Lau Pa Sat: The Ultimate Guide to Must-Try Stalls & Satay Street

The Marina Bay area is likely to be on the itinerary for most visitors to Singapore. This popular destination boasts iconic attractions such as the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands, while also being the heart of Singapore’s economy, home to one of Asia’s leading financial districts.

Nestled among the towering skyscrapers of Shenton Way, a distinctive building with a reddish-brown roof and clock tower stands out. Lau Pa Sat Festival Market is a beloved culinary hotspot, offering a taste of local flavours to both office workers and tourists alike.

• Plan Your Visit
  • • Origins and History
  • • How to Get to Lau Pa Sat
  • • Opening Hours
  • • Floor Map
• Top 8 Must-Try Stalls at Lau Pa Sat
  • ❶ Lao Fu Zi Char Kway Teow
  • ❷ Seng Kee Local Delights
  • ❸ Ipoh Hainan Chicken Rice
  • ❹ Sing HK Kitchen
  • ❺ Ban Mian
  • ❻ Shanghai Fried Xiao Long Bao
  • ❼ Lion City Dim Sum
  • ❽ Butter & Cream
• Sizzling Feast on Satay Street
  • • Satay Stalls Pop Up Every Evening
• Shop & Bite at Food Folks
  • • Local Brands and Goods in One Place

Plan Your Visit

Origins and History of Lau Pa Sat

“Lau Pa Sat” literally means old market — a name combining the Chinese word “Lau (old)” with “Pa Sat,” a local twist on the Persian word bazaar (market).

True to its name, Lau Pa Sat boasts a rich history, with roots dating back to the 19th-century Telok Ayer Market. In 1991, it was transformed into a bustling hawker centre, with a wide array of food stalls.

While the phrase “old market” might conjure up images of something dusty and worn-out, regular upkeep and careful renovations ensure that the interior remains clean and well-maintained.

The iconic clock tower and intricately decorated cast-iron pillars of Lau Pa Sat were designed by Scottish engineer James MacRitchie.

The elegant details reflect the Victorian style that was in vogue in the 1890s. Today, Lau Pa Sat is recognised as a National Monument of Singapore.

With its central location and inviting, well-maintained atmosphere, Lau Pa Sat stands out among Singapore’s many hawker centres, making it a top choice for tourists.

How to Get to Lau Pa Sat

Lau Pa Sat sits right in the heart of Marina Bay’s business district.

Location-wise, it’s roughly halfway between Downtown and Telok Ayer MRT stations on the Downtown Line (blue). Both are about a 4–5 minute walk away. Alternatively, it’s also within walking distance from Raffles Place MRT station and the Merlion Park.

If you’re staying at one of the hotels around Marina Bay, it’s a great idea to take a leisurely stroll to Lau Pa Sat for dinner after the day’s heat has subsided.

Opening Hours

Opening hours at Lau Pa Sat vary from stall to stall.

Due to its location in the business district, it gets particularly busy during weekday lunch hours. To avoid long queues, it’s best to visit either just before noon or after 2 pm.

Floor Map

Lau Pa Sat is a massive hawker centre with over 70 stalls and around 2,500 seats.

Viewed from above, its octagonal shape is designed according to Feng Shui to attract good fortune from all directions. At the centre is a drinks stall, with walkways radiating outwards in eight directions.

If you happen to lose your bearings while browsing the stalls, just look for the street numbers displayed on the cast-iron pillars. Numbered from 1 to 8, they’ll help you pinpoint your location.

Feel free to take any available seat. Payment is made directly to each stall at the time of ordering. Both cash and credit cards are accepted.

Top 8 Must-Try Stalls at Lau Pa Sat

Lau Pa Sat offers not only Singaporean favourites like Chicken Rice, Bak Kut Teh, and Laksa, but also a wide variety of international cuisines, from Indian to Thai and even Japanese.

With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to eat and what to try! To help, here are 8 top stalls at Lau Pa Sat that you shouldn’t miss.

