Singapore: UNESCO Street Food & Cultural Experience
Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This Mixed-Group tour brings you to the ethnic neighbourhoods of Chinatown, Little India & Kampong Gelam. You will learn about the history, people, culture & heritage, which are what make Singapore uniquely diverse.
You will experience the everyday lives of the locals not only through sight and sound, but also through your taste buds. We will visit 2 UNESCO inscribed hawker centres (at Chinatown & Little India) and sample authentic local cuisines and drink, some of which have been passed down from generations and are fast diminishing due to the lack of family successors continuing with the trade.
To experience the local experience even further, we will also be taking public transportation between the different ethnic quarters, which are efficient, convenient and comfortable.
This tour will help you understand how the locals live their lives, which reflects Singapore's unique multi-racial and cultural lifestyle, and at the same time fill your stomachs with really amazing food and drink.
Available options
Weekday Morning 9am
Tour departs at 9am, and guests will go on a 5-hour discovery of the ethnic neighborhoods & experience local food & drink.<br/>Duration: 5 hours<br/>Pickup included
Sunday Morning 9am
Tour departs at 9am, and guests will go on a 5-hour discovery of the ethnic neighborhoods & experience local food & drink.<br/>Duration: 5 hours<br/>Pickup included
Saturday Morning 9am
Tour departs at 9am, and guests will go on a 5-hour discovery of the ethnic neighborhoods & experience local food & drink.<br/>Duration: 5 hours<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off (Optional / Subjected to Location)
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
Coffee and/or Tea
Food tasting
Beer only
MRT (Subway) and/or public buses with guidance on how to use it
Professional & accredited host with stories to share
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your tour is a fun and educational discovery of 3 ethnic neighbourhoods: Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. You will learn more about its history and experience local living, through walking in the area as well as sampling local street food at UNESCO inscribed hawker centres at Chinatown and Little India, and dessert in the Malay Quarter of Kampong Glam.
In Chinatown, you will learn more about the lives of early Chinese immigrants who flocked here in large numbers due to the vibrant community and work opportunities. Businessmen, traders, craftsmen, hawkers and peddlers sought to make a living here. While some found success, many others found themselves succumbed to vices like opium, gambling and prostitution. Remnants of these memories can still be found along the streets of Chinatown and you will get the opportunity to relive the lives of the past in the present day.
2
Stop 2
Your tour is a fun and educational discovery of 3 ethnic neighbourhoods: Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam with a street food experience at UNESCO inscribed hawker centres at Chinatown and Little India.
In Kampong Glam, you will learn more about how this place came about and that Malay royalty used to govern Singapore, whose palace used to stand in the grounds. Be enthralled by the grand Sultan Mosque that still continues to attract Muslims from all over the island. It is an important focal point for religious, cultural and social activities. During the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, this area transforms into a popular night market with numerous food stalls as Muslims gather to await the prayer call to break their fast at sunset.
You will get to sample locally known desserts by an independently run store in the area while soaking in the old and colourful wall murals that adorn all along the walls of shophouses.
3
Stop 3
Your tour is a fun and educational discovery of 3 ethnic neighbourhoods: Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. You will learn more about its history and experience local living, through walking in the area as well as sampling local street food at UNESCO inscribed hawker centres at Chinatown and Little India, and dessert in the Malay Quarter of Kampong Glam.
In Little India, you will be absorbed in the vibrancy of colour, sight and sound of flower markets, traditional clothing stores, fruit stalls, incense shops and Hindu temples that still continue to revolve around the lives of the Indian community today. You will feel like you have been transported to another place as your guide shares with you more about the history of the coloured streets, the trades and opportunities that inspired the early Indian community to move here from the original Little India located elsewhere.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
217 reviews
5★
212
4★
2
3★
1
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
5.0
300 reviews
5★
296
4★
2
3★
2
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
A maximum of 8 people per booking
Not recommended for travelers with dietary restrictions
Not recommended for travelers who are vegetarians as experience will be compromised
Not recommended for travelers with children in prams
Not recommended for travelers with Personal Mobility Aids / Devices
Not recommended for travellers with food allergies
Meeting point
We will meet you at the Ticket Concourse area of the MRT Station.
Important notes
• This is a small group hawker centre street food tour in 3 ethnic neighborhoods comprising Chinatown, Little India & Kampong Gelam.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Minimum numbers apply.
• We would send you more details about your booking confirmation and other important information.
Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
About Singapore
Singapore is a vibrant, multicultural city-state known for its futuristic architecture, lush green spaces, and diverse culinary scene. It's a blend of modernity and tradition, offering everything from ultra-chic shopping districts to historic temples and serene nature reserves.
Top Attractions
Gardens by the Bay
A stunning 101-hectare nature park featuring iconic Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome.
Nature
3-4 hours
Moderate
Marina Bay Sands
A world-famous resort with an infinity pool, luxury shopping, and stunning city views.
Architecture
2-3 hours
Expensive
Chinatown
A vibrant district with traditional shophouses, temples, and a bustling street market.
Cultural
2-3 hours
Free to explore, budget for food and shopping
Singapore Zoo
One of the world's best zoos, known for its open-concept habitats and night safari.
Nature
4-5 hours
Moderate to Expensive
Sentosa Island
A resort island with beaches, theme parks, and luxury hotels.
Entertainment
Full day
Expensive
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, often accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains chicken, gluten, and soy
Chili Crab
A iconic Singapore dish featuring mud crabs stir-fried in a sweet and savory tomato-based chili sauce.
Dinner
Contains shellfish, gluten, and soy
Laksa
A spicy noodle soup with a rich, coconut-based curry broth, topped with shrimp, fish cakes, and cockles.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood, gluten, and coconut
Satay
Grilled skewers of marinated meat, typically served with a peanut sauce and ketupat (rice cakes).
Snack/Appetizer
Contains peanuts, gluten, and soy
Popular Activities
Kayaking
Hiking
Ziplining
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Garden strolls
Temple visits
Museum tours
Best Time to Visit
February to April, and July to September
These periods offer the best weather with less rainfall and plenty of sunshine. It's also when major events and festivals take place.
26-32°C
79-90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
- Widely spoken: English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates and strict laws. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis and ride-hailing services
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Changi Airport • 20 km from city center
By train
Woodlands Train Checkpoint
By bus
Queen Street Bus Terminal, Jurong East Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Efficient, clean, and air-conditioned. Easy to navigate with English signage.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Marina Bay
Orchard Road
Chinatown
Little India
Kampong Glam
Day trips
Universal Studios Singapore
15 km from city center • Full day
A world-class theme park with thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and characters.
Sentosa Island
15 km from city center • Full day
A resort island with beaches, theme parks, and luxury hotels.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
30 km from city center • Half day to Full day
A bustling city across the causeway from Singapore, known for its shopping malls, street food, and cultural attractions.
Festivals
Chinese New Year • January/February (dates vary)
Hari Raya Puasa • Dates vary (Islamic calendar)
Deepavali • October/November (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Use the EZ-Link card for convenient and discounted public transport fares
- Download the MyTransport.SG app for real-time updates on public transport
- Visit hawker centers for affordable and delicious local food
- Explore the city on foot or by bicycle to discover hidden gems
- Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long queues
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
