Delicious foods always delight our days. Traveling to a new area in the planet, we are excited to follow the call of the best local dishes as they make our trips completed perfectly. Especially dishes with the local spirit, they are there for us to have a true feeling of the land we are exploring and the air we are breathing.
Singapore has never ever confused travelers in choosing food for the day. As a culinary paradise, Singapore offers myriad of local and international restaurants at different classes. But we are sure that you are looking for the most authentic flavors of the city, served at the places local people eat everyday.
In this article, we introduce top favorite food of Singaporeans and best places to eat each type of them. All places are highly recommended by local foodies.
1. 7 Best Chilli Crab Restaurants in Singapore Loved by Locals and Visitors
Image: Red House Seafood
Chilli crab is one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes and a must-try for locals and visitors alike. Over the years, we have reviewed many seafood restaurants across the island to identify which truly stand out for flavour, freshness, and overall dining experience.
This updated guide to the top-rated chilli crab in Singapore focuses on places that consistently deliver bold, well-balanced sauces, meaty crabs, and a memorable experience, not just tourist hype.
Whether you are looking for a famous name or a reliable local favourite, these are the chilli crab restaurants you must try.
If you enjoy fresh seafood beyond chilli crab, you may also want to explore our guide to the Most Popular Seafood Restaurants in Singapore, which features a broader range of seafood dining options across the island.
2. Chicken Rice, Done Right: 8 Places We Keep Going Back To
Chicken rice is one of few local dishes served on the menu of Singapore Airlines. It is also listed at number 45 on the World’s 50 most delicious foods complied by CNN Go in 2011.
Chicken rice can be found anywhere in Singapore, from hawker stalls, and franchised outlets to restaurants. This tasty and reasonably priced food is one of the daily meal choices of locals and travelers.
Herein are the five best Chicken Rice in Singapore you should concern above all.
Chicken rice is one of those dishes we think we know well. It looks simple. It feels familiar. And yet, the difference between an average plate and a memorable one can be surprisingly clear. The rice has to be fragrant but not oily. The chicken must be tender without feeling bland. The chilli should lift the flavour, not overpower it.
Over time, I have realised that everyone has a personal favourite, often tied to childhood memories, office lunch spots, or weekend routines. Some prefer silky poached chicken. Others insist on roasted skin with deeper flavour. So instead of chasing hype, this list focuses on places that continue to draw steady crowds for a reason. From hawker icons to heritage restaurants, these are eight chicken rice spots in Singapore that are still worth your time.
Quick Comparison: Best Chicken Rice in Singapore
Restaurant
Type
Location
Google Rating
Boon Tong Kee
Restaurant Chain
Balestier
⭐ 4.2
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
Famous Hawker Stall
Maxwell Food Centre
⭐ 4.3
Chatterbox
Premium Restaurant
Orchard
⭐ 4.4
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hawker Stall
Maxwell Food Centre
⭐ 4.2
Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice
Restaurant Chain
Novena / United Square
⭐ 4.2
Chin Chin Eating House
Heritage Restaurant
Purvis Street
⭐ 4.1
Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice
Local Restaurant
East Coast
⭐ 4.0
Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice
Heritage Restaurant
Balestier
⭐ 4.1
1. Boon Tong Kee
Image: Boon Tong Kee
Whenever I want chicken rice in a setting where I can sit comfortably and take my time, Boon Tong Kee is usually the first to come to mind. It feels relaxed and suitable for longer meals, especially with family or friends.
The poached chicken has that silky texture many people look for. It is moist, tender, and carefully prepared without feeling overly soft. The rice remains fluffy and balanced, pairing well with the ginger paste and chilli. It may not feel trendy, but its consistency is reassuring.
Price Range: ~$8–$15 per person Google Rating: ⭐ 4.2 (1,500+ reviews) Best Time to Visit: Weekday evenings before 7 pm Address: 225 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329928 | View on Google Maps Website:Official Website
2. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
If you have ever walked past Maxwell Food Centre around lunchtime, you will know exactly which queue I am talking about. Tian Tian is rarely quiet. At this point, it feels less like just another hawker stall and more like a reference standard for what chicken rice in Singapore should taste like.
The rice is fragrant without being greasy, each grain separated yet infused with stock. The chicken is sliced cleanly, with smooth skin and a tender bite that does not fall apart. The chilli carries brightness rather than brute heat, which matters because too much spice can easily overwhelm the subtlety of poached chicken.
Price Range: ~$5–$8 per plate Google Rating: ⭐ 4.3 (6,000+ reviews) Best Time to Visit: Before 11.30 am Address: 1 Kadayanallur St, #01-10/11 Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184 | View on Google Maps
3. Chatterbox
Image: Chatterbox
If you are curious how chicken rice feels in a more refined setting, Chatterbox offers that experience. The environment is elegant, and the presentation is precise, shifting the dish from everyday comfort to something more occasion-worthy.
The chicken is neatly sliced and balanced in flavour, while the rice is measured and consistent. The pricing reflects the setting, but for business lunches or hosting overseas guests, it presents a polished interpretation of a local staple.
