Hunger should never stop anyone from chasing their dreams. In Singapore, hope shines bright through the kindness of charities and faith groups. Each day, they open their doors and hearts, offering warm meals to those who need them most.
This guide is your key to finding these safe havens. Step-by-step, you’ll discover trusted spots for free food, detailed reviews, and addresses that are easy to find. We even share the best bus and MRT routes, so no one gets lost along the way.
Imagine walking into a temple at dusk, greeted by volunteers and the scent of home-cooked rice. Picture a church canteen bustling with laughter, plates filled, spirits lifted. These places do more than feed bodies — they spark hope and build community.
Let this guide be your companion. Share it with friends, or use it for yourself. Together, let’s make sure no one goes hungry in our city. Every meal shared is a step toward a kinder Singapore — one story at a time.
1. Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society (THKMS)
Address: 1 North Bridge Road, High Street Centre, #03-33, Singapore 179094
Contact: +65 6337 1201
Operating Hours: Mon-Thu: 9am-6pm, Fri: 9am-5:30pm, Closed weekends
Review
Established in 1978, THKMS operates four Free Meal Centres across Singapore, serving over 55,000 vegetarian-friendly meals annually. The organization is entirely volunteer-driven and donation-funded, creating a welcoming community atmosphere. Their Meals on Wheels programme extends their reach to homebound individuals. The meals are wholesome and consistently prepared, with a focus on nutritional value.
Detailed Menu & Meal Schedule:
Lunch Service (Main meal – 11:30am to 2:30pm):
- Mixed Vegetable Rice: Steamed white rice with 2-3 stir-fried seasonal vegetables (cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, green beans)
- Vegetarian Soup: Clear vegetable broth with tofu, mushrooms, and leafy greens
- Protein Dishes: Mock meat preparations, braised tofu with soy sauce, tempeh curry
- Noodle Options: Fried bee hoon with vegetables, vegetarian mee goreng
Nutritional Information:
- Approximately 400-500 calories per meal
- High fiber from vegetables and whole grains
- Plant-based protein from tofu and legumes
- Low sodium preparation methods
Dietary Accommodations:
- ✅ Vegetarian/Vegan friendly
- ✅ No garlic/onion options available
- ⚠️ Contains gluten (noodles, mock meat)
- ❌ Limited options for severe allergies
Portion Sizes: Standard serving portions designed to be filling but not wasteful (1 bowl rice, 2-3 side dishes)
Strengths: Well-established organization, multiple locations, nutritious vegetarian meals, inclusive environment Note: Primarily serves underprivileged individuals, though open to all in need
How to Get There
- Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT (NS25/EW13) – 3-minute walk
- From City Hall MRT: Exit A, walk towards North Bridge Road, turn right and walk 200m to High Street Centre
- Bus Services: 51, 61, 63, 80, 145, 166, 197 (North Bridge Road)
2. Central Sikh Gurdwara Board
Address: 2 Towner Road, Central Sikh Gurdwara, Singapore 327804
Contact: +65 6299 3855
Operating Hours: Daily 6am-8pm
Review
The Central Sikh Temple’s langar (community kitchen) embodies the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service). They serve free vegetarian lunches daily to thousands of people regardless of background, religion, or economic status. The food is simple but hearty, typically featuring dal, vegetables, rice, and chapati. The communal dining experience promotes equality and community bonding. Visitors are welcome to contribute donations if able, but there’s no pressure or requirement.
Detailed Langar Menu & Schedule:
Daily Lunch Service (12:00pm – 3:00pm):
- Dal (Lentil Curry): Made with onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili, and salt – perfectly balanced and nutrient-rich
- Sabzi (Vegetable Curry): Seasonal vegetables prepared with traditional spices including turmeric and ginger
- Rotis/Chapati: Fresh flatbread smeared with ghee (clarified butter)
- Steamed Basmati Rice: Plain, fluffy long-grain rice
- Kheer (Sweet Rice Pudding): Made with rice, milk, and sugar – served on special occasions
- Chai (Spiced Tea): Traditional Indian tea available throughout operating hours
Ingredients & Cooking Style:
- Always lacto-vegetarian meals following Sikh dietary principles
- Fresh ingredients sourced daily by volunteers
- Traditional Punjabi cooking methods with minimal oil
- Community-style cooking in large quantities
Nutritional Information:
- Approximately 450-550 calories per complete meal
- High protein from lentils (15-20g per serving)
- Complex carbohydrates from rice and chapati
- Essential vitamins from fresh vegetables and spices
Dietary Accommodations:
- ✅ Vegetarian (contains dairy – ghee, milk in kheer)
- ✅ Vegan options (skip ghee-laden items)
- ✅ Gluten-free options (rice, dal, vegetables – avoid chapati)
- ⚠️ Contains dairy products
- ❌ No meat, fish, eggs, alcohol, or tobacco allowed on premises
Portion Sizes: Generous family-style servings, unlimited refills available, typically includes 2-3 chapatis, 1 cup dal, vegetables, and rice
Cultural Protocol:
- People sit on the floor and eat together
- Head covering required (scarves provided)
- Remove shoes before entering dining area
- Wash hands at designated stations
Strengths: Daily service, completely free, welcoming atmosphere, authentic community experience Cultural Note: Visitors should cover their heads and remove shoes before entering
How to Get There
- Nearest MRT: Farrer Park MRT (NE8) – 5-minute walk
- From Farrer Park MRT: Exit A, walk along Race Course Road towards Towner Road, turn left
- Bus Services: 21, 23, 130, 131, 139, 147 (Race Course Road)
3. Singapore Buddhist Lodge
Address: 17-19 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239329
Contact: +65 6737 2630
Operating Hours: Daily 7am-7pm
Additional Locations: Multiple venues (check website for details)
Review
One of Singapore’s most comprehensive free meal programmes, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The Singapore Buddhist Lodge provides vegetarian meals to everyone, including homeless individuals and foreign workers, with complete dignity and no questions asked. The food quality is excellent, with a variety of Chinese vegetarian dishes that change daily. The dining areas are clean and spacious, creating a respectful environment for all diners.
