Whether you live in Singapore or are visiting, dining at a Hawker Center is a big part of the culture and day-to-day living!
Making healthier choices at a hawker centre is easier than you might think. Here are practical tips to enjoy great food while keeping wellness in mind.
Follow these simple strategies and you’ll still enjoy every bite while getting the most from your meal.
- Choose soups. Options like sliced fish soup, pho or yong tau foo are typically lighter and offer good portions of protein and vegetables.
- Skip or reduce noodles in your soup. Ask for extra vegetables instead to increase volume and nutrition without added carbs.
- Make smart choices with chicken rice. Request breast meat to keep it lean. Ask for double meat if you want more protein and immediately halve the rice portion when you sit down. Add a side of kai lan or other local greens for balance.
- Look for Vietnamese or Thai stalls. They often serve protein-packed salads such as larb gai or goi ga, and you’ll frequently find steamed fish options too.
- Avoid deep-fried dishes. Fried items add unnecessary calories and unhealthy fats.
- Choose fresh coconut water over sugary drinks. It’s a natural, hydrating alternative without the added sugar of many juices.
- Be cautious with oily curries. While healthy fats are beneficial, many hawker stalls use vegetable oils that are best limited.
- Sequence your meal. Start with vegetables, move to protein, and finish with carbohydrates. This helps with satiety and blood sugar control when dining out.
- Watch toppings. Crispy extras like fried anchovies, fried shallots or fried garlic can quickly turn a healthy dish into a heavier one. Enjoy them sparingly.
- Pick lighter desserts or share indulgences. Opt for lighter sweets such as beancurd with ginkgo nuts. If you crave something richer like ice kachang or cendol, share it with friends.
I hope these tips help you make healthier choices while enjoying the vibrant hawker scene in Singapore!