- 4 min read

Eating at Hawker Centres in Singapore

Hawker centres are large open-air complexes that contain many individually operated stalls that sell inexpensive, fast food and drink. During lunch and dinner, Hawker Centres in Singapore are where most Singaporeans will grab a quick bite. You’ll find a variety of local dishes available and some of those dishes have even been awarded a Michelin star!

After our week in Vietnam, (and feeling confident that I may have finally mastered the use of chopsticks) we took a few trips through the Hawker centres to get a feel for how things work. These vibrant food courts are a melting pot of flavors, where traditional meets modern and every bite tells a story. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious wanderer, understanding the ins and outs of these local gems is key to enjoying an authentic dining experience.

So we did our research, ate the food and drank the beer, all so we could put together detailed tips and instructions for our readers so you can be confident during your first visit to the Hawker Centres. After multiple days hiking and working up an appetite, it was a sacrifice we were willing to make for you all You’re welcome. 😛

Choosing Your Food and Finding a Seat

Scout Your Spot: Take a leisurely lap around the center. Eye the stalls with longer queues—these often signal a crowd favorite. You’ll find a wide variety of food options from Indian, Malay, Chinese and even Asian Fusion. You can also find stalls dedicated to vegetarian dishes.

Cash is King: Before you queue up, ensure you have cash on hand. Many stalls are old-school and don’t accept cards.

Chope Wisely: “Chope” means to reserve a seat. It’s common to see packets of tissues or umbrellas marking someone’s spot. Find an unmarked table, chope it with confidence, and then proceed to order. During busy times, don’t be rude and reserve more seats than you need and don’t be dumb and walk away from your iPhone or backpack. Singapore is very safe but don’t openly provide an opportunity.

Self-Service or Table Service

Many stalls will have a small sign somewhere that says “self service.” This means you will order and receive your food at the same time and then carry your tray to your table.

Table service is the default. When you place your order, you’ll pay and they will ask for your table number. Then when the food is ready, they will deliver. When we ordered from the claypot stall, it was going to take about 45 minutes so they gave us a “paid” slip to come back later and then tell them where we were sitting.

The "A" or "B" or "C" Ratings of the Stalls

Each stall is assessed by the National Environment Agency on an annual basis and given a hygiene rating. A is for 85% or better, B is for 70-84% and C is 50-69%. Don’t be too afraid of the “B” ratings as you will noticed many stalls have that.

Hawker centers are more than just food hubs; they are institutions that uphold stringent health standards. The National Environment Agency (NEA) in Singapore uses an alphabetical rating system to indicate the level of hygiene of each food stall. Here’s how it maps out:

A Grade: This grade is akin to a golden star in the culinary universe of Singapore. It signifies exemplary cleanliness and hygiene practices, a feat achieved by those who go above and beyond the basic requirements.

B Grade: A very good rating that shows strong adherence to health standards, though just shy of perfection.

C Grade: This respectable rating still passes the NEA’s benchmarks, but indicates room for improvement in hygiene practices.

While some travelers may feel more comfortable dining at A-rated stalls, venturing towards B or C can lead to delectable discoveries and an authentic Singaporean experience. Some local favorites have humbly worn their B or even C badges while winning over hearts and stomachs with their dishes.

I also read a local insider joke that A is for avoid, B is for bad, C is for can and D is for delicious. Because any stall who has time to achieve an A rating must not have good food because business is so slow they have too much time to clean! 🙂

Utensils and Dishes

Chopsticks and spoons are the go-tos. Forks and knives are less common but often available upon request.

While cleaners are present, it’s polite to return trays and utensils to designated areas. Some hawker centres will have you leave your trays at your table and have people to clear them but look around and see if you see a tray collection point or signs on the tables that look like a person bussing dishes. That means you should clear your own dishes and bring your tray to one of the collection areas.

Embrace the Chaos and Enjoy

Hawker centers are more than just food hubs; they’re cultural institutions that reflect the spirit of Singapore. So embrace the organized chaos, relish the rich tapestry of tastes, and let the sheer variety astound you. Every visit promises a new flavor to discover and a unique memory to cherish.

And if the language barrier lands you a beer instead of a soft drink….just run with it. It’s great content for your articles ;)