UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour in Singapore, Singapore
Singapore, Singapore

UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour

Outty Ranking 75 4.9 · 60 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $88
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

75/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 60 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour worth booking?

UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour is a 3-hour experience in Singapore, Singapore, from $88 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 60 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
75 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (60)
Duration
3 hours
From
$88 per person

Hawker culture is an integral part of Singapore’s culture that has been listed under UNESCO’s world heritage. People from all walks of life gather to enjoy their meals together. In this tour you can look forward to tasting a collection of hand picked hawker dishes & sweet treats recommended by your designated local guide. You will also explore secret alleyways with vintage shophouses, old temples and hidden spots with aesthetic murals. ● Explore iconic temples ● Secret hidden alleys with Instagrammable Murals ● Colorful vintage shophouses boasting rich colonial history ● 8-9 handpicked must-try local dishes and beverages at famous hawker centers ● Small group with maximum of 10 guests

What you get

    About this experience

    Hawker culture is an integral part of Singapore’s culture that has been listed under UNESCO’s world heritage. People from all walks of life gather to enjoy their meals together. In this tour you can look forward to tasting a collection of hand picked hawker dishes & sweet treats recommended by your designated local guide. You will also explore secret alleyways with vintage shophouses, old temples and hidden spots with aesthetic murals. ● Explore iconic temples ● Secret hidden alleys with Instagrammable Murals ● Colorful vintage shophouses boasting rich colonial history ● 8-9 handpicked must-try local dishes and beverages at famous hawker centers ● Small group with maximum of 10 guests

    What's included

    Included

    • 3 hours with a Licensed Local Guide
    • 1 Bottle of Mineral Water
    • 9-10 handpicked food at famous hawker centres or Michelin Bid Gourmand Award dishes

    Not included

    • Tips & Gratuities (is appreciated but not required )

    What you'll see and do

    1. Sri Mariamman Temple

      The Sri Mariamman Temple was founded in 1827 by Naraina Pillai, a prominent figure in Singapore’s Indian community. It was recognized as a National Monument for its architectural and historical significance.

      10 minutes here

    2. Ann Siang Hill Park

      Ann Siang Hill was once a bustling business Centre for Chinese immigrants in Singapore, retaining much of its historical and architectural charm with many of the ethnic picturesque shophouses being restored and conserved. The tour guide will show you photo taking spots that were featured in the movie Crazy Rich Asians.

      15 minutes here

    3. Maxwell Food Centre

      Maxwell Food Centre is a treasure trove of hawker delights, featuring famous hawker dishes like Singapore's famous chicken rice, Fuzhou pancakes and other Hawker food

      35 minutes here

    4. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

      This Tang-styled Chinese Buddhist temple’s richly designed interiors and comprehensive exhibits on Buddhist art and history tell stories of culture over thousands of years old. The temple houses a relic said to be a tooth from Buddha. Next to it is Sago Lane, a place the Cantonese name ominously called 'street of the dead'.

      10 minutes here

    5. Chinatown

      Chinatown Complex is a repository of unique architectural heritage showcasing shophouses with exteriors decorated in Chinese-style tile ornaments and motifs. Previously, street hawkers would ply their trade in pushcarts all over Chinatown causing congested traffic, resulting in the construction of Chinatown Complex to resettle them without losing the district’s unique character. Today, Chinatown complex is a popular place to dine & shop.

      20 minutes here

    6. Smith Street

      Walk through several alleys with ethnic picturesque shophouses, Instagrammable murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong and have a rest stop at a traditional coffeeshop, feeling the nostalgia and tradition of coffee beans being roasted and ground at their backyard back in the old days.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Singapore

    Chinatown MRT Exit A (Street Level), 151 New Bridge Rd Singapore 059443 Meet in front of Bee Chiang Heng Bak Kwa Store at 69 Pagoda Street Branch.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The nearest MRT station to the end point is Maxwell Station.