❶ Lao Fu Zi Char Kway Teow

Opened in 2023, Lao Fu Zi Char Kway Teow is a newcomer to Lau Pa Sat, but it’s no stranger to Singapore’s hawker scene, having earned its Michelin Bib Gourmand award at the Old Airport Road Food Centre.

The must-try dish here is their signature Char Kway Teow.

Imagine wide rice noodles stir-fried in a wok with prawns, eggs, and crunchy bean sprouts – a true hawker classic with an irresistible smoky aroma.

❷ Seng Kee Local Delights

Next up is Seng Kee – a name that always pops up among the most popular at Lau Pa Sat.

Their Hokkien Mee combines yellow egg noodles and rice vermicelli, stir-fried in a rich seafood broth with a savoury kick. 

Mild but full of flavour, it’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to nearly every palate.

❸ Ipoh Hainan Chicken Rice

For an authentic taste of Singapore’s iconic Chicken Rice, head to Ipoh Hainanese Chicken Rice.

They specialise in “Kampung Chicken” – a free-range chicken from Ipoh, a Malaysian town renowned for its food. The tender, yet firm chicken is packed with a rich, savoury depth, making it a true delight.

❹ Sing HK Kitchen

Sing HK Kitchen is another popular stall for Hong Kong-style scrambled egg rice bowls.

A generous mound of fluffy scrambled eggs sits atop a warm bed of rice, paired with a juicy pork chop and crisp lettuce. A drizzle of their sweet and savoury sauce completes this tempting dish. 

It’s a perfectly balanced and satisfying one-plate meal featuring eggs, rice, and meat.

❺ Ban Mian

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by rich, oily food? Then Ban Mian is just the ticket!

Flat, wide noodles are served in a piping hot, rich and savoury broth. This light and comforting noodle dish is ideal for gently soothing a tired stomach.

❻ Shanghai Fried Xiao Long Bao

When it comes to dim sum, Xiao Long Bao is always a crowd favourite — and Shanghai Sheng Jian Xiao Long Bao is the go-to stall at Lau Pa Sat.

Freshly steamed and wrapped in delicate skins, these dumplings are filled with rich, savoury broth.

At just $7.80 for six, they offer an authentic taste without breaking the bank.

❼ Lion City Dim Sum

Lion City Dim Sum offers a tempting array of steamed and fried dim sum, all beautifully laid out in their display case.

These bite-sized treats are perfect as snacks or side dishes.

With 24-hour service, this stall lets you enjoy dim sum whenever you please, from early morning until late at night.

❽ Butter & Cream

For a post-meal treat, look no further than Butter & Cream bakery stall. 

Their display case is brimming with delectable baked goods, from muffins and tarts to cheesecakes. 

And with prices starting from an affordable $2.60 each, it’s hard to resist!

Sizzling Feast on Satay Street

■ Satay Stalls Pop Up Every Evening

As night falls at Lau Pa Sat, the famous Satay Street comes to life.

Every evening around 7pm, Boon Tat Street, which runs along the southwest side of Lau Pa Sat, closes to traffic and transforms into Satay Street.

Rows of tables and chairs are set up right on the street, turning it into an open-air dining spot that feels part street party, part pop-up beer garden.

Around a dozen satay stalls line the pavement, filling the air with the smoky aroma of sizzling charcoal-grilled skewers. It’s an irresistible invitation to stop and indulge in a mouthwatering feast.

Most stalls offer the classic trio of beef, chicken, and lamb satay, with some even serving up grilled prawn skewers for something a little different.

Be sure to dip them in the peanut sauce – it’s the perfect complement!

Shop & Bite at Food Folks

Local Brands and Goods in One Place

In 2020, a new concept shop called Food Folks opened within Lau Pa Sat, combining a light bites corner with a retail space.

The food section offers stands serving coffee, ice cream and açaí bowls, while the retail area showcases a curated selection of Singaporean brands—from food products to lifestyle goods.

Even with a limited range, it’s worth browsing for local products after your meal.

Experience Singapore’s vibrant hawker culture at Lau Pa Sat, conveniently located near major tourist attractions – a perfect stop for travellers.