Satay Street – Singapore

When night begins to fall on Singapore’s famous hawker center Lau Pa Sat, a collection of roughly 10 vendors open counter-service stands on Boon Tat Street, immediately outside the market’s wall. Long communal tables and fold-out chairs are hastily opened and placed on the street, as crowds gather to order satay – grilled sticks of chicken, beef, pork, lamb, and prawns – from their choice of similarly named (“Best Satay”) vendors.

Depending on lines, and there will be lines, the wait just to place an order can be long, and after it’s placed, you can expect to wait another 20 to 30 minutes at a table. During that time, young men will likely make their way over to your table and hawk additional food choices from a printed photo menu, including dishes that go well with the satay.

You needn’t do this, and yes, there will be additional charges paid directly in advance to these vendors – you may wonder whether they will ever come back with your food. In our experience, they will, and you’ll be able to easily enjoy more of Lau Pa Sat’s top-quality, low-priced food with the added luxury of table service.