Lau Pa Sat: Guide To Singapore’s Popular Food Court

Image Credit: Lau Pa Sat via Facebook

What is one of the best ways to learn more about Singapore, its people, and its colourful heritage? The answer is obvious – to explore its authentic tastes! And if you combine authentic tastes with magnificent architecture, eventful history, and a one-of-a-kind local vibe, you will be lucky to get the most immersive experience. BusyKidd knows an ideal place to dive into Singapore’s breathtaking heritage and food culture – and can’t wait to share all the details with you! Welcome to Lau Pa Sat Singapore, Lion City’s famous hawker centre, where you can get the best of this vibrant culinary and social tradition of Singapore. If you are in search of a lively food court ‘near me,’ Lau Pa Sat is the right place to go. Moreover, it’s not just the food court but a whole universe of traditions, great shopping opportunities, bright events, and more. But first things first. Let’s enter the inviting Lau Pa Sat and get acquainted with its story. 

Related Reading: Check out our guides to Pasta Ultimate Guide, Thai Food Restaurants In Singapore.

The Story Of Lau Pa Sat

Lau Pa Sat (aka Telok Ayer Market) is deservedly considered one of the most iconic hawker centres in Singapore. Its historic building, located in the very heart of CBD in Singapore, is one of the oldest and most charming Victorian structures in South-East Asia – and the only remaining market left among ones serving the residents in the central district of early Singapore.

What is the Lau Pa Sat meaning? It means ‘old market.’ We should note that Lau Pa Sat’s history is long and rich. The market was built in 1824 as a fish market. It was rebuilt in 1838 and then relocated and rebuilt at the place where it can be found nowadays in 1894.

In 1972, the market was converted into a hawker centre. Next year, it was declared a national monument.

Today, this market in Singapore takes the place of one of the most popular lifestyle destinations for Singapore’s history, culture, and traditions, as well as a site for shopping and enjoying exciting family-friendly events. However, the main reason why Lau Pa Sat attracts so many visitors is definitely its Telok Ayer food, an authentic selection of local favourites and international specialties gathered in one vibrant, welcoming food court.

So, what to eat at Lau Pa Sat? Let’s see what is there on Lau Pa Sat menu!

Dining At Lau Pa Sat

Singapore is known for its rich food heritage and multicultural community, and the Lau Pa Sat food court is an excellent place to enjoy the best of it. Telok Ayer food includes an impressive diversity of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and international dishes that ensures the best possible coverage of Singapore’s reach tapestry of cultures, traditions, and cuisines.

Lau Pa Sat invites all curious minds to embark on a fascinating culinary journey through multiple hawker stalls serving the best hawker food ‘near me’ in Singapore. You may be sure that this centre has everything you must eat to understand Singapore. Deservedly considered one of the best food courts in Singapore, it is a real hawker gem not to miss on your tour of The Lion City or on a family day out.

Let’s check out the list of authentic dishes you should try at this hawker centre!

Must-Try Food At Lau Pa Sat

What are some of the food options to try in Singapore to feel its heart and soul? You can find them all at Lau Pa Sat! From the best satay near me in Singapore to the best carrot cake – it’s time for the tastiest adventure ever!

Authentic Dishes You Should Definitely Try at Lau Pa Sat:

• Bak Kut Teh. Bak Kut Teh is a flavourful pork rib soup popular in Singapore and Malaysia. It consists of pork ribs stewed with a mixture of fragrant herbs and spices.
• Carrot Cake. One of the most popular hawker dishes, the carrot cake in Singapore is not a dessert but a savory dish. It is made from stir-fried radish cake (not carrots) with eggs and preserved radish. It comes in two options: white and black (depending on the sauce).
• Char Kway Teow. Being one of the most iconic noodle dishes, Char Kway Teow is a street food noodle dish with bold flavour that combines flat rice noodles stir-fried with a delicious mix of prawns, Chinese sausage, eggs, etc.
• Chee Cheong Fun. A popular option for breakfast, Chee Cheong Fun is rice noodle rolls, often served plain with sauce. It can be filled with vegetables, shrimp, mushrooms, beef, and other ingredients.
• Chicken Biryani. It is a layered Indian dish that includes rice, chicken, and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish amazes with its bright colours, mouthwatering aroma, and exquisite taste.
• Chicken Rice. Poached chicken, seasoned rice, chilli sauce, and cucumber garnishes – and voila! A classic dish beloved by Singaporeans and people all over Asia is ready!
• Chwee Kueh. It is a type of traditional rice cake originating in Teochew cuisine that is served with preserved radish. Chwee Kueh literally means water cake.
• Fishball Noodles. One of the local favourites, Fishball Noodles, is a traditional dish with noodles served with fish balls in broth or dry with sauce.
• Kaya Toast Set. Kaya Toast is a dish that consists of two slices of toast with butter and kaya (coconut jam). People in Singapore usually eat it for breakfast or as a late afternoon snack.
• Laksa. Laksa is Singapore’s popular spicy noodle soup dish. Its hallmark is its rich and creamy coconut milk-based broth. Usually, Laksa includes thick rice noodles, prawns, fishcakes, bean sprouts, and other toppings.
• Mee Rebus. Another must-try option, Mee Rebus, translates as ‘boiled noodles.’ It is a Maritime Southeast Asian noodle soup dish. It is served with a thick gravy, blended sweet potatoes, and spices.
• Nasi Lemak. A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk with pandan leaves served with sambal (a spicy chili paste), fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber slices, and a boiled egg – it is an absolute must-try for everyone.
• Roti Prata. Typically consumed for breakfast, Roti Prata is a popular fried pancake-like flatbread served with curry or sugar.
• Wanton Noodle. It is a noodle dish that typically consists of egg noodles served in hot broth with leafy greens and wonton dumplings.
• Satay. Finally, satay! One of the main reasons why this hawker centre is so popular among foodies. It is a dish of seasoned, skewered, and grilled meat served with a sauce.

