1. What are some popular dishes that can be found at hawker centres in Singapore?
– Hainanese chicken rice: poached chicken served with fragrant rice, typically accompanied by chili sauce and soy sauce-based dressing.
– Char kway teow: stir-fried flat rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, and shrimp or other seafood.
– Laksa: spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk and flavored with herbs and spices. Can contain seafood, chicken or tofu.
– Satay: skewered marinated meats (usually chicken or beef) grilled over charcoal and served with a peanut dipping sauce.
– Fried carrot cake: not to be confused with the dessert of the same name, this dish consists of white radish cake fried with eggs, preserved radish and garlic.
– Roti prata: Indian-influenced flatbread served with curry for dipping.
– Nasi lemak: fragrant coconut rice served with a variety of side dishes such as fried chicken wings, otah (spicy fish paste), sambal (chili paste), and various veggies and nuts.
– Prawn mee: noodle soup made from prawn broth and topped with prawns, slices of pork belly, hard-boiled eggs, and bean sprouts.
– Rojak: a local fruit salad mixed with shrimps paste dressing for savory flavoring.
– Popiah: Hokkien-style spring rolls filled with vegetables such as shredded turnip, bean sprouts, lettuce leaves, carrots, cucumber. May also include pork or shrimp.
2. How does the pricing of food at hawker centres compare to restaurants in Singapore?
The pricing of food at hawker centres in Singapore tends to be significantly lower than restaurants. Hawker centres are known for their affordable and budget-friendly options, catering to a diverse group of customers including students, tourists and locals. On average, a meal at a hawker centre can range from SGD $2- $8 depending on the type of dish and location.
In comparison, dining at a restaurant in Singapore can typically cost between SGD $10-$50 per person for a full meal, with some higher-end restaurants charging even more. This is due to the higher operating costs and overhead expenses that come with running a restaurant.
Furthermore, hawker centres also offer the option of ordering dishes in smaller portions or sharing multiple dishes among a group, making it more economical compared to having individual portions at a restaurant. Overall, hawker centre prices offer more value for money compared to restaurants in Singapore.
3. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available at hawker centres?
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan options available at hawker centres. Some of the popular vegetarian dishes you can find at hawker centres include vegetable curry, stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes, and vegetable noodles. You can also find some Hong Kong-style or Buddhist stalls serving strictly vegetarian food. Some hawker stalls may also have a “vegetarian” section on their menu, where they offer dishes without meat or fish sauce. You can always ask the stall owner for recommendations or to customize your order according to your dietary preferences.
4. What is the atmosphere like at hawker centres?
The atmosphere at hawker centres can vary depending on the time of day and location. During lunch and dinner times, it can be bustling with people lining up for delicious food and chatting with friends and family. There is often a lively and vibrant vibe as people eat, drink, and socialize.
At quieter times, such as mid-morning or late afternoon, the atmosphere tends to be more relaxed. It is not unusual to see groups of retirees enjoying a cup of tea or playing traditional games like mahjong or Chinese chess.
Hawker centres located near busy streets or tourist areas may have a more chaotic ambiance due to the constant flow of people and traffic. On the other hand, those in residential areas tend to have a more laid-back and neighborly atmosphere.
Overall, hawker centres are known for their friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with people from all walks of life coming together to enjoy good food at affordable prices.
5. Are there any must-try dishes at specific hawker stalls in Singapore?
There are many must-try dishes at various hawker stalls in Singapore. Some popular recommendations include:
1. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre: This stall is famous for its fragrant and tender chicken served with flavorful rice, chili sauce, and savory broth.
2. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle at Crawford Lane: Their Bak Chor Mee (minced meat noodles) is a crowd favorite, featuring springy noodles tossed in lard and vinegar, topped with braised mushrooms, pork slices, and meatballs.
3. Newton Hawker Centre Seafood: This hawker centre is known for its wide variety of fresh seafood dishes such as chili crab, black pepper crab, and buttered prawns.
4. Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre: Another popular spot for chicken rice lovers, Ah Tai serves up tender chicken on fragrant rice served with a side of soup and homemade chili sauce.
5. Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle at Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre: This stall made headlines for earning a Michelin star for its succulent soy sauce chicken served with rice or noodles.
