Singaporeans take their food very seriously. If you want to see just how devoted they are to good eats, walk down to a hawker center (there's one almost everywhere), and taste for yourself. At any hawker center, tourists mingle with working stiffs to stuff their faces with Cantonese, Hokkien, Indian, Malay, and "Western" food. The dishes are as cheap as they are delicious – you can get a hearty, authentically Asian meal for less than $3. For the authentic Singaporean hawker center experience, do not dare miss these places when you're in town.
East Coast Seafood Center
East Coast Park
The food center closest to the Guide's heart, as he lived in a condo a few minutes' walk away. Don't leave without trying the crawfish, chili crab, or black pepper crab.
Lau Pa Sat Food Center
Boon Tat Street, Shenton Way, Robinson Road
Built in the 1890s on reclaimed land, Lau Pa Sat has watched Singapore's business district grow around it, and is now a popular favorite. Lau Pa Sat is known for having the spongiest putu piring (rice cake) in town.
Zion Road Riverview Food Center
Zion Road, across Great World City
Busy Orchard Road office workers usually congregate here for lunch. Wide selection available, but don't leave without trying the bak kut teh with steamed fish.
Adam Road Food Center
Junction of Dunearn Road and Adam Road
Mostly Malay or Indian food served here. This is the best place to try Nasi Goreng, Roti Prata, or Nasi Lemak for the first time. Locals swear by the Noo Cheng Prawn Noodles.
