Singapore is an ever-evolving destination. No matter how many times you visit this beautiful country, each trip offers a new and unique experience. This is especially true when it comes to Singapore’s blossoming culinary scene. From world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurants to charming cafes, the city is a paradise for food lovers. But it’s the hawker centres—the beating heart of Singapore’s food culture—that truly capture the hearts of foodies from around the world.
Singapore’s hawker centres are open-air culinary hubs where you can enjoy a variety of dishes from independent food stalls. During our recent visit, we explored some of the most popular hawker centres, and as we wandered through the bustling stalls, what surprised us most was the abundance of vegetarian options available.
Yes, Singapore’s famous hawker centres are known for their meaty dishes and seafood fare — but they also serve up some seriously delicious vegetarian grub! So, we decided to explore the vegetarian dishes the stalls had to offer. The best part? Hawker food is incredibly easy on the pocket, making it perfect for budget-conscious foodies who don’t want to compromise on flavour. Here’s everything we tried — and what we’d recommend to fellow vegetarians visiting Singapore’s hawker centres.
Lau Pa Sat
Lau Pa Sat is housed in one of the oldest Victorian structures in Southeast Asia and stands as an iconic hawker centre in Singapore. With over 80 food stalls offering a wide variety of local and international cuisine, it’s a food lover’s paradise. We embarked on a “multi-country food crawl,” walking past stalls serving everything from Singaporean and Chinese to Vietnamese, Indian, and more! Watching the chefs prepare food live is truly a treat for the senses.
Vegetarians, take note – you won’t be disappointed. We indulged in delicious options like veg dumplings, a vegetarian rice platter, naan with dal, samosas, a vibrant vegan bowl, and more!
There are also six Michelin-mentioned food brands here, so you can rest assured the taste and quality are top-notch.
CT Recommends: Don’t miss the Vegan Bowl – a colourful medley of fresh flavours beautifully combined in one dish. The Veg Dumplings are another must-try, packed with flavour in every bite.
Stalls To Visit: Lion City Dim Sum, Thunder Tea Rice, AS Indian Classic Cuisine, Butter & Cream, Kopi Kiosk
Where: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Maxwell Food Centre
Known for its diverse selection of authentic local grub, Maxwell Food Centre will win your heart with its lively atmosphere and, of course, its mouth-watering flavours! We stumbled upon this gem while visiting the famous Buddha Tooth Relic Temple—and the irresistible aroma of food pulled us right in. Safe to say, we’re so glad it did!
This hawker centre is the perfect place to relax and recharge after exploring the many iconic spots nearby. It offers a great introduction to Singapore’s rich and diverse culinary landscape—and yes, vegetarians, you’re in for a treat too!
CT Recommends: Try the vegetarian version of Bee Hoon, a light yet flavour-packed Asian noodle dish. We also loved the Thai Veg Soup and the Crispy Spring Roll Salad—both are absolute vegetarian gems, so be sure to add them to your list.
And before you leave, don’t miss Chendol—a classic Peranakan iced dessert made with green pandan-flavored rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup. It’s incredibly refreshing and the perfect sweet ending to your meal!
Stalls To Visit: The Green Leaf, Mr. Appam, Nyonya Chendol, Boat Noodle
Where: 1 Kadayanallur St (Opposite Buddha Tooth Relic Temple) Singapore 069184
Amoy Street Food Centre
Nestled in the iconic Chinatown area, Amoy Street Food Centre is one of the most sought-after hawker centres in Singapore. This vibrant culinary hotspot offers a wide variety of vegetarian-friendly options that are sure to delight. As you walk around, you’ll notice how age-old favourites blend seamlessly with modern creations—giving you a spread of flavours that will truly blow your mind.
Vegetarian visitors can savour dishes like vegetarian Char Kway Teow, a stir-fried rice noodle dish, alongside other plant-based delights like Curry Puffs, Vadai, and more.