6.Tian Jin Fong Kee Charcoal Roasted Duck at Holland Drive Market & Food Centre: The smoky and juicy roasted duck here is highly recommended by many foodies in Singapore.
7. Alhambra Satay Stall at East Coast Lagoon Food Village: The satay (grilled skewered meat) here is cooked over charcoal giving it a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet peanut dipping sauce.
8. Blanco Court Prawn Mee Soup at Old Airport Road Food Centre: One of the most famous stalls serving up prawn mee soup (rice noodle soup with prawns) in Singapore, their broth is packed full of umami flavor from the addition of dried shrimp.
9. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh at New Bridge Road: This famous Teochew-style bak kut teh (pork rib soup) is slow-cooked for hours in a peppery broth, making it rich and flavorful.
10. Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre: The char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles) here is cooked with generous amounts of cockles, lap cheong (Chinese sausage), and crispy lard pieces, giving it a hearty and satisfying taste.
6. How do I know if a particular hawker stall is hygienic and safe to eat from?
1. Look for a cleanliness rating: Many food hawkers in Singapore are required to display a cleanliness grading at their stall, ranging from A (excellent) to D (less than acceptable). This grading is issued by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and updated regularly, so it is a good indication of the hygiene standards at the stall.
2. Observe the general cleanliness of the stall: Take a look at the overall cleanliness of the stall. Are the tables, cooking equipment, and utensils clean? Is there any visible dirt or grime? A clean and well-maintained stall is likely to have higher hygiene standards.
3. Check for proper food handling: Pay attention to how the food is being prepared and handled. Are raw ingredients stored separately from cooked food? Are there gloves or utensils being used to handle food instead of bare hands? These are all important indications of safe food handling practices.
4. Look out for pests: Pests such as flies, cockroaches, and rats can carry harmful bacteria and contaminate food. If you see any signs of pests around the stall, it’s best to avoid eating there.
5. Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right or looks unsanitary, it’s best to trust your instincts and find another hawker stall to eat from.
6. Seek recommendations: Ask local residents or friends for recommendations on hygienic hawker stalls they frequent. They may also be able to share their personal experiences and insights on which stalls are known for their cleanliness and safety standards.
7. Can I find international cuisine at hawker centres or are they primarily local food options?
Hawker centres in Singapore are primarily known for their local food options, such as hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, laksa, and roti prata. However, many hawker centres also offer a variety of international cuisine options such as Western, Thai, Indian, Korean and Japanese dishes. Some hawker stalls even specialize in fusion cuisine that combines flavors from different cultures. So while local food is the main attraction at hawker centres, there are usually enough international options to satisfy a diverse range of tastes.
8. Are there any halal-certified hawker stalls in Singapore?
Yes, there are several hawker stalls in Singapore that have received halal certification. Some popular ones include:
1. Satay Power – located at Old Airport Road Food Centre, this stall serves halal-certified grilled satay
2. Allauddin’s Briyani – a well-known stall at Tekka Centre specializing in Muslim-Indian cuisine
3. Adilla Lombok Food – a popular stall at Adam Road Food Centre known for their spicy Lombok-style dishes
4. Royz Et Vous – a halal-certified gourmet burger joint with multiple outlets around Singapore
5. Haji Kadir & Mamat Teh Tarik – located at Adam Road Food Centre, this stall serves halal-certified local favorites such as mee rebus and nasi lemak.
9. What should I expect in terms of portion sizes and serving style when eating at a hawker centre?
Hawker centres in Singapore offer a diverse range of food options at affordable prices, making it a popular dining choice among locals and tourists. As hawker centres are open-air food complexes, the ambiance may not be as formal as a restaurant, and customers typically sit on plastic or wooden stools at shared tables.
In terms of portion sizes, dishes at hawker centres are generally served in one portion size, which is usually enough for one person. However, some stalls may offer larger portions for an additional cost or have different serving sizes for certain dishes.
Serving style at hawker centres varies depending on the type of dish ordered. For noodles and rice dishes, the plate will be served with the main ingredients accompanied by sauces and condiments on the side. Soups and stews are usually served in bowls or clay pots with accompanying bowls for rice or noodles. Some dishes may also be served on banana leaves, which is a common practice in Indian cuisine.
