This article was written by expat contributor Jennifer Dawson.

Going on a trip to Singapore is one of the best ways to satisfy your tummy and taste buds, as the country has one of the most diverse food cultures in the world. Last year, it was even designated as the Official Culinary Destination Partner of The World Restaurant Awards, and the partnership celebrates the talents of local chefs, as well as the rich culture of the food scene in Singapore. From haute cuisine to street food, the possibilities are endless, which is why the Lion City is the place to be if you’re looking to go on a food adventure this year. Celebrate the start of a new decade by giving in to your cravings – here’s a guide to going on the ultimate food journey in Singapore. 

Head to a Hawker Centre

There’s a wide variety of restaurants in Singapore that makes it easy to discover exciting new flavors and cuisines. Imagine having a taste of Cantonese, Italian, Japanese, and Malaysian food all in one day! But perhaps the best part about going on a food adventure in the country is the high probability of getting amazing food at a very low price. If you’re on a budget but still want to experience feasting on different types of food, then head to a hawker center for cheap yet tasty fare. 

The Maxwell Food Centre in the Central Business District is one of the most popular hawker centers in Singapore, and you’ll see tourists, students, office workers and families eating here side by side on any given day. It has over 100 food stalls, and one of the most popular stalls here is Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice – it even got rave reviews from the late Anthony Bourdain himself, so arrive early to get ahead in line.

Meanwhile, if it’s Malaysian satay that you’re craving, go to Satay By The Bay, which is situated within Gardens By the Bay. Apart from satay stalls, this hawker center also has two crab stalls, so if you absolutely have to have some chilli crab or salted egg crab, this is the place to be. 

Fine Dining at its Best

If you ever dreamed about dining in restaurants that are helmed by some of the best chefs in the world, then you’re in luck, as Singapore is home to 44 Michelin-starred restaurants, and more establishments are expected to get stars in 2020. Some of them can be found in the Marina Bay Sands, as Singapore’s most iconic hotel houses Gordon Ramsey’s Bread Street Kitchen, Daniel Boulud’s db Bistro & Oyster Bar, David Myers’ Adrift, Justin Quek’s Chinoiserie, Tetsuya Wakuda’s Waku Ghin, and Wolfgang Puck’s CUT and Spago. To make your culinary adventure even better, head to Scotts Road, where you’ll find other Michelin-starred establishments such as Alma (Euro-Asian cuisine), Buona Terra (Italian fusion), Les Amis (French), and The Song of India (modern Indian).

Indulge in Local Delights

Don’t leave Singapore without indulging in some of the country’s most iconic dishes. For breakfast, have some Kaya toast, which is toasted bread slathered with butter and a local coconut jam. It’s usually paired with soft boiled eggs and brewed coffee, and you can find it in places such as Ya Kun Kaya Toast, which has over 40 outlets in the country. For lunch, have some laksa, which is a delicious mix of coconut-based soup, shrimp and noodles. You can find it in hawker centers, as well as in restaurants such as 328 Katong Laksa on East Coast Road.

For those who have a big appetite, order a plate of Nasi Lemak – you’ll get a generous helping of rice with fried fish or chicken, eggs, sliced cucumber, fried anchovies, and spicy chilli paste. You can find this dish almost anywhere, but if you want to eat where the locals go, then head to Nasi Lemak Kukus on Selegi Road.

Indulge your taste buds and plan a trip to Singapore this year. Check out the establishments and restaurants listed here during your holiday,and have the greatest food adventure of your life.