Price Range: ~$25–$40 per person Google Rating: ⭐ 4.4 (1,200+ reviews) Best Time to Visit: Weekday lunch for a quieter atmosphere Address: 333 Orchard Rd, Hilton Singapore Orchard, Singapore 238867 | View on Google Maps Website:Official Website
4. Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice
Located just steps away from its more famous neighbour, Maxwell, Ah Tai has quietly built its own following over the years. The queues are often shorter, which already makes it appealing on a busy weekday.
The rice leans more aromatic, with a noticeable garlic depth that gives it character. The chicken portions are generous and sliced thick enough to retain their juiciness. It feels hearty and straightforward, without relying solely on reputation.
Price Range: ~$4–$7 per plate Google Rating: ⭐ 4.2 (2,000+ reviews) Best Time to Visit: Late morning before the main lunch crowd Address: 1 Kadayanallur St, #01-07 Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184 | View on Google Maps
5. Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice
What I appreciate about Wee Nam Kee is the flexibility. Some days you want the clean, delicate texture of steamed chicken. Other days, you prefer the slightly richer flavour of roasted chicken with firmer skin. Having both options makes the experience feel thoughtful.
The rice is consistently fragrant, and the trio of chilli, ginger paste, and dark soy sauce allows you to adjust each bite to your liking. It is steady rather than flashy, which is often why people keep returning.
Price Range: ~$10–$18 per person Google Rating: ⭐ 4.2 (3,000+ reviews) Best Time to Visit: Before 12 pm or after 1.30 pm Address: 101 Thomson Rd, #01-08 United Square, Singapore 307591 | View on Google Maps
6. Chin Chin Eating House
Chin Chin has been around for decades, and it carries that reassuring old-school atmosphere. It is often chosen for its roasted chicken, which has slightly crisp skin and deeper savoury flavour.
The rice complements the meat without overwhelming it. The setting feels unfussy and straightforward, which adds to its charm. It is a good choice if you prefer roasted chicken over the ultra-silky poached style.
Price Range: ~$10–$20 per person Google Rating: ⭐ 4.1 (1,000+ reviews) Best Time to Visit: Early dinner before 6.30 pm Address: 19 Purvis St, Singapore 188598 | View on Google Maps
7. Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice
Image: Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice
Five Star focuses on kampung chicken, which has firmer texture and slightly more bite. If you prefer meat that feels a little more substantial rather than extremely soft, this is worth considering.
The flavour profile leans richer, and the rice remains aromatic and steady. It works well for group dining, especially when ordering multiple dishes to share.
Price Range: ~$15–$25 per person Google Rating: ⭐ 4.0 (1,500+ reviews) Best Time to Visit: Weekday evenings before peak dinner hours Address: 191 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428897 | View on Google Maps
8. Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice
Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice is one of Singapore’s long-standing chicken rice institutions, with roots dating back to 1953. What began as a humble street stall has grown into a well-known restaurant along Balestier Road, attracting both loyal locals and curious visitors looking for a reliable plate of Hainanese chicken rice. The restaurant is particularly known for its roasted chicken, which offers a slightly crisp skin and deeper savoury flavour compared with the classic poached version.
The chicken is tender and juicy, paired with fragrant rice cooked in rich chicken stock and served alongside punchy chilli sauce, ginger paste, and light soy dressing. The overall balance of flavours is what keeps diners coming back. Whether you prefer roasted or steamed chicken, Loy Kee delivers a satisfying, comforting plate that captures the timeless appeal of Singapore’s favourite dish.
Price Range: S$6 – S$12 per person Google Rating: ⭐ 4.1 (900+ reviews) Best Time to Visit: Weekdays before the dinner rush (around 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm) Address: 342 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329774 | View on Google Maps Website
Chicken rice in Singapore is not just about chasing the most famous name. Very often, it comes down to preference, mood, and even timing. Some days call for a quick hawker lunch under bright fluorescent lights. Other days feel better suited for a slower, sit-down meal in a quieter setting.
The beauty of Singapore’s food scene is that you do not have to choose just one. There is always another version to try, another variation to compare. And perhaps that is why we keep returning to it. Simple on the surface, but never quite the same twice.
If you are exploring Singapore’s iconic local dishes, you may also want to check out our guide to the best chilli crab in Singapore, another must-try favourite among locals and visitors alike.
3. 5 Best Kaya Toast in Singapore to Eat Like a Local
Image: Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Kaya toast is toasted bread filled with butter and kaya, a jam made from eggs, sugar, coconut milk, and pandan leaves. The dish flavors will be enhanced when matched with half-boiled eggs, and hot tea or black coffee.
These days, Kaya Toast is considered not only a national breakfast dish but also a popular snack that delights tea breaks of office workers and recharges tired shoppers after a long shopping tour.
Our below list features the most delicious kaya toast that Singaporeans cannot live without.
Want to have breakfast like a Singaporean while you are in our Lion city? Choose kaya toast.
Kaya toast is toasted bread filled with butter and kaya, a jam made from eggs, sugar, coconut milk, and pandan leaves. The dish flavors will be enhanced when matched with half-boiled eggs, and hot tea or black coffee.
