Eat Like a Local: Singapore Hawker Food Tour with an Ex-Chef
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Singapore’s soul in Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. As an ex-chef and creator of the Busy Daddy Cooks YouTube channel, I take you beyond menus to secret stalls only insiders know. Enjoy 12+ tastings, from smoky 'wok hei' to heritage spices. We are so local, we named ourselves twice!
I’ll share 'wow' stories of how humble snacks became Michelin icons. With just 8 people, we keep it personal—no cookie-cutter routes. Every tour is crafted from lived experience to show you the city from the inside out. This is a flavor-first journey through the magic that makes our city unforgettable.
Duration: 4 hours; Daily
Locations: Chinatown, Little India, & Kampong Glam
Small Groups: Max 8 for a personal touch
Logistics: Walking and MRT transport
Note: Dietary restrictions accommodated; inquire first. (Not suitable for strict vegetarians or vegans).
Available options
Eat Like a Local: Singapore Hawker Food Tour with an Ex-Chef
What's included
Metro (MRT) rides
Food and drinks sampling
Detailed itinerary
1
Start with your guide who'll meet you at Chinatown MRT, Exit A (Street level, at the top of the escalators). We head directly to Singapore’s largest hawker centre, a massive complex with more than 260 stalls. This is the ultimate stop for food lovers, offering an unparalleled variety of local flavors.
What to Expect:
Extensive Tastings: Sample a variety of authentic dishes, from savory mains to local snacks, experiencing the best of the UNESCO-recognized hawker culture.
Authentic Vibe: Immerse yourself in the high-energy atmosphere where vendors prepare traditional recipes at a rapid pace.
Walk Chinatown: Between tastings, we’ll take a short walk through the streets to see the historic shophouses and temples that define the area.
2
Stop 2
As your second stop, we move to Little India’s premier food centre with more than 100 stalls. This is the heart of the district’s culinary scene and the perfect hub to experience a wide range of local Indian favorites.
What to Expect:
Indian Food Focus: Sample a selection of local Indian favorites and learn about the spices and traditions that define this essential part of Singapore’s identity.
Authentic Local Vibe: Experience the high-energy atmosphere of this landmark and observe the bustling activity of the local dining community.
Walk Little India: Between tastings, we’ll walk through the neighborhood to see the historic shophouses, explore the wet market, and witness the craft of flower garland making.
3
Stop 3
As your third stop, we explore the historic Kampong Glam. Once the seat of Malay royalty, this vibrant district is now a major hub for Singapore’s Malay and Middle Eastern culinary scenes.
What to Expect:
Malay & Middle Eastern Flavors: Sample a selection of local favorites and experience the rich spices and traditions that define the authentic tastes of this cultural enclave.
Authentic Heritage Vibe: Soak in the atmosphere of one of Singapore’s oldest quarters, where majestic landmarks like the Sultan Mosque sit alongside a blend of traditional and modern life.
Walk Kampong Glam: Between tastings, we’ll walk through the colorful streets to admire the historic shophouses and explore the vibrant street art of Haji Lane.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Chinatown MRT, Exit A (Street level, at the top of the escalators)
About Singapore
Singapore is a vibrant, multicultural city-state known for its futuristic architecture, lush green spaces, and diverse culinary scene. It's a blend of modernity and tradition, offering everything from ultra-chic shopping districts to historic temples and serene nature reserves.
Top Attractions
Gardens by the Bay
A stunning 101-hectare nature park featuring iconic Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome.
Nature
3-4 hours
Moderate
Marina Bay Sands
A world-famous resort with an infinity pool, luxury shopping, and stunning city views.
Architecture
2-3 hours
Expensive
Chinatown
A vibrant district with traditional shophouses, temples, and a bustling street market.
Cultural
2-3 hours
Free to explore, budget for food and shopping
Singapore Zoo
One of the world's best zoos, known for its open-concept habitats and night safari.
Nature
4-5 hours
Moderate to Expensive
Sentosa Island
A resort island with beaches, theme parks, and luxury hotels.
Entertainment
Full day
Expensive
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, often accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains chicken, gluten, and soy
Chili Crab
A iconic Singapore dish featuring mud crabs stir-fried in a sweet and savory tomato-based chili sauce.
Dinner
Contains shellfish, gluten, and soy
Laksa
A spicy noodle soup with a rich, coconut-based curry broth, topped with shrimp, fish cakes, and cockles.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood, gluten, and coconut
Satay
Grilled skewers of marinated meat, typically served with a peanut sauce and ketupat (rice cakes).
Snack/Appetizer
Contains peanuts, gluten, and soy
Popular Activities
Kayaking
Hiking
Ziplining
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Garden strolls
Temple visits
Museum tours
Best Time to Visit
February to April, and July to September
These periods offer the best weather with less rainfall and plenty of sunshine. It's also when major events and festivals take place.
26-32°C
79-90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
- Widely spoken: English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates and strict laws. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis and ride-hailing services
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Changi Airport • 20 km from city center
By train
Woodlands Train Checkpoint
By bus
Queen Street Bus Terminal, Jurong East Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Efficient, clean, and air-conditioned. Easy to navigate with English signage.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Marina Bay
Orchard Road
Chinatown
Little India
Kampong Glam
Day trips
Universal Studios Singapore
15 km from city center • Full day
A world-class theme park with thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and characters.
Sentosa Island
15 km from city center • Full day
A resort island with beaches, theme parks, and luxury hotels.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
30 km from city center • Half day to Full day
A bustling city across the causeway from Singapore, known for its shopping malls, street food, and cultural attractions.
Festivals
Chinese New Year • January/February (dates vary)
Hari Raya Puasa • Dates vary (Islamic calendar)
Deepavali • October/November (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Use the EZ-Link card for convenient and discounted public transport fares
- Download the MyTransport.SG app for real-time updates on public transport
- Visit hawker centers for affordable and delicious local food
- Explore the city on foot or by bicycle to discover hidden gems
- Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long queues
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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