You’ve seen chilli crab and laksa on every tourist list—but what do actual Singaporeans eat every day? From trusty kopitiam breakfasts to hawker centre lunches and zi char dinners, here’s a guide to the real local favourites we keep going back for. Delicious, down-to-earth, and full of flavour—just how we like it.

1. Kaya Toast & Kopi: Breakfast Goals

Start your day the Singaporean way: kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and a strong cup of kopi. Found at almost any kopitiam, this combo is affordable, nostalgic, and packed with local charm.

Local move: Pour dark soy sauce and white pepper over your eggs, mix it all up, and dip your toast. Messy=authentic.

DIY at home: Purchase any Kaya spread and spread on your toast at home and pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea to bring the kopitiam vibes to your breakfast table.

2. Bak Chor Mee Pok: Springy Noodles with Savoury Minced Pork Goodness

If there’s one noodle dish Singaporeans grow up eating, it’s Bak Chor Mee Pok. This Teochew-inspired favourite features flat egg noodles tossed in a punchy mix of black vinegar, chilli, lard oil, and soy sauce—then topped generously with minced pork, sliced pork, pork liver, mushrooms, and crispy pork lard.

The magic of Bak Chor Mee lies in its balance of flavours. You get the tanginess from the vinegar, heat from the chilli, umami from the pork, and that addictive bite from perfectly cooked mee pok noodles. Every hawker stall has its own secret recipe, which makes it a must-try dish when exploring Singapore’s vibrant food culture.

Whether it’s a quick weekday lunch or a comforting supper after a long day, Bak Chor Mee Pok is a true local classic that never disappoints.

When it comes to finding one of the best Bak Chor Mee in Singapore, C&L Cafe Da Sheng Minced Pork Noodle consistently stands out among local favourites. Known for its well-balanced flavours and perfectly executed textures, this stall has earned its reputation as a must-try spot for authentic Singapore minced pork noodles.

What truly sets it apart is the perfectly cooked al dente mee pok noodles — springy, firm, and never soggy. Each strand is generously coated in a robust sauce made from fragrant chilli and black vinegar, delivering that signature tangy-spicy kick Bak Chor Mee lovers crave. The sauce clings beautifully to the noodles, ensuring every bite is flavour-packed and deeply satisfying.

The minced pork is fluffy, well-seasoned, and tender rather than overly compact, allowing it to absorb the savoury sauce effortlessly. Paired with crispy wantons that add a delightful crunch, the bowl offers a harmonious balance of textures — soft, springy, crispy, and savoury all at once.

Whether you’re searching for the best mee pok in Singapore or simply exploring iconic Singapore hawker food, this bowl perfectly captures why Bak Chor Mee remains one of the nation’s most beloved comfort dishes.

3. Hainanese Chicken Rice: Singapore’s All-Time Local Favourite

In Singapore, lunchtime means one thing — heading straight to the hawker centre for a comforting plate of Hainanese Chicken Rice. Widely regarded as one of the best local foods in Singapore, chicken rice is a timeless favourite that defines the nation’s hawker culture.

This iconic Singapore dish features tender, succulent poached chicken served over fragrant rice cooked in rich chicken broth, garlic, ginger, and pandan leaves. Every plate comes complete with the essential trio of chilli sauce, dark soy sauce, and ginger paste — the perfect combination that enhances the natural flavours of the chicken and rice.

Simple yet deeply flavourful, Hainanese Chicken Rice continues to rank among the must-try foods in Singapore for both locals and tourists. It’s affordable, satisfying, and available in almost every hawker centre across the island.

Beyond chicken rice, Singapore hawker centres offer an incredible variety of local favourites. You’ll also find classics like mee goreng, laksa, char kway teow, and economic rice — making hawker centres the heart of everyday dining in Singapore.

Pro tip: If you see a long queue at a chicken rice stall, that’s usually a good sign. In Singapore, queues often signal some of the best chicken rice you can find.

4. Mala Xiang Guo: The Spicy Sensation Singaporeans Can’t Get Enough Of

If there’s one dish that has taken Singapore by storm in recent years, it’s Mala Xiang Guo. This fiery, flavour-packed stir-fry has become a staple in food courts and hawker centres, earning its place among the most popular foods in Singapore.

Originating from Sichuan cuisine, mala is known for its signature “numbing and spicy” flavour profile — thanks to Sichuan peppercorns and dried chillies. In Singapore, Mala Xiang Guo is fully customisable. You pick your favourite ingredients — from sliced pork belly and chicken to prawns, tofu, mushrooms, lotus root, and instant noodles — and everything gets tossed together in a fragrant, spicy sauce.

What makes mala so addictive is the bold balance of heat, savoury spices, and that distinctive tongue-tingling sensation. Whether you choose mild, medium, or extra spicy, every bowl delivers intense flavours that keep you coming back for more.

In fact, brands like The Hotpot Hideout have further popularised mala-style dining in Singapore, expanding rapidly across the island. They’ve adapted the traditional Sichuan flavours to better suit Singaporean taste buds — keeping the spice bold yet more approachable. For non-spicy lovers, options like collagen broth and tomato soup have also become local favourites, proving that mala dining can be enjoyed by everyone.

