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Singapore is often ranked among the world’s most expensive cities. Yet, despite this pricey reputation, it’s still entirely possible to find delicious, affordable meals for under S$10. Many of these budget-friendly bites are tucked away in beloved local haunts: hawker centres. These unassuming foodie havens serve up a wide variety of cuisines, from local spins on “Western” dishes such as fish and chips, to iconic staples like Hainanese chicken rice—and so much more.

On your next visit, be sure to add a few of these must-try hawker centres to your itinerary. If you’re after a culinary adventure packed with local delights that won’t break the bank, the Singapore Tourist Pass makes it easy to hop between them. Each of the hawker centres listed here is conveniently located near an MRT station, so you can explore, and eat, your way around the island with ease.

Jump to the end for the full directory

1. Maxwell Food Centre

Located at the junction of South Bridge Road and Maxwell Road, Maxwell Food Centre (formerly Maxwell Market) is just steps away from Maxwell MRT on the Thomson-East Coast Line. Since opening in 1987, it’s been home to a wide range of beloved hawker stalls, some of which have become legendary in Singapore’s food scene.

One crowd favourite is the sliced fish bee hoon from Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon, a comforting bowl of rice vermicelli served in a light, made-to-order broth with fresh slices of fish (S$5 to S$7).

Meanwhile, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice draws long lines for its silky steamed chicken and fragrant rice, with sets priced between S$5 and S$9 (or a whole chicken for S$32, still under S$10 per person 😉).

For something lighter, head to Mr. Appam for putu mayam (S$3 for two pieces) or appam (S$3.20 to S$5), a thin, soft pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk.

2. Adam Road Food Centre

A smaller but equally beloved spot, Adam Road Food Centre sits in the Bukit Timah area, just a short stroll from Botanic Gardens MRT on the Circle Line. Though more compact than Maxwell, this hawker centre draws steady crowds thanks to its lineup of award-winning, Halal-certified stalls and wallet-friendly meals under S$10.

Try Bahrakath Mutton Soup, known for its comforting sup kambing (mutton soup), bowls priced between S$7 to S$8, or indulge in Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak’s offering of fluffy, fragrant coconut rice, homemade sambal (hot chili sauce), crispy anchovies, peanuts, and your choice of proteins, with prices ranging from S$4 to S$7.

If you’re in the mood for something soupy and slurp-worthy, Selamat Datang Warong Pak Sapari’s mee soto is a delicious pick for just S$4.50.

3. Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre

Nestled in Singapore’s Malay-Muslim cultural district, Geylang Serai Food Centre is just a 5-minute walk from Paya Lebar MRT on the East-West Line. If you’re after bold, vibrant flavours, this is the place to be.

A signature dish here is Indian rojak, a mix of deep-fried prawn fritters, tofu, potatoes, and eggs, served with a thick, sweet-spicy dip. Try it at Rojak & Mee Siam, where queues are common but worth the wait. Items are priced individually from S$0.80 to S$1.50, so you can customise your plate and still keep it under S$10.

Another must-try is Otak-Otak Kampung, which serves traditional otak-otak, a spiced fish cake wrapped in banana leaf and grilled to perfection. The stall offers just one type, made fresh daily, and you can get two pieces for S$3 or five for S$4.50.

For something more substantial, head to the longstanding Geylang Briyani Stall, which serves generous portions of nasi briyani ayam (chicken) or kambing (mutton) for just S$7.

4. Tekka Centre

This well-loved hawker centre is located in the heart of Little India, right next to Little India MRT on the North East Line. A sheltered walkway connects the station directly to the market, so you’ll stay dry even on rainy days. Widely known as a melting pot of Singapore’s multicultural cuisine, Tekka Centre offers something for every palate.

Craving more briyani? Stop by Allauddin’s Briyani, a Michelin-recommended offering mutton, chicken, or fish briyani for just S$7.

545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles serves up hae mee (prawn noodles) for just S$5, and you can choose to have it dry or with soup.

For locals’ favourite, order roti prata (fried flatbread) at Prata Saga Sambal Berlada, two plain prata cost S$2.50.

And if you’re still feeling peckish, a masala dosa from Deen Food Stall for just S$2.50. This South Indian dish features a savoury crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, stuffed with a tasty, spiced potato curry.

5. Albert Centre Market & Food Centre

Next on the list is Albert Centre, one of Singapore’s oldest hawker centres and a go-to destination for Michelin-listed stalls and heritage eats. It’s a short 3 to 5-minute walk from Bugis MRT, accessible via both the East-West and Downtown Lines.

Bai Nian Niang Dou Fu often draws the longest queues with its yong tau foo priced at S$6.90. Each bowl is served with a generous portion of rice vermicelli, and an assortment of handmade pork meatballs, prawn balls, and bitter gourd stuffed with fish paste.

For dessert, Zheng Xing Mei Shi, offers warm tau suan (split mung beans in syrup) and green bean & sago, each for just S$2.20.

