In Singapore, Food Is Life

In Singapore, food isn’t just sustenance — it’s a national obsession, a form of cultural expression, and the centrepiece of every gathering. Whether it’s a humble kopi session at the kopitiam or a feast at a Michelin-rated hawker stall, Singaporeans take food seriously. It binds us across ethnicities, generations, and neighbourhoods. That’s why it’s no surprise that the city-state plays host to some of the region’s most exciting and inclusive food festivals.

From spicy sambal to silky chicken rice, 2025 is shaping up to be a spectacular year for food lovers — with a full slate of culinary events happening between June and September. Whether you’re a visiting foodie, a lifelong local, or a curious expat, here's your definitive guide to Singapore’s food culture and the unmissable hawker dishes you must try.

🍽️ Must-Visit Food Festivals in Singapore (June – September 2025)

1. GastroBeats 2025

📍 Bayfront Event Space | 🗓 May 29 – June 22, 2025
Part food market, part music festival, and part playground, GastroBeats is Singapore’s most vibrant urban food carnival. Expect over 40 street food vendors, craft drink booths, interactive zones, and nightly live music acts under the Marina Bay skyline. Admission is free and family-friendly.

2. Singapore Food Expo 2025

📍 Singapore Expo Hall 5 | 🗓 June 7 – 9, 2025
Organised by the Singapore Food Manufacturers’ Association, this trade-and-public event brings together local food brands, F&B innovators, and home cooks. Sample exclusive snacks, get promo bundles, and catch live cooking demos.

3. World Oyster Festival 2025

📍 Greenwood Fish Market | 🗓 July 2025 (Exact Dates TBC)
This annual celebration features over 20 varieties of oysters from Canada, France, Australia, and more. Expect pairings with wine and seafood platters.

4. Singapore Food Festival 2025

📍 Multiple Venues | 🗓 September 4 – 24, 2025
The city's flagship culinary celebration returns with the theme “Singaporean Flavours Reimagined.” Look forward to pop-ups, chef collaborations, food trails, and sustainability-focused showcases.

 

Top 10 Most Recommended Hawker Foods (and Where to Try Them)

These dishes aren’t just popular — they’re legendary. Whether voted as crowd favourites in local polls, mentioned in the Michelin Guide, or even savoured by international celebrities, these are the hawker icons that define Singapore’s food identity. The list also ensures representation from Singapore’s four major cultural groups: Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian.

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice (Chinese)

• Why it’s top 10: Regularly voted Singapore’s national dish. Featured in the Michelin Guide and famously enjoyed by the likes of Anthony Bourdain and former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Recently spotted being eaten by Bill Gates at Newton Food Centre in May 2025.
• Where to try: Tian Tian Chicken Rice, Maxwell Food Centre — the stall that beat Gordon Ramsay in a cook-off.

2. Laksa (Peranakan/Eurasian)

• Why it’s top 10: A spicy staple of Peranakan cuisine. Featured by CNN and Lonely Planet, and on Anthony Bourdain’s list of must-try Singapore dishes.
• Where to try: 328 Katong Laksa — endorsed by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

3. Char Kway Teow (Chinese)

• Why it’s top 10: Loved for its signature wok hei (smoky aroma), often topping comfort food polls.
• Where to try: Hill Street Char Kway Teow, Bedok — often listed as a national treasure.

4. Satay (Malay)

• Why it’s top 10: A staple of night markets and cultural celebrations. Served at heritage festivals and often featured in tourism campaigns. Recently, tech billionaire Bill Gates was spotted enjoying satay at Newton Food Centre during his visit in May 2025, bringing renewed buzz to the dish.
• Where to try: Lau Pa Sat’s Satay Street — transforms into a satay haven after sundown.

5. Bak Kut Teh (Chinese - Teochew)

• Why it’s top 10: Herbal or peppery pork rib soup long loved by early dockworkers and now by all.
• Where to try: Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, Clarke Quay — Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient.

6. Nasi Lemak (Malay)

• Why it’s top 10: Though Malaysian in origin, Singapore’s nasi lemak is a beloved local breakfast. Rumoured favourite of the late Lee Kuan Yew.
• Where to try: Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak, Adam Road.

