 4-5

6. Bak Kut Teh 

Pork rib soup with pepper, garlic, and medicinal herbs. It’s warming, aromatic, and loved by locals on rainy days.

Where to try: Famous Bak Kut Teh, Outram Park.

Cost: SGD 5-7

Important Note: This dish contains pork, so it’s not halal. Avoid if you prefer halal food.

7. Roti Paratha

Crispy Indian-style flatbread made by tossing and folding dough. Served with spicy curry sauce for dipping or as a stuffed version with egg, onion, meat, or banana.

Where to try: Thasai, Tekka Centre, any Indian hawker stall in Little India.

Cost: SGD 1.50-3

Why Nepalese Love It: Similar to our paratha, but lighter and crispier.

8. Satay

Grilled meat skewers (beef, chicken, or mutton) on charcoal with peanut sauce. It’s aromatic, smoky, and addictive.

Where to try: Lau Pa Sat (Satay Street at night), Boon Lay Hawker Centre.

Cost: SGD 0.80-1.50 per stick

9. Nasi Lemak 

Coconut rice served with fried chicken, boiled egg, sambal (chili paste), cucumber, and peanuts. It’s Malaysia’s national dish but hugely popular in Singapore.

Where to try: Tekka Centre, Bedok Kovan Food Centre, any Malay stall.

Cost: SGD 3-4

10. Kaya Toast & Kopi 

Traditional breakfast featuring crispy toast with kaya (coconut-egg jam) and butter, served with strong black coffee or tea.

Where to try: Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Kopitiam, or any traditional coffee shop.

Cost: SGD 3-4 for a set

11. Murtabak

A stuffed roti filled with meat, egg, onions, and spices. It’s folded into a square and fried until golden. Served with curry sauce.

Where to try: Any Indian or Malay stall in Tekka Centre or Little India.Cost: SGD 2.50-4

12. Fish Head Curry

Spicy South Indian-style curry featuring fish head (don’t be intimidated—it’s tender and flavorful). The cheek meat is especially prized.

Where to try: Thasai, Tekka Centre, any South Indian restaurant.

Cost: SGD 5-7

13. Carrot Cake 

Despite its name, this is NOT a dessert. It’s a savory fried radish cake. White carrot cake is steamed and mild. Black carrot cake is stir-fried with dark soy sauce.

Where to try: Old Airport Road Food Centre, Tiong Bahru Market.

Cost: SGD 2.50-3

14. Rojak

A sweet and sour salad mixing fresh fruits (pineapple, mango) and vegetables with prawn fritters. Topped with sweet peanut and shrimp paste sauce.

Where to try: Chinatown Complex, Maxwell Food Centre, Tekka Centre.

Cost: SGD 3-4

15. Ice Kacang

Shaved ice topped with colorful syrups, sweetcorn, and red beans. Perfect for cooling down in Singapore’s tropical heat.

Where to try: Any hawker centre, especially during summer.

Cost: SGD 1-2

Vegetarian & Halal Food in Singapore

Vegetarian-Friendly Dishes

The best food in Singapore includes many vegetarian options, though you may need to ask

Easy Vegetarian Hawker Dishes

• Fried rice (ask for no egg or with egg)
• Roti prata or roti canai
• Indian vegetable curry
• Vegetable laksa
• Vegetable stir-fry noodles
• Chendol and ice kacang

Tip: Always ask vendors, “Boleh tidak daging?” (Can you make it without meat?) or “Vegetarian boleh?” (Can you make it vegetarian?).

Halal Food in Singapore

Singapore is very halal-friendly. Look for the halal certification logo on stall windows.

where to eat halal food in singapore

• Tekka Centre: Multiple halal stalls, Indian food, and Nepalese restaurants
• Little India: Halal Indian restaurants, roti prata, fish head curry
• Geylang: Several Nepalese restaurants with momos and dal bhat
• Bukit Merah: Muslim Indian community, excellent halal seafood

Foods to Avoid (If You Prefer Halal)

• Bak Kut Teh (pork rib soup)
• Char Siu (Chinese roasted pork)
• Pork-based noodle dishes
• Dishes with alcohol-based sauces

Always ask: “Halal boleh?” (Is this halal?) when unsure.

Famous Hawker Centres to Visit: The Best Street Food in Singapore

1. Maxwell Food Centre

Location: Blk 1 Maxwell Road, Chinatown

Must-Try:

• Tian Tian Chicken Rice (#01-11)
• Laksa
• Fish soup

Best Time: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM (lunch rush)Vibe: Authentic, crowded, popular with locals and tourists.

2. Old Airport Road Food Centre 

Location: Blk 51 Old Airport Road, Tiong Bahru

Must-Try:

• Hokkien mee
• Rojak
• Carrot cake

Best Time: 11 AM – 3 PM

Vibe: Large, modern, good for families. Wider walkways than Maxwell.

