Hello from Singapore! My sister and I are visiting for the month of April and will be traveling through Southeast Asia, so I’m swapping my usual recipes for a few travel posts. This entry focuses on Singapore — its vibrant hawker culture, iconic sights, and the many delightful flavors and experiences the city offers.
Singapore is a compact, walkable city with an incredible food scene that’s accessible to many budgets. What I love most is how hawker centres bring people together: rows of stalls offering diverse dishes, bustling with locals and visitors alike. These communal dining areas serve everything from humble comfort food to regional specialties, all typically at affordable prices. The variety is astonishing and the quality overwhelmingly good, making it easy to sample many flavors in one meal.
Below are some photos from our evenings at Gardens by the Bay. The Supertrees and surrounding landscapes are particularly spectacular at night, when the structures are illuminated with colorful lights. Walking through the gardens after dark feels almost otherworldly — a mix of nature, art, and modern design. The light displays rotate in color and pattern, creating a memorable backdrop for photos and quiet strolls alike.
Hawker centres are a cornerstone of Singaporean daily life. They are often family-run and reflect the multicultural makeup of the city, with Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan influences all present on the same menu board. A typical visit might include a plate of Hainanese chicken rice, a fragrant bowl of laksa, or a hearty serving of char kway teow. Don’t be afraid to ask stall vendors for recommendations; many are happy to point out their specialties and will often offer samples or guidance on portion sizes.
We found prices to be very reasonable compared to what you might expect in major international cities, which makes it easy to try multiple dishes without breaking the bank. Hawker centres are also very inclusive — they’re open early and late, and many have options that suit vegetarian and halal diets. Cleanliness and organization are generally good, with dedicated recycling and tray return points that keep the spaces tidy and efficient.
Gardens by the Bay is a must-see when visiting Singapore. The Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest and Flower Dome each offer different experiences: the Supertrees provide an impressive light show and panoramic views; the Cloud Forest features a cool, misty conservatory with unique plant collections; and the Flower Dome showcases seasonal displays from around the world. Evening visits allow you to enjoy both the gardens and the city lights beyond, making for a truly atmospheric outing.
When planning your visit, consider timing your garden strolls for sunset to experience the transition from daylight to the illuminated displays. Weeknights tend to be less crowded than weekends, and arriving early in the evening gives you time to explore before the light show begins. Comfortable shoes are recommended — there’s a lot to see on foot.
Overall, Singapore blends modern urban life with rich culinary traditions and thoughtful public spaces. Whether you’re sampling hawker-food classics or wandering through the illuminated gardens at night, there’s a balance of energy and calm that makes exploring the city a pleasure. I’ll share more photos and observations as our travels continue — for now, enjoy these snapshots from our evening in the Gardens by the Bay.