CT Recommends: Don’t miss the Michelin-approved Veg Curry Puff at J2 Curry Puff—it’s a crispy, flavour-packed bite of perfection. We also suggest trying the Radish Soup, Mock Meat Rice Plate, and Cheese Vadai. These dishes are well-seasoned, full of flavour, and best of all, easy on the pocket!
Stalls To Visit: Hokkien Mee, Coffee Break, The Original Vadai, J2 Curry Puff
Where: 7 Maxwell Road, Chinatown, Singapore 069111
Newton Food Centre
If you’re looking to sample authentic Singaporean hawker fare, Newton Food Centre is a popular choice. This place isn’t just a hawker centre—it’s a lively, bustling celebration of local flavours that’s been serving up magic since 1971. Plus, it’s famous enough to have featured in Crazy Rich Asians!
Newton Food Centre is fantastic for vegetarians too! We found stalls serving up delicious vegetarian bee hoon (rice vermicelli) stir-fries loaded with fresh veggies and tofu — fragrant, savoury, and definitely not an afterthought. There’s also fresh rojak, a tangy, spicy fruit and vegetable salad tossed with nutty peanut sauce, perfect for those looking for something light yet flavourful. And if you’re in the mood for Indian cuisine, you’ll spot stalls offering hearty vegetarian classics like aloo gobhi and creamy palak paneer, served with warm naan or fragrant rice — comfort food at its finest.
CT Recommends: Be sure to try the vegetarian steamed dumplings, fresh popiah rolls, flavour-packed carrot cake (the savoury kind, not the dessert!), and a tangy, crunchy plate of rojak — each dish offering a unique taste of Singapore’s diverse culinary traditions.
Stalls To Visit: Indian Palace, Beloved Aroma Cafe, Newton 51, Marn Café, Bee Heng Popiah
Where: 500 Clemenceau Ave N, Singapore 229495
Tekka Centre
Tucked right in the heart of Singapore’s vibrant Little India, Tekka Centre is a true cultural and culinary gem. Step inside, and you’re immediately greeted by the heady aroma of spices, sizzling dosas, and freshly brewed masala chai.
What makes Tekka truly special is its soul — many of the stallholders here are second- or third-generation hawkers, proudly carrying forward recipes that have been passed down through the decades. You’ll find incredible food in every corner, from North and South Indian dishes to Malay, Sri Lankan, and Singaporean favourites — all under one (very lively) roof. Vegetarians are especially well-catered for, with a wide range of delicious meat-free options that don’t skimp on flavour.
CT Recommends: Love masala chai and vegetarian biryani? You’ll find some of the best at Tekka Centre — bold, flavourful, and filling. The ghee-rich roti prata is a must-try, and don’t miss the string hoppers (idiyappam) served with fragrant curry for a satisfying, meat-free bite.
Stalls To Visit: Raja Bojun Sri Lankan Food, Prata Saga Sambal Berlada, Delhi Lahori, Generation Coffee, Sri Aachi Aappakadai
Where: 665 Buffalo Road Zhujiao Centre, Tekka, Market, 210665
Curly Tales Pro Tips for Vegetarian Travellers at Hawker Centres
1. Look out for stalls with labels ‘Vegetarian’, ‘Buddhist Vegetarian’, or ‘No Onion & Garlic’ — these are good indicators of meat-free options.
2. Ask when in doubt — some dishes may contain hidden animal products like fish sauce, shrimp paste, or lard, so it’s always best to confirm the ingredients.
3. Visit during off-peak hours for fresher food, shorter queues, and a better chance to explain your dietary preferences to the stall owners.
From Chinese and Malay to Indian and Peranakan, Singapore’s vibrant hawker centres showcase a rich tapestry of cuisines—offering a mouthwatering variety of affordable dishes. If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, rest assured that finding delicious vegetarian meals won’t be a challenge. Save this article for later, and to make sure every meal is a great one in Singapore, don’t forget to check out our specially crafted e-guide for vegetarians!
Cover Image Courtesy: Internal