Singapore in 1 Day for Friends - Taste signature hawker dishes at Chinatown Complex Food Centre (UNESCO-recognized hawker culture)
In Collaboration with Singapore Foodsters. Updated on February 25, 2026.
This Mixed-Group tour brings you to the ethnic neighbourhoods of Chinatown, Little India & Kampong Gelam. You will learn about the history, people, culture & heritage that make Singapore uniquely diverse. Visit two hawker centres inscribed under Singapore's hawker culture heritage, sample authentic local cuisines and drinks, and travel between quarters using Singapore's efficient public transport.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Singapore Foodsters, inspired by the tour Singapore: UNESCO Street Food & Cultural Experience . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Taste signature hawker dishes at Chinatown Complex Food Centre (UNESCO-recognized hawker culture)
- Explore Little India's Tekka Centre food stalls and cultural streets
- Walk through Kampong Gelam with a local host; coffee/tea and a neighborhood snack
Itinerary
Day 1
Half-day guided tasting and neighborhood walk across Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Gelam. The tour uses MRT/buses between neighbourhoods and includes multiple tasting stops at hawker centres.
Meet & tour briefing (meet at MRT / hotel pickup as arranged)
Group meets at the arranged meeting point for introductions, safety briefing, and overview of the day. If hotel pickup was requested (city/central hotels only) the host will meet you in the hotel lobby at the arranged time.
Tips from local experts:
- If meeting at the MRT, arrive 5–10 minutes early to allow for luggage/brief check-in; look for the host with a 'Singapore Foodsters' sign.
- Have your booking confirmation and hotel name ready on your phone for quick reference if pickup was arranged.
- Carry a small daypack; bottled water is provided but bring a small snack if you have a long gap before pickup.
Chinatown Complex Food Centre – UNESCO hawker culture tasting
Visit Chinatown Complex Food Centre for guided tastings at multiple stalls and short cultural commentary on Chinatown's heritage and hawker traditions.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring small notes and coins; some hawker stalls still prefer cash though many accept mobile payments.
- Order tasting portions where possible and share among the group so everyone can try more items.
- Stay hydrated between spicy bites; bottled water is included, but avoid bringing large insulated flasks that block seating.
Transit by MRT to Little India (guided)
Short MRT journey with the host explaining how to use Singapore's EZ-Link/contactless payment and quick cultural notes en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Use contactless bank card or EZ-Link for faster entry; your host will show the correct gates to use.
- Keep backpacks in front of you on the train during busy periods and follow the host's instructions for exits.
- If you prefer to sit, board near the middle of the platform where trains usually have less crowding at smaller stations.
Tekka Centre – Little India hawker tasting
Explore Tekka Centre's market and hawker stalls with guided tastings focused on Indian-Muslim and South Asian influenced dishes and drinks.
Tips from local experts:
- Many dishes are best eaten immediately; follow the host's order timing so food is served fresh.
- If you have strong spice sensitivity, ask vendors for a milder version — vendors commonly adjust spice levels.
- Respect stall queues: take a queue number where provided and stay close so you don't miss your order.
Transit to Kampong Gelam (short MRT or bus)
Travel toward Kampong Gelam with the host, including a short walk to the neighborhood core where Arab Street, Haji Lane and Sultan Mosque are located.
Tips from local experts:
- Follow the host's recommended route (MRT + short walk or a direct bus) to avoid carrying multiple takeaway items through crowds.
- If you want purchases from Tekka Centre, keep them in a lightweight bag to make the walk easier.
- Use sun protection for the brief outdoor walk; Kampong Gelam has shaded lanes but parts are exposed to sun.
Kampong Gelam neighborhood walk & coffee/tea stop
Guided walk through Kampong Gelam's streets, stories of Malay-Arab heritage, short stop for coffee/tea or a local snack and optional beer (where available and appropriate). Tour concludes in the Kampong Gelam area (near Sultan Mosque/Haji Lane).
Tips from local experts:
- Dress modestly if you plan to enter mosque areas; a modest dress code is appreciated around Sultan Mosque.
- For groups who want beer, bring ID; alcohol options vary by venue in Kampong Gelam and the host will advise where it's available.
- Keep a small backup of cash for small souvenirs on Haji Lane; many boutique vendors accept card but smaller stalls may not.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Meal, Neighborhood |