Nearby, Singapore Famous Rojak serves Chinese-style rojak, a mix of fresh fruits like pineapple and vegetables such as cucumber, bean sprouts, and sweet turnip. Everything is tossed in a sweet, savoury prawn paste dressing and topped with ground roasted peanuts. A plate costs S$3.50 to S$4.50.

6. Hong Lim Market & Food Centre

Home to over 100 hawker stalls, Hong Lim Market & Food Centre is a two-storey gem near Chinatown MRT. If you’re already visiting Maxwell Food Centre, it’s just a short walk away, making it easy to continue your food trail.

Start at Tanglin Crispy Curry Puff, known for its handmade, golden-brown pastries. Choose from four flavours: chicken curry, sardine curry, otah, or yam, all priced at just S$2 each. These make the perfect on-the-go snack!

For a more filling option, try Ah Heng Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee’s offering of rich, aromatic curry noodles with tender and juicy pieces of chicken, priced between S$6.50 and S$8.50, depending on portion size.

Prefer seafood? Don’t miss the laksa from Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa, a Michelin-recognised stall known for its creamy, spicy broth and flavourful toppings like prawn and fishcake. A small bowl starts at S$7.

7. Tiong Bahru Market

Formerly known as Seng Poh Road Market, Tiong Bahru Market opened in 1951 and has since become a landmark in one of Singapore’s trendiest neighbourhoods, lined with chic cafes, bars, and yoga studios. A favourite among both locals and expats, it’s easily accessible from Tiong Bahru MRT on the East-West Line, just a 5 to 8-minute walk away.

If you’re after a light bite, head to Tiong Bahru Pau & Snack, known for its handmade pau (steamed buns) that have been baked fresh since 1969. Prices range from S$1 to S$2.50, depending on what you order.

For more dim sum, try the chee cheong fun (steamed rice rolls) at Grandpa Homemade Cheung Fun. Prices start at S$3.90 for plain rolls, and go up to S$5.80 for fillings like prawn and char siew (barbecued pork).

Nearby, Tiong Bahru Lor Mee attracts long queues for its hearty bowls of lor mee that are priced between S$4 and S$6, depending on portion size.

Another must-try is Koh Brother Pig’s Organ Soup, which earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2019. This stall specialises in Teochew-style clear soup with salted mustard vegetables, lean meat, meatballs, and various offal, like kidneys, intestines, heart, and tripe. Each bowl costs between S$5 and S$9, and can be enjoyed on its own or with rice.

8. Old Airport Road Food Centre

Just a 5-minute walk from Mountbatten MRT on the Circle Line, Old Airport Road Food Centre boasts a rich history dating back to the 1970s. With over 150 stalls, it’s a long-time favourite for affordable, nostalgic hawker fare.

Start at Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff, renowned for its flaky, well-seasoned, handmade pastries generously filled with flavour-packed options like yam paste, sardine, and black pepper chicken. Each puff costs between S$1.80 and S$2, a small price for big flavour.

For heartier fare, visit To-Ricos Guo Shi, a popular spot for kway chap (S$6 to S$8 for individual servings).

If you’re craving roast meats, try Roast Paradise, which draws long queues daily for its Kuala Lumpur-style char siew, barbecued pork with glossy, caramelised edges. Prices start at S$4.50 for a small plate of char siew rice or noodles and go up to S$5.80 for a char siew and roast pork rice combo.

Finally, for something smoky and satisfying, try the char kway teow at Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow. Plates range from S$6 to S$8, depending on portion size.

9. Kovan Market & Food Centre

Located in the heartlands, away from the city centre, Kovan Food Centre is a weekend breakfast favourite for many locals. It’s right next to Kovan Heartland Mall and Kovan MRT on the North East Line.

For a quick breakfast or snack, check out Fatt Soon Kueh, which serves soon kueh, Chinese dumplings filled with julienned jicama, bamboo shoots, and dried shrimp. For just S$3.90, you get to pick a selection of three pieces.

Another staple here is the minced meat fishball noodle from Fa Ji Minced Meat Fishball Noodle, a family-run stall serving homestyle bowls with bouncy fishballs and savoury chili sauce. Prices range from S$5 to S$6.

End your visit on a sweet note with a traditional tau huay (soybean pudding) from Whampoa Soya Bean. Served hot or cold, and optionally topped with gingko nuts or red beans, this light dessert is both refreshing and satisfying. Prices range from $2.50 to S$3.50.

From heritage-rich classics to Michelin-recognised stalls, these nine hawker centres offer some of Singapore’s best local food experiences, all at budget-friendly prices. Whether you’re in the heartlands or city centre, each location is easily accessible by MRT and perfect for a self-guided food trail.

Scroll down for the full list of featured stalls and their addresses.

Please note that prices may change. The Singapore Tourist Pass team has checked the information carefully to ensure it was accurate at the time of publishing.