Looking for Chinatown Food? Find Great Deals Here!

Chinatown is an essential stop for anyone exploring Singapore or wanting to dive into the rich history of one of its liveliest neighbourhoods. With spots like Ann Siang Hill, Club Street, Amoy Street, Duxton Hill, and Keong Saik Road, this area combines traditional charm with a trendy, modern vibe. It’s packed with bustling streets we absolutely love! Dive into our ultimate guide to Chinatown and get ready to discover it all.

What You Should Know About Chinatown

Chinatown is a vibrant district in Singapore where history, culture, and culinary delights come together. Known for its lively atmosphere and rich heritage, this bustling area is also a haven for foodies, offering a wide variety of hawker stalls and restaurants that cater to every palate. Here’s what you need to know about Chinatown:

1. A Food Lover’s Paradise

Chinatown is synonymous with incredible food, boasting iconic food centres like Hong Lim Food Centre, Maxwell Food Centre, Amoy Street Food Centre, and the sprawling Chinatown Complex Market. These hawker centres serve up some of the best dishes in Singapore, including:

• Gong Minced Pork Noodle: A comforting bowl of noodles loaded with flavoursome minced pork and fresh fish dumplings
• Curry Chicken Mee: A rich, aromatic dish featuring tender chicken and noodles in a spicy curry broth
• Grilled Fish and Seafood: Enjoy smoky and perfectly grilled fish or other fresh seafood options from hawker stalls
• Egg Tarts and Pistachio Ice Cream: Satisfy your sweet tooth with flaky egg tarts or creamy pistachio ice cream

2. Chinatown Complex and Market Food Centre

The Chinatown Complex houses one of the largest hawker centres in Singapore, featuring over 260 stalls. It’s a must-visit for those craving authentic Chinese food, fresh seafood, fried chicken, pork belly dishes, and local specialities like beef balls and fish balls.

3. Hidden Gems and Unique Dining Experiences

• Potato Head Singapore: A quirky rooftop bar and restaurant offering great vibes, craft cocktails, and creative Asian-inspired dishes.
• Ding Garden Buffet: Located on Upper Cross Street, this is a fantastic spot for a BBQ buffet where you can enjoy grilled pork belly, fresh seafood, and more.

4. Iconic Street Food

Chinatown’s hawker stalls are famed for their unbeatable flavours and affordability. Don’t miss the legendary stalls at Hong Lim Market, serving specialities like curry chicken mee and pork belly dishes. The hawker fare is perfect for anyone eager to explore Singapore’s food scene.

5. Cultural and Shopping Highlights

Beyond the food, Chinatown offers cultural landmarks, traditional Chinese medicine shops, and vibrant street markets selling souvenirs and trinkets.

When You Should Go

Chinatown in Singapore is vibrant all year round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking to experience—whether it’s the buzzing food scene, cultural festivities, or an introspective exploration of its streets. Here’s a guide to help you plan your visit:

1. During Mealtimes for the Best Chinatown Food

To fully enjoy its gastronomic offerings, head to Chinatown during lunch or dinner. Popular food centres like Maxwell Food Centre, Hong Lim Food Centre, Amoy Street Food Centre, and the Chinatown Complex Market come alive at these times.

• Indulge in dishes like Gong Minced Pork Noodle, Curry Chicken Mee, or freshly made fish dumplings.
• Savour BBQ delights like grilled fish, pork belly, or fresh seafood at hawker stalls.
• Don’t miss sweet treats like egg tarts or creamy pistachio ice cream for dessert.

2. Evening for a BBQ Buffet Experience

Evenings are perfect for enjoying a relaxed BBQ buffet at places like Ding Garden Buffet on Upper Cross Street. The cool evening air enhances the experience as you grill pork belly, beef balls, and other fresh seafood delights.

3. During Festivals

Chinatown is a hotspot during Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. The streets are adorned with lanterns, and you’ll find festive stalls offering unique Chinese food, souvenirs, and seasonal treats. It’s a magical time to visit, but be prepared for crowds.

