Traditional bowl of laksa.

Best Places for Laksa in Singapore

By Stuart Bak

Ah, laksa, that most versatile of Southeast Asian dishes. So versatile in fact that you’ll find more variants across the region than there are characters in the Pokémon universe. You’ll also discover disagreement from Indonesia to Malaysia over where and by whom this beloved noodle soup was invented. Almost certainly Peranakan in origin, it appears to have evolved along the spice route over several centuries, with the first known use of the term ‘laksa’ to mean ‘noodles’ dating to 1391.

But what does it taste like? Well, again, that depends where you eat it. But in its most recognized form laksa is an aromatic noodle soup flavored with a fish or shrimp broth, creamy coconut milk, tamarind and herbs including coriander and mint. Usually topped with beansprouts and fish, shrimps or chicken, it’s rich, spicy and just begs to be slurped noisily, though its vibrant yellow color makes wearing a white shirt while dining an absolute no-no. Best of all it’s deliciously moreish and available in every Singapore restaurant, food court and hawker center worth its salt. It’s also eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner so no need to limit yourself to just one bowl a day! We took a deep dive to discover some of the best places for laksa in Singapore and you’ll find a small election of our faves below.

Sungei Road Laksa

This near legendary laksa kitchen is run by a tiny team of crack chefs from its unassuming location along the Sungei Road. But believe us when we say there’s nothing pedestrian about the laksa, with great steaming bowls of noodle broth being served up to long queues of hungry punters most days from morning until late afternoon. The laksa here is both delicate and rich at the same time. Cooked over charcoal, packed with thick bee hoon noodles and topped generously with cockles, crunchy beansprouts and fragrant herbs it’s a satisfying lunch and all for just a few dollars. Afterwards, head south over the Rochor Canal and into Kampong Glam, where alongside the landmark Sultan Mosque, you’ll find trendy boutiques and antique emporia galore, for all your souvenir-shopping needs.

Find it: 27 Jalan Berseh, #01-100, Singapore 200027

Image of Food, Meal, Dish, Bowl, Chopsticks,

Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa

The clue’s in the (rather long) name of this Alexandra Village Food Center stalwart, which has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since 2016 for its impossible-to-resist laksa. The gravy is cooked and served in a claypot, lending it an aromatic, smoky flavor and ensuring your meal retains its heat regardless of how long you spend chatting to friends between each delicious mouthful. This rich, creamy almost curry-like take on laksa is ideal fuel if you’re off for an afternoon’s hiking in the nearby Southern Ridges, where an elevated walkway weaves through the treetops south of the city, colorful native birdlife is in abundance and the Henderson Waves Bridge – a striking landmark with undulating steel ribs that snake over and under the walkway – has to be seen (and walked across) to be believed.

Find it: 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Alexandra Hawker Centre, #01-75, Singapore 151120

Janggut Laksa

Janggut Laksa is one of at least two laksa joints at the Queenstown Shopping Center (and countless more around the city) to claim ownership of the ‘original and best’ Katong laksa in Singapore, Katong being an orange-hued take on the more commonly found yellow lemak variety, cooked with a little less coconut and a little more spice. Whether original or best is probably moot in a place with this much choice, but Janggut’s take on the dish is certainly up there. A refreshing and aromatic broth with notes of coriander, ginger and lemongrass, it comes packed with thick, chewy noodles, shrimp and a great big dollop of sambal sauce to add further heat and depth to your soup, should you be feeling bold enough to stir it through. Like most laksa eateries, the menu is short and to the point, but we’d also recommend trying the curried chicken here if you can find an appetite big enough.

Find it: 1 Queensway, #01-59, Singapore 149053

Image of Cooking Pan, Cookware, Frying Pan,

328 Katong Laksa

Another claimant to the title of ‘original and best’ is 328 Katong Laksa over the other side of town on the East Coast Road (why one of these joints didn’t just go for ‘Original and Best Katong Laksa’ as their shop name beats us). However, 328’s rivalry with fellow Singapore eateries is as nothing compared to their epic 2013 cook-off with Gordon Ramsay, a battle which saw the East Coast crew triumph, catapulting their already legendary laksa into the the stratosphere (no, not literally). Join the snaking queues to find out what all the fuss is about, but expect to pay a premium for the ‘number one laksa in Singapore’. The white sands and swaying coconut palms at nearby East Coast Park provide the perfect setting for sleeping it off in the afternoon sun.

