3-Day Authentic Food Trail in Singapore

For a slow traveler, the goal is to immerse yourself in the culture, not just tick off sights. This 3-day itinerary is designed to take you through Singapore's most authentic culinary neighborhoods, focusing on heritage hawker stalls and traditional eateries to give you a true taste of local life.

Here is your 3-Day Authentic Singapore Food Trail:

Day 1: Chinatown & CBD Heritage (Chinese & Local Classics)

This day focuses on the foundational flavors of Singaporean cuisine in the bustling heart of the city.

Morning: Kopi and Heritage

• Breakfast | Tong Ah Eating House: Traditional Kaya Toast and Nanyang Coffee (Kopi) or Tea (Teh). (Address: 35 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089142)

• Lunch | Maxwell Food Centre: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (voted highly for its aromatic rice and smooth chicken) and Zhen Zhen Porridge (Cantonese-style congee). (Address: 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184)

Afternoon: Sweet and Savory

• Afternoon Snack | Tiong Bahru Market (Level 2): Chwee Kueh (steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish) and a local dessert like Tau Huay (beancurd).

  • Tip: After lunch at Maxwell, spend some time exploring the wet market on the lower level of Tiong Bahru Market. It’s a sensory experience and a fascinating glimpse into local shopping culture. (Address: 30 Seng Poh Rd, Singapore 168898)

Evening: Street Side Satay

• Dinner | Lau Pa Sat & Satay Street (Evening): Satay (grilled meat skewers, especially chicken, beef, or mutton) served with peanut sauce, enjoyed street-side. (Address: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582, The stalls open in the evening on Boon Tat Street, right next to the market).

Day 2: Joo Chiat, Katong & Kampong Glam (Peranakan, Malay & Indian Fusion)

Head east to the colorful Joo Chiat/Katong district, the spiritual home of Peranakan culture, before shifting to the Bugis area for a taste of regional Muslim cuisine.

Morning: Peranakan Delights

• Morning / Brunch | Kim Choo Kueh Chang: Nyonya Kueh (colorful, sweet Peranakan cakes) and Nyonya Dumplings (Nyonya Chang).

  • Tip: Stroll through Joo Chiat Road and Koon Seng Road to admire the perfectly preserved, brightly colored Peranakan shophouses before your Kim Choo visit. (Address: 109 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428800)

• Lunch | Charlie's Peranakan Food: Ayam Buah Keluak (chicken stew with black nuts) or Babi Hong (braised pork). This is a rare Peranakan hawker gem. (Address: Golden Mile Food Centre, 505 Beach Rd, #B1-30, Singapore 199583)

Afternoon: Indian Flavors

• Afternoon Treat | Tekka Centre (Little India): Roti Prata (flaky flatbread, best with fish or mutton curry) or Teh Tarik (pulled milk tea). (Address: 665 Buffalo Rd, Singapore 210665)

Evening: Sultan Mosque View

• Dinner | Singapore Zam Zam: Murtabak (pan-fried bread stuffed with seasoned meat, onions, and egg) or Mutton Briyani. Located directly across from Sultan Mosque. (Address: 697-699 N Bridge Rd, Singapore 198765)

Day 3: Heartland Legends (Deep Dive into Local Noodle & Rice Stalls)

Venture slightly further out to two of the most popular local hawker centres, known for their high concentration of generational, award-winning stalls.

Morning: Local Breakfast

• Breakfast | Local Coffee Stall (at Tiong Bahru Market): Another chance to enjoy Kopi C (coffee with evaporated milk and sugar) and Soft-Boiled Eggs on toast. (Address: 30 Seng Poh Rd, Singapore 168898)

Lunch: Hawker Gold

• Lunch | Old Airport Road Food Centre: Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee (#01-116, thick, starchy gravy noodles) and Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow (stir-fried flat rice noodles with "wok hei").

  • Tip: The Old Airport Road Food Centre is considered the gold standard by many locals. To avoid the worst of the queue times, aim for a late lunch (around 2:30 PM). (Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, Singapore 390051)

Afternoon: Savory Snack

• Afternoon Snack | Golden Mile Food Centre (Level 1): Serangoon Garden Carrot Cake (savory rice cake fried with eggs, preserved radish, and dark soy sauce). (Address: 505 Beach Rd, Singapore 199583)

Evening: Michelin Hawker Farewell

• Dinner | Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles: Bak Chor Mee (minced pork noodles) with vinegar and chili, this is a high-profile, Michelin-starred hawker experience. (Address: 466 Crawford Ln, #01-12, Singapore 190466)