    Options you can book

    • PRIVATE TOUR

      PRIVATE GROUP

    • JOIN IN GROUP

      SHARED GROUP: Childs Policy: 1 adult can buy max 1 child tickets, etc. Any additional child will have to pay Full adult price.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    cmn, ja, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    LC Travel Planners

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Attraction Closures and Alternatives In the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions, resulting in the closure of any paid attraction(s) included in our tour itineraries, LC Travel reserves the right to substitute the affected attraction(s) with an alternative attraction(s) of similar value. This decision will be made at the discretion of LC Travel and is intended to minimize disruptions to the tour. No refunds or compensation will be provided for attraction closures or substitutions.
    • Childs Policy: 1 adult can buy max 1 child tickets and 2 adults can buy max 2 child tix, etc. Any additional child will have to pay Full adult price.

    Photos

    UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour in Singapore, photo 2NANYANG OLD COFFEE, UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour in SingaporeSTEAMED or ROASTED HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE, UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour in SingaporeBUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE, UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour in SingaporeHAPPY MOMENTS, UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour in SingaporeONE OF YIP YEW CHONG MURALS AT TEMPLE STREET, UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour in Singapore

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 60 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    6 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    60 verified traveler reviews for UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    58
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Glen_R · September 2026

    A great experience. 5 Stars

    We had a fantastic experience with Ronnie. He was super friendly and had a wealth of knowledge. I think with his enthusiasm we actually went into overtime on our tour. Highly recommend.

    via Viator

    jeaninem261 · September 2026

    Expert local tour os Chinatown food and culture

    Kelvin gave a great tour of Singapore’s Chinatown. The food was delicious and my nervous husband was comfortable with Kelvin’s advise to ensure he would not get sick. Kelvin also provided great tips on using the public transport and activities and food for the night ahead and the following morning which was way beyond his remit.

    via Tripadvisor

    309kristiec · August 2026

    Great tour with Ronnie

    Ronnie was the most amazing guide. He is so knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the history of Singapore. We learnt so much, ate great food and had an awesome experience.

    Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for leaving us a 5-star review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience with Ronnie and appreciate your support and recommendation. We wish you a pleasant journey throughout the rest of your trip. 🌟

    via Tripadvisor

    Stephen_E · May 2026

    Food and more

    Lots of food but lots of other info too. Not too long of a walk in terms of distance but excellent pace Excellent guide

    via Viator

    Laqueta_W · May 2026

    Ronnie was a great...

    Ronnie was a great driver. He was on time and very supportive. I would definitely recommend this tour.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $88 to $360
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    21
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by LC Travel Planners, who run 15 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.3.

    See everything LC Travel Planners runs

    Why this scores 75

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)88
    Review evidence (18% weight)59
    Booking momentum (14% weight)53
    Value for money (12% weight)65
    Listing quality (10% weight)82
    Local standing (8% weight)74
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Singapore.

    How much does UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $88 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Singapore usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Singapore is not rushed.

    Is UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 60 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Singapore, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour?

    +

    Around 21 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Singapore can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Singapore and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Singapore within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Singapore?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Singapore experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Singapore Highlights Small Group Bike Tour on Full-Sized Bicycles, Lion City Bike Tour of Singapore, Singapore River Cruise, Night Garden Rhapsody & Spectra by CYT. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Singapore?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Singapore?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour?

    +

    Included: 3 hours with a Licensed Local Guide; 1 Bottle of Mineral Water; and 9-10 handpicked food at famous hawker centres or Michelin Bid Gourmand Award dishes. Not included: Tips & Gratuities (is appreciated but not required ). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour?

    +

    Chinatown MRT Exit A (Street Level), 151 New Bridge Rd Singapore 059443 Meet in front of Bee Chiang Heng Bak Kwa Store at 69 Pagoda Street Branch. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Chinese, Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Singapore. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour?

    +

    Across 60 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including PRIVATE TOUR, JOIN IN GROUP. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for UNESCO Hawker Culture: Chinatown Food Tasting Tour.

    Pick your date