Best Food in Singapore's Chinatown: A Culinary Journey

Singapore's Chinatown is a vibrant and bustling district renowned for its rich cultural heritage and, most notably, its incredible array of culinary delights. From traditional hawker stalls to upscale dining establishments, Chinatown offers a gastronomic experience like no other. In this article, we will explore the best food that Chinatown has to offer, delving into must-try dishes, hidden gems, and the cultural significance behind these culinary creations.

1. Hawker Delights: A Taste of Tradition

Chinatown’s hawker centers are the heart and soul of the district’s food scene. These open-air food courts are where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy affordable, authentic Singaporean dishes. Maxwell Food Centre is one of the most famous hawker centers in Chinatown, boasting a wide variety of stalls, each offering something unique.

• Hainanese Chicken Rice: No visit to Chinatown would be complete without trying Hainanese Chicken Rice. This simple yet flavorful dish consists of tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by a trio of sauces—chili, garlic, and dark soy sauce. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, located in Maxwell Food Centre, is a stall that has garnered international acclaim, even receiving praise from celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay.

• Char Kway Teow: This stir-fried noodle dish is a staple in Singaporean cuisine. Made with flat rice noodles, prawns, eggs, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts, all tossed in a sweet and savory soy sauce, Char Kway Teow is a dish that delivers on flavor. Head to Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee, another renowned stall in Chinatown, for a plate of this delicious dish.

• Laksa: A spicy noodle soup with a rich coconut milk base, Laksa is a must-try for anyone visiting Chinatown. The dish is typically made with rice noodles, prawns, and cockles, and is flavored with a blend of spices and herbs that create a harmonious balance of flavors. Sungei Road Laksa, located near Chinatown, is a favorite spot for this dish.

2. Dim Sum and Chinese Delicacies: A Feast for the Senses

Chinatown is home to some of the best dim sum and Chinese delicacies in Singapore. These bite-sized portions of food are typically served in steamer baskets or on small plates and are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

• Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant: This iconic dim sum restaurant has been a staple in Chinatown for decades. Open late into the night, Swee Choon is the go-to spot for both locals and tourists craving dim sum after a night out. Some of the must-try dishes include the liu sha bao (salted egg yolk custard buns), siew mai (pork dumplings), and har gow (prawn dumplings).

• Yum Cha Restaurant: Located in the heart of Chinatown, Yum Cha offers an authentic dim sum experience with a wide selection of dishes. The restaurant is particularly known for its char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), cheong fun (rice noodle rolls), and xiao long bao (soup dumplings). The traditional setting, complete with pushcarts carrying steaming baskets of dim sum, adds to the charm of this dining experience.

• Chinese Desserts: No meal in Chinatown would be complete without sampling some traditional Chinese desserts. Tong Heng Delicacies is famous for its egg tarts—flaky, buttery pastry filled with smooth, sweet egg custard. Another popular dessert is Cheng Tng, a sweet soup made with dried longan, barley, white fungus, and lotus seeds, which can be found at many dessert stalls in Chinatown.

3. Modern Twists: Fusion Cuisine in Chinatown

While Chinatown is steeped in tradition, it is also a place where modernity meets heritage, particularly in the culinary scene. Several restaurants in Chinatown have embraced fusion cuisine, combining traditional flavors with contemporary techniques.

• LeVeL33: Known as the world’s highest urban microbrewery, LeVeL33 offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of the city skyline. The restaurant’s menu features dishes that are a fusion of European and Asian flavors, such as the Sambal Barramundi and the Beer Malt Risotto. The use of craft beer in the cooking process adds a distinctive twist to the dishes.

• Meta Restaurant: A Michelin-starred restaurant in Chinatown, Meta is renowned for its innovative approach to fusion cuisine. Chef Sun Kim blends Korean flavors with French culinary techniques, resulting in dishes like Wagyu Beef Tartare with Gochujang and Galbi-Jjim with Truffle and Foie Gras. The tasting menu at Meta is a culinary journey that reflects the multicultural nature of Singapore.

• Nouri: Another Michelin-starred gem in Chinatown, Nouri is a restaurant that focuses on cross-cultural cuisine. Chef Ivan Brehm’s creations are inspired by his travels and experiences, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and novel. The Bread and Bouillon starter, which features house-made sourdough bread served with a broth made from Japanese, Italian, and Brazilian ingredients, is a perfect example of Nouri’s fusion philosophy.

4. Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path

Beyond the popular eateries and hawker stalls, Chinatown is also home to several hidden gems that offer unique culinary experiences.

• Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle: This humble hawker stall gained international fame when it became the world’s first Michelin-starred hawker stall. The signature dish, Soya Sauce Chicken Rice, is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a mouthwatering meal. The chicken is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, spices, and herbs, then roasted to perfection and served with rice.

• The Coconut Club: While not located directly in Chinatown, The Coconut Club is just a short walk away and is worth the visit for its Nasi Lemak. This traditional Malay dish, which consists of coconut rice, fried chicken, sambal (spicy chili paste), and a variety of side dishes, is elevated to new heights at The Coconut Club. The restaurant’s commitment to using only the finest ingredients, including fresh coconuts from Malaysia, has earned it a loyal following.

• Nanyang Old Coffee: For a taste of traditional Singaporean coffee, head to Nanyang Old Coffee, a cozy café in Chinatown that serves up Kopi (local coffee) brewed using the traditional sock-brewing method. Pair your Kopi with Kaya Toast, a beloved local snack made with toasted bread, kaya (coconut jam), and butter.

Conclusion

Chinatown in Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the area. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional hawker fare, dim sum, fusion cuisine, or something off the beaten path, Chinatown has something to satisfy every palate. So, the next time you find yourself in Singapore, make sure to take a culinary journey through Chinatown—you won’t be disappointed.