History of the Singapore Hawker Center
Did you know Hawker Centers were created in the 1970s? The government moved street food vendors into purpose-built centers for better hygiene. This smart move preserved Singapore's unique street food culture.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Hawker Center with a private, personalized experience led by a local.




Make your stay in Singapore complete with these things to do
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"Excellent tour for first timers to Singapore. Food choices were a bit minimal but very good knowledge of Singapore, history and culture. Great insights to the workings of the Hawker Markets. Adam was a great guide and would highly recommend however very expensive for what you got considering the actual prices of food at the markets."
"Tricia is full of énergie and knowledge. Could have spend more time with her. "
"Adam was an excellent host! Very friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to share his local stories."
"We have done many Foodie tours around the world & consider HJ's private Hawker tour absolutely outstanding. For our first time to Singapore we wanted to try Hawker food and find out more about Singapore. That's where going with a local guide you learn so much. The food we sampled was absolutely delicious and we saw alot of Chinatown. Thank you HJ for a memorable night. "
"We really appreciated the cultural experience and history provided by HJ as much as the incredible food. And the food was amazing! From touring through Chinatown, Hawker stands, a Buddhist temple and being given access to a view that rivals the Marina Bay Sands - HJ did it all with a wonderful attitude and winning smile. Highly recommended, it truly made our trip in Singapore. "
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Singapore with locals








Our locals will give you the best experiences that Singapore has to offer
Discover experiences based on your interest

Ready for a flavor explosion? Dive into Singapore's world-famous Hawker Center scene with a local guide! These bustling food hubs are the heart of the city. Discover the best Hawker Center eats on a private tour!
Did you know Hawker Centers were created in the 1970s? The government moved street food vendors into purpose-built centers for better hygiene. This smart move preserved Singapore's unique street food culture.
In 2020, Singapore's Hawker Center culture was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s more than just food; it’s a living museum of the city's multicultural soul. Experience it yourself!
Ever seen a tissue packet on a table? That's 'choping' – the unique local way to reserve a seat in a busy Hawker Center. It's a fascinating custom you'll only see here. Your local guide can explain!
From savory Hainanese Chicken Rice to spicy Laksa and smoky Char Kway Teow, a Hawker Center is a foodie paradise. A local can guide you to the stalls with the longest queues – they're always the best!
Yes, it's true! Some humble Hawker Center stalls have earned prestigious Michelin stars for their incredible food. Imagine enjoying a world-class meal for just a few dollars. We know where to find them!
Why wander alone when a local expert can guide you to the most authentic flavors? Skip the tourist traps and dive straight into the best Hawker Center stalls. Book your private food tour with a local guide today and create delicious memories. Limited spots available!
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
"Fantastic experience from start to finish - including booking. Could not find tour on website to book - emailed Monica and her quick reply enabled my booking to proceed - Yay Monica Ended up at wrong meeting point - messaged Monica and she came to our location - yay Monica Tour was for our 5 year old Granddaughter and was exactly what we wanted to introduce her to food and culture from other countries - including local food , markets etc - yay Monica Thank you again Monica"
"Marcus was a great guide. It provided us with lots of informations and insights on local life, and showed us fun food options! One suggestion, don’t eat lunch! Marcus took us on the public transport to see different sites and shows. It was truly a fun evening with locals. "
"We had such a great time on our food tour in Singapore with Aang! It was awesome getting to try so many local dishes — a mix of Singaporean Malay, Indonesian, and Chinese foods. My son has celiac disease, and Aang went out of his way to make sure we had gluten-free options everywhere we went. We never felt like we were missing out on anything, which was such a relief. On top of that, Aang shared tons of cool historical and cultural stories that made the experience even better. Highly recommend booking with With Locals, and definitely ask for Aang if you can — he’s fantastic!"
"My wife and I did a Singapore evening food tour with Marcus and it was great. We tried multiple dishes at the Chinatown hawker market, also had some additional treats on the tour afterward. Marcus showed us multiple places to try out later on our own. He also gave us tour of the Chinatown area, then we took a ride on the MRT to catch a light show on the water. Overall, it was more than just a food tour. We enjoyed it very much, and Marcus was an enthusiastic guide. I would recommend him highly for any tour of Singapore."
"Our tour with Ronnie featured delicious food but also insights into Singapore's people and it's history. Ronnie was engaging and interesting. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend it and Ronnie!"


Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.