Singapore is one of the world's best food destinations: Here's everywhere you have to eat

Of all the foodie destinations around the world, Singapore has to be up there as one of the best.

The tiny country is home to a mix of expats and locals, hailing from all over the world, resulting in a very interesting culinary scene.

From slurping down noodles at a hawker centre and pigging out on laksa from a market, to Michelin-starred cuisine, there is a lot to discover in the city state.

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So where to go?

9Travel chatted with Andreas Kraemer, GM of InterContinental Singapore to get his take on the best things to do in the city.

Kraemer has been working in the hotel industry for over 30 years, and after nearly five years of living in Singapore - and giving recommendations to guests - he knows his way around the place.

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Where to eat in Singapore

We asked Kraemer to give us his list of local spots he recommends, from hole-in-the-wall street food to Michelin-starred restaurants.

• Culina, a food-market-style restaurant where you can get local food
• Candlenut, a Michelin restaurant with Chinese Peranakan food
• Bakalaki, for stellar Greek food
• Lau Pa Sat, a hawker Center for a variety of local dishes
• Khansama Tandoori, for Indian; you must try the Chilli Paneer Tikka
• Neon Pigeon, a modern Japanese fusion restaurant
• Cou Cou for Swiss food
• BB&B – Killey Road, an authentic-style German beer garden
• Royal Thai Restaurant,where you must try the Phad Krapao Gai (Fried Basil Chicken Rice)

Must-try local dishes in Singapore

When you're out and about, there are three dishes that Kraemer recommends trying:

• Hainanese Chicken Rice
• Satay
• Singapore Laksa

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The best laksa in Singapore

"One of Singapore's finest laksa, in my opinion, is from The Lobby Lounge in InterContinental Singapore," says Kraemer.

"The signature laksa boasts a perfectly balanced, spicy coconut broth—rich in flavour without overwhelming heat. Our chefs meticulously explored the culinary landscape of Singapore, sampling numerous laksa varieties to craft a truly exceptional rendition," he boasts of his hotel's restaurant.

"Traditionally served with succulent prawns and tender cockles, our classic laksa has long been celebrated."

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The best chicken rice in Singapore

One of Singapore's national dishes, the chicken and rice seems simple but has an incredibly intricate flavour.

No matter how you like it, you'll be a huge fan of the chicken rice they serve up at Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice.

Here, you'll always get tender meat along with garlicky rice and zingy ginger chilli soy dipping sauce.

The best hawker centre in Singapore

Again, you could debate this one for hours.

Satay by The Bay is always a popular choice, as it's very easy to navigate as a tourist and is in a central location.

However, Kraemer stands by Lau Pa Sat at Raffles Quay as the best hawker centre where you can sample a huge range of local Singaporean delicacies.