Mala is especially popular among students and young working adults looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both affordable and customisable. It’s perfect for sharing — or indulging solo if you’re brave enough to handle the spice.

For spice lovers exploring must-try local food in Singapore, Mala Xiang Guo is a modern classic you definitely shouldn’t miss.

5. Sliced Fish Soup: The Go-To Healthy Lunch Office Ladies Swear By

If you work in Singapore’s CBD or business districts, you’ll notice one thing during lunchtime — long queues for sliced fish soup. It’s the unofficial favourite among office ladies looking for a light, healthy, and comforting meal.

Unlike heavier hawker dishes, Singapore-style fish soup is known for its clear, flavourful broth simmered with ikan bilis, soybeans, and vegetables. Fresh sliced fish is gently cooked until tender, often paired with tofu, tomatoes, lettuce, and sometimes evaporated milk for a richer finish. You can enjoy it with rice or bee hoon, depending on your preference.

What makes fish soup so popular in Singapore is its balance — it’s nutritious, satisfying, and doesn’t leave you feeling overly full or sluggish after lunch. For many working adults, it’s the perfect weekday comfort food that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

If you’re exploring what Singaporeans really eat on a daily basis, a bowl of hot sliced fish soup — especially from a busy hawker stall with a long queue — is a must-try local favourite.

6. Waffles & Bubble Tea: Singapore’s Favourite Sweet Treat Combo

No guide to what Singaporeans really eat is complete without mentioning the iconic pairing of waffles and bubble tea. This sweet treat combo is a go-to snack for students, office workers, and basically anyone craving something comforting in the afternoon.

Freshly made waffles — crispy on the outside and fluffy inside — are often filled with classic flavours like peanut butter, chocolate, kaya, or even ice cream. You’ll find waffle stalls at neighbourhood bakeries, MRT stations, and heartland malls across Singapore.

Pair that with a cup of bubble tea (boba tea) — whether it’s brown sugar milk tea, taro, matcha, or fruit tea — and you’ve got one of Singapore’s most popular snack pairings. The chewy tapioca pearls, creamy milk tea, and endless customisation options (sugar level, ice level, toppings) make bubble tea a daily indulgence for many Singaporeans.

Affordable, nostalgic, and always satisfying, waffles and bubble tea aren’t just trendy — they’re a true part of everyday Singapore food culture.

7. Zi Char Dinners: Sharing Is Caring

When dinnertime rolls around, locals love heading to their favourite zi char stall—basically a no-frills Chinese eatery with an endless menu made for sharing.

Must-try zi char favourites:

• Cereal Prawn – Crispy prawns coated in sweet, buttery cereal flakes. Sounds strange, tastes amazing.
• Sambal Fried Rice – Spicy, aromatic dish stir-fried with chilli paste, egg, and your choice of meat or seafood for a bold, flavourful kick.
• Black Pepper Crab – Peppery, juicy, and finger-lickin’ good. Comes with an unspoken rule: forget utensils, just use your hands.

Cook it at home:  Love, Afare’s Singapore Cereal Prawn Premix, Singapore Sambal Sauce and Singapore Black Pepper Crab Spice make zi char night possible even in your own kitchen.

8. Teochew-Style Bak Kut Teh: Bold, Peppery & Soothing

Craving something hearty? Try Teochew-style Bak Kut Teh—a garlicky, peppery pork rib soup served with rice and youtiao. Locals love dunking fried dough into the hot broth, with a side of dark soy sauce and fresh garlic for dipping.

This dish is a staple for rainy days, lazy Sundays, or just when you need a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. You can even DIY at home by purchasing Love, Afare Teochew Style Bak Kut Teh Spice that is the real spice used by Singapore local Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh Restaurant that already served for 70 years. Pair it with Love, Afare Xiao Ye Gan Tea to enhance the whole experience. What's more is that Love, Afare's Xiao Ye Gan Tea is not your average off-the-shelf tea, Xiao Ye Gan is an exclusive blend specially crafted to pair with the peppery NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh broth. Xiao Ye Gan is a secret recipe that combines 7 unique tea leaves and herbs known to only master tea blenders. At the heart of this masterful blend is a bold Chinese tea from Wuyi Mountain call "Tie Loh Han". Tie Loh Han brings together aromatic tea leaves and herbs with its bold flavour while accentuating unique flavours of other ingredients such as ginseng root, liquorice leaf.

From comforting bowls of Bak Chor Mee Pok and iconic Hainanese Chicken Rice to fiery Mala Xiang Guo, nourishing sliced fish soup, and sweet treats like waffles and bubble tea, Singapore’s food culture is as diverse as its people.

What makes Singaporean food truly special isn’t just the flavours — it’s the everyday rituals. Queuing at hawker stalls during lunch hour, gathering friends for mala hotpot, grabbing bubble tea after work, or enjoying a simple bowl of noodles on a rainy day. These dishes aren’t just meals; they’re part of daily life.

If you’re visiting Singapore, exploring these must-try local favourites is the best way to understand the city. And if you’re a local? You already know — good food is never far away.

Because in Singapore, eating isn’t just about filling your stomach — it’s about comfort, culture, and community.