Singapore’s Chinatown is a must-visit for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. From bustling hawker centres to Michelin-star eateries, Chinatown offers a culinary adventure that blends tradition and innovation. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore this vibrant district, joining a small group tour like the Michelin & Local Hawker Food Tour is an excellent choice. With knowledgeable tour guides, you’ll experience the rich flavours, history, and culture of Singapore through its food!
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 places you should visit in Chinatown, perfect for any food lover on a Singapore food tour. Whether you prefer guided experiences or free walking tours, this list highlights the best spots to savour local delights.
Maxwell Food Centre: A Hawker Haven
Maxwell Food Centre is a treasure trove of authentic local dishes and a cornerstone of Singapore's food culture. Known for its humble stalls that serve up some of the best hawker fare in the city, this is the first stop on many local tours in Singapore. If you're in Chinatown, consider using our Monster Play App for exclusive deals, discounts and freebies from local brands like Singtel, Kele, Killiney, Ann Chin Popiah, and many more. Some of these stores are within the Chinatown vicinity itself!
What to Eat:
Tian Tian Chicken Rice: A Michelin Bib Gourmand stall famous for its fragrant rice and tender chicken, this dish is a must-try for visitors!
Chinatown Complex: Michelin & Local Favourites
The Chinatown Complex is another iconic hawker centre, home to Singapore’s first Michelin-starred hawker stall, Hawker Chan, renowned for its soya sauce chicken rice and noodles.
What to Eat:
Hawker Chan: Soya sauce chicken rice is the signature dish that earned this humble stall global fame. With its Michelin-star status, it’s an experience not to miss.
Kele’s Pineapple Tarts: A Taste of Tradition
For a sweet taste of Singapore, visit Kele’s in Chinatown, famous for its buttery pineapple tarts. These traditional pastries are a local favourite, blending the perfect mix of sweet pineapple filling with a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth pastry. Kele has been delighting locals and tourists alike since 1983 with their iconic treats. As a bonus, if you’re using the Monster Play App, you can redeem exclusive deals, including a chance to enjoy free pineapple tarts during your visit!
What to Eat:
Pineapple Tarts: Kele’s hand-crafted pineapple tarts are a must-try, and they make the perfect souvenir for loved ones back home.
Amoy Street Food Centre: Hidden Local Gems
Amoy Street Food Centre is a lesser-known but equally delightful hawker centre in Chinatown. It’s where you can find some of Singapore’s best-kept food secrets, away from the usual tourist trails.
What to Eat:
A Noodle Story: Combining Japanese ramen with Singaporean wonton noodles, this Michelin Bib Gourmand stall serves up a fusion experience like no other.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum: A Cultural and Spiritual Feast
While Chinatown is known for its food, it’s also home to cultural gems like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum. This impressive temple, built in the Tang Dynasty architectural style, houses a sacred relic believed to be the tooth of Buddha. It’s not just a spiritual stop—there’s a vegetarian eatery in the basement offering traditional Buddhist fare.
What to Eat:
Vegetarian Dishes: The temple’s basement offers a variety of simple, wholesome vegetarian meals prepared in accordance with Buddhist traditions.
Why Visit:
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is an awe-inspiring cultural experience and provides a serene counterbalance to the bustling streets of Chinatown. For visitors on a Singapore food tour, it offers a chance to discover a different side of local cuisine, focused on simple, spiritual nourishment. Plus, it’s an essential stop for anyone on a local tour in Singapore seeking to connect with the city’s heritage and spirituality.
Why Choose a Small Group Food Tour For Visit Chinatown?
If you’re a food lover eager to immerse yourself in Singapore’s rich culinary landscape, a small group tour offers a more personalised experience. With the guidance of expert tour guides in Singapore, you’ll gain insider knowledge and a deeper appreciation of the city’s food culture.
Chinatown is a feast for the senses, offering an unparalleled culinary experience that reflects Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage. Whether you’re joining a small group tour or exploring on your own, these five spots are essential for any traveller looking to dive deep into the heart of local tours in Singapore!
For those seeking a more curated experience, the Michelin & Local Hawker Food Tour provides the perfect balance of Michelin-endorsed dishes and authentic hawker fare. Led by expert tour guides in Singapore, you’ll enjoy the best that Chinatown has to offer, one delicious bite at a time.
Download the Monster Play App today for insider tips and exclusive deals from local brands like Singtel, Killiney, Kele, and many more!
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