3. Lau Pa Sat 

Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Downtown

Must-Try:

• Satay (available at night on Satay Street)
• Grilled seafood
• Barbecue skewers

Best Time: 6 PM – 11 PM (Satay Street comes alive at night)

Vibe: Historic food market with Victorian architecture. Romantic at night.

4. Tekka Centre

Location: Blk 665 Buffalo Road, Little India

Must-Try:

• Roti prata
• Fish head curry
• Nasi lemak
• Vegetarian Indian food

Best Time: 11 AM – 2 PMVibe: Authentic Little India experience. Perfect for Nepalese travelers seeking South Asian food.

5. Chinatown Complex 

Location: 133A New Bridge Road, Chinatown

Must-Try:

• Dim sum
• Chendol
• Rojak
• Wanton mee

Best Time: 11 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM

Vibe: Very local, authentic, and affordable. Popular with Chinese families.

6. East Coast Lagoon Food Village

Location: East Coast Park, Zone D (near McDonald’s)

Must-Try:

• Hokkien mee
• BBQ stingray
• Seafood

Best Time: 5 PM – 10 PM (dinner and sunset)

Vibe: Casual, outdoor, with beach views. Perfect for relaxing.

7. Tiong Bahru Market

Location: Blk 11 Tiong Bahru Road, Tiong Bahru

Must-Try:

• Carrot cake
• Various noodle dishes
• Fresh fruits from market stalls

Best Time: 7 AM – 11 AM (morning crowd)

Vibe: Traditional wet market with attached food stalls. Very authentic.

Singapore Food Etiquette for Nepalese Travelers

Don’t Leave Chopsticks Upright

Placing chopsticks upright in food symbolizes death in Chinese culture. Always place them flat on the table or on the chopstick rest.

Return Your Tray

Hawker centers rely on everyone returning trays to collection points. It’s part of Singapore’s cleanliness culture. Help yourself by taking your tray to the designated area.

Tipping Is Not Expected

Unlike some countries, tipping in Singapore isn’t necessary. Service charges are included in restaurant bills. Vendors at hawker stalls don’t expect tips either. Trying to tip might confuse them.

Respect Halal and Non-Halal Boundaries

If you eat halal, avoid pork-based dishes. Many stalls are careful about cross-contamination. Ask vendors directly if you have concerns.

Follow Cleanliness Rules

• Don’t eat on public transport
• Don’t litter
• Don’t leave chewing gum anywhere (Singapore has strict littering fines)
• Dispose of garbage in proper bins

Be Patient During Peak Hours

Hawker stalls get very busy during lunch and dinner. Staff move quickly. If you’re waiting, just be patient. Your food will come.

Foods to Avoid or Be Careful About

Pork Dishes

If you prefer halal food, avoid these completely:

• Bak Kut Teh
• Char Siu Bao (pork buns)
• Fried pork wonton
• Roasted pork with rice

Raw or Undercooked Seafood

• Blood cockles in laksa (some travelers have concerns)
• Raw fish (available but not traditional in hawker centers)
• Undercooked clams

Durian in Public

Durian is banned on public transport and in hotels due to its strong smell. Enjoy it at the stall or in your room, not on the train.

Tourist Trap Restaurants

Avoid expensive restaurants in Orchard Road and around Marina Bay if you want authentic food. Locals eat in hawker centers. Tourist restaurants charge 3-5 times more for the same quality.

Extremely Spicy Dishes

If you can’t handle spice, be careful with:

• Laksa
• Sambal dishes
• Fish head curry
• Chili crab

Always ask vendors to reduce spice: “Tidak pedas, boleh?” (Can you make it not spicy?)

Budget Guide: How Much Does Food Cost in Singapore?

Hawker Centre Meals (Best Value)

• Single dish: SGD 3-5
• Full meal (2-3 dishes shared): SGD 8-12
• Drinks: SGD 1.50-2.50

Mid-Range Restaurants

• Main dish: SGD 12-20
• Set meal: SGD 15-25

Fine Dining

• Michelin-starred meals: SGD 50-150+

Money-Saving Tips for Nepalese Travelers

Budget travelers from Nepal can easily enjoy delicious meals for under SGD 10 per person. Here’s how:

• Eat at hawker centers (never restaurants)
• Order during off-peak hours for faster service
• Share dishes with travel friends
• Try local specialties instead of Western food (always cheaper)
• Bring cash (some small stalls don’t accept cards)

Must-Try Drinks and Desserts

Drinks

Teh Tarik “Pulled” milk tea. The vendor tosses it between cups to create foam. Sweet, creamy, and theatrical. Cost: SGD 1.50-2

Kopi  Traditional black coffee made with a special cloth filter. Strong, aromatic, and authentic. Cost: SGD 1-1.50

Kopi C  Coffee with evaporated milk instead of condensed milk. Less sweet than regular kopi. Cost: SGD 1.50-2

Milo Dinosaur  Cold Milo topped with dry Milo powder. Fun and delicious. Cost: SGD 2-2.50

Sugarcane Juice Fresh-pressed juice with lime. Completely natural and refreshing. Cost: SGD 2-3

