Lau Pa Sat Hawker Center

Ask any Singaporean their favored pastime and the will say "eating" (or shopping).  Singaporeans pride themselves on their food options and the flavors truly represent the region: China, Malaysia, Indonesian, India and Thailand just to name a few.  The best place to sample a variety of foods at an affordable price is the Hawker Centers.

So what is a Hawker Center?  Most simply stated…it is a food court occupied by a number of local vendors.  The centers are traditionally open air but can also be found inside shopping malls.

The most well known centers are Maxwell Road Food Center, Newton Circus, Adam Road Food Center, Smith Street, and last but not least Lau Pa Sat.

Located in the CBD (Central Business District), Lau Pa Sat is happening at lunchtime with the businessmen and women.  But at 7pm the side street closes, the satay stalls roll out their carts and the pint beers are selling like hot cakes!  There are about 10 different vendors who fire up their grills to satay beef, chicken, prawn and mutton.  If you are in Singapore and have yet to try the satay…Go now!!

Although La Pa Sat is largely known for the satay, there about 100 other vendors serving up popiah, naan, dim sum, chicken rice and much more.  I recommend you visit the website to get an idea of the food vendors and their stall location.  The site also lists a few must-try dishes.  You can even download a map of the building…so you know exactly where to go.   

If this is your first trip to a hawker center, here are a few things to know:

1.    Take napkins and wet wipes.  Hawker centers do not give you napkins.  But don’t worry if you forget them…there are folks walking around “hawking” tissues and wipes for usually a $1 a piece.

2.   “Chop” (reserve) a table by placing a pack of tissues or an umbrella on the vacant table of your choice (but never leave your valuables unattended). The satay vendors usually have their own seating areas (see #4).

3.    If you are going for the satay just know that the vendors will heavily solicit for your business.  Take a minute to walk around and find a stall that you like; then when you have decided on the vendor they will show you to their seating area.

4.    If you want beer, don’t worry the beer vendors will find you!  If beer is not your thing, find a beverage stall to get your drink.  These are usually centrally located.  For a local flavor, try the limejuice or any of the fresh juices.

5.    Finally, anytime you visit a hawker center and seating is limited don’t be surprised if someone asks to join you.  Don’t worry they just want the seat to eat…smile, say yes, and don’t worry about trying to converse with them.  Just enjoy your meal and they will enjoy theirs.

Below are a few photos of our most recent trip to Lau Pa Sat.  Unfortunately, we ate most of the food before we remembered to take a picture.  But no worries…we will visit again and post more photos next time.