Singapore is one of Asia's greatest food destinations, and hawker centers are its soul. Newton Food Centre, Maxwell Food Centre, and Lau Pa Sat serve dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow (stir-fried flat noodles), laksa (coconut curry noodle soup), and chilli crab at prices from S$4-15.
Singapore's multicultural heritage means authentic Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan (Nonya) cuisines coexist. Two hawker stalls have Michelin stars — the city takes its street food seriously. Durian is everywhere and polarizing; the kaya toast and kopitiam breakfast is mandatory. Drinking alcohol is expensive (bars and restaurants); stick to hawker center drinks.