Hawker classics, restaurant hidden gems and café recommendations — all in one place.
Cuisine
Budget
Orchard / Islandwide
The world-famous Taiwanese dim sum institution. Singapore has several outlets and they're all consistently excellent.
Must try
💡 Join the queue in person — no reservations. Arrive 15 min before opening.
Get DirectionsLavender / Jalan Besar
Late-night dim sum institution since 1962. Open until 6 am on weekends — perfect for a post-supper feast.
Must try
💡 Opens at 11 am and from 10 pm. Busiest midnight–3 am on weekends.
Get DirectionsOrchard
The gold standard for Peking Duck in Singapore — skin carved tableside and wrapped in thin pancakes.
Must try
💡 Pre-order the Peking Duck at least a day in advance.
Get DirectionsChinatown
Modern Hong Kong-style dim sum with creative twists — salted egg lava bao and charcoal custard tarts.
Must try
💡 Book ahead for weekend brunch.
Get DirectionsOrchard / Islandwide
Famous for its colourful eight-flavour xiao long bao — eight different fillings in eight different-coloured dumplings.
Must try
💡 Each XLB colour is a different flavour (truffle, foie gras, etc.).
Get DirectionsIslandwide (malls)
Classic old-school Cantonese home cooking. The slow-simmered soups, steamed fish and braised pork belly are soul-soothing.
Must try
💡 Set menus offer best value for groups of 4–6.
Get DirectionsIslandwide (malls)
A reliable mall-based chain for hand-pulled noodles and quality Shanghai dim sum. Dough pulled fresh to order.
Must try
💡 Weekday lunch set menus are excellent value.
Get DirectionsThomson / Novena
Competing fiercely with Tian Tian for best chicken rice. Silky-smooth birds, fragrant pandan rice, punchy chilli sauce.
Must try
💡 Try both poached and roasted side by side.
Get DirectionsIslandwide (malls)
The world's most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant chain — Hong Kong-style dim sum at hawker prices. The baked BBQ pork buns are legendary.
Must try
💡 The baked BBQ pork buns are a must — order double. Peak waits at weekends.
Get DirectionsIslandwide
Michelin-starred Fujian cuisine — a regional Chinese cooking style rarely found outside China. The lor mee and pork ribs are exceptional.
Must try
💡 Book in advance. The lunch set is more affordable than dinner.
Get DirectionsKeppel / Outram
Singapore's most famous bak kut teh (pork rib soup) — a dark, peppery Teochew-style herbal soup that's been drawing queues for decades.
Must try
💡 Best for breakfast or supper. They've been open since the 1970s. Cash only.
Get DirectionsKatong / East
The definitive bowl of Katong-style laksa — a thick coconut milk soup with short, cut noodles and cockles. Eaten with a spoon only.
Must try
💡 Eat with a spoon only — the noodles are pre-cut so they're manageable.
Get DirectionsLavender / Kallang
The world's most affordable Michelin-starred meal — bak chor mee (minced pork noodles) that has earned a star for decades.
Must try
💡 Opens 9 am. Queue by 8:30 am on weekends. The wait is 30–60 min but absolutely worth it.
Get DirectionsIslandwide (malls)
The world's most famous hot pot chain — legendary for its service, entertainment and theatrical noodle-pulling performance.
Must try
💡 Book in advance or prepare to wait. Free manicures and games while you queue.
Get DirectionsClarke Quay / Islandwide
One of Singapore's most iconic bak kut teh brands — the peppery Teochew-style broth is darker and more complex than Ya Hua's lighter style.
Must try
💡 The original Clarke Quay outlet has the most character. Breakfast or brunch is ideal.
Get DirectionsMetropole Hotel / Bugis
A unique Chinese fine dining concept built around traditional Chinese medicine herbs — the resident physician recommends dishes to your constitution.
Must try
💡 A truly unique experience — ask for a constitution consultation at the door.
Get DirectionsTampines / East
Authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum and roast meats in the East — a favourite for Tampines residents who don't want to go into the city.
Must try
💡 Go for weekend dim sum. The roasted meats sell out by 2 pm.
Get DirectionsIslandwide (malls)
Chinese imperial court-style restaurant inspired by ancient dynasty eateries — dramatic décor and exceptional slow-braised dishes.
Must try
💡 The drama of the setting is worth experiencing. Group lunch sets are good value.
Get DirectionsUpper Serangoon / Northeast
Homestyle Teochew cooking — the porridge spread with over 30 dishes is one of the most authentic Teochew dining experiences in Singapore.
Must try
💡 The orh nee dessert is legendary — order in advance as it runs out.
Get DirectionsJalan Besar / Lavender
A heritage fish head steamboat restaurant since 1949 — the giant clay pot of fish head, tofu and vegetables in a rich broth.
Must try
💡 Order the large steamboat for groups. The broth is meant for refilling.
Get Directions