4. Early Mornings for Market Explorations

Start your day early to explore market food centres like Hong Lim Market or the Chinatown Complex Market, where you can find authentic hawker stall delicacies and experience the bustling morning energy.

5. Nighttime for Entertainment and Drinks

Nighttime is when the area truly shines, with vibrant nightlife options like Potato Head Singapore, where you can enjoy creative cocktails and chill vibes. It’s also a quieter time to stroll through Chinatown’s streets and enjoy its illuminated beauty.

6. Weekdays vs. Weekends

• Weekdays: Quieter, less crowded, and perfect for exploring food centres or grabbing a relaxed meal of fried chicken, fish balls, or grilled fish
• Weekends: Bustling and energetic, with more stalls open, making it ideal for food lovers keen to explore all the offerings

Travelling to Chinatown

Getting to Chinatown in Singapore is easy and convenient, with multiple transport options to this vibrant hub of history, culture, and delicious food. Whether you’re planning to explore its iconic landmarks or indulge in the amazing Chinatown food scene, here’s how to get there:

1. By MRT

The most efficient way to reach Chinatown is via the MRT. Take the Downtown Line or the North East Line to Chinatown MRT Station (NE4/DT19). The station exits lead directly into the heart of Chinatown, near attractions like the Chinatown Complex Market and popular food hubs like Hong Lim Food Centre and Maxwell Food Centre.

2. By Bus

Several bus routes serve Chinatown, stopping near places like Upper Cross Street, where you can enjoy a BBQ buffet at Ding Garden Buffet, or explore nearby hawker stalls for delights like fried chicken, fish balls, or grilled fish.

3. By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps

For a more direct option, taxis or ride-hailing services like Grab can take you straight to Chinatown’s hotspots. Mention landmarks like the Chinatown Complex or Potato Head Singapore to guide your driver.

4. By Car

Driving is convenient if you plan to explore multiple locations or shop extensively. Parking is available near major spots, such as the Chinatown Complex Market or Hong Lim Market.

Exploring Chinatown Once You Arrive

Food Adventures

Dive into Chinatown’s incredible food offerings by visiting famous food centres like:

• Maxwell Food Centre: Known for hawker staples like gong minced pork noodles and curry chicken mee
• Amoy Street Food Centre: Perfect for grabbing pistachio ice cream, egg tarts, or fresh fish dumplings
• Hong Lim Food Centre: A favourite spot for authentic Chinese food and fresh seafood options

Cultural Exploration

Beyond the food, Chinatown offers temples, heritage sites, and vibrant markets, making it a complete sensory experience.

Pro Tips for Travelling

• Plan your visit during non-peak hours for a smoother MRT or bus ride.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll want to stroll through the charming streets, explore hawker stalls, and shop for souvenirs.
• Whet your appetite—whether it’s a sit-down BBQ buffet or quick bites like pork belly skewers, Chinatown is a food lover’s paradise!

With its seamless accessibility and endless attractions, Chinatown guarantees an unforgettable journey into Singapore’s rich heritage and culinary wonders.

30+ Best Places to Get Chinatown Food

1. 99 Old Trees

Menu: Durian
Website: https://www.99oldtrees.com/

The ultimate durian lover’s paradise, 99 Old Trees offers fresh durian just the way you like it: dehusked, frozen, as paste, or sliced for your next party.

2. Chef Leung’s Authentic Hand-Milled Rice Noodle Rolls

Menu: Authentic Cantonese Breakfast Dishes
Website: https://www.facebook.com/chefleungcf

Breakfast doesn’t get any more authentic than it does at Chef Leung, where you can start your day with steamy and succulent soup dumplings, prawn dumplings or siew mai.

3. Chew Kee Eating House

Menu: Soy Sauce Chicken
Website: https://chewkee.com/

Your go-to for scrumptious soy chicken, Chew Kee serves up its signature entree with hor fun, noodles, or rice, along with soup and veggies on the side.

4. Chilli Pan Mee

Menu: Noodles, Rice, Snacks, Soups
Website: http://www.chillipanmee.com/

This family restaurant serves fresh and traditionally prepared Chili Pan Mee, along with other Malaysian favourites such as five spice pork roll with rice, and sweet and sour pork or fish.