Find it: 51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770

928 Yishun Laksa

There are plenty of reasons to make a day trip out to the northeast region of Singapore. Singapore Zoo, for example, one of the biggest and best on the planet. Then there’s the natural hot spring at Sembawang, a pungent high-sulfide pool said to have healing properties. Woodlands Waterfront Park boasts the longest jetty on the island and a lovely promenade with views across the Straits of Johor to Malaysia. But perhaps the best reason to head north is to pay a visit to 928 Yishun Laksa, a stalwart of Singapore’s noodle soup scene with the long queues to prove it. Expect thick, creamy broth with a kick of spicy sambal at this family-run stall, where the laksa is prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients daily. Be sure to get there early: this ever-popular joint often closes mid-to-late afternoon when their addictive soups sell out.

Find it: 928 Yishun Central 1, #01-155, Singapore 760928

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Halloween in Singapore

If there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Go City! Explore spooky Singapore’s terrifying tours, creepy cruises, and horrifying haunted houses. We’ll show you all the best sites and attractions to ensure it’s a frighteningly fun Halloween 2022 celebration for all the family. Harrowing Halloween 2022 at Singapore Discovery Center Halloween 2022 at Singapore Discovery Center will be unlike any Halloween celebration you have experienced before. Do you have the nerve to enter the haunted house, traversing the creepy maze filled with jump scares? The Discovery Center is transformed into a creepy hospital ward, where you’ll encounter the Mad Doctor. If it all gets a little too much, take a break in the “Chill Out!” zone. If you want to learn more, check out the After Dark tour; free as part of the Permanent Exhibits Gallery. It’s an exploration of the paranormal rituals practiced by various cultural groups, with local knowledge, dark tales, and spooky goings-on shared by your guide. Halloween @ S.E.A. Aquarium - Deep Boo Sea For a more child-friendly adventure, head to the SEA Aquarium and discover the secrets of the deep boo sea. Transformed for the Halloween season, with trick or treating alongside many other fun activities, SEA Aquarium is a fiendishly fun time for all the family. Spot the skeleton divers as you wander through the underwater world, learning fun facts, eating treats, and taking spellbinding selfies with the creatures from the deep. SuperSpook 2022 @ SuperPark SuperPark Singapore gets a freaky facelift this Halloween, transforming from a skate park into a haunted maze. There are activities and scares, and even Halloween-themed carnival games where you can win attractive prizes! Release some of the nervous tension with a jump on the pumpkin-themed bouncy castle or play in the child gym. This is certainly one for the more energetic ghostbusters. The Halloween Experience at Gardens by the Bay The Gardens by the Bay are a treat year-round, but they too get a facelift for Halloween. They took the normally peaceful gardens and add a good helping of magic, mystery, and excitement. Halloween Kids Blitz Halloween Kids Blitz takes place at The Meadow, and features stilt walkers and otherworldly displays, as well as fun games and delicious treats from across the island. Episode Halloween Music Festival 2022 Episode Halloween Music Festival 2022 is one for the grownups. A Halloween-themed dance party, featuring local DJs pumping out fast-beating EDM music in the stunning surroundings of the Gardens by the Bay. Halloween Cruise onboard the Royal Albatross On this special Halloween cruise, board the Royal Albatross for a voyage into the Sentosa Triangle. Reimagined as a legendary ghost ship, be prepared for moans and groans from below deck. The Royal Albatross is a fantastic attraction on a normal day, but Halloween takes it to another level. Enjoy an atmospheric 5 or 7-course dining experience far out at sea; an experience you’ll never forget. Halloween Horror Nights @ Universal Studios Singapore For the ultimate fright night, head to Universal Studios Singapore. Adrenaline junkies will love the thrill rides but, if that’s too relaxing, we dare you to explore the haunted houses and Sinister Scare Zones! Treat yourself to live shows, a monster meet and greet, plus the Monsters & Manifestations Experience. For those who love this spooky festival, Universal Studios Singapore won’t disappoint. Visit the Museum of I Scream The Ice Cream Museum might not sound like the scariest place to visit, and you’d be right. But, if you’re wearing your finest fancy dress, you can enjoy unlimited desserts while exploring the museum. A frighteningly good deal, right? Imagine a crossover between The Nightmare Before Christmas and Willy Wonka, and you’re halfway there. Graveyard Sundaes topped with spooky sprinkles, spine-chilling activities, and a mad scientist are all to be found during this delicious night of fun. Take a ghost tour If you’ve got nerves of steel, take a ghost tour around Singapore. Believe us, it’s not for the faint-hearted. With a history of scary stories and haunting history, Singapore is full of spooky secrets. With tales of restless spirits rising to roam the island, plus the troubled history from World War II, there are endless ghost stories and paranormal encounters to discover. The ultimate test of nerves is a trip to Old Changi Hospital, the most haunted place in all of Singapore. Want some less-spooky ideas for experiences in Singapore? Check out Go City! With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can work the city’s best attractions around your vacation itinerary! So, what are you waiting for?
Adam Fraiel
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Things to do in Singapore

