Savouring Singapore: A Foodie's Guide to the Best Hawker Centres
If you're visiting Singapore, one thing you absolutely must try is the food at the hawker centres. These open-air food courts are a staple of Singaporean culture, offering a wide variety of delicious and affordable dishes. These centres are often found in residential areas and serve as a go-to dining option for many Singaporeans. The food at hawker centres is generally affordable and can range from $3 to $10 per dish, making it a popular choice for students, families, and people from all walks of life.
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In Singapore, hawker centres are regulated by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to ensure food safety and hygiene standards are maintained. Food vendors at hawker centres must obtain a license from the NEA and undergo regular inspections to ensure that they comply with food safety regulations.
Apart from offering affordable food, hawker centres are also known for their unique atmosphere and sense of community. Many hawker centres are bustling with people and lively chatter, making it a great place to soak up the local culture and experience the Singaporean way of life.
Here are some of the top dishes to try:
Hainanese Chicken Rice: This dish consists of tender, poached chicken served on top of fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and seasoned with garlic, ginger, and pandan leaves. Don't forget to dip the chicken in the accompanying chilli sauce and dark soy sauce for extra flavour.
Laksa: A spicy noodle soup that is made with coconut milk and a blend of herbs and spices. The dish is usually served with prawns, cockles, fish cakes, and bean sprouts.
Char Kway Teow: This dish features flat rice noodles stir-fried with garlic, soy sauce, chilli, prawns, and Chinese sausage. It's a popular comfort food that is both savoury and satisfying.
Satay: This dish consists of marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal. It's served with a peanut dipping sauce and is a popular snack or appetizer.
Roti Prata: This Indian-inspired dish is made from a flaky, crispy flatbread that is usually served with a side of curry for dipping. It can be ordered plain, or stuffed with ingredients like cheese or eggs.
Other popular dishes to try include fried carrot cake, oyster omelette, Hokkien mee, and nasi lemak. These dishes are typically very affordable and can be found at hawker centres all across Singapore.
To help you get started, here are five of the top hawker centres in Singapore and the top foods to try:
Maxwell Food Centre: Located in the heart of Chinatown, Maxwell Food Centre is one of Singapore's most famous hawker centres. Here, you can try the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, as well as other must-try dishes like the oyster omelette and the Hokkien mee.
Old Airport Road Food Centre: This hawker centre is located near the former Kallang Airport, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Be sure to try the char kway teow, satay, and carrot cake.
Tiong Bahru Market: Located in the trendy Tiong Bahru neighbourhood, this hawker centre offers a mix of traditional and modern dishes. Don't miss the famous chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes with preserved radish) and the fried kway teow.
Chomp Chomp Food Centre: Located in the residential neighbourhood of Serangoon Gardens, Chomp Chomp Food Centre is known for its grilled seafood and satay. Other popular dishes include the Hokkien mee and the oyster omelette.
Lau Pa Sat: Located in the Central Business District, Lau Pa Sat is a popular spot for lunch and dinner. Be sure to try the satay, grilled stingray, and chicken wings.
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