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A Local’s Guide to Lau Pa Sat—My Must-Try Eats Plus Hidden Gems!

| Last Updated: December 2024

Whenever I step into Lau Pa Sat, it always feels like diving into a foodie’s playground with a touch of history. The smell of sizzling satay and fresh hawker dishes always gets my stomach rumbling before I even grab a seat.

Whether I’m hunting for Michelin-approved bites or just craving a feast under the twinkling lights at Satay Street, I know something is amazing waiting for me. Let me share my tips to help you find the best eats here!

History and Background

Lau Pa Sat, or Telok Ayer Market, is a shining gem in Singapore’s heritage. Built in 1894, this iconic food hall blends Victorian architecture with the city’s vibrant hawker culture, making it a must-visit spot in the CBD.

Once a bustling fish market, Lau Pa Sat has transformed into a foodie haven offering local delights and international flavours. Its charm lies in its ability to marry history with the modern energy of a buzzing food court in the heart of the city.

Things to Know

Website 
Address: 18 Raffles Quay
Contact: +6562202138
Hours: Open 24 hours
Accessibility: PWD and stroller-friendly ramps, restrooms, and wide paths
Amenities: Restrooms, ample seating, live music
Pet-friendly: No

Rules and restrictions:

✔ Share tables especially during peak hours
✔ Return trays and dispose of waste properly
✖ No outside food and drinks
✖ No smoking
✖ No littering

How to Get There

Closest MRT: From Raffles Place MRT (North-South and East-West Lines), it’s about a 5-minute walk, while Telok Ayer MRT (Downtown Line) is just a 3-minute walk away. 

Downtown MRT (also on the Downtown Line) is another convenient option, with a 5-minute walk to the market. Simply follow signs towards Raffles Quay or Cross Street, and you’ll spot Lau Pa Sat’s iconic architecture.

Closest bus station: The One Raffles Quay stop (03059) is approximately a 2-minute walk away, served by bus numbers 10, 57, 70, 100, 130, 131, 167, 186, 196, and 970. 

Alternatively, the Opposite So Sofitel Singapore stop (03071) is about a 3-minute walk, with buses 10, 97, 106, 133, 196, and 513 stopping there. Upon alighting, follow the signs towards Raffles Quay or Cross Street to reach Lau Pa Sat’s distinctive structure.

By car: Lau Pa Sat offers limited on-site parking, accessible via Boon Tat Street to the basement level. Alternatively, nearby commercial car parks include the Hong Leong Building at 16 Raffles Quay and SGX Centre 1 at 2 Shenton Way.

For drop-offs, designated points are available along Raffles Quay and Cross Street, providing convenient access to the market.

Top Satay Street Stalls

Best Satay 7 & 8

Media from robbie_mcmath

Best Satay 7 & 8 is my go-to for satay perfection—juicy chicken, tender mutton, and smoky beef skewers that always hit the spot. Pair it with their rich peanut sauce, and you’ll understand why this duo of stalls is the reigning champion of Satay Street!

Satay Stall 10

Media from kaekachin

Satay Stall 10 is where I go when I’m craving perfectly charred satay with a hint of extra smokiness—thanks to the staff’s signature grilling technique. Its prawn satay is a rare treat on Satay Street, adding a splash of seafood flair to the mix.

Ina Satay (Stalls 14 & 19)

Media from inasatay_laupasat_stall1419

Ina Satay, occupying Stalls 14 and 19 at Lau Pa Sat, is where I head for satay that’s grilled to perfection. The proprietary peanut sauce has a delightful kick, making each bite a flavourful adventure with a hint of heat.

Satay Power Stall 6

Media from sataypower6

Satay Power Stall 6 at Lau Pa Sat is my secret spot for satay bliss. Each skewer is grilled over charcoal to juicy perfection. The staff’s warm hospitality makes every visit feel like catching up with old friends.

Stall 2

Media from pineapple_phulae

Satay Stall 2 at Lau Pa Sat is a treasure trove of perfectly grilled skewers, delivering a satay experience you won’t forget. The stall’s signature sauces bring a unique flair, turning every bite into a burst of flavour.

