Singapore
20 Days Eating and Drinking Through Singapore’s Neighborhoods
Twenty days of hawkers, wine bars, and relaxed city wandering
Planning a trip to Singapore?
A slow, food-focused 20-day exploration of Singapore that moves neighborhood by neighborhood, pairing hawker icons and hidden wine bars with relaxed sightseeing and hands-on cooking. Designed for comfort-seeking intermediate travelers, it balances must-hit landmarks with street markets, cooking classes, and ample free time to wander and snack.
Highlights
Taste your way through Singapore’s legendary hawker centres, from Maxwell to Old Airport Road, with carefully paired nearby sights.
Join small-group cooking classes to learn Singaporean favorites like laksa and Hainanese chicken rice in relaxed home-style kitchens.
Sip wine at intimate bars and rooftop spots while taking in Marina Bay’s iconic city views.
Wander through wet markets and street markets in Chinatown, Little India, and Tiong Bahru to see daily life up close.
Break up eating days with easy walks through Gardens by the Bay, Botanic Gardens, and park connectors.
Where to Stay
Hotel G Singapore
Trendy, compact rooms with good value, central location near Bugis and Dhoby Ghaut MRT, and many dining options within walking distance.
$120-180/night
Hotel Mi
Modern, simple rooms with a pool, next to Bencoolen MRT and a short walk to Bugis and Orchard fringe.
$110-170/night
Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen
Reliable 3-star chain hotel with comfortable rooms, near multiple MRT lines and numerous food courts and cafés.
$110-160/nightGood to Know
Use EZ-Link or Contactless for Transport
Singapore’s MRT and buses accept EZ-Link cards and many contactless bank cards directly at the gates, making it easy to tap in and out without buying single tickets each time.
Heat and Humidity Management
Days are hot and humid year-round; plan outdoor walks in mornings or late afternoons, and use mid-day for indoor, air-conditioned activities.
Hawker Centre Etiquette
Reserve seats by placing a tissue packet or small item on the table, then order and pay at the stalls; clear your tray to the return stations when done.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Metered taxis are regulated and safe, and apps like Grab make it easy to estimate fares and pay cashless, especially at night or in heavy rain.
Cash vs Cards
Cards are widely accepted in malls and restaurants, but some hawker stalls and small shops still prefer cash, especially for small transactions.
Drinkable Tap Water
Singapore’s tap water is safe to drink, and refilling a reusable bottle is common.
Local Mealtimes
Lunch crowds hit hawker centres around 12–1:30 PM and dinner around 7–8 PM; going slightly earlier or later makes it easier to find seats.
Language Comfort
English is one of the official languages and is widely spoken, with menu boards and signs commonly in English too.
Tissue and Hand Wipes
Carry a small pack of tissues and wet wipes since some hawker centre tables may not be spotless and bathrooms occasionally lack paper.
Dress Code
Light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes are ideal; carry a light scarf or layer for strong air-conditioning in malls and cinemas.
Alcohol Prices
Alcohol is relatively expensive compared to food, and there are taxes on it, so expect wine and cocktails to make up a larger share of your dining bill.
Public Drinking Rules
Drinking alcohol in public places is restricted after 10:30 PM in many areas, though bars and licensed venues remain open.
Rain Showers
Short, heavy showers are common; pack a small umbrella or light rain jacket and expect some days to have brief downpours.
Queue Culture
Singaporeans politely queue for buses, food stalls, and lifts; join the line rather than trying to order from the side.
Spice Levels
Many dishes can be quite spicy; you can usually request ‘less spicy’ or ask for chili on the side if you’re unsure.
Portion Sharing
Hawker portions are often modest and inexpensive, making it easy to share multiple small dishes between two people.
BYO Water to Hawkers
It is common to bring your own bottled water or order a simple drink at hawker centres; no one expects you to buy expensive beverages there.
Respect at Temples and Mosques
Dress modestly when entering places of worship, remove shoes where required, and ask before photographing people or interior rituals.
Hawker Centre Cleanliness System
Tables are often cleared by cleaners rather than staff from each stall; a tray-return system with designated stations is increasingly common.
Smoking Areas
Smoking is banned in most indoor areas and many outdoor public spaces; only smoke in clearly designated smoking areas.
Tipping Norms
Tipping is not customary; a service charge is often included in restaurant bills, and leaving extra is optional.
Street Cleanliness
Littering and eating on public transport can incur fines, and smoking is tightly controlled.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is common in malls and some public areas, and a local SIM or eSIM is inexpensive if you want data for maps and messaging.
Food Safety
Hawker centres are regulated and inspected; food safety standards are high, and it’s generally safe to eat at busy, popular stalls.
Ordering in Singlish
You might hear Singlish phrases like ‘kopi o’ (black coffee) or ‘lah’, but staff are used to visitors and understand simple English orders.
Standing on Escalators
Stand on the left side of escalators to let people pass on the right, especially in MRT stations.
Use of Napkins and Bones
At some local eateries, it’s acceptable to place small bones or prawn shells on a side plate or the tray; just avoid making a big mess.
Shopping for Edible Souvenirs
Packaged snacks like kaya, laksa paste, bak kwa (dried meat), and local coffee make good souvenirs; check your home country’s customs rules for food imports.
Booking Popular Spots
Some mid-range restaurants and wine bars take reservations and can fill on weekends; booking ahead online can save waiting.
Airport Transit Efficiency
Changi Airport is close to the city and highly efficient; even for late flights, you don’t need to arrive excessively early, but factor in peak-hour traffic for taxis.
Respecting Queue Numbers at Stalls
Some popular hawker stalls use number systems or call out numbers; wait for yours rather than crowding the counter.
Carrying a Small Bag
A lightweight crossbody bag or daypack is useful for water, umbrella, tissues, and camera, and is generally safe to carry in Singapore.
Your Weekend Itinerary
Ya Kun Kaya Toast (Far East Square)
Classic kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs and kopi to start your first morning; order the kaya butter toast set.
45m · $6-10 per person
Telok Ayer Shophouse Stroll
Walk past conserved shophouses, street art, and small temples along Telok Ayer Street, stopping as you like for photos.
1h · Free
Thian Hock Keng Temple
Visit one of Singapore’s oldest Hokkien temples with intricate carvings and peaceful courtyards.
40m · Free
Maxwell Food Centre
Famous hawker centre; try Hainanese chicken rice, fish soup, and sugarcane juice.
1h 15m · $8-15 per person
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
Explore the ornate temple, rooftop garden, and small museum after lunch.
1h · Free
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Huge hawker centre with everything from claypot rice to satay and local craft beer stalls.
1h 30m · $10-20 per person
Chinatown Night Walk
Stroll Pagoda Street and surrounding lanes with lanterns, souvenir shops, and small bars.
1h · Free
Tong Ah Eating House
Old-school kopitiam on Keong Saik; order kaya toast and kopi or teh.
45m · $6-12 per person
Keong Saik Street Walk
Explore a compact stretch of conserved shophouses now filled with cafés, bars, and boutique hotels.
1h · Free
Hong Lim Market & Food Centre
Crowded but excellent hawker centre; look for curry mee, bak chor mee, and char kway teow.
1h · $7-12 per person
Sri Mariamman Temple
Visit Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple with its colorful gopuram and inner shrines.
40m · Free
Liao Fan Hawker Chan
Try the famous soya sauce chicken rice or noodles in a very casual setting.
1h · $8-15 per person
Ann Siang Hill & Club Street Evening Walk
Walk up Ann Siang Hill and along Club Street, lined with wine bars and bistros.
1h · Free (drinks extra)99 activities across 20 days
Map
