48-Hour Foodie Layover in Singapore

Place to Explore with Food

• Explore Little India: Take the subway to Little India, which is cheap, easy to navigate and incredibly clean. Stroll through the vibrant streets and soak in the atmosphere. Pop into the Tekka Center and enjoy culinary delicacies at this Hawker Centre specializing in food from the Indian subcontinent.

• Visit the Muslim Quarter: Explore the rich culture and history of the Muslim Quarter. Enjoy delicious Malaysian cuisine at Hjh Maimunah, located behind the spectacular Masjid Sultan Mosque.

• Grab a drink at the historic Raffles Hotel Long Bar: Take a step back in time at the historic Raffles Hotel Long Bar. Enjoy a classic Singapore Sling, created at Raffles, or, if you’re like me and don’t like sweet drinks, try their Pimm’s cup.

• Schedule a food tour: Meet with a local guide for an afternoon private or small group food tour. Discover off-the-beaten-path hawker centers and local favorites, gaining a deeper understanding of Singapore’s culinary landscape.

• Create your own Hawker Centre food tour: Map out a trip to visit the city’s popular Hawker Centres, including the Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Food Complex, Old Airport Road Food Centre, Chomp Chomp Food Centre, Tiong Bahru Market and Newton Centre.

• Reserve a tasting menu dinner at one of the many Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants in Singapore: The choices are endless when it comes to high-end restaurants in Singapore specializing in cuisines varying from modern Singaporean to classic European and everything in between.

• Participate in communal dining with friends and family: Visit one of the many local restaurants serving Zi Char dishes, which are meant to be shared. Think Singapore’s iconic seafood dish, chili crab.

• Finish your night at one of the many award-winning cocktail bars: The Lion City offers a spectacular selection of classic and experimental cocktail bars celebrating the exciting flavors of the region.

What to Eat & Drink in Singapore

• Singapore Chili Crab: An iconic Singaporean dish featuring succulent crabs in a savory, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce, encapsulating the vibrant flavors of Singaporean cuisine. Where to find the best chili crab is one of the most contentious arguments in Singapore. My favorite is served at Mellben Seafood in Ang Mo Kio.

• Hainanese Chicken Rice: A simple yet delicious dish with tender poached chicken, fragrant rice, and tasty dipping sauces found at the local Hawker Centres.

• Char Kway Teo: A mouthwatering stir-fried noodle dish packed with smoky flavors, featuring flat rice noodles, eggs, prawns, and Chinese sausage found at the local Hawker Centres.

• Nasi Lemak: A fragrant Malaysian dish served throughout Singapore, featuring coconut rice served with crispy fried chicken, spicy sambal, crunchy peanuts, and anchovies found at the local Hawker Centres.

• Laksa: A rich and spicy noodle soup typically made with coconut milk, shrimp or chicken, and topped with fresh herbs and sometimes a boiled egg found at the local Hawker Centres.

• Roti Paratha: A flaky and buttery flatbread perfect for dipping into savory curries found at the local Hawker Centres.

• Kaya Toast: A beloved Singaporean breakfast treat consisting of toasted bread filled with coconut jam and butter, often paired with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of strong coffee found at local cafes.

• BBQ Stingray: A unique Southeast Asian delicacy where tender stingray wings are grilled to perfection and topped with a flavorful sambal sauce found at the local Hawker Centres.

Fine Dining Restaurants (make reservations prior to visiting)

• Candlenut: Michelin-starred restaurant serving Perankan dishes with a modern twist.

• Labyrinth: Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in Modern Singaporean cuisine.

• Thevar (Eat): Enjoy a modern Malay/Indian tasting menu in Chinatown, with exceptional service from the Maitre d' team.

Local Classics

• Jumbo Seafood: Decades old institution serving Chili Crab, the national dish of Singapore.

• Keng Eng Kee Seafood: A stir-fry institution serving beloved wok-fried dishes like coffee pork ribs and moonlight horfun.

Hawker Centres

• Maxwell Food Centre

• Chinatown Food Complex

• Old Airport Road Food Centre

• Chomp Chomp Food Centre

• Tiong Bahru Market

• Newton Centre

Cocktail Bars

• The Elephant Room: Begin your evening with experimental Indian-inspired cocktails in Chinatown

• Side Door: End your night with a sophisticated cocktail crafted by award-winning mixologist Bannie Kang

• 28 Hong Kong Street: Your best bet to get a seat at one of Asia’s best bars is to arrive after midnight when the crowds have thinned