Top 5 Must-Try Local Dishes in Singapore — Recommended by Locals at These 12 Places!

Text & Photos / Excerpted from "Loving Singapore the Most", by Du Yunru / Published by Creative Market

National Dishes You Must Try in Singapore

The multicultural population of Singapore makes its local cuisine wonderfully diverse, featuring authentic traditional Chinese dishes, Indian food, Malay cuisine, as well as "hybrid" dishes born from the blending of different cultures, giving rise to unique local snacks that you can only find here. These unforgettable flavors will make you want to come back again and again!

Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice
When it comes to Singaporean food, Hainanese chicken rice is often the top choice for many. The chicken is extraordinarily tender, and the skin is jelly-like and smooth. Served with a special chili sauce, minced ginger, or dark soy sauce, and paired with rice that’s steamed in chicken broth and oil, the aroma and exquisite texture alone are enough to make your mouth water.

Locally Recommended Favorite Spots

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
Location: Stall 10 & 11, Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur Street
Business Hours: 11:00am–8:00pm (Tuesday to Sunday, may close earlier if sold out)
Transportation: Exit B of Tanjong Pagar (EW15) MRT Station, located at the intersection of Maxwell Road and South Bridge Road

Lai Ji Hainanese Chicken Rice
Location: 342 Balestier Road
Phone: +65 6252 2318
Business Hours: 7:30am–9:30pm
Transportation: Take a taxi from Novena (NS20) MRT Station; or take Bus No. 21, 130, 131, 145, or 186 and alight at SHAW PLAZA, then walk about 1 minute to reach

Jin Jin Café
Location: 19 Purvis Street
Phone: +65 6337 4640
Business Hours: 7:00am–9:00pm
Transportation: Exit A of Bras Basah (CC2) MRT Station, located opposite the Singapore Library

Bak Kut Teh　
Bak Kut Teh
Both Singapore and Malaysia have Bak Kut Teh, which is somewhat similar to Taiwan’s medicinal pork rib soup, although the taste differs. The traditional way to eat it is with hot tea, which helps cut through the grease. Malaysian Bak Kut Teh usually has a stronger herbal broth, while the Singapore version features a more intense white pepper flavor. The herbal broth tastes sweeter, while the white pepper gives a spicy, warming kick—each style has its own fan base.

Locally Recommended Favorite Spots

Swee Kang Bak Kut Teh
Location: 342 Balestier Road
Phone: +65 6352 6192
Business Hours: 12:00pm–2:30pm, 6:00pm–2:30am (closed on Tuesdays)
Transportation: Take a taxi from Novena (NS20) MRT Station; or take Bus No. 21, 130, 131, 145, or 186 and alight at SHAW PLAZA, then walk about 1 minute to reach

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
Location: 17 New Bridge Road
Phone: +65 6533 6128
Business Hours: 7:00am–10:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
Transport: Exit E of Clarke Quay (NE5) MRT Station, cross the road to reach the eatery

Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh
Location: 208 Rangoon Road
Phone: +65 6291 4537
Business Hours: 7:00am–10:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
Transport: Exit B of Farrer Park (NE8) MRT Station, about a 10-minute walk away

Stir-Fried | Kway Teow
| Kway Teow is a popular noodle dish in Singapore. It typically includes flat rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp paste, eggs, bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, fish cake, chives, and soy sauce, along with a touch of sweetness, saltiness, and umami. The dish is cooked over high heat, giving the noodles a slightly charred, smoky flavor. Despite its rich taste, it's not overly greasy. Served on a plate, it’s often garnished with a sunny-side-up egg and crispy pork lard, making it incredibly satisfying.
Locally Recommended Eateries

Outram Park Stir-Fried Kway Teow
Location: #02-17 Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, 531A Upper Cross Street
Business Hours: 7:00am–3:30pm (Closed on Sundays and public holidays)
Transport: About a 5-minute walk from Exit E of Chinatown (NE4/DT19) MRT Station

18th Avenue Stir-Fried Kway Teow
Location: Zion Road Food Centre, 70 Zion Road
Business Hours: 12:00pm–2:00pm; 6:00pm–11:00pm (Closed every other Monday)
Transport: Take a taxi from Tiong Bahru (EW17) MRT Station; or take bus No. 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5, 5N, 6N, 16, 75, 175, 195, 970, NR5 and alight at Opp Great World City, then walk about 3 minutes to reach the stall