5. Chong Qing Grilled Fish

Menu: Chinese Cuisine
Website: https://www.cqgf.com.sg/

Famous for its combination of grilled fish and Sichuan hotpot, Chong Qing Grilled Fish boasts a marinade made up of over 20 herbs and spices and a culinary tradition that goes way back to the era of the Three Kingdoms.

6. Don Dae Bak Restaurant

Menu: Korean BBQ Buffet
Website: https://www.dondaebak.com/

This authentic Korean charcoal barbecue haven serves top-quality chicken, pork, and beef grilled over a hotter, longer cooking fire. Be sure to try their Golbaengi Muchim, Bossam, Jeyuk Bokkum, and more!

7. Dong Bei Ren Jia

Menu: Northeastern Chinese Cuisine
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Dongbeirenjia/

Have a hearty meal at Dong Bei Ren Jian, home to authentic northeastern cuisine with the kind of hometown-cooking flavours craved by locals and true-blue Chinese gourmets.

8. Guo Fu Steamboat

Menu: Steamboat Restaurant
Website: https://www.guofu.sg/

This is one steamboat you won’t ever want to disembark—home to its famous fat cow hotpot, each diner gets to dig into a personal pot of premium beef instead of dipping into a giant, communal wok—more hygienic, and definitely more hearty, wholesome goodness.

9. Hao Lai Wu

Menu: Buffet
Website: https://www.facebook.com/haolaiwu.bbq/

Not just a meal but a full-on dining experience, Hao Lai Wu Steamboat & BBQ features a costumed all-you-can-eat buffet (as in costumes you can wear as you dine will be provided). Their a la carte buffet features more than 80 ingredients including meat, seafood, and vegetables.

10. Heng Kee Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee

Menu: Curry Chicken
Website: https://www.facebook.com/raytay6767/

A 2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee, Heng Kee Curry Chicken Noodles has had a huge fan base since it first opened more than 60 years ago. You’ll fall in love with their aromatic curry with lemon grass, pandan leaves, and beancurd puffs or tau pok.

11. Kok Sen Restaurant

Menu: Seafood, Frogs, Prawn, Pork, Fish, Beef, Chicken, Noodles, Rice

Website: https://koksen.oddle.me/en_SG/

A Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee in 2019, Kok Sen has been serving Sze Char cuisine favourites such as its signature Big Prawns Bee Hoon Soup for almost 50 years.

12. Koo Kee Yong Tow Foo Mee

Menu: Chinese Cuisine
Website: https://www.gaojifood.com/

A member of the Gao Ji Food group of companies, Koo Kee Yong Tow Foo Mee serves favourites like Hotplate Bean Paste Yong Tow Foo with Rice, Hong Kong Style Fried Beancurd, and Laksa Yong Tow Foo With Chee Cheong Fun.

13. Li Ji Chuan Chuan Xiang

Menu: Chinese Cuisine
Website: https://lijichuanchuan.sg/Page/12/Home

Choose from Li Ji Chuan Chuan Xiang’s wide range of classic Sichuan cuisine including vegetables, cold dishes, special snacks, staple food, Bobo chicken, and hot pot.

14. Liao Fan Hawker Chan

Menu: Chicken Restaurant
Website: https://www.liaofanhawkerchan.com/

Hawker Chan is famous for being the first hawker in the world to be awarded one Michelin star. For more than 30 years, patrons have enjoyed their signature soya sauce chicken rice, roasted pork noodles, char siew rice, and more.

15. Mei Heong Yuen Dessert

Menu: Desserts
Website: https://www.meiheongyuendessert.com.sg/

For a refreshingly different dessert experience, come to Mei Heong Yuen Dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth with a wide range of snow ice, puddings, cakes, dumplings, and paste.

16. Miznon

Menu: Middle Eastern Cuisine
Website: https://miznonsingapore.com/

Miznon serves a wide range of unique “in-a-pita” and “out-of-pita” creations with ingredients such as burning melanzana eggplant, candy brisket, and fish shawarma.

