For travelers planning a Thailand weekend or a short Thailand trip from Singapore, starting your journey with a taste of Singapore’s world-class food scene is a must. The best food and restaurants in Singapore offer an unforgettable mix of hawker classics, Peranakan flavours, and modern fine dining — all within easy reach of Changi Airport. Whether you’re flying to Bangkok for a Bangkok weekend or heading to Phuket for a Phuket weekend, this guide helps you eat like a local before or after your trip.
Why Singapore’s Food Scene Matters for Thailand Weekend Travelers
Singapore is a global food capital, and its dining culture is one of the biggest draws for international visitors. For those planning a Thailand weekend or a short Thailand trip, Singapore is often the gateway. Many travelers fly from Singapore to Thailand for a Bangkok weekend or a Phuket weekend, and a few hours in Singapore can be the perfect appetizer to your Thai adventure.
The best food and restaurants in Singapore reflect its multicultural identity: Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan, and Western influences all come together in hawker centres, food courts, and high-end restaurants. This diversity makes it easy to find something for every palate, whether you’re craving spicy Thai-style curries or comfort food before your flight.
Top Local Dishes to Try in Singapore
Before you board your flight to Thailand, make time to try these iconic Singaporean dishes. They’re affordable, delicious, and widely available across the city.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Often called Singapore’s national dish, Hainanese chicken rice features tender poached or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, chilli sauce, and cucumber. It’s simple but deeply satisfying.
Where to eat: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre (Michelin Bib Gourmand) or Sam Leong St Chicken Rice at Newton Food Centre. Both are near major MRT stations and easy to reach from most hotels.
2. Chilli Crab
A must-try for seafood lovers, chilli crab is stir-fried in a thick, sweet, and spicy tomato-chilli sauce. It’s usually served with mantou buns for dipping.
Where to eat: Jumbo Seafood at East Coast Seafood Centre or No Signboard Seafood at various locations. These are great for a pre-flight dinner if you’re flying out in the evening.
3. Laksa
Singapore’s laksa is a rich, coconut-based curry noodle soup with prawns, fish cakes, and cockles. It’s spicy, creamy, and deeply aromatic.
Where to eat: Katong Laksa (George’s) at East Coast or 328 Katong Laksa at Joo Chiat. Both are in the Katong-Joo Chiat area, a great place to explore Peranakan culture before your Thailand weekend.
4. Nasi Lemak
This Malay dish features coconut rice served with sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and fried chicken or fish. It’s a hearty breakfast or lunch option.
Where to eat: The Coconut Club at Beach Road (Michelin Bib Gourmand) or Market Street Nasi Lemak near Raffles Place. Both are convenient for business travelers or those with early flights to Bangkok or Phuket.
5. Satay
Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce, cucumber, and onion. The smoky aroma is irresistible.
Where to eat: Lau Pa Sat Satay Street after 7 PM. It’s a lively night market experience and a great way to end a day in Singapore before your short Thailand trip.
Best Hawker Centres for a Quick Taste of Singapore
Hawker centres are the heart of Singapore’s food culture. They’re affordable, authentic, and perfect for travelers with limited time. Here are the best ones to visit before or after your Thailand weekend.
1. Maxwell Food Centre
Located near Chinatown MRT, this is one of the most famous hawker centres. It’s home to Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and many other local favourites. Open from morning until late evening, it’s ideal for a quick lunch or dinner before heading to Changi Airport.
2. Lau Pa Sat
In the heart of the CBD, Lau Pa Sat is known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and Satay Street. It’s a great spot for a pre-flight meal if you’re flying to Bangkok or Phuket in the evening. Many stalls stay open late, and the atmosphere is lively.
3. Old Airport Road Food Centre
One of the oldest and most beloved hawker centres, it’s packed with legendary stalls. It’s a bit further from the city centre but worth the trip if you have a few hours to spare. Great for a relaxed meal before or after your short Thailand trip.
4. Newton Food Centre
Famous for seafood and late-night dining, Newton is a local favourite. It’s a bit touristy but still offers excellent food. Perfect for a post-flight dinner if you’re returning from a Bangkok weekend or a Phuket weekend.
Best Restaurants for a More Refined Experience
If you’re looking for a more upscale meal before or after your Thailand weekend, Singapore has plenty of excellent restaurants. These are great for business travelers, couples, or anyone wanting a more relaxed dining experience.
1. Michelin-Starred and Bib Gourmand Spots
Singapore has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants in the world. For a special meal, consider:
- Odette (Fine French-Asian) – Located in the National Gallery, it’s one of Singapore’s top fine-dining restaurants.
- Les Amis (French) – A long-standing favourite for classic French cuisine.
- The Coconut Club (Nasi Lemak) – A modern take on a classic dish, with a relaxed, stylish setting.
For a full list of current Michelin-recognized restaurants, refer to the official MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2025.
2. Thai and Southeast Asian Restaurants
Since you’re heading to Thailand for a Bangkok weekend or a Phuket weekend, why not try some authentic Thai food in Singapore first?
Sawasdee Thai Restaurant offers classic Thai dishes like green curry, pad thai, and tom yum. It’s a great way to get a taste of Thai flavours before your short Thailand trip.
Other excellent Southeast Asian options include Peranakan restaurants in the Katong-Joo Chiat area and Malay eateries in Kampong Gelam.
Practical Tips for Eating in Singapore on a Thailand Weekend
Here are some practical tips to make the most of your food experience in Singapore, whether you’re flying to Bangkok or Phuket for a short Thailand trip.
1. Timing and Location
Most hawker centres and food courts are open from 7 AM to 10 PM, with some staying open later. If you’re flying early in the morning, try to eat the night before. If you’re arriving late, Newton Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat are good options for late-night meals.
For those staying near the city centre, Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Newton are all within 15–20 minutes by MRT or taxi from most hotels.
2. Budget and Payment
Hawker food is very affordable: most dishes cost between S$4–8. Restaurants are more expensive, with main courses ranging from S$20–50 or more.
Credit cards are widely accepted, but hawker stalls usually only accept cash. Keep some Singapore dollars on hand for small purchases.
3. Safety and Hygiene
Singapore’s food scene is known for its high hygiene standards. Hawker centres are regularly inspected by the National Environment Agency (NEA), and many stalls display hygiene grades. For travelers, this means you can enjoy street food with confidence.
Homejourney always emphasizes safety and trust, and this extends to our travel and lifestyle advice. We recommend sticking to busy, well-reviewed stalls and restaurants to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Connecting to Singapore Property: A Natural Next Step
Many travelers who enjoy a Thailand weekend or a short Thailand trip from Singapore also consider Singapore for property investment or relocation. Singapore offers a stable, safe environment with world-class infrastructure, healthcare, and education — making it attractive for expats and international investors.
For those from Thailand considering property in Asia, Singapore is a popular choice for a second home, vacation property, or long-term investment. Homejourney’s platform supports multiple currencies, including Thai baht, and provides transparent, verified information to help you make confident decisions.