Barley Water  Cooling drink made from barley. Perfect for hot days. Cost: SGD 1.50-2

Desserts

Ice Kacang  Shaved ice with colorful syrups, beans, and corn. Cost: SGD 1-2

Chendol  Shaved ice with green jelly and palm sugar syrup. Cost: SGD 1.50-2

Pulut Hitam  Black glutinous rice with coconut milk and shaved ice. Sweet and comforting. Cost: SGD 2-2.50

Cendol Kuah Chilled coconut milk dessert with green jelly. Cost: SGD 2-3

Tau Huay  Silky tofu custard served hot or cold with brown sugar syrup. Cost: SGD 1.50-2

Final Tips for Nepalese Food Lovers

Always Carry Cash

Popular hawker stalls only accept cash. Some modern centers have card payment, but many don’t. Bring SGD 50-100 cash for food.

Try Dishes Early

Popular stalls close by 2-3 PM. If you arrive late afternoon, half the stalls might be closed. Eat lunch early or wait until dinner time (from 5 PM).

Mix Singaporean with South Asian

Don’t spend your entire trip eating Singaporean food. Visit Tekka Centre for Indian food, or Geylang for Nepali restaurants. Mix cuisines to keep your meals exciting.

Respect Local Cleanliness Rules

Singapore’s food scene is spotless because locals follow rules. Do your part by cleaning up after yourself.

Ask Locals for Recommendations

Food vendors and other customers love sharing recommendations. Ask them: “Ini yang terbaik?” (Is this the best?). You’ll get honest answers and interesting stories.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

You’ll be walking between stalls, trying different things, and possibly getting sauce on yourself (especially with chili crab!). Wear comfy shoes and old clothes.

Take Food Photos

Instagram is huge in Singapore. Capture your food moments. Just eat the food before it gets cold—timing is everything in hawker centers.

Visit the Same Stall Multiple Times

If you find a stall you love, visit it again. Regular customers get better portions and fresher food. Vendors appreciate loyalty.

FAQ for Nepalese Travelers

Is Singapore Food Spicy?

Some dishes are very spicy, but not all.

Many local dishes include sambal or chili paste as an optional condiment. You control the spice level by asking vendors to reduce it.

Mild options include Hainanese chicken rice, kaya toast, and some noodle dishes. Start with these if you’re unsure.

Can Vegetarians Find Options Easily?

Yes, absolutely.

Many hawker stalls serve vegetarian roti prata, fried rice, curry, and noodles. Tekka Centre and Little India have multiple vegetarian restaurants.

Always ask vendors: “Boleh vegetarian?” (Can you make it vegetarian?). Most will happily accommodate.

What Foods Are Halal-Friendly?

Most Singaporean food is halal-friendly.

Look for the halal certification logo on stall windows. Avoid pork-based dishes.

Best areas for halal food: Tekka Centre, Little India, Geylang, and Bukit Merah.

What Food Should Nepali Travelers Avoid?

• Pork dishes (if you prefer halal)
• Durian on public transport
• Expensive tourist restaurants
• Food from stalls that look empty

How Do I Order Food if I Don’t Speak English?

Most vendors speak basic English, but here are useful phrases:

• “Satu,” “dua,” “tiga” (One, two, three)
• “Tidak pedas” (Not spicy)
• “Boleh tidak daging?” (No meat, please)
• “Boleh vegetarian?” (Can you make it vegetarian?)
• “Boleh halal?” (Is this halal?)
• “Berapa harga?” (How much?)

Is Hawker Food Safe to Eat?

Yes, hawker food is very safe.

Singapore has strict food hygiene standards. High turnover means food is always fresh. Eat where crowds are eating—that’s a good sign.

Can I Find Nepali Food in Singapore?

Yes, in Geylang and Tekka Centre.

Several Nepali restaurants serve momos, dal bhat, and other Nepali dishes. However, use your trip to explore Singaporean food instead. You can eat Nepali food at home.

Conclusion: Your Singapore Food Adventure Awaits

You’ll eat authentic dishes prepared the way locals love them. You’ll meet friendly vendors who’ll remember your order the next day. You’ll discover new flavors that excite your taste buds. You’ll enjoy world-class cuisine at prices that won’t break the bank. You’ll experience a food culture that celebrates sharing, community, and respect.

Singapore’s best food isn’t just about eating. It’s about connecting with a culture, understanding how people live, and discovering why this tiny island is considered Asia’s food capital.

So grab your cash, wear comfortable shoes, and dive into Singapore’s incredible food scene. Your next favorite dish is waiting for you at a hawker stall near Maxwell Food Centre or Tekka Centre. The best Singaporean food in Singapore is calling.

Come hungry. Leave full. Return with memories.

Welcome to Singapore’s food paradise.

Ready to Experience Singapore’s Food Scene? Let Gomayu Holidays plan your perfect Singapore food adventure! From hawker center tours to cultural dining experiences, we’ll help you discover the authentic flavors of Singapore while ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey.