You’ve wrapped up a successful conference. The panels went smoothly, the screens lit up beautifully, and the applause was real. Now that the business is done, there’s only one question left:
What’s for dinner?
If you’re visiting Singapore as an event organiser or international guest, you’re in for a treat. Beyond the sleek hotels and high-rise venues lies one of the richest, most diverse food cultures in the world—rooted in heritage, bursting with flavour, and best enjoyed in its most authentic settings.
As your local event partner, we’re here to guide you beyond room service and into true Singapore-style eating. Here’s where to go when you’re ready to wind down and indulge like a local.
1. Hawker Centres: Where the Magic Happens
If you only do one thing after your event, go to a hawker centre. These open-air food courts are where Singapore’s multicultural roots really shine. Each stall is a specialist—some of them decades old, serving the same perfected dish to lines of loyal locals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hainanese Chicken Rice – Tender, fragrant, and deceptively simple. Try it at Maxwell Food Centre or Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.
Char Kway Teow – Smoky, wok-fried noodles with cockles and Chinese sausage. Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee is a top pick.
Laksa – A rich, spicy noodle soup with coconut milk and prawns. Go to 328 Katong Laksa for a Peranakan favourite.
Best For: Small groups, relaxed late-night eats, post-event team bonding over plastic trays and cold sugarcane juice.
2. Traditional Coffee Shops (Kopitiams)
Want to experience how locals do breakfast—or late-night supper? Visit a kopitiam, short for “coffee shop.” These are no-frills neighbourhood joints where the food is honest, the kopi (coffee) is strong, and the service is… efficient.
What to Order:
Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs – Sweet coconut jam on charcoal toast, paired with runny eggs and dark soy sauce.
Nasi Lemak – Coconut rice with fried anchovies, sambal, and a crispy egg—simple, satisfying.
Mee Rebus – Noodles in a thick, slightly sweet gravy with a hint of curry.
Best For: Early risers, or a casual morning meetup before a debrief.
3. Heritage Restaurants for Traditional Flavours in a Classic Setting
If you prefer air-conditioned comfort but still want old-world charm, Singapore offers several restaurants that serve traditional dishes in historic shophouses or beautifully restored colonial buildings.
Recommended Spots:
The Blue Ginger (Tanjong Pagar) – Classic Peranakan cuisine with a refined touch.
Chatterbox (Hilton Orchard) – A modern icon for chicken rice, once again reimagined in a premium setting.
Hjh Maimunah – A well-loved kampung-style restaurant with hearty Malay dishes and a true local vibe.
Best For: Entertaining clients, sharing a meal with your team, or soaking in Singapore’s layered cultural identity—one dish at a time.
4. Little India: A Feast for the Senses
No post-conference food journey is complete without diving into the vibrant, sensory experience that is Little India. This colourful district offers some of the most authentic Indian food in Singapore, served in traditional settings that feel like a trip across the continent.
Must-Try Spots:
Banana Leaf Apolo – Known for its fish head curry and meals served on banana leaves. Messy, bold, and absolutely delicious.
Komala Vilas – A vegetarian institution serving South Indian thalis, dosa, and sweets since 1947.
Muthu’s Curry – A slightly modernised spot, but still deeply rooted in spice and tradition.
Don’t Miss:
Strolling through Tekka Market for a look at spices, fresh produce, and Indian snacks
Sweets like gulab jamun or jalebi from the smaller shops along Serangoon Road
Best For: A full cultural immersion. This is where food, history, and atmosphere come together.
5. Where Locals Go to Escape: East Coast, Tiong Bahru, and Geylang
If you’ve got a bit of time to explore post-event, skip the tourist lists and head to:
Tiong Bahru – A gentrified but charming neighbourhood with art deco buildings, hip bakeries, and old-school hawker legends.
East Coast Lagoon Food Village – Enjoy chilli crab, sambal stingray, and satay with a sea breeze.
Geylang – Slightly chaotic, always authentic. It’s where durian stalls, frog porridge shops, and hidden gems thrive after dark.
Best For: Adventurous eaters, food photographers, and anyone who wants a story to tell on the flight home.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Tastebuds Clock Out Too
We know planning an event in a different country can be intense. So once the screens go dark and the stage is cleared, don’t forget to treat yourself.
As your local AV and production partner, we can do more than just wire your show together—we can point you to the best bite in town too.
Because in Singapore, the event may end at the ballroom…
but the real experience starts at the table.