One unique aspect of eating at hawker centres is sharing dishes with your dining companions. It is common to order multiple dishes from different stalls and share them among the group. This allows everyone to try a variety of dishes without having to order individual portions.
As hawker centres are casual dining establishments, customers can expect their meals to be served quickly after ordering, allowing for a fast-paced dining experience. However, do be mindful that during peak hours, especially during lunchtime on weekdays, popular stalls may have long queues and wait times.
Overall, portion sizes at hawker centres tend to be generous and offer good value for money compared to restaurants. It is always better to ask for recommendations from locals or stall owners if you are unsure about portion sizes or serving styles before ordering.
10. Are there any seafood options available at hawker centres?
Yes, there are usually seafood options available at hawker centres. Some popular dishes include grilled or stir-fried stingray, sambal prawns, and fish head curry. However, the variety of seafood dishes may vary from hawker centre to hawker centre. It is best to check the stalls’ menu before ordering to ensure they offer seafood dishes.
11. Can I bring my own drinks or do I have to purchase them from the hawker stall?
You can bring your own drinks if the hawker stall allows it. However, most hawker stalls have their own drinks menu and it is expected for customers to purchase drinks from them. Some hawker stalls may have a “no outside food and drinks” policy, so it’s best to check with the individual stall before bringing your own drinks.
12. Are there any cultural dining customs to be aware of when eating at a hawker centre in Singapore?
Yes, there are a few cultural dining customs to be aware of when eating at a hawker centre in Singapore:
1. Sharing tables: It is common for strangers to share tables at hawker centres, especially during peak hours. If the table has empty seats, it is considered polite to offer them to other diners who are looking for a seat.
2. Ordering and paying: Unlike restaurants where you place your order and pay at the end of your meal, at hawker centres you typically pay for your food before receiving it. You can either pay directly at the stall or get a card from a central payment booth and use it to pay for your food at the stalls.
3. Tissue packets: It is customary for people to reserve tables with tissue packets as a sign that the table is taken. However, this practice is slowly being discouraged as it results in less available seating for others.
4. Using chopsticks and utensils: Malaysians and Indians may use their hands to eat certain dishes, but Chinese locals will typically use chopsticks or utensils when dining at hawker centres.
5. Sharing dishes: It is common practice to order multiple dishes and share them with everyone at the table. This allows you to try a variety of dishes without ordering too much food.
6. Clean up after yourself: Be sure to clean up after yourself by throwing away your waste in the designated bins and returning your trays and utensils to the designated area.
7. Standing in line: Hawker stalls with long lines usually indicate that the food is delicious and worth trying. Before joining any line, take note if there’s an orderly queue or if people are standing around randomly – follow their lead if unsure.
8. Noise level: Hawker centres tend to be lively and noisy due to the large crowds and open-air environment. Don’t be surprised if people are speaking loudly or there’s background noise from nearby stalls.
9. Condiments: Most hawker centres will have a designated condiment station with chili sauce, soy sauce, and other seasonings. Feel free to help yourself to these condiments to enhance your meal.
10. Bringing your own drinks: It is acceptable to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks to hawker centres as most stalls do not sell them. However, some hawker centres may charge a small fee for using their cups or providing ice.
11. Ordering in dialect: Many hawkers are elderly and may only speak a certain Chinese dialect. If you’re unsure if they can understand you, try speaking in English instead.
12. Tipping: Tipping is not expected at hawker centres in Singapore as the price of the food usually includes service charges and taxes.
13. Is it necessary to tip the hawkers after purchasing food?
It is not necessary to tip the hawkers after purchasing food, but it is appreciated. Tipping in South Africa is typically 10-15% of the total bill for sit-down meals at restaurants, but for street food purchases it is more common to round up the price or add a small amount as a gesture of appreciation.
14. How early do hawkers open and how late do they stay open during the day?
Hawkers typically open in the early morning, around 6 or 7am, and stay open until late at night, usually around 10 or 11pm. Some hawkers may close earlier if they sell out of their food, while others may stay open even later depending on the demand for their food.
