Lau Pa Sat Singapore
Historic Victorian hawker center with vibrant Satay Street, offering diverse local and international flavors.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Satay Street comes alive!
Lau Pa Sat Singapore
Best Time
Satay Street comes alive!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Victorian hawker center with vibrant Satay Street, offering diverse local and international flavors.
"Satay Street at Lau Pa Sat offers an unforgettable dining experience amidst Singapore's skyscrapers."
🎯 Satay Street Queues
Stalls 7 & 8 are popular for satay. Expect a wait, but locals say it's worth it for the experience.
💰 Satay Street Pricing
Can be pricier than other hawker centers, but the unique atmosphere justifies it for many.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Satay Street
Boon Tat Street (adjacent to Lau Pa Sat)
Experience an open-air feast of grilled skewers under the city lights. A truly unique Singaporean night market vibe.

Victorian Architecture
Lau Pa Sat building
Marvel at the stunning 19th-century octagonal structure, a historical gem in the heart of the financial district.

Diverse Hawker Stalls
Inside Lau Pa Sat
Sample a world of flavors, from local favorites like chili crab to international delights.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Satay Street's Evening Magic
Beyond Satay: Explore Diverse Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Satay Street Queues
Stalls 7 & 8 are popular for satay. Expect a wait, but locals say it's worth it for the experience.
💰 Satay Street Pricing
Can be pricier than other hawker centers, but the unique atmosphere justifies it for many.
☕ Breakfast Delights
Try Champion Bolo's spam & cheese bun or Kopi Kiosk for kaya toast and kopi.
🍽️ Beyond Satay
Don't miss Michelin-recognized Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow or Butter & Cream's egg tarts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Satay Street Queues
Stalls 7 & 8 are popular for satay. Expect a wait, but locals say it's worth it for the experience.
💰 Satay Street Pricing
Can be pricier than other hawker centers, but the unique atmosphere justifies it for many.
☕ Breakfast Delights
Try Champion Bolo's spam & cheese bun or Kopi Kiosk for kaya toast and kopi.
🍽️ Beyond Satay
Don't miss Michelin-recognized Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow or Butter & Cream's egg tarts.
🌃 Late Night Eats
Satay stalls are open late (until 1 or 3 AM), but most other stalls close around 10 PM.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lau Pa Sat is celebrated for its unique Satay Street experience and historic architecture, offering a vibrant atmosphere amidst the city's skyscrapers. While some find it a bit pricey and tourist-oriented, many visitors appreciate the diverse food options and the lively ambiance, making it a memorable stop for experiencing local culture.
"This was our first meal. The hours may say 24 hours on Google but that’s not how it is in real life. Some of the stalls we wanted to try closed earlier. This location is very touristy and became very popular after Crazy Rich Asians. I’ll summarize the food that we tried. Overall, it’s about a 3.5-4. You can find some good stalls here. One thing to mention is that you have to take your trays and used dishes to the designated areas. Sorry to say but way too many white Americans tend not to do this. This is why Americans get a bad reputation.
-Best satay 3.5 - we got a mix. The prawns were very tasty. Chicken was good. Some of the beef was a bit dry.
-Ming Kee Roasted 5 - I got the signature (roasted duck with roasted pork). I loved this dish. It was made fresh. The duck and pork were both very tender and succulent. It tasted even better with the rice. I recommend stopping here.
Fried Buns 5 - I ordered the Shanghai steamed dumplings and Shanghai dumplings in chili oil. They were both excellent. Chili oil is not spicy at all. Dumplings were not dry and had a good flavor.
-Noodles in fish soup 5 - it was pretty good if you don’t mind the fish taste. Noodles were chewy. Flavorful dish.
-Ice kacang 3 - it was pretty much like flavored shaved ice, nothing special. The Korean shaved ice is better.
-Golden Shoe hokkien mee 1 - the oyster omelette was really bad. There were more burnt pieces than actual oysters. Somehow they ran out of fried carrot cake.
-Chicken wings 5 - Very juicy. A lot better than the oyster omelette."
Nicholas P
"Very lively hawker. Loved satay street! We liked it so much we went twice. Take your time and walk around to all of the stalls. Try stall 8 for satay! It picks up a lot after 7 or 8 pm!"
Faraz Kajani
"The food is great and the atmosphere fantastic. There were so many choices to eat, we decided to purchase from different hawker stalls and share. I can see why this establishment is so popular, the building itself is a work of art."
Jeff OHalloran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lau Pa Sat is centrally located in Singapore's Central Business District. You can easily reach it via the MRT, alighting at stations like Telok Ayer (DT18), Raffles Place (EW14/NS1), or Tanjong Pagar (EW16). It's also a pleasant walk from Marina Bay.
Yes, Lau Pa Sat is very accessible by public transport. The nearest MRT stations are Telok Ayer, Raffles Place, and Tanjong Pagar. Buses also frequently stop nearby.
Absolutely! Walking from Marina Bay to Lau Pa Sat is a popular and scenic option, offering great views of the city skyline. It takes about 15-20 minutes.
