Hawker Centres in Singapore: How to Eat Like a Local (and Do It Right)
- MASX
- Dec 30, 2025
- 2 min read
If you want to understand Singaporean daily life, don’t start with a shopping mall or a fine-dining restaurant.
Start at a hawker centre.
What Is a Hawker Centre in Singapore?
A hawker centre is an open-air food court serving affordable, everyday local meals. These spaces are home to dozens — sometimes hundreds — of food stalls, each specializing in a specific dish.
For many Singaporeans, hawker centres are not an occasional treat. They are where people eat every single day. From breakfast to dinner, hawker centres often replace home cooking thanks to their convenience, variety, and affordability.
You’ll find everything from chicken rice and laksa to Indian, Malay, and Chinese dishes — all under one roof.
In fact, hawker culture is so important that Singapore’s hawker culture is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
What Do Diners Do After Eating at Hawker Centres?
One thing that surprises many visitors is what happens after the meal.
At hawker centres, diners are expected to return their trays to designated tray-return stations. Clear signs show where to go, and in many places, this practice is actively encouraged or enforced.
This system keeps hawker centres clean, efficient, and pleasant for everyone. More importantly, it reflects a broader Singaporean value: civic responsibility. Cleaning up after yourself isn’t seen as a chore — it’s simply part of everyday life.
What About Tipping in Singapore?
Another thing travelers often wonder: Do you tip at hawker centres or restaurants in Singapore?
The answer is simple — tipping is not expected.
In Singapore, service charges are usually already included in the bill, especially at restaurants. At hawker centres, prices are set, and leaving extra money is unnecessary. Staff do not expect tips, and tipping is not part of local culture.
Trying to tip won’t offend anyone, but it also won’t earn you extra points — understanding and respecting local customs will.
Why Hawker Centres Matter So Much
Hawker centres are more than food courts. They are social spaces where generations meet, cultures mix, and daily routines unfold.
Eating at a hawker centre means:
Sharing tables with strangers
Choosing efficiency over formality
Respecting shared spaces
It’s one of the easiest and most authentic ways to experience Singapore — not as a tourist, but as a local.
If you’re visiting Singapore, remember:
Hawker centres = everyday local dining
Return your tray after eating
No tipping required
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