17. Nanyang Old Coffee

Menu: Coffee
Website: https://nanyangoldcoffee.com/

Indulge your hankering after the good, old days at Nanyang Old Coffee, where you can immerse yourself in a nostalgic, old-world atmosphere as you sip a hot kopi or teh.

18. Nomiya

Menu: Japanese Cuisine
Website: https://nomiya.sg/

Whether you have Japanese fusion for lunch or dine on Izakaya delights after dark, Nomiya serves up a good time along with great sake.

19. Old Chengdu Sichuan

Menu: Sichuan Cuisine
Website: http://oldchengdu.com.sg/

Old Cheng Du has been featured in a CCTV4 documentary for its authentic Sichuan cuisine and culinary traditions which go all the way back to the Qing Dynasty in the 17th century.

20. Oriental Chinese Restaurant

Menu: Chinese Cuisine
Website: https://orientalchineserestaurant.com/

For almost 20 years, Oriental Chinese Restaurant has made the Dong Bei and Szechuan dining experience more accessible to Singaporeans and Mainland Chinese patrons.

21. Pek Sin Choon

Menu: Tea and Coffee Shop
Website: https://peksinchoon.com/

Diehard tea lovers revere Pek Sin Choon for its Nanyang tea, along with a wide, yet select range of teas including oolong, red, green, white, and ripe and raw puerh.

22. Red Star Restaurant

Menu: Cantonese Cuisine
Website: https://www.red-star.com.sg/

A legend on the Singapore dining scene, Red Star Restaurant stands out for its unique push-cart dim sum service with freshly made, proudly old-school dim sum selection.

23. Smith Street Taps

Menu: Beers, Fried Chicken, Cutlets
Website: https://www.facebook.com/smithstreettaps/

This ever-popular bar and restaurant serves up winning combos such as cutlets + beer and chicken + beer. They have not just happy hours, but happy sessions at Smith Street Taps.

24. Spring Court

Menu: Chinese Cuisine
Website: https://www.springcourt.com.sg/

Since 1929, Spring Court (which was first called Wing Choon Yuen) has been the restaurant of choice for weddings and other joyous occasions with VIP rooms and karaoke facilities.

25 . Steamov

Menu: Hot Pot
Website: https://steamov.sg/

Steamov specialises in Mala Hot Pot, famous for its strong, spicy flavours and fresh ingredients. They also serve classic savoury hot pot and other traditional dishes.

26. Tang Kay Kee Fish Head Bee Hoon

Menu: Lunch Bowls
Website: https://tangkaykee.cococart.co/

Tang Kay Kee is famous for their zichar menu along with other delectable entrees such as their beef don, garlic shabu bowl, happy chicken bowl, and of course their fish head bee hoon.

27. The Food Peeps Coffee and Deli

Menu: Cafe
Website: https://www.thefoodpeeps.com/

A lab for unpretentious, homemade food, The Food Peeps serve all-time favourites such as their acai bowl, toast, lox & croissant, smoked salmon pasta, and rendang pasta.

28. The Populus

Menu: Cafe
Website: https://thepopulus.cafe/

The Populus offers flavours from around the world with a menu that includes truffled mushroom soup with cheese toastie, slow-cooked beef cheek, pulled lamb sanger burger, and their seasonal special, beef ragu mafaldine.

29. Thirty Six Brewlab & Smokehouse

Menu: Steak
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ThirtySixSG/

On top of their selection of premium beers, Thirty Six Brewlab & Smokehouse serves savoury entrees such as French oysters with traditional mignonette of red wine vinegar and shallots, lemon and a dash of Tabasco. Be sure to have their desserts like the Honey Pineapple with cinnamon sugar, fresh mint & vanilla gelato.

30. Tong Heng

Menu: Traditional Cantonese Pastries
Website: https://tongheng.com.sg/

Sate your sweet cravings at Tong Heng, where their handmade goodies have brought smiles to patrons’ faces since 1935. Be sure to check out their mooncakes and egg tart ice cream.

