Food & Dining in Singapore — Complete Guide (2026)
Singapore offers a wide range of dining options from budget-friendly local spots to world-class restaurants. Food is one of the great joys of expat life, and Singapore does not disappoint.
Must-Try Local Dishes
The essential dishes to try in Singapore: Hainanese chicken rice (the national dish — perfectly poached chicken with fragrant rice), chilli crab (Singapore's most famous creation), laksa (spicy coconut noodle soup), char kway teow (stir-fried flat noodles), satay, roti prata (Indian-influenced flatbread), and kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs (the classic breakfast).
Average Food Costs
| Meal Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Street food / cheap local meal | $16-27 |
| Mid-range restaurant (per person) | $40-67 |
| Fine dining (per person) | $100-200 |
| Monthly groceries (one person) | $240-400 |
| Cappuccino | $5.7-8.9 |
| Beer (local, at a bar) | $6.7-13.3 |
Where to Find the Best Food
Markets and food halls: Maxwell Food Centre (home of the legendary Tian Tian chicken rice), Lau Pa Sat (historic Victorian market), Chinatown Complex Food Centre (the largest hawker centre), and Tiong Bahru Market.
Local tip: Singapore's hawker centres are UNESCO-recognized cultural treasures. You can eat Michelin-starred food for $3-5 at hawker stalls — Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle was the world's cheapest Michelin meal. The food reflects Singapore's multicultural identity: Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines are all exceptional. Restaurant dining is expensive ($30-80/person), but hawker food makes daily eating incredibly affordable.
Grocery Shopping
Monthly grocery costs for one person range from $200-400 depending on whether you buy local or imported products. Supermarket chains offer a good range of both local and international products. Organic and specialty stores cater to health-conscious expats but at premium prices.
Food Delivery Apps
Food delivery has exploded globally, and Singapore is no exception. Popular apps include Uber Eats, local delivery platforms, and restaurant-direct delivery. Fees vary but expect $2-5 per delivery..
Dietary Requirements
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available in Singapore, especially in expat-popular neighborhoods. Gluten-free awareness is growing. Restaurants in international areas usually accommodate dietary requirements without issue. Use the HappyCow app to find vegetarian/vegan restaurants worldwide.
Tips for Expat Foodies
- Learn food-related phrases in English/Mandarin/Malay/Tamil — menus outside tourist zones may not have English translations
- Ask expats for neighborhood restaurant recommendations — Facebook groups are goldmines for food tips
- Visit local markets for fresh produce at the best prices — and for an authentic cultural experience
- The best food is rarely on the main tourist streets — walk 2-3 blocks off the main road and quality goes up while prices go down
- Lunch specials/set menus typically offer the best value — many restaurants offer their dinner menu at 30-50% off during lunch hours