Hawker culture in Singapore is a lifestyle all locals grow to unapologetically embrace but it can be hard to help our kids appreciate the hawker culture – which is why we’ve prepared a list of 7 Hawker Centres In Singapore For Kids!
Kids may not fully grasp the concept of affordability, convenience and quality. Oftentimes, you may find yourself having to placate your grumbling kids who wanna dine at air-conditioned restaurants with sparkly tables and attentive service.
But these hawker centres in Singapore for kids provide a fun and unique experience for your little ones to truly embrace hawker culture.
1. Yishun Park Hawker Centre – For A No-Frills Mod-Sin Foodie Experience
Even as an adult, I was enthralled while making my way to Yishun Park Hawker Centre. Maybe it was something about travelling far North for food; or maybe it was the view of Yishun Pond Park – either way, the build-up was worth it.
For parents who enjoy your fair share of TGIFs, you’d have heard of Timbre Group. Yishun Park Hawker Centre’s one of the novel ventures of the F&B holdings – featuring modern Singaporean hawker food like gourmet burgers, hotplate BBQ, charcoal-grilled items, and Oreo min jiang kueh.
Did we also mention? There are pinball machines and arcade games here!
Location: 51 Yishun Ave 11, Singapore 768867
Opening Hours: 6am to 10pm daily
What’s Good: Munchi Pancakes, Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang, Smokin’ Joe
2. Chinatown Complex Market – For Michellin-Starred Chinese Cuisine
While this market does not promise a good air-conditioned ventilation, the novelty lies in its maze-like layout. With over 260 food stalls, this hawker centre may as well be a (foodie) playground, where the family can go on an endless food crawl!
The charm of Chinatown Complex Market does not lie in its aesthetics nor novelty (in fact, it serves up pretty basic Singaporean food); but you can for sure expect excellent food with recipes from heritage. Not surprising that many stores here are Michelin-starred!
Location: 335 Smith St, Singapore 050335
Opening Hours: 7am to 10pm daily
What’s Good: Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao, Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice, Old Amoy Chendol, Chef Leung’s Authentic Hand-Milled Rice Noodle Rolls, Ann Chin Popiah
3. Kedai Kopi at Bukit Batok Centre – For Unpretentious, Sedap Food
With swanky neon lights and attractive visuals, Kedai Kopi is a trendy chain kopitiam that has an Instagram! For all who enjoy Malay cuisine – good news for you; this eatery has super sedap Muslim-friendly stalls. Opening its 5th outlet at Bukit Batok Centre, perfect for a weekend brunch adventure.
Location: Blk 376 Bukit Batok St 31, Singapore 650376
Opening Hours: 7am to 10.30pm daily
What’s Good: Makan Melaka (chendol, ayam goreng, ayam mesak, sambal sotong, and more)
4. Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre – For Mod-Sin Food
This hawker centre far East spans across 2 levels, featuring a dual-dining concept; with the first level being your normal Singaporean affair, while the second bustling with fusion food served by young, hipster hawkers.
If you’re coming with your kids, definitely check out the 2nd level to keep them entertained – with food options like Halal Mookata, Kurobuta pork and prawn noodles, flying dragon noodles, $7 Western food, and more.
Location: 110 Pasir Ris Central, Singapore 519641
Opening Hours: 7am to 8.30pm daily
What’s Good: Wild Olives, Prawnaholic, Flying Dragon Noodles
5. Lau Pa Sat – For Any and Every Cuisine; For A Smokey Street Satay Experience
Now – before you think this is a tourist trap, the foodie me begs to differ! Having been to the newly-reconstructed Lau Pa Sat, I’d say this is way better than what it used to be – of course, not without a $1 to $2 surcharge (pretty decent, considering it’s in the CBD.)
Here, you really get all the variety of cuisines – anything you’d wish a hawker centre would have, Lau Pa Sat has it: Malay, Indonesian, Indian, Taiwanese, Hakka, Teochew, Chinese, Thai, and more.
Fret not if your kids start complaining about the heat – there’s also an air-conditioned area which sells artisan coffee, ice cream, açai, and local souvenirs.
Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
What’s Good: The Warung Bali, Thunder Tea Rice, Flames, Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang, Satay Street
6. Punggol Container Park – Al-Fresco Dining By The River
Looking to escape the stifling mundanity of your 9 to 6? Punggol Container Park may be a convenient answer for those located in the North-East area. Located by the river with an al-fresco concept, enjoy the serenity here while filling your tummies with fusion food.
While it may not be the cheapest option, it certainly won’t break the bank as well – to give you a rough gauge, think Japanese bowls for $12.90 & Korean cuisine for $10 and up.
Location: 50 Punggol E, Singapore 828824
Opening Hours: 12pm to 1am daily
What’s Good: Fat Po, Beastro
7. The Bedok Marketplace – For Restaurant-Style Westerns Below $20
While not many hipster hawker centres survive in Singapore, The Bedok Marketplace may just be a strong contender. Having been in the East for years now, it’s garnered itself many regulars.
Here, you can find Wagyu & Foie Gras Bowls for below $30, smoked meats at $20, sourdough breads and wood fired pizzas at $12, and more.
Location: 348 Bedok Rd, Level 2, Singapore 469560
Opening Hours: 10am to 10.30pm daily
What’s Good: The Burning Oak, The Social Outcast, Mr Kneady’s, Oji Egg Fried Rice, M by Madas Nasi Lemak
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As costs rise, many hawkers are still trying to keep prices low, to cater to the Singaporean population which endears an unpretentious foodie affair. Even with the rise of mod-Sin (modern Singaporean) fusion trend, younger hawkers are also looking to introduce gourmet food at affordable prices.
The barrier to entry for great food doesn’t always have to be high – and it’s never too early to start introducing your kids to experiences like these!
The novelty comes in many forms – be it the neon lights, fusion food, or endless variety of options that pique their curiosity and keep them entertained for an entire mealtime.