31. Whampoa Soya Bean

Menu: Soya Bean Drinks and Desserts
Website: https://www.facebook.com/whampoasoyabean/

Soya fans will have found their paradise at Whampoa Soya Bean where they can quench their thirst with a tall soya drink or indulge in some traditional bean curd with your choice of toppings.

32. Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine

Menu: Hunan Cuisine
Website: https://xiangxianghunancuisine.com/

Since it first opened its doors on Smith Street, Chinatown in 2009, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine has grown its fan base for its authentic flavours and signature dishes. Be sure to try their Hunan Stir-fry Pork, Golden Broth Sour and Spicy Fish, and 18-Second Angus Beef Stir-fry.

33. Xiao Gege

Menu: Desserts
Website: https://adamxiaogege2015.wixsite.com/xiao-gege-pastry-sho

For dessert lovers, walking into Xiao Gege is like walking into paradise. Take your pick of their delectable selection of snowball mochi, cake boxes, crepe rolls, cake rolls, and more.

Find the Best Dining Deals Ever at Chinatown’s Hawker Centres

When it comes to authentic flavours, a vibrant atmosphere, and unbeatable prices, Chinatown’s hawker centres in Singapore are the ultimate food destination. Here, you can indulge in must-have dishes that combine the sweet and savoury flavours of traditional street Singapore cooking, all served up with charm and heritage.

Each hawker stall delivers a unique story through its food, capturing the essence of Singapore’s street food heritage. With an array of local dishes crafted using traditional recipes, Chinatown’s hawker centres are an essential stop for any food lover. Keep an eye out for these standout stalls:

1. Ann Chin Handmade Popiah

Menu: Spring Rolls
Website: https://www.annchinpopiah.com.sg/

On top of their famous handmade, customisable popiah, Ann Chin Popiah serves savoury bowls of laksa and sets of Kueh Pie Tee.

2. CMY Satay

Menu: Satay
Website: https://www.facebook.com/168SATAY

168 CMY Satay serves their signature, Michelin-recognised dish with pineapple sauce in Indonesian and Chinese-style variations.

3. Fatty Ox HK Kitchen

Menu: Hong Kong Cantonese Food
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fattyoxhk

You’ll love the beef brisket noodles at Fatty Ox Hong Kong Kitchen, along with their steaming pot dishes, roast duck, and char siew.

4. Jin Feng Mei Shi

Menu: Chinese Cuisine
Website: Jin Feng Mei Shi

Dig into all-time favourites at Jin Feng Mei Shi such as prawn sauce chicken wings, crispy fried tofu, and yang chow fried rice.

5. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

Menu: Chicken Rice
Website: https://www.instagram.com/tiantianchicken/

The legendary chicken rice mentioned in the same breath as Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain is irresistible whether roasted or steamed.

Experience Singapore’s Chinatown for Great Food and More

Singapore’s Chinatown is a treasure trove of mouthwatering delights, where rich heritage meets a vibrant food scene. Whether you’re on the hunt for classic hawker fare, indulgent meals, or unique treats, there’s something here to excite your taste buds.

From the bustling Chinatown Complex Market to the famous Hong Lim Food Centre, this area is home to countless hawker centres offering must-try dishes like gong minced pork noodles, chee cheong fun, mapo tofu, and dim sum. Head to Maxwell Food Centre, where locals and tourists alike rave about flavorful offerings like grilled fish, beef balls, and other culinary delights.

For those seeking variety, indulge in a BBQ buffet at Ding Garden Buffet on Upper Cross Street or savour deep-fried goodness like crispy spring rolls and crispy skin fish head. Don’t miss hidden gems like Kitchen HK on the second floor of food hubs, or cafes like Yole Cafe, known for their delectable desserts such as pistachio brioche and box cakes.

Chinatown is not only a lunch hotspot for office workers with weekday lunch specials, but also a place to discover unique offerings like spicy bullfrog, rich soup bases, and tong heng egg tarts. Whether you’re looking to explore the vibrant streets around Chinatown MRT Station, take a stroll down Bridge Road, or simply grab a quick bite, Singapore’s Chinatown is the ultimate destination for food lovers.