Singapore’s Bugis district is renowned for its lively streets, bustling markets, and, most importantly, its incredible food scene. For travelers, Bugis is more than a stop for shopping or sightseeing; it’s a culinary adventure showcasing Singapore’s rich multicultural heritage. With its hawker centers, hidden gems, and modern eateries, Bugis offers flavors to suit every palate.
If you’re visiting Singapore and want to sample its best cuisine, here’s a guide to 12 dishes in Bugis that foreigners can’t stop raving about. From traditional delights to innovative creations, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Where to Try: Tian Tian Hainanese at Bugis Junction
Hainanese Chicken Rice is often referred to as Singapore’s national dish, and for good reason. This seemingly simple meal of tender poached chicken, fragrant rice, and a side of chili sauce hits the right spot every time.
The secret is in the details. The rice is cooked in chicken stock and herbs, while the meat is juicy and accompanied by a tangy chili and ginger-soy dipping sauce. At Bugis, you’ll find stalls that prioritize tradition, making this dish unforgettable.
2. Laksa
Where to Try: 328 Katong Laksa (located near Bugis)
This spicy, coconut milk-based noodle soup is a must-have for anyone exploring food at Bugis. Laksa combines rice noodles with a rich broth, hard-boiled eggs, shrimp, and cockles. Foreigners praise its unique and comforting flavor profile. The balance of creamy, spicy, and savory notes makes laksa an unmissable treat in Bugis.
3. Bak Kut Teh
Where to Try: Founder Bak Kut Teh at Bugis+
Bak Kut Teh, or “pork rib tea,” is a hearty soup made with tender pork ribs simmered in a peppery or herbal broth. While locals have long cherished this dish for its restorative qualities, many visitors are drawn to its bold and comforting flavors. Pair it with rice and some soy-sauced tofu for a complete meal experience.
4. Chili Crab
Where to Try: JUMBO Seafood (Bugis Area)
Singapore’s Chili Crab is legendary, and many food enthusiasts travel across the globe to savor it. The fresh, succulent crab is cooked in a tangy-sweet chili sauce that’s mildly spicy and bursting with flavor. Don’t forget to mop up the sauce with fried buns (mantou).
5. Satay
Where to Try: Albert Centre Market & Food Centre
Satay is a go-to street food in Bugis. These skewered and grilled meat sticks (usually chicken, beef, or mutton) are rich with smoky flavor and accompanied by a rich peanut sauce. Whether you’re exploring the Bugis night markets or hawker centers, satay never disappoints.
6. Kaya Toast with Kopi
Where to Try: Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Perfect as a snack or light breakfast, Kaya Toast and Kopi (local coffee) is a simple yet iconic choice for anyone visiting Singapore. The toast is layered with kaya (a creamy coconut jam) and butter, delivering an indulgent sweetness. Pair it with a strong kopi, and you’ve got an authentic Singaporean start to your day.
7. Char Kway Teow
Where to Try: Albert Centre Hawker
Char Kway Teow is a popular stir-fried noodle dish loaded with flavor. Combining flat rice noodles, prawns, Chinese sausage, egg, and beansprouts, the dish hits all the savory notes with its smoky wok hei (breath of the wok). It’s beloved for its rich mix of textures and flavors.
8. Roti Prata
Where to Try: Zam Zam Restaurant
Roti Prata is a South Indian flatbread that’s crispy on the outside and delightfully soft inside. Dip it in a flavorful curry, and you’ll understand why this dish is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Bugis has several spots serving classic prata with modern twists, like fillings of cheese and egg.
9. Durian Ice Cream Waffles
Where to Try: Dessert stalls at Bugis Street
For the adventurous eater, Durian ice cream is a treat you won’t forget. Known as the “king of fruits,” durian has a distinct, polarizing flavor that foreigners either love or hate. Served in waffle sandwiches at Bugis dessert stalls, it’s a fun way to try this unique delicacy.
10. Nasi Lemak
Where to Try: Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak
This fragrant Malay dish features coconut-infused rice, fried chicken, ikan bilis (anchovies), nuts, cucumber, and sambal chili. The unique interplay of rich coconut, crispy fried elements, and spicy sambal is a delight for most visitors, making Nasi Lemak a Bugis highlight.
11. Popiah
Where to Try: Traditional Hawker Stalls at Albert Centre
Popiah is Singapore’s take on a fresh spring roll, filled with ingredients like turnip, carrots, eggs, and prawns, all tightly wrapped in a thin rice skin. Light and refreshing, popiah is a great snack between meals while you’re exploring Bugis.
12. Teh Tarik
Where to Try: Local Curry Houses in Bugis
Teh Tarik, or “pulled tea,” is Singapore’s signature milk tea. Made by pouring the brew back and forth between two cups to create its frothy texture, this drink is as fun to watch as it is to drink. Creamy and sweet, it’s an ideal way to wrap up a spicy meal.
Food in Bugis is More Than a Meal
Visiting Bugis is not just about eating; it’s about immersing yourself in Singapore’s food culture. Every dish tells a story of heritage, innovation, and community. Whether you’re savoring Chili Crab at a sit-down restaurant or sampling Satay under the stars at a hawker center, you’re sure to walk away with unforgettable food memories.
If you’re ready to experience the culinary magic of Bugis, start planning your visit at Chong Qing Grilled Fish today. Every bite awaits to tell its own delicious story.