15. Can I find healthy food options at hawker centres, such as salads or vegetable dishes?
Yes, many hawker centres in Singapore offer a variety of healthy food options including salads, vegetable dishes, and other nutritious meals. Some popular choices include vegetarian stalls or stalls that offer “mixed rice” where you can choose from a variety of protein and vegetable dishes. Look out for stalls with signs promoting healthier options, or simply ask the stall owners if they have any recommendations for healthy dishes.
16. Is it polite to share tables with strangers at crowded hawker centres?
In Singapore, it is generally considered polite to share tables with strangers at crowded hawker centres. This is a common practice in the country as hawker centres can get very crowded during meal times and often there may not be enough tables available for everyone. Sharing tables is seen as a way to make efficient use of space and to accommodate more people.If you are unsure about sharing a table, you can always ask the other diners if they mind before taking a seat. In most cases, they will happily welcome you to join them. However, if someone declines or seems uncomfortable with sharing a table, it is best to respect their wishes and find another table.
It is also important to remember to keep your area clean and tidy when sharing a table with others. Do not leave your trash behind and try not to take up more space than necessary.
Overall, sharing tables with strangers at crowded hawker centres is a normal part of dining culture in Singapore and considered polite as long as you respect the cleanliness and personal space of those around you.
17. Do most hawkers accept credit card payments or is cash preferred?
While some larger and more modern hawker centres and stalls may accept credit card payments, cash is generally preferred by most hawkers. It is always best to have cash on hand when dining at a hawker centre or stall.
18. Is it possible to request for customized orders or changes to menu items at hawker stalls?
Yes, it is possible to request for customized orders or changes to menu items at hawker stalls. However, the availability of customization will depend on the stall owner’s willingness and ability to accommodate your request. It is recommended to communicate your preferences politely and understand that some requests may not be possible due to the stall’s cooking methods or ingredients.
19.Is there a difference between popular touristy hawker centres and more local ones in terms of quality and price of food?
It is not always true that popular and touristy hawker centres have better quality of food. In fact, some local hawker centres may have hidden gems that offer delicious and authentic dishes at a more affordable price. It ultimately depends on the individual stall and their cooking techniques. However, popular touristy hawker centres may have a wider variety of food options and be more spacious, making it a more comfortable dining experience for tourists. Additionally, these hawker centres may cater to the taste preferences of tourists, so the food may not be as authentic as compared to local hawker centres. Therefore, it is recommended to explore both popular and local hawker centres in order to discover the best food experiences in Singapore.
20.How can I maintain local etiquette while dining at a hawker centre?
Here are some tips to maintain local etiquette while dining at a hawker centre:1. Use chopsticks or your hands: While forks, spoons, and knives may be available, it is more common to eat with chopsticks or your hands at a hawker centre. If you are not comfortable using chopsticks, feel free to use a fork and spoon.
2. Share tables: Hawker centres are often busy and crowded, so it is customary to share tables with strangers. You can ask for permission before sitting down, but most people won’t mind if you just join them.
3. Save seats the right way: If you want to save seats for your friends or family members who are coming later, do it the right way by placing small items like a tissue packet or umbrella on the seat. This shows that the seat is taken and others will not occupy it.
4. Dispose of trash properly: After finishing your meal, make sure to clean up after yourself by disposing of any trash in the designated bins provided at the hawker centre.
5. Return trays: It is considered good manners to return your tray and any dishes or utensils that you used back to the designated collection area after finishing your meal. This helps to keep the hawker centre clean for other customers.
6. Avoid wasting food: Singaporeans pride themselves on their food culture and wasting food can be seen as disrespectful. Only order what you can finish and if there are leftovers, you can ask for a takeaway container.
7. Queue up patiently: Some popular stalls may have long queues during peak hours, so be patient and wait your turn. Cutting in line is considered rude in Singaporean culture.
8. Mind your noise level: Talking loudly or making excessive noise while eating can be considered impolite in a hawker centre where others are trying to enjoy their meals peacefully.
9. Do not reserve tables: It is frowned upon to reserve a table with personal items while you go order your food. If you want to sit down, do so only after you have bought your food.
10. Say thank you: Simple manners such as saying “thank you” or “excuse me” when asking for something or walking past someone are greatly appreciated in Singaporean culture.