Stall 3

Media from daw7d

Satay Stall 3 at Lau Pa Sat is my go-to spot for a satay feast, offering a variety of meats like beef, chicken, mutton, and babat (tripe) that are carefully grilled. Its grilled prawns are a standout, adding a delightful twist to the traditional satay experience.

Stall 1

Media from gene_and_tania

Satay Stall 1 is where I head for satay that is consistently tender and bursting with juiciness. It’s like the grillers have mastered the art of grilling perfection!

The variety of meats, paired with a rich and creamy peanut sauce, makes every skewer feel like a little celebration of local flavours.

Best Hawker Stalls

Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang

Media from nasilemakayamtaliwang

Location: Stall 71
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–midnight
Price: $

Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang at Lau Pa Sat is my go-to spot for a tantalising twist on a classic dish. 

Its Indonesian-style nasi lemak features tender chicken marinated in a spicy Taliwang (red chillies, garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, and lime juice) sauce, served with fragrant coconut rice and a side of fiery sambal that packs a punch.

Golden Shoe Hokkien Mee

Media from eunicekong

Location: Stall 26
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–11 PM
Price: $

Golden Shoe Hokkien Mee at Lau Pa Sat serves up a plate of pure comfort, with springy noodles soaked in a rich, prawn-infused broth. 

Every bite takes me back to the flavours of old-school hawker fare, complete with a dollop of sambal that brings the perfect kick.

Ipoh Hainanese Chicken Rice

Media from laupasat.sg

Location: Stall 14
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: $

Ipoh Hainanese Chicken Rice at Lau Pa Sat is my go-to for silky-smooth chicken and fragrant rice cooked to perfection, any time of the day. Open 24/7, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy your chicken rice cravings, with a homemade chilli sauce that tantalises the taste buds.

MaFe Tacos 

Media from mafe.tacos

Location: Stall 08
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–11 PM
Price: $

MaFe Tacos at Lau Pa Sat takes fusion food to the next level with its creatively global taco menu. 

Here, you can order tacos filled with ingredients and flavours inspired by various countries, such as the Singapore Taco made with chilli crab, coriander, red onion, tomatoes, hard-boiled egg, toasted fried bun bits, and lime.

The Warung 

Media from thewarungsg 

Location: Basement 1, Stalls 13 and 14
Hours:

  • Monday to Friday, 11 AM – 8 PM
  • Saturday, noon – 8 PM 

Price: $

The Warung at Lau Pa Sat brought Bali to Singapore with its authentic flavours and vibrant dishes. 

Its spicy ayam betutu (chicken marinated in a rich blend of spices, including turmeric, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, chilli, and ginger) and fragrant nasi goreng made every bite feel like a tropical escape, perfect for those craving a taste of Bali in the heart of the city.

Butter & Cream

Media from buttercreamsg21

Location: Stalls 5 and 6
Hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday, 10 AM–9 PM
  • Friday to Saturday, 10.30 AM–10 PM

Price: $

Butter & Cream at Lau Pa Sat is on my shortlist for a sweet indulgence, offering a delightful array of freshly baked muffins, tarts, and its unique ‘doffins’—a doughnut-muffin hybrid. 

Its Hokkaido cream muffin is a personal favourite, with its soft, fluffy texture and luscious cream filling that never fails to satisfy my dessert cravings!

Munchi Pancakes

Media from munchipancakes

Location: Stall 61
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM–8.30 PM
Price: $

Munchi Pancakes at Lau Pa Sat puts a modern twist on traditional min jiang kueh with unique fillings like matcha, Belgian chocolate, and even black sesame. 

Its bite-sized mini pancakes are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself (ahem) when the sweet cravings hit hard!

LiXin Teochew Fishball Noodles

Media from lixinfishball

Location: Stall 32
Hours: Daily, 9.30 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $

I’m spilling the beans on this stall because it’s just so good! LiXin Teochew Fishball Noodles at Lau Pa Sat is my go-to spot for authentic Teochew-style fishball noodles even if many regard it as a hidden gem. 

Its handmade fish balls are delightfully bouncy and flavourful, giving each bowl a comforting taste of tradition.

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