And as for the best satay near me…

Satay Street @ Lau Pa Sat

Image Credit: Jae Yub Kim via Google Reviews

Satay Street in Singapore’s most popular food court absolutely deserves special attention. After all, it is the Lion City’s largest – and most vibrant – open-air Satay Street and an excellent destination to dive into the street hawkers’ culture.

Step into this realm of authentic tastes, mind-blowing aromas, and an electrifying vibe. Explore the finger-licking Satay Street @ Lau Pa Sat menu. Become part of the community. Spend the most precious moments with your family under the starry Singaporean sky.

• Lau Pa Sat Satay Street Opening Hours:
  • Weekdays: 7 PM to 3 AM
  • Weekends: 3 PM to 3 AM

11 Must-Visit Food Stalls At Lau Pa Sat

Well, Lau Pa Sat has gathered over 80 best hawker stalls near me in Singapore – and, yes, it’s quite a complicated task to cover them all in one article. So, we decided to make a selection of the 11 best must-visit food stalls at Lau Pa Sat by BusyKidd. Let it be a starting point for your mind-blowing culinary adventure!

BusyKidd’s Selection of 11 Best Food Stalls at Lau Pa Sat:

Butter & Cream

Image Credit: Lau Pa Sat via Instagram

• Location: Stall 05 – 06
• Must-Try Dishes: Salted Egg Lava Tart, Cheese-Me-Up, Chocolate Glazed Doffin
• Operating Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM

Golden Shoe Hokkien Mee

Image Credit: Golden Shoe Hokien Mee via Google Reviews

• Location: Stall 26
• Must-Try Dishes: Hokkien Mee, Char Kway Teow, Oyster Omelette
• Operating Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM

Ipoh Hainanese Chicken Rice

• Location: Stall 14
• Must-Try Dishes: Ipoh Curry Chicken Noodles, Shredded Chicken Prawn Ipoh Hor Fun, Chicken Rice Set
• Operating Hours: 8 AM to 10 PM
  • * Halal-certified

Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow

• Location: Stall 74 – 75
• Must-Try Dishes: Black Fried Kway Teow, White Fried Kway Teow, Laksa
• Operating Hours: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
  • *Michelin-recommended

Lixin Teochew Fishball Noodles

• Location: Stall 32
• Must-Try Dishes: Fishball Minced Meat Noodles, Fish Dumpling Soup, Chilli Fishball
• Operating Hours: 8 AM to 10 PM

Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang

Image Credit: Foodpanda via Google Reviews

• Location: Stall 71
• Must-Try Dishes: Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang, Nasi Lemak Ayam Balado, Chicken Wing Set with Begedel
• Operating Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
  • *Michelin-recommended
  • * Halal-certified

Qiu Lian Ban Mian

• Location: Stall 16
• Must-Try Dishes: Original Ban Mian, Braised Meat Ban Mee, Tom Yam Mee Hoon Kuey
• Operating Hours: 8 AM to 10 PM

Ri Ri Hong Mala Hot Pot

• Location: Stall 61 – 62
• Must-Try Dishes: Mala Hot Pot, Stir-Fried Pork, Fried Lamb with Cumin
• Operating Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM

Rokus A.G.B Creative Korean Burger

• Location: Stall 24
• Must-Try Dishes: Tteokbokki Burger, Myeongnan/Mentaiko Fries, Corndog
• Operating Hours: 10 AM to 11.59 PM

Seng Kee Local Delights

• Location: Stall 10
• Must-Try Dishes: Fried Carrot Cake, Hokkien Mee, Char Kway Teow
• Operating Hours: 24 hours

Thunder Tea Rice & Thunder Spize

• Location: Stall 25
• Must-Try Dishes: Thunder Tea Rice, Thunder Tea Special, Lemongrass Chicken
• Operating Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
  • *Halal-certified

Of course, this is just a tiny part of all the unique dining options you should experience in this hawker centre. To find more information and inspiration, check the Lau Pa Sat Map! And we continue our acquaintance with one of the best food courts not just in Singapore but far beyond its borders.