7. Roti Prata (Indian)

• Why it’s top 10: A crispy flatbread loved by all races. Popularised through viral videos and breakfast memes.
• Where to try: Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Prata, Joo Chiat.

8. Bak Chor Mee (Chinese - Hokkien)

• Why it’s top 10: Sour, savoury, and spicy — uniquely Singaporean. Tai Hwa earned a Michelin star for this humble dish.
• Where to try: Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, Crawford Lane.

9. Prawn Mee (Hae Mee) (Chinese)

• Why it’s top 10: Prawns, lard, noodles, and history — it’s been served here since the 1950s.
• Where to try: Beach Road Prawn Mee Eating House.

10. Fish Head Curry (Indian-Chinese fusion)

• Why it’s top 10: Created in Singapore, this dish blends Indian spices and Chinese-style fish heads — a must-try for locals and tourists alike.
• Where to try: Muthu’s Curry, Little India.

🎯 Final Thoughts

In Singapore, eating is more than a necessity — it’s a beloved pastime and a national language. Whether you’re exploring food festivals, testing your spice tolerance, or discovering what your hawker cravings say about you, there’s always something new (and delicious) to savour.

Ready to take a bite out of Singapore’s culinary scene? Save this guide and start planning your next food adventure.

 

🧐 [QUIZ] What’s Your Taste Profile? Here’s the Local Dish That Matches You
 

Question 1: What taste are you most drawn to?

 A) Comforting and mild
B) Rich and spicy
C) Charred and savoury
D) Tangy and bold
E) Light and crispy
 
Question 2: What temperature do you prefer your food?

 A) Warm and homely
B) Hot and intense
C) Grilled or seared
D) Served with a zing
E) Crisp off the pan
 
Question 3: What’s your ideal food texture?

 A) Tender
B) Creamy
C) Crispy
D) Springy
E) Flaky and fluffy
 
Question 4: What type of meal do you enjoy most?

 A) Something familiar and comforting
B) Something spicy and exciting
C) Something grilled and shareable
D) Something bold and punchy
E) Something versatile and fun
 
Question 5: How adventurous are you with new flavours?

 A) Not very — I like what I know
B) Very — the spicier the better
C) I enjoy smoky, charred flavours
D) I love punchy sauces and textures
E) I like customising to suit my mood

 
Your Result:

• Mostly A’s – Hainanese Chicken Rice
  You value comfort and classics. This dish reflects your appreciation for familiarity, warmth, and subtle elegance. You're dependable, calm, and always a safe bet.
   
• Mostly B’s – Laksa
  Bold, fiery, and layered, Laksa mirrors your zest for life and adventurous nature. You embrace spice, culture, and complexity.
   
• Mostly C’s – Satay
  Social, energetic, and fun-loving, Satay suits your outgoing personality. You thrive in group settings and know how to bring people together.
   
• Mostly D’s – Bak Chor Mee
  You’re confident, opinionated, and a little quirky — just like this uniquely Singaporean noodle dish. You love bold tangy flavours and never shy away from the unconventional.
   
• Mostly E’s – Roti Prata
  You’re adaptable, easy-going, and versatile — just like this crispy Indian flatbread that goes with everything. You enjoy life’s simpler pleasures and are a crowd-pleaser.

 

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References

• https://www.gastrobeats.com/
• https://sfma.org.sg/
• https://www.greenwoodfishmarket.com/
• https://www.visitsingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/annual-highlights/singapore-food-festival/
• https://www.makansutra.com/stalls/tian-tian-hainanese-chicken-rice/
• https://www.328katonglaksa.sg/
• https://www.misstamchiak.com/hill-street-char-kway-teow/
• https://www.laupasat.sg/
• https://www.songfa.com.sg/
• https://www.facebook.com/SeleraRasa/
• https://www.misstamchiak.com/mr-and-mrs-mohgan-prata/
• https://guide.michelin.com/sg/en/singapore-region/singapore/restaurant/hill-street-tai-hwa-pork-noodle
• https://www.misstamchiak.com/beach-road-prawn-mee/
• https://www.muthuscurry.com.sg/
• https://mothership.sg/2025/05/bill-gates-mothership-newton-food-centre/