Satay Street is located on Boon Tat Street, just outside the main Lau Pa Sat building. It's easily accessible on foot from the hawker center itself.
Yes, there are several car parks available in the vicinity of Lau Pa Sat, including at Raffles Quay and nearby office buildings. However, public transport is generally recommended due to CBD traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to enter Lau Pa Sat. It's a public hawker center, and you only pay for the food you order.
Lau Pa Sat is generally open 24 hours, but individual stalls have varying operating hours. Satay Street typically operates from 7 PM to 1 AM (or later on weekends).
Most stalls do not have additional charges. However, one Redditor reported being told about a midnight surcharge, which was disputed. It's best to clarify prices upfront if unsure.
Tables at Satay Street are on a first-come, first-served basis. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a good spot.
While some stalls may accept credit cards or digital payments, it's always a good idea to carry cash, as many hawker stalls primarily operate on a cash basis.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Satay Street is famous, don't miss other local delights like Sambal stingray, Michelin-recognized Fried Kway Teow, and Butter & Cream bakery's egg tarts.
Satay Street can be pricier than typical hawker fare due to its unique location and atmosphere. However, many find the experience and taste to be worth the cost.
For breakfast, try Champion Bolo's spam and cheese bun or Kopi Kiosk for traditional kaya toast and kopi. Dim sum is also available.
While many stalls focus on meat and seafood, you can often find vegetable dishes, tofu, and rice or noodle-based meals that can be adapted. It's best to ask the vendors directly.
Satay Street is a section of Boon Tat Street that closes to traffic nightly, transforming into an open-air hawker area specializing in satay (grilled meat skewers). Its fame comes from the unique dining setting amidst skyscrapers.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic octagonal architecture of Lau Pa Sat, especially at dusk or night. Satay Street offers vibrant street photography opportunities with its bustling atmosphere and glowing grills.
Yes, it's generally acceptable to take photos of the food and stalls. However, always be mindful of other diners and ask for permission if you're focusing on a specific vendor or person.
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers beautiful lighting on the building. For Satay Street, nighttime provides a dramatic backdrop with the illuminated street and city lights.
There are no specific restrictions on general photography within Lau Pa Sat. However, professional shoots or commercial filming may require permits.
You can capture close-ups of the grilling satay, the smoke rising, the vibrant peanut sauce, and the lively street scene with people dining.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for Families:
* Arrive early: Beat the biggest crowds and secure a table.
* Explore beyond Satay Street: Many stalls offer milder, kid-friendly options.
* Embrace the experience: Let kids try different skewers or local snacks.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget-Friendly Tips:
* Focus on non-Satay stalls: Many offer excellent value.
* Share dishes: Try a few different items and share with travel companions.
* Drink water: Opt for tap water or local beverages instead of imported drinks to save costs.
couples
Romantic Touches:
* Bookend your meal: Enjoy a stroll around the nearby Marina Bay before or after dinner.
* Share skewers: Order a variety of satay to sample together.
* Enjoy the view: Find a table with a good vantage point of the city skyline.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Satay Street
Popular stalls, often identified by long queues, include numbers 7 and 8. Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours. The variety of meats – chicken, beef, mutton, and even prawns – grilled to perfection and served with a rich peanut sauce, makes it a memorable culinary adventure. It's an experience that perfectly blends local flavors with an iconic urban setting, making it a must-visit for many tourists.
Pro-tip: While the atmosphere is the main draw, some Redditors suggest that if you're looking for the absolute best satay in Singapore, you might need to explore beyond Satay Street. However, for a quintessential Singaporean night out with a fantastic ambiance, it's hard to beat.
Lau Pa Sat's Architectural Heritage
The structure was designed by the British colonial government and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, but its core architectural identity remains. Walking through its halls, you can appreciate the craftsmanship and the historical significance of this beloved landmark. It's a testament to Singapore's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modernity. The contrast between the historic Lau Pa Sat and the surrounding contemporary skyscrapers is particularly striking, making it a popular spot for photographers.
Key Features:
* Octagonal Design: A unique and easily recognizable architectural feature.
* Cast-Iron Detailing: Showcases the intricate metalwork of the Victorian era.
* Historical Significance: One of Singapore's oldest markets, reflecting its colonial past.
Beyond Satay: A Culinary Journey
For breakfast, Redditors recommend Champion Bolo's 'spam and cheese breakfast bun' and Kopi Kiosk for traditional kaya toast and kopi (coffee). During lunch and dinner, explore stalls serving local favorites like chili crab, laksa, char kway teow, and Hainanese chicken rice. Don't overlook the Michelin-recognized Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow stall for a taste of award-winning hawker fare. For those with a sweet tooth, Butter & Cream bakery is highly praised for its exceptional egg tarts.
Must-Try Dishes (Excluding Satay):
* Sambal Stingray: Grilled stingray with spicy sambal sauce.
* Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow: A Michelin-recognized hawker classic.
* Butter & Cream Egg Tarts: Rich, pudding-like texture.
* Champion Bolo's Breakfast Bun: A weekend specialty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit