On my travels so far, I’m usually asked for recommendations on where to enjoy Singapore’s local cuisine by fellow travelers who usually only have a short period of time in Singapore (i.e. layovers for less than a day). Hence the inspiration to come up with a food tour itinerary for tourists without the luxury of time but yet would like a flavor of local cuisine!

As a food paradise, Singapore has so much to offer, but within a short day, I’ll try  to squeeze in lots of yummy local signatures together with some sightseeing to offload some of those calories you are bound to pile up on!

Breakfast:

Dive straight into the local neighbourhoods and explore Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre — a favourite amongst locals for some amazing grub.

Must-tries at this location include …

Chwee Kueh (top left): A traditional dish of cups of steamed rice cake topped with savoury radish toppings. JianBoChwee Kueh #02-05

Soya Bean Milk (2nd from top right): Kind of self-explanatory, but paired with dough fritters called “You Tiao”, it’s a heavenly breakfast experience. Teck Seng Soya Bean Milk #02-69

Teochew Kueh (bottom): Traditional Chinese savory cakes with fillings & sauces. Tiong Bahru Teochew Kueh, #02-02

Kopi (top right): Local-style brewed coffee. 238 Coffee #02-81

How to get there:
30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898, 10-15 min walk from Tiong Bahru MRT
Buses: 5, 16, 33, 63, 123, 195

After breakfast, you can also take a relaxing walk around the quaint neighborhood and explore the gems around. [Check out this Tiong Bahru Guide]

Lunch:

After an idyllic morning, join the lunch hour rush and feel the pulsating energy of the Central Business District crowd at Maxwell Food Centre.

The main dish you really need to try at this location is…

Chicken Rice: Singapore signature dish of sliced tender chicken pieces on fragrant white rice accompanied with flavorful chilli sauces. Tian Tian Chicken Rice – Stall 10 & 11

If you have the extra space for any other food post the chicken rice, there are plenty of other stalls serving up local delights such as Laksa (noodles in spicy fragrant coconut curry soup), Fishball Noodles (noodles in a hot piping broth with bouncy fish paste balls),  Roti Prata (freshly made flour based ‘pancake’ made on a flat grill, served with curry) or even an Ice Kachang (delightful local shaved ice dessert) to combat the sweltering heat.

How to get there: 

1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184, walkable from Chinatown MRT or Tanjong Pagar MRT
Situated close to Ann Siang Hill & Chinatown, hotspots of cafes, cultural attractions and more, you will be spoiled for choice on what to do around the area after lunch! [Check out this Chinatown Guide]

 

Dinner: 

Having spent the day out and about in the hot sun, it’s time to treat yourself right at night. Head over to the bay area and take in the fabulous and mind-blowing cityscape that is Singapore at night.

By the glow of the setting sun, revel in the world class panoramic views of the gorgeous Marina Bay, the architectural wonders of the Super Trees Grove, the Singapore Flyer and the cityscape that is the economic miracle of Singapore. [Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck: The Best View in Singapore]

Feeling hungry but still not ready to leave the amazing views of the Marina? Take a relaxing stroll across the bay or cab, to the Fullerton bay strip where you can dig in to the classic Singaporean Chilli Crab dish (accompanied with hot piping Mantous) either in air-conditioned comfort or al-fresco at Palm Beach Seafood.

And with that, I conclude my recommendation for a day’s worth of food activity in Singapore! 🙂

Hopefully the short introduction of Singapore’s amazing cuisine will give everyone a reason to head back and explore more of our little island state!