When visiting Singapore for the first time it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. It may only be a small island, but it’s packed with activities, attractions, and iconic landmarks. Don't worry. Whatever your budget, and no matter how long you’re staying, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together a list of our favorite attractions so you can get a real feel for the Garden City. Finding Your Way Around Spend a few hours getting to know the city with a ride on the Big Bus Singapore. It’s a hop-on-hop-off bus, so if you see something you like, jump off and explore. It’ll take you all over the city, pointing out the key landmarks and must-see attractions. By the end of the ride you’ll have a much better understanding of where to go and what to do. You can’t visit Singapore without taking a trip to Sentosa Island. Take the Cable Car Sky Pass and treat yourself to a completely different perspective of the city. It’s only a brief ride, but you won’t want to miss out on this experience. Once you touchdown on Sentosa, hop on the Sentosa Island Bus Tour. A local guide will fill you in on the island's rich history, top things to see and do, and share some local knowledge you won’t find in any guidebooks. Singapore on a Budget Yes, it’s an expensive city, but you don’t need to break the bank to have an amazing time in Singapore. Gardens by the Bay will blow your mind with the natural beauty, technical constructions, and at night, the free light shows. Whether you’re alone, traveling with a partner, or vacationing with the family, the Gardens are a must-see attraction. What’s more budget-friendly than lying at the beach all day, soaking in the rays? Whatever your activity level, there’s a beach for you in Singapore. Tanjong beach is the place to be seen, Siloso beach has incredible watersports, and then you’ve got your pick of picture-perfect islands like Lazarus Island and St John’s. Along with Gardens by the Bay, you’ll find plenty more free light shows around the city at night. If you find yourself in front of Marina Bay Sands before sunset you’ll witness to an unforgettable show, all without paying a dime. Explore the Animal Kingdom Get up close and personal with the local wildlife in the 26-hectare award-winning Singapore Zoo. With over 4,200 animals including white tigers, Malayan tapirs, flying foxes, and many more, it’s a treat for the whole family. Alongside the waterpark rides and surfing opportunities, Adventure Cove Waterpark allows you the opportunity to swim with thousands of tropical fish, as you snorkel and explore the magical reefs. If you want to get even closer, hop in a pool with the majestic stingrays. Don’t worry, they’re perfectly harmless. If you've still got energy left after a busy day exploring, consider taking a night safari. Experience nature like never before in the world’s first nocturnal zoo. Watch cats hunting for fish, plus discover exactly what the animals get up to after dark. With a chance to see leopards, hippos, tigers, hyenas, and bears, a night safari is a perfect end to a wild day. Take a Cruise If you want to slow things down and explore Singapore from a unique perspective, hop on a boat and take a river cruise. Drift down the Singapore river and tick off all the iconic landmarks aboard a traditional bumboat. If you want something a little less traditional, consider splashing into Marina Bay with a DUCKtours Cruise. Traveling in an amphibious vehicle, you’ll feel like James Bond as you drive from the land straight into the water. Shop Until you Drop You’ll need to buy some souvenirs for friends and family and, while you’re at it, why not treat yourself? The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a day out in itself. A huge, sprawling complex of luxury shops, restaurants, boutiques, and iconic features, you’ll want to dedicate at least a full afternoon to this experience. Chinatown is home to stunning temples and restaurants, but there are also lots of shopping opportunities too. Find the perfect gift for a loved one, or splash out on yourself and bring home a unique memento to remember your time in The Garden City. If you find yourself in Chinatown and want to learn more while having some fun, Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown is the way to go. Run around finding clues and solving puzzles, all while learning more about the local Chinese culture. Get on your bike If you want to combine sightseeing with a little exercise, take a bike tour of the city. GoGreen Bicycle Rentals offer a two-hour rental so you can get out and explore the green side of the city. It’s a cycle-friendly island, so you’re free to enjoy the many parks, beaches, and promenades in an eco-friendly manner. If you’re still hungry for more peddling, take a two-hour guided Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour. Not only will you get a good workout, but you’ll gain a truly unique perspective of the city. The city transforms at night, and you’ll be in a unique position to see some of the most captivating secrets of the city. Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.
Adam Fraiel

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