These days, Kaya Toast is considered not only a national breakfast dish but also a popular snack that delights tea breaks of office workers and recharges tired shoppers after a long shopping tour.
It is not difficult to find this sweet dish in Singapore. You can get it on every corner of the country, from food court stalls, old-school coffee shops to air-conditioned franchise outlets in modern shopping malls.
Our below list features the most delicious kaya toast that Singaporeans cannot live without.
4. 5 Best Bak Kut Teh in Singapore: Real Meat-Tea-Bone Bowls
In Singapore, there are two styles of Bak kut teh served – Teochew style and Klang style. And it is the broth which makes bak kut teh styles different. While Teochew version features clear soup with a peppery taste, Klang version has thick, cloudy soup with an herbal taste. In our lion city, the former is more popular than the latter.
People used to have bak kut teh for breakfast, but it can occur at any dining table of any meals of the day, breakfast, lunch, dinner, or supper.
Herein the 5 best bak kut teh places highly recommended for you to enjoy Bak kut teh in Singapore.
Bah Kut Teh is a Chinese soup that is one of the most-wanted dishes in Singapore. Literally translated as “meat bone tea”, Bah Kut Teh consists of meaty pork ribs simmered in a complex broth of herbs and spices. This dish is usually coupled with tea in the belief that tea will help dissolve a large amount of fat in the soup.
In Singapore, there are two styles of Bak kut teh served – Teochew style and Klang style. And it is the broth which makes bak kut teh styles different. While Teochew version features clear soup with a peppery taste, Klang version has thick, cloudy soup with an herbal taste. In our lion city, the former is more popular than the latter.
People used to have bak kut teh for breakfast, but it can occur at any dining table of any meals of the day, breakfast, lunch, dinner, or supper.
And especially it would the “soup for the soul” on a rainy day.
And, if it’s a shiny day, Bak kut teh will definitely be the soup for recharging energy after a tiring journey.
Herein the 5 best bak kut teh places highly recommended for you to enjoy Bak kut teh in Singapore.
5. 5 Best Satay in Singapore for Your Skewered Meat Fix
Image: Drew Douglas
Listed at number 14 on the World’s 50 most delicious foods, complied by CNNGo in 2011, satay is a must-try dish in Singapore. The satay dish includes skewers of grilled meat, sliced cucumbers, sliced onions, pressed rice cakes, served with thick, sweet, and hot peanut sauce on the side.
And herein are the 5 best satay places in Singapore which are highly recommended by local foodies.
Listed at number 14 on the World’s 50 most delicious foods, compiled by CNNGo in 2011, satay is a must-try dish in Singapore. The satay dish includes skewers of grilled meat, sliced cucumbers, sliced onions, and pressed rice cakes, served with thick, sweet, and hot peanut sauce on the side.
And herein are the 5 best satay places in Singapore which are highly recommended by local foodies.
6. 5 Best Frog Porridge to Enjoy in Singapore
Image: huixuan
When the temperature cools down or it starts raining, it is time to have frog porridge, a simple yet really tasty and unforgettable dish in Singapore. Frog porridge restaurants and hawkers are open from evening to over midnight. A hot pot of porridge for dinner or supper will warm up one’s enthusiasm at the end of the day.
Coming to Singapore, you may find the list below necessary for your reference because a trip to Singapore will be uncompleted without having frog porridge.
When the temperature cools down or it starts raining, it is time to have frog porridge, a simple yet really tasty and unforgettable dish in Singapore. Frog porridge restaurants and hawkers are open from evening to over midnight. A hot pot of porridge for dinner or supper will warm up one’s enthusiasm at the end of the day.
Coming to Singapore, you may find the list below necessary for your reference because a trip to Singapore will be uncompleted without having frog porridge.
Char Kway Teow also known as Fried Kway Teow is one of the most wanted dishes in Singapore that you cannot past through. You may be melted with the mixture of flat rice noodles and egg noodles which will be commonly stir-fried with eggs, cockles, lap cheong (Chinese sausages), bean sprouts, and Chinese chives.
A traditional plate of char kway teow could not be done without lard, which delights the dish with special flavors. These days, in the healthier version of this delicious fried noodle dish, lard is replaced by oil, and more vegetables are added in.
Char Kway Teow can be found at any hawker centres in Singapore, but it’s not easy for you to find the best one. So, we are happy to share the 5 best Char Kway Teow destinations, recommended by many locals that you can add to your priority.
Char Kway Teow also known as Fried Kway Teow is one of the most wanted dishes in Singapore that you cannot pass through. You may be melted with the mixture of flat rice noodles and egg noodles which will be commonly stir-fried with eggs, cockles, lap cheong (Chinese sausages), bean sprouts, and Chinese chives.
A traditional plate of char kway teow could not be done without lard, which delights the dish with special flavors. These days, in the healthier version of this delicious fried noodle dish, lard is replaced by oil, and more vegetables are added in.
Char Kway Teow can be found at any hawker centres in Singapore, but it’s not easy for you to find the best one. So, we are happy to share the 5 best Char Kway Teow destinations, recommended by many locals that you can add to your priority.
