1-day Chinatown food itinerary for tourists

When I first moved to Singapore over a decade ago, Chinatown was already a tourist hotspot with hawker stalls galore, heritage shops, and the usual street market stalls hawking snacks and trinkets.

Having lived in Singapore for over a decade now, I’ve seen this part of town change. Some might argue it’s also become gentrified, with a boom in local and international brands standing shoulder to shoulder with stalls that have been here for decades. I still visit Chinatown almost every week, and there’s always something new popping up. For first-time visitors, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming.

This is the itinerary I wish someone had handed me back then, one that separates the overhyped from the classic must-visits.

Without further ado, here’s all the best food in Chinatown to try if you only have 12 hours to spare.

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