Best Places To Eat In Lau Pa Sat: Savory Delights for Every Palate

Introduction

The iconic Lau Pa Sat, previously known as Telok Ayer Market, is a historical landmark and food haven in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District. This Victorian-style building houses some of the best local and international cuisines, making it a must-visit destination for foodies. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Lau Pa Sat’s food stalls, restaurants, and cafes.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to eat in Lau Pa Sat, from traditional hawker dishes to contemporary fusion cuisine. We’ve also answered some frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit better. Let’s dig in!

History of Lau Pa Sat

Lau Pa Sat was built-in 1894 as a wet market and Victorian-styled structure. It underwent extensive renovations in the 1970s and 1990s, transforming it into a food center with over 80 food stalls, restaurants, and cafes. The name ‘Lau Pa Sat’ means ‘old market’ in Hokkien, a dialect spoken by the early Chinese immigrants. Today, Lau Pa Sat is a bustling food paradise that serves a variety of affordable and delicious meals.

Location and Opening Hours

Lau Pa Sat is located at 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582. It’s open 24 hours, but the food stalls operate from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, except for some that operate until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Some restaurants also operate during the daytime, making it a perfect lunch spot for office workers.

How to Get There

Lau Pa Sat is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the MRT to Raffles Place Station (NS26/EW14) and exit at Exit I. It’s also near several bus stops, including the ones at Collyer Quay and Shenton Way.

What to Expect

Expect a vibrant and bustling atmosphere at Lau Pa Sat, especially during peak hours. You’ll find the food stalls and restaurants on the ground level, while the second level houses a satay club, a beer garden, and a seating area. The food prices range from around SGD 4 to SGD 15, making it an affordable dining option for everyone.

Halal Options

Most of the food stalls and restaurants in Lau Pa Sat serve halal food, making it a Muslim-friendly dining destination. However, some stalls may serve non-halal food, so it’s best to check with the vendors before ordering.

Vegetarian Options

If you’re a vegetarian or a vegan, there are several food stalls and restaurants that offer meat-free options, such as Indian vegetarian food, vegetarian Chinese noodles, and vegetable salads. Some food stalls also offer mock meat dishes that taste like the real thing.

Food Courts vs. Restaurants

Lau Pa Sat has a mix of food courts and restaurants, each with its own unique dining experience. The food courts offer a casual and bustling atmosphere, with food served in disposable plates and cutlery. The restaurants, on the other hand, offer a more upscale and intimate dining experience, with dishes served on proper plates and cutlery.

Best Places to Eat in Lau Pa Sat

Now that you know what to expect at Lau Pa Sat let’s dive into the best places to eat. We’ve categorized them into traditional, fusion, and international cuisines, so there’s something for everyone.

Traditional Cuisines

Satay Street

🍢 Satay Street is a must-visit food stall at Lau Pa Sat. Here, you’ll find delicious grilled meat skewers, such as chicken, beef, and mutton, served with peanut sauce and ketupat (rice cakes). The tender and juicy meat, combined with the sweet and savory peanut sauce, makes for a perfect flavor combination.

Boon Tat Street BBQ Seafood

🦐 Boon Tat Street BBQ Seafood is another popular food stall that offers fresh and tasty seafood dishes, such as chili crabs, black pepper crabs, and BBQ stingray. The chili crab is a must-try, with its spicy and flavorful gravy that goes well with the mantou (steamed buns).

Yeoh’s Bah Kut Teh

🍲 Yeoh’s Bah Kut Teh serves a comforting and hearty bowl of pork rib soup, with a fragrant broth that’s been simmered for hours with herbs and spices. It’s a perfect dish for a chilly day, and you can pair it with steamed rice or you tiao (dough fritters).

Poh Cheu Soon Kueh

🥟 Poh Cheu Soon Kueh is a food stall that specializes in handmade Teochew-style dumplings, with fillings such as turnip, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms. The dumplings are steamed to perfection and served with a sweet chili sauce that complements the savory filling.

Traditional Hakka Lui Cha

🍵 Traditional Hakka Lui Cha is a food stall that offers a healthy and refreshing bowl of green tea rice, served with a mix of vegetables, peanuts, and fried anchovies. You can also add a dollop of homemade pesto sauce for extra flavor.

International Cuisines

Thanying Restaurant

🍛 Thanying Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Royal Thai cuisine. The dishes are prepared using age-old recipes and techniques, with ingredients imported from Thailand. The must-try dishes include the Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, and Green Curry Chicken.

IndoChine

🍢 IndoChine is a restaurant that serves contemporary Asian fusion cuisine, with a focus on Vietnamese, Thai, and Laotian dishes. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are a tantalizing mix of sweet, sour, and spicy. Try the Vietnamese spring rolls, Tom Kha Gai, and the Lemongrass Beef.

Hansang Korean Family Restaurant

🥘 Hansang Korean Family Restaurant is a restaurant that serves authentic Korean dishes, such as Bulgogi, Bibimbap, and Japchae. The dishes are prepared using traditional methods and ingredients, and the flavors are spicy and bold.

Fusion Cuisines

The Original Katong Laksa

🍜 The Original Katong Laksa is a food stall that serves a fusion of Peranakan and Chinese cuisine. The must-try dish is the Laksa, a spicy and creamy noodle soup with a mix of seafood, tofu puffs, and fish cakes. The dish is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

Flame Cafe

🍳 Flame Cafe is a restaurant that offers hotpot and BBQ buffets, with a unique twist. You can choose from a variety of soup bases, such as Mala, Tom Yum, and Herbal, and grill your own meats and vegetables on the table BBQ. It’s a fun and interactive dining experience that’s perfect for groups.

FAQs

1. Are the food prices at Lau Pa Sat affordable?

Yes, most of the food prices range from around SGD 4 to SGD 15, making it an affordable dining option for everyone.

2. Is Lau Pa Sat open 24 hours?

Yes, Lau Pa Sat is open 24 hours, but the food stalls operate from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, except for some that operate until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

3. Are there halal options available at Lau Pa Sat?

Yes, most of the food stalls and restaurants in Lau Pa Sat serve halal food, making it a Muslim-friendly dining destination. However, some stalls may serve non-halal food, so it’s best to check with the vendors before ordering.

4. Is Lau Pa Sat vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, there are several food stalls and restaurants that offer meat-free options, such as Indian vegetarian food, vegetarian Chinese noodles, and vegetable salads. Some food stalls also offer mock meat dishes that taste like the real thing.

5. What’s the best time to visit Lau Pa Sat?

The best time to visit Lau Pa Sat is during lunch or dinner hours, as that’s when most of the food stalls and restaurants are open. It’s best to avoid peak hours, as the crowds can be overwhelming.

6. Can I find international cuisine at Lau Pa Sat?

Yes, there are several restaurants that serve international cuisine, such as Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese dishes. There are also fusion food stalls that offer a unique blend of different cuisines.

7. Are there