Street Food Spotlights

A high-angle shot of a large red chili crab in a white bowl, coated in a thick, eggy tomato gravy. The bright orange-red shell contrasts with the yellow sauce and fresh green herbs, demonstrating high-key lighting that emphasizes the dish's volume.

Chili Crab Confidential: Producing Perfect Pics of Food

By Aaron Ong - January 19, 2026

It arrives like royalty, carried to the table with a sense of occasion. A colossal crab, bathed in a thick, shimmering sauce the color of a fiery sunset. The air around it is fragrant with…

Steaming, traditional Kaya Toast on a diner plate, showcasing the contrast between melted kaya jam and generous slabs of cold butter sandwiched between four pieces of crispy, golden toast. The image captures the warmth and simple artistry of a classic breakfast.

Hands of Time: A Food Photographer’s Encounter with Traditional Kaya Toast Masters

By Aaron Ong - December 19, 2025

The air before dawn has a quality all its own. It is cool and hushed, thick with anticipation. On a quiet street corner in Singapore, long before the city awakens, a soft, golden light spills…

A steaming bowl of Singapore laksa with noodles, prawns, egg, and rich coconut curry on a table.

The Laksa Queen’s Secret to Good Street Food in Singapore

By Aaron Ong - November 17, 2025

In the maze-like corridors of Singapore’s hawker centres, where hundreds of vendors vie for attention, true legends are not made overnight. They are forged in decades of heat, steam, and unwavering dedication. One such legend…

Pre-dawn hawker at Maxwell Food Centre searing food over a hot wok under warm lights, preparing for the 4AM crowd.

Pre Dawn Hawker Rituals: The 4AM Warriors at Maxwell Food Centre

By Aaron Ong - October 17, 2025

Long before the city awakens, a deep dedication to Singaporean food culture is already stirring within Maxwell Food Centre. While most of Singapore sleeps, a silent ritual begins. Here, in the quiet, pre-dawn hours, the…

A plate of grilled meat skewers featuring chicken satay, pork satay, mutton satay, and beef satay served with satay sauce and thick peanut sauce, alongside rice cakes and sliced cucumbers and onions—showcasing the best satay in Singapore. Captured at a hawker centre like Chinatown Complex Market Food Centre or Newton Food Centre, this satay in Singapore highlights tender meat, charred exterior, juicy bite, and well-marinated flavours with subtle hints of lemongrass, coriander, cumin, and pineapple puree. Popular satay stalls such as Chai Ho Satay, Chuan Kee Satay, Yong Seng Satay, Shi Xiang Satay, Ah Pui Satay, Pang's Satay, and Chomp Satay at 335 Smith Street and Satay Street offer generous portions of pork belly satay, beef tripe, lamb, prawns, and lean meat skewers. Served on five sticks at an affordable price, this old school satay delivers sweet, savoury, spicy taste and oily richness with grated pineapple and peanuts—an iconic malay style satay experience at Lau Pa Sat and other food centres.

Flame & Smoke: The Essence of The Best Satay in Singapore

By Aaron Ong - September 20, 2025

Satay in Singapore comes mainly in two styles: Malay-style satay and Hainanese-style satay. Malay-style satay features a fragrant marinade with spices like turmeric, coriander, cumin, and lemongrass, delivering rich flavour and savoury depth to the…