Singapore is a food paradise, and its hawker centres are the beating heart of the local dining culture. For many residents, a hawker centre isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a community hub where neighbours gather, friendships form, and flavours tell the stories of generations.
If you’re living here, or even looking for a room for rent in Singapore, being near a great hawker centre can be a game-changer. You won’t just have easy access to affordable meals, you’ll also have a piece of Singapore’s heritage right at your doorstep.
Here’s a guide to some of the best hawker centres located near popular residential areas, perfect for both long-time locals and newcomers settling into their first home.
1. Tiong Bahru Market – For the Trendy Yet Traditional
Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s most charming neighbourhoods, blending old-world architecture with chic cafes and boutique shops. At its heart sits the Tiong Bahru Market, a hawker centre that’s as popular with foodies as it is with residents.
Here, you’ll find legendary stalls like Jian Bo Shui Kueh, known for its chwee kueh topped with savoury chai poh, and Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, a go to for comfort food.
Why it’s great for residents:
Living in Tiong Bahru means you’re just minutes away from the CBD, while still enjoying a relaxed residential vibe. There are both HDB for rent and upscale apartments in the area, giving you flexibility based on budget. Plus, the market’s second floor has a wet market for fresh groceries, a big plus if you enjoy cooking at home.
2. Old Airport Road Food Centre – The East Side’s Icon
Ask any local where to find some of the best hawker food in Singapore, and Old Airport Road Food Centre is likely to be on the list. Located near Dakota and Mountbatten MRT stations, this hawker centre has been a foodie destination for decades.
Here, you can dig into char kway teow from Lao Fu Zi, silky beancurd from Lao Ban Soya Beancurd, or a hearty plate of satay bee hoon.
Residential perks:
The surrounding areas, Dakota, Geylang, and Mountbatten, are well connected by the Circle Line and offer a mix of private apartments and HDB flats. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly room for rent in Singapore, the eastern side often has more affordable options compared to the central districts, without compromising on food choices.
3. Maxwell Food Centre – Central and Convenient
Right in the heart of Chinatown, Maxwell Food Centre is a lunchtime haven for office workers, tourists, and residents alike. The star attraction here is Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, but there’s also a wealth of other stalls serving laksa, nasi lemak, and oyster cakes.
Living near Maxwell means you’re also within walking distance of Chinatown’s vibrant shophouses, markets, and MRT lines.
Why it’s great for residents:
If you’re working or studying in the city, living in nearby areas like Tanjong Pagar, Chinatown, or Outram Park makes daily commuting a breeze. The rental market here is diverse, you can find upscale condominiums, serviced apartments, or even HDB for rent if you don’t mind slightly older flats with unbeatable location.
4. Amoy Street Food Centre – A CBD Favourite
Located in Telok Ayer, Amoy Street Food Centre is famous for its lunchtime rush, as workers from the surrounding offices flock in for their favourite dishes. Stalls like Han Kee Fish Soup and Ah Ter Teochew Fishball Noodles have loyal followings.
Living nearby:
If you’re someone who wants to be right in the middle of the action, staying in the CBD area means you’ll never have to worry about long commutes or being far from dining options. Rentals here can be pricey, but if you’re sharing a unit or securing just a room, it can still be manageable. And yes, even in the CBD, you can find an HDB for rent in nearby neighbourhoods like Tanjong Pagar or Chinatown.
5. Tekka Centre – A Burst of Colour and Flavour
Little India’s Tekka Centre is more than just a hawker centre, it’s also home to a wet market and a colourful mix of textile shops. Here, you’ll find everything from Indian biryani to Chinese roasted meats and Malay nasi padang.
Residential highlights:
Little India is a culturally rich area with excellent MRT access (Downtown and North East Lines). Rentals here are varied, ranging from shophouse apartments to newer condo developments. If you enjoy vibrant street life and a multicultural atmosphere, Tekka Centre’s neighbourhood will feel like home.
6. Chomp Chomp Food Centre – The Serangoon Gem
Nestled in Serangoon Gardens, Chomp Chomp Food Centre is a beloved evening spot for residents in the northeast. It’s known for its smoky grilled stingray, huge glasses of sugarcane juice, and famous Hokkien mee.
Why it’s great for residents:
Serangoon Gardens is a cosy residential enclave with landed houses, condominiums, and some HDB flats in the wider Serangoon area. While rentals here might be slightly higher than average, the neighbourhood’s laid-back charm and food scene make it worth it, especially if you value a slower pace of life.
7. Adam Road Food Centre – Perfect for Nature and City Lovers
Located near the Botanic Gardens, Adam Road Food Centre is small but mighty, with popular stalls like Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak and Adam Road Mee Soto.
Living nearby:
The Bukit Timah area offers a mix of housing, from luxury condos to family-sized HDB flats. It’s especially convenient for students studying at nearby schools and universities, and for anyone who enjoys living close to greenery while still being near the city.
Why Living Near a Hawker Centre Matters
In Singapore, food is more than just sustenance, it’s part of everyday life and a big part of the culture. Living near a great hawker centre means:
- Affordable meals at your doorstep – You can eat well without blowing your budget.
- Convenience – Perfect for busy students or professionals who don’t cook often.
- Community connection – Hawker centres are social spaces where you get to know the neighbourhood’s heartbeat.
For anyone browsing listings for a room for rent in Singapore or considering an HDB for rent, proximity to a good hawker centre is something worth factoring into your decision.
So, whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a family settling into a new neighbourhood, keep an eye on the food map as much as the transport map. Because in Singapore, a great meal is never far away and if you live near one of these hawker centres, it’s practically around the corner.