Shopping At Lau Pa Sat

Image Credit: Deon Lim via Google Reviews

Have you already got enough of the most delicious authentic food? Well, it’s shopping time – and you can enjoy it at Food Folks @ Lau Pa Sat!

Food Folks is not quite an ordinary store – it is a unique shopping destination of all things Singapore-related. It is an award-winning specialty retail shop, the country’s first locally-focused ‘Everything Food’ concept, that boasts a selection of more than 80% local food brands and a great choice of unique souvenirs.

Besides, Food Falks serves as a launch pad for local food retail and Food & Beverage brands that help them to declare themselves, find their clients, and grow.

Along with delicious items created by Singaporean brands, Food Folks is also a place to purchase lovely merchandise as a reminder of your visit to this paradise of authentic cuisine. Postcards, tote bags, notebooks, pins, mugs, chocolates – everything is food and Singapore-related.

• Food Folks Operating Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM

Events At Lau Pa Sat

Image Credit: Lau Pa Sat via Instagram

The historic Lau Pa Sat building is not just the food court but also a welcoming venue for various events and activities. Live music performances, bright celebrations (like the recent LPS130 that marked the building’s 130th anniversary), food festivals – this is just a tiny part of all the thrilling happenings you can join at this hawkers centre.

Little explorers and adventure seekers will especially appreciate the centre’s heritage trail that uses augmented and virtual reality to tell you the site’s history in the most engaging and exciting way.

The most enthusiastic foodies can participate in a satay-eating competition. Who knows, maybe you will be the one to break the record of a competitive eater from Singapore, Zermatt Neo, who managed to eat 275 sticks of satay in under 20 minutes.

Various themed events, dance parties, sports screenings, live music shows, and other happenings attract visitors from all parts of Singapore for a day of vivid emotions in this universe of colourful traditions and outstanding treats.

Lau Pa Sat Visitors Information

Lau Pa Sat is situated in the bustling Downtown Core in the Central Area of Singapore. Great news! This food court is open for all seekers for authentic tastes and electrifying vibes 24 by 7. It has over 80 stalls serving all must-eats, so you will definitely find your perfect variant for today, including vegetarian-friendly and halal-certified dishes. Take-out is available as well.

So, are you ready for the most delicious family adventure in Singapore?

• Lau Pa Sat Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
• Lau Pa Sat Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Official Website: Lau Pa Sat

Lau Pa Sat: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lau Pa Sat under Kopitiam?

Yes, the hawker centre is managed by Kopitiam, a Singaporean food court chain that focuses on local cuisine. Kopitiam acquired the centre in 1995 and turned it into a large food court. However, the original concept of street hawking in the evenings has remained.

Is Lau Pa Sat open 24 hours in Singapore?

Yes, this food court is open 24 hours 7 days a week – so you can enjoy mouthwatering authentic food at any time of day or night.

What is the best time to visit the market?

If you are looking for a more relaxed experience, opt for weekday mornings or early afternoons. The centre is less crowded and ensures a much calmer ambiance during these periods of the day.

On the contrary, if you wish to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the market and indulge in the most authentic street food, evenings after 7 PM, particularly on weekends and public holidays, are the right choice for you.

How to get to this hawker market?

You can easily get to the hawker centre by MRT, by bus, by car/taxi, and on foot from nearby offices and hotels in CBD.

Which MRT exit to Lau Pa Sat?

The nearest MRT stations are:

• Downtown MRT Station
• Raffles Place MRT Station
• Shenton Way MRT Station
• Telok Ayer MRT Station

Where to park at Lau Pa Sat?

The nearest spaces for parking at Lau Pa Sat:

• Hong Leong Building
• IOI Central Boulevard Towers
• One Raffles Quay
• One Shenton Way
• SGX Carpark

Are there vegetarian options available at the hawker market?

Yes, you will find a great selection of vegetarian-friendly options, such as salads, tofu dishes, noodles, and others.

Are there halal-certified options at this food court?

Yes, this market has many halal-certified food stalls for you to choose from.

What is so special about Lau Pa Sat?

Being one of the best hawker centres near me in Singapore, it is a destination to experience our country’s authentic hawker culture – and enjoy the taste of Singapore to the fullest. It is the oldest surviving market structure in the Little Red Dot and the only hawker centre housed in a national monument. With a wide selection of local favourites, Michelin-recognised brands, and unique Satay Street, this centre will easily impress even the most sophisticated foodies. Moreover, this food court in Singapore is ready to add even more incredible flavours into your life 24 hours 7 days a week. Did we mention this place is not just about dining? It is also about centuries-old traditions, fantastic architecture, and a unique atmosphere. Besides, it often serves as a venue for various exciting events, including multiple family-friendly happenings. That’s what makes this destination Singapore’s most award-winning hawker markets and a very special place to explore with your nearest and dearest.

No doubt, Lau Pa Sat is one of the best hawkers centres in Singapore – and a must-visit place for everyone willing to understand and feel The Lion City and its people even better. Be sure to share your Lau Pa Sat photos and reviews – to inspire other Singaporeans and visitors to the city!

Featured Image Credit: Tony Chote via Google Reviews