Singapore has been ranked among the world’s 15 best culinary destinations by U.S. magazine National Geographic, joining Vietnam’s Buon Ma Thuot as the only two Southeast Asian places on the list.
National Geographic noted that Singapore delivers a remarkable food experience despite its compact size of less than 300 square miles. The city-state was recognised for its 38 Michelin-starred restaurants, thousands of UNESCO-recognised hawker stalls, and several establishments featured on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
The magazine also recommended Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre, where young Singaporean hawkerpreneur Sarah Sng runs Nyonya Pok Pok Kay. The stall is known for homestyle Peranakan cuisine, including ayam buah keluak, a traditional chicken stew prepared with buah keluak nuts.
Food lovers were also encouraged to visit Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant and True Blue Cuisine, both Michelin-recognised restaurants known for Peranakan favourites. Their offerings include kueh pie tee, a crisp pastry shell filled with prawns and shredded turnip.
The list was compiled from the travel experiences of National Geographic editors, who selected destinations for their hidden histories, emerging culinary talent, and unexpected flavours. Other places featured on the list include Crete in Greece, Kelowna in Canada, and Hawaii in the United States.
Founded in 1888, National Geographic remains one of the most influential publications in travel, culture, science, history, and exploration. Its recognition adds further global visibility to Singapore’s position as a leading food destination, where fine dining, hawker culture, and heritage cuisines continue to shape the country’s culinary identity.