How to Explore Singapore: Through Iconic Dishes and Districts

A Listly List - Singapore is a fantastic country for anyone to travel to. With its many landmarks, beautiful culture and delectable dishes, there is much to enjoy in the Lion City. The country is a foodie’s paradise with so many options to enjoy and explore. For those willing to explore this culinary side in more depth, it can be fun to have an itinerary that is centred around food and culture. The idea of this trip should be to move from place to place with intention and not randomly or as the wind blows. This guide will take you through quite a culinary journey. It is ideal for those who want to connect with Singapore on a deeper level by exploring the local flavours, the fun experiences, as well as the amazing cultural discoveries. Whether it’s your first visit to the Lion City or your fifth, this route offers an interesting approach to engaging with Singapore.

**Begin at the Heart of the Action**

To fully embrace a food and culture trail across the city, location matters. Starting your journey from a place like Orchard Road makes a lot of sense. It is both practical and gives a central point to pan out from. It places you at a point of easy access to things like the MRT. Having quick access to the metros also puts you in quick connections with heritage districts, hawker hubs, as well as museums. Choosing to stay at a location like Orchard Hotel Singapore offers more than convenience. It’s located on the iconic stretch of Orchard Road, surrounded by lifestyle destinations and cultural touchpoints. Among the many hotels on Orchard Road Singapore, it stands out for its great experiences and genuine hospitality, making it a refined base for cultural exploration.

**Day One: Orchard Road to Newton Food Centre**

Spend your first morning walking the length of Orchard Road, noticing its transformation from colonial residential lane to cosmopolitan boulevard. While known globally for retail, Orchard Road also offers art spaces like the ION Art Gallery and historic buildings that whisper of its evolution. A short hop away is the Newton Food Centre, one of the most well-known hawker centres in the city. A late lunch here might include sambal stingray, Hainanese chicken rice, or satay grilled over charcoal. With its open-air layout and buzzing atmosphere, it’s an introduction to Singapore’s vibrant culinary scene that’s equal parts social and sensory.

**Day Two: Little India and Kampong Glam**

A morning spent in Little India begins with a visual and aromatic feast. Visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, then stroll through Tekka Centre for traditional Indian-Muslim breakfasts like roti prata or dosai. The neighbourhood’s textile shops, spice merchants, and flower garland stalls offer a vivid cultural tapestry rarely found elsewhere. In the afternoon, walk or ride over to Kampong Glam, home to the iconic Sultan Mosque. Wander along Haji Lane, filled with independent boutiques and graffiti-covered walls, or dive into Malay heritage at the Malay Heritage Centre. For lunch, try nasi padang or a hearty lamb mandi at a local eatery.

**Day Three: Chinatown and Ann Siang Hill**

Chinatown offers a mix of bustling street food, sacred temples, and history. Begin with a visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, a striking building inspired by Tang dynasty architecture. Then head to the Chinatown Heritage Centre to explore interactive exhibits documenting early immigrant life. Later, wind your way to the Ann Siang Hill and Club Street area. These charming lanes merge old-world shophouses with sophisticated dining. Grab a meal or a drink here before heading back to your hotel, where comfort and calm await at day’s end.

**Day Four: Marina Bay**

Singapore’s modern face shines brightly at Marina Bay. Begin at the National Gallery Singapore, housed in two restored national monuments and home to over 9,000 artworks. The galleries explore themes of identity, independence, and Southeast Asian expression. Head to Lau Pa Sat for lunch. Known for its ornate cast-iron architecture and satay street at sundown, this food centre bridges colonial history with present-day culinary culture. Return to Orchard Road via MRT and enjoy a relaxing evening stroll or dessert at one of the artisanal patisseries along the strip. - Orchard Hotel Singapore Official Site | Hotel on Orchard Road Singapore