Singapore’s Changi Airport is famous for a lot of things—its movie theatre, an airport swimming pool, and a butterfly garden complete with an indoor waterfall, to name a few. Above all, Changi is once again known as the best airport in the world, having reclaimed its No. 1 ranking by Skytrax’s World Airport Awards in 2025. Craving tasty airport food? Discover 5 must-try dishes that will make your layover at Changi Airport a delicious experience!
Beyond its unique attractions and superb service, this airport is also well-loved for its culinary offerings. With around 200 dining spots to choose from (from coffee shops to fast food, fine dining, and even pubs and bars), Changi Airport’s food selection is sure to satisfy any craving.
So whether you’re passing the time during a layover, hankering for some unique eats, or just plain hungry, make the most out of your Singapore experience and try out these five dishes at Changi Airport restaurants:
1) Chilli Crab: A Singaporean Icon (Airport Food)
Having a taste of chilli crab is non-negotiable when you’re in Singapore. Touted as one of Singapore’s national dishes, chilli crab is a popular dish made with deep-fried mud crabs served in a gravy consisting of tomato and chilli. It’s best enjoyed with white bread, baguette, or mantou (fried Chinese buns) and is eaten using one’s hands. Grab a bite of this culinary icon at Jumbo Seafood at Changi Airport’s Jewel Public – Level 3.
2) Hainanese Chicken Rice: A Comforting Classic
If you prefer clean and classic flavors, then you must try Hainanese chicken rice. It’s a simple dish of whole chicken gently poached with lemongrass and ginger, served with fragrant rice cooked in the same poaching liquid. A ginger-garlic chilli sauce and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) add flavour and spice to the tender, moist chicken, while a side of bok choy rounds out the dish with some greens.
No need to leave the airport for a taste of this beloved Singaporean dish—head on over to Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice at T2 Transit – Level 2 of Changi Airport.
3) Nasi Lemak: Simple yet Savoury
Nasi lemak, a dish consisting of rice cooked in coconut milk paired with fried anchovies, sliced cucumbers, fried fish, and sambal, is a favorite among Singapore locals and tourists alike. A bite of this deceptively simple dish combines the creaminess of the coconut milk-infused rice, the saltiness of the fish, and the kick of sambal for a rich, savoury mouthful.
Believed to be of Malay origin, nasi lemak is traditionally breakfast fare. These days, it’s not only enjoyed in other meals as well but has also evolved to fit varying tastes with a range of accompaniments and matching sides. You can find classic and creative nasi lemak combinations at Crave – The Original Adam Road Nasi Lemak by Selera Rasa at T2 Public – Level 1 and T1 Transit – Level 2 of Changi Airport.
4) Kaya Toast and Kopi: Delicious Duo
Need a quick pick-me-up before your flight? This perfect pairing of sweet, savoury toast and rich, aromatic coffee is sure to perk you up! Kaya toast is toasted bread smothered with local coconut jam and butter, then dipped into soft-boiled eggs flavored with dark soya sauce. This combination of flavors and textures—sweet, salty, crunchy, gooey—is finally complemented by a cup of Nanyang-style kopi (coffee) for a smooth and satisfying finish.
While traditionally enjoyed during breakfast, there’s no stopping you from experiencing this scrumptious dish anytime, and even at the airport, even. Visit Ya Kun Kaya Toast at Jewel Public – Level 1 and T2 Transit – Level 2 for charcoal-grilled kaya toast with kopi. If you want a taste of kaya toast and then some, check out The Hainan Story Bakery (T2 Transit – Level 2) and Ma Mum (T1 Public – Level 1) for this and other yummy treats.
5) Curry Puff: Deep-fried Delight
Whether it originated from the Portuguese empanada or the Indian samosa is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: the curry puff brings together the best of both worlds. Curry puffs are made of a pastry of flour and clarified butter rolled out and shaped into rounds. The pastry is filled with curried meat and potato and sometimes half of a hard-boiled egg. Then, it is folded in half, sealed at the edges and either baked or deep-fried.
Savour the light, flaky crust and flavorful filling of this delightful snack at Old Chang Kee (Jewel Public – Basement 2, T3 Public- Basement 2, T2 Transit – Level 2, and T3 Transit Level 2) at Changi Airport.
For jetsetters and foodies alike, Changi Airport is not just a transport hub, but truly a destination on its own. Apart from quintessential Singaporean dishes, there’s more to explore in this gastronomic paradise. Who knows—you might find a new favorite dining spot at Changi Airport.
