Lau Pa Sat is one of Singapore’s most iconic hawker centers, renowned for its Victorian architecture and an impressive variety of local and regional dishes. From smoky satay skewers to Michelin-recommended noodles, it is a culinary destination for those seeking authentic flavors. Here are 10 stalls that stand out for their craft and dedication to tradition.
1. Best Satay 7 & 8
Unit: Stall 7 & 8, Satay Street
Opening Hours: 7 PM – 1 AM (Mondays – Fridays), 5:30 PM – 1:30 AM (Saturdays and Sundays)
A signature experience at Lau Pa Sat begins at Satay Street, where Best Satay 7 & 8 has been serving perfectly charred skewers since 2002. The satay is marinated with a spice blend that infuses every bite with flavor before being grilled over charcoal for a smoky aroma. Whether you choose chicken, mutton, beef, or prawn, the thick peanut sauce, fresh cucumber, onions, and ketupat complete the dish. The open-air evening setting heightens the experience, making it a lively stop for dinner.
2. Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang
Unit: Stall 71
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 12 AM
This Michelin-recommended stall combines Indonesian and Malaysian classics in one memorable plate. The star is the grilled Ayam Taliwang, coated in a spicy and tangy Lombok-style sauce that pairs beautifully with fragrant coconut rice. Crispy ikan bilis, roasted peanuts, a runny-yolk egg, and sambal balance the dish with a mix of textures and flavors. Each bite brings heat, sweetness, and richness that keeps diners coming back.
3. Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow
Unit: Stall 74 & 75
Opening Hours: 11:45 AM – 10 PM
Famous for its rich “wok hei,” Lao Fu Zi serves two versions of char kway teow that have earned Michelin recognition. The black version has a sweet undertone with dark soy sauce, while the white version is savory and clean. Both come with flat rice noodles, yellow wheat noodles, bean sprouts, chives, egg, and fresh cockles, stir-fried at high heat for that signature smoky aroma. Each plate offers a perfect balance of chewy noodles and fresh seafood.
4. Golden Shoe Hokkien Mee
Unit: Stall 26
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
This stall’s Hokkien Mee is rich in flavor, thanks to a broth simmered from prawn heads and pork bones for hours. The noodles absorb this stock while being stir-fried with prawns, squid, and crispy lard pieces that add crunch and depth. Each serving is packed with seafood sweetness and smoky undertones. They also serve a popular oyster omelette and char kway teow for variety.
5. Lixin Teochew Fishball Noodles
Unit: Stall 32
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Serving handmade fishballs since 1968, Lixin Teochew Fishball Noodles is known for its fresh yellowtail-based recipe. The bouncy texture of their fishballs and dumplings is a testament to their daily preparation. Diners can choose dry noodles tossed with chili and vinegar or a clear soup that highlights the natural sweetness of the fish. The mee pok and mee kia are equally popular options.
6. Ipoh Hainanese Chicken Rice
Unit: Stall 14
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Operating round the clock, this stall serves one of Singapore’s most beloved dishes with consistency. The steamed chicken has silky skin and tender meat, while the roasted version offers a crispy exterior and savory depth. Fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock and ginger pairs perfectly with their trio of sauces: chili, ginger paste, and dark soy. Each plate reflects precise cooking methods and traditional flavors.
7. Thunder Tea Rice
Unit: Stall 25
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
For a lighter yet satisfying meal, Thunder Tea Rice serves a traditional Hakka recipe known for its wholesome ingredients. A bowl of rice is topped with finely chopped vegetables, tofu, roasted peanuts, and preserved radish. The signature herb-infused tea soup, made from tea leaves, basil, and mint, is poured over the rice for a fragrant, earthy flavor. Meat and fish variations are available for those seeking more protein.
8. Warong Pak Sapari
Unit: Stall 58
Opening Hours: 24 hours
A third-generation stall with Michelin recognition, Warong Pak Sapari specializes in Indonesian-style noodle soups. Their Mee Soto features a spiced chicken broth rich in aroma, while Mee Rebus offers a thick, sweet-savory gravy. Both dishes are topped with shredded chicken, bean sprouts, and celery. A fiery green chili sambal is a must-try for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
9. Feng Xiang Herbal Bak Kut Teh
Unit: Stall 27
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
This stall introduces Klang-style herbal Bak Kut Teh to Lau Pa Sat, offering a dark, aromatic broth brewed with herbs and spices. The slow-cooked pork ribs are tender and comforting, making it a favorite for soup lovers. Their fried porridge, stir-fried in a wok for smoky depth, has become a crowd favorite, especially with pork or frog leg toppings.
10. Butter & Cream
Unit: Stall 5 & 6
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
For a sweet ending, Butter & Cream offers handcrafted baked treats that stand out for their rich flavors. Their chunky muffins are moist and come in various flavors, while the signature “doffin” combines the soft crumb of a muffin with the chewy texture of a doughnut. Freshly baked daily, these pastries are a delightful way to finish a savory feast at Lau Pa Sat.
How to Get to Lau Pa Sat
Address: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
By MRT:
Raffles Place MRT Station (EW14/NS26) – About a 5-minute walk. Take Exit I and walk along Raffles Quay.
Telok Ayer MRT Station (DT18) – Around a 7-minute walk. Take Exit A and head toward Cross Street, then turn onto Raffles Quay.
Downtown MRT Station (DT17) – Roughly 10 minutes on foot via Shenton Way.
By Bus:
Several buses stop near Lau Pa Sat:
Robinson Road (Bus Stop B03041) – Buses 57, 97, 100, 131, 167, 186, 400
Shenton Way (Bus Stop B03223) – Buses 10, 57, 97, 100, 107, 131, 162, 167, 186
Raffles Quay (Bus Stop B03011) – Buses 10, 57, 97, 100, 107, 131, 162, 167, 186
By Car:
Limited parking is available along the adjacent streets and nearby commercial buildings. Popular options include Republic Plaza, One Raffles Quay, and Marina Bay Financial Centre car parks.
Evening visits are recommended as street parking around Boon Tat Street may be more accessible when Satay Street opens.
Final Thoughts
Lau Pa Sat remains a vibrant showcase of Singapore’s rich culinary heritage, offering an array of flavors from traditional satay to modern twists like fried porridge. Each stall brings a unique specialty, reflecting years of skill and dedication to local and regional cuisines. Whether you are seeking hearty noodle soups, fragrant rice dishes, or sweet baked treats, this iconic hawker center delivers an experience that satisfies every craving. A visit is not just about eating but about tasting the history and culture woven into every dish.
