Singapore Street Food: How to Find the Best

Anyone who has ever visited Singapore, the wealthy city-state off the coast of Malaysia, will be aware that the whole island is a foodie paradise, inhabited by food fanatics. The local culinary scene, and in particular the street food scene, is a cornerstone of Singaporean culture, and getting together to argue about where to find the best hokkien mee or poke bowl is a well-known national past time. Singapore’s street food scene is a melting pot of some of Asia and the South Pacific’s greatest hits, where the influences of Mainland China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and beyond blend together to form one of the richest and most diverse food scenes on earth.

There’s undoubtedly no shortage of great street food here in SG, but the real challenge is being able to find the best of the best. Ask any local and they’ll be sure to tell you that a particular char siu stall they’ve been frequenting for 30 years is the best one in town, while their colleague might be just as quick to tell you that the real place to get the best street food is somewhere else entirely. Here are some tips on weeding out the best street food in Singapore.

Know Your Neighbourhood

Knowing your neighbourhood in this city of over 5 million is crucial when you’re on the hunt for the best street food. Singapore is a highly multicultural city, and to scope out the greatest hits of the smorgasbord of national dishes on this island, you need to know where to look. In the mood for killer Chinese food? Head to the bustling Chinatown district where you’ll find hawkers from across the Mainland selling mouth-watering street food from every province. Similarly, head to the Muslim Quarter centred around Arab Street if you want to find the best spiced kebabs and flatbreads. Once you have the lowdown on the dozens of enclaves which make up Singapore, you’ll know exactly where to go for the best street food.

Be Adventurous

Singapore is an electric place with hidden gems and secrets hidden around every corner, so don’t be afraid to push the boat out a little bit. You can find food for every taste and craving if you look hard enough, whether you feel like ordering in some South Pacific vegan delights from delivery services like Deliveroo or stepping out in search of the most niche cuisine you can imagine, you’ll be able to find it here. The food scene is meticulously well-documented by locals and travellers alike, so do your research online to see what’s on offer on this jam-packed island.

Speak to the Locals

While the potential pitfalls of getting foodie tips off the passionate locals have already been alluded to, you can rest assured that whatever street food tip you can get from a resident will likely be better than anything you’ve ever eaten back home. Singaporeans feel an immense national pride for their food, and you’ll have no trouble finding locals who are eager to show you the best time possible and ensure you leave Singapore with happy memories and a very full belly.

If you have any hot tips on Singapore street food, let me know all about them in the comments.