Singapore Food Tour: Hawker Centers, Katong & Kampong Glam

Summary

Singapore street food flavors from Katong to Little India with local stories and tastings

You’ll start hungry in Katong with kaya toast and kopi before weaving through bustling hawker centers sampling Hokkien Mee and rojak. With a local guide leading you from Kampong Glam’s vibrant streets to dosa in Little India, you’ll taste over ten dishes while hearing stories behind each bite. Expect laughter, new flavors — and maybe a little sweat from Singapore’s heat.

What’s the experience like?

I signed up for this small-group food tour in Singapore mostly because I was curious — you hear so much about hawker centers and all these different neighborhoods, but honestly, I had no idea what “eating like a local” even meant here. Our guide, Li, met us in Katong with this big smile and a warning: don’t eat breakfast. Good call. The first bite was kaya toast — thick bread slathered with coconut jam — and kopi that tasted way stronger than it looked. There was this soft chatter around us, old uncles reading newspapers, the smell of butter and something sweet in the air. I tried to say thank you in Hokkien; Li just grinned.

We hopped on a public bus (air conditioning = pure relief) and made our way to Old Airport Road Hawker Centre. It’s loud there — clattering plates, cooks shouting orders, steam everywhere. Li ordered Hokkien Mee for us to share (I still think about that smoky noodle flavor) and then rojak, which is this wild mix of fruit and dough fritters with a sticky sauce. Honestly, some things I liked more than others, but that’s kind of the point? You get all these layers of Singaporean culture just by eating your way through them.

Kampong Glam felt different — bright colors on the shophouses, the golden dome of Sultan Mosque catching the sun. We tried teh tarik (frothy pulled tea) and beef rendang that was so tender it basically fell apart on my fork. There were families out for lunch, people ducking into little shops along Haji Lane. I messed up saying “murtabak” (Li laughed), but the pancake itself was crispy outside and spicy inside. By the time we reached Little India for dosa and sweets — well, let’s just say I barely had room left but somehow managed another bite. The smell of spices there is something else; it sticks to your clothes a bit.

The whole thing took about six hours but didn’t feel rushed at all — we walked maybe 3km total (bring water; Singapore humidity is no joke). What surprised me most wasn’t just the food but how every stop had its own story: Peranakan history in Katong, Malay heritage in Kampong Glam, Indian traditions in Little India… It wasn’t always comfortable (especially when my shirt stuck to my back after a sudden rain), but it felt real. Looking back now, those flavors come back to me at odd times — especially that first sip of kopi when everything was still quiet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Singapore food culture and neighborhoods

• Meet in East Coast/Katong at 9 am
• Learn about Peranakan culture in Katong
• Sample Kaya Toast or Curry Puff and Kopi
• Visit Old Airport Road Hawker Centre
• Try Hokkien Mee, Rojak, Popiah or Carrot Cake
• Explore Kampong Glam Malay community
• See Sultan’s Mosque
• Try Teh Tarik, Beef Rendang or Murtabak
• Walk through Haji Lane
• Visit Little India indoor market
• Try Dosa and Indian sweets or Masala Milk
• Tour ends in Little India at 2:30 pm

Top questions

How long does the Singapore food tour last?

The tour lasts about 5.5 to 6 hours, starting at 9 am and finishing around 2:30 pm.

What neighborhoods are included on this food tour?

The tour covers Katong, Old Airport Road Hawker Centre, Kampong Glam (including Sultan Mosque & Haji Lane), and Little India.

How many dishes will I try during the tour?

You’ll sample more than 10 different local dishes across several stops.

Is transportation included during the food tour?

Yes—public bus rides between neighborhoods are included as part of the experience.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

No—the tour is not suitable for vegetarians or those with allergies or dietary restrictions due to ingredients used in local dishes.

What should I bring or wear for this walking food tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sun protection (hat/umbrella), rain gear for sudden showers, and at least 1 liter of water per person.

Is lunch included on the Singapore food tour?

Yes—lunch is included as part of your tastings throughout the day at various stops.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is capped at 8 guests for a small-group experience.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your guide in Katong before setting off by public bus through four distinct neighborhoods—Katong, Old Airport Road Hawker Centre, Kampong Glam, and Little India—with over ten tastings like kaya toast, laksa, Hokkien Mee, beef rendang, dosa and more along the way. All snacks and lunch are covered plus tea or coffee as specified; transportation between stops is included too before finishing up in Little India by mid-afternoon.