Detailed Menu & Meal Schedule:
Breakfast (7:00am – 9:30am):
- Congee/Porridge: Rice porridge with preserved vegetables, mock meat bits, peanuts
- Steamed Buns: Filled with red bean paste or vegetables
- Noodle Soup: Light broth with vegetables and tofu
- Soy Milk: Fresh, unsweetened
- Pickled Vegetables: Traditional Chinese preserved radish and cabbage
Lunch (11:30am – 2:30pm) – Main Buffet:
- 6-8 Hot Dishes Daily (10+ during festivals):
- Fried Bee Hoon with vegetables, dark soy sauce, bean sprouts, cabbage
- Curry Cabbage with potatoes, coconut milk, turmeric, curry leaves
- Braised Tofu in soy sauce with mushrooms and star anise
- Mock Meat dishes (gluten-based protein with traditional seasonings)
- Stir-fried seasonal vegetables with garlic and ginger
- DIY Fresh Spring Roll Station:
- Fresh lettuce leaves, bean sprouts, cucumber strips
- Sweet dark soy sauce, ground peanuts, chili paste
- Rice paper wraps
- Daily Soup: Vegetable-based broths with tofu, mushrooms, winter melon
- White Rice: Steamed jasmine rice
- Fresh Fruit: Seasonal selections (oranges, apples, bananas)
Dinner (5:00pm – 6:30pm):
- Similar to lunch but smaller selection (4-6 dishes)
- Focus on easily digestible foods
- Lighter noodle and soup options
Festival & Special Occasion Menus:
- Chinese New Year: Special dumplings, nian gao, lotus root dishes
- Vesak Day: Enhanced buffet with traditional Buddhist vegetarian delicacies
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Mooncakes and seasonal vegetables
Ingredients & Cooking Methods:
- No garlic, onion, or pungent vegetables (following Buddhist dietary principles)
- Minimal oil usage, emphasis on steaming and braising
- Fresh vegetables sourced daily from local markets
- Mock meats made from wheat gluten and soy protein
Nutritional Information:
- Breakfast: 300-400 calories, high fiber, low fat
- Lunch: 500-700 calories (depending on selection), balanced macronutrients
- Dinner: 400-500 calories, easily digestible
- High in plant proteins, complex carbohydrates, and vitamins
Dietary Accommodations:
- ✅ Strict vegetarian/vegan (no animal products)
- ✅ No garlic/onion (Buddhist dietary rules)
- ⚠️ Contains gluten (mock meats, noodles, some sauces)
- ⚠️ May contain soy and nuts
- ❌ Limited options for those with severe allergies
Portion Sizes: Buffet-style with reasonable portions encouraged, unlimited refills available, designed to provide full nutrition
Strengths: Three meals daily, multiple locations, high food quality, serves most vulnerable populations Philosophy: Based on Buddhist compassion, emphasizing non-discrimination
How to Get There
- Nearest MRT: Novena MRT (NS20) – 8-minute walk
- From Novena MRT: Exit B, walk along Thomson Road, turn into Kim Yam Road
- Bus Services: 21, 124, 131, 132, 142, 162 (Thomson Road)
4. Krsna’s Free Meals
Address: 20 Veerasamy Road, Singapore 207327 (Administrative office)
Contact: +65 9105 6343
Operating Hours: Daily 6:30am-9am & 11am-2:30pm
Service Type: Mobile distribution at migrant worker dormitories
Review
A volunteer-run mobile soup kitchen that has distributed over 1 million meals since inception. Krsna’s Free Meals focuses on serving migrant workers and other vulnerable populations with home-style cooked food. Their approach is grassroots and personal, with volunteers personally delivering meals to various locations. The food is prepared with love and attention, often featuring Indian and international cuisines. This organization particularly excels in reaching underserved communities.
Detailed Menu & Service Schedule:
Breakfast Service (6:30am – 9:00am):
- Indian Breakfast Options:
- Upma (semolina porridge) with vegetables, mustard seeds, curry leaves
- Poha (flattened rice) with onions, peanuts, turmeric
- Idli with sambar and coconut chutney
- Simple Rice Meals: Plain rice with pickle and dal
- Bread & Curry: Local bread with vegetable curry
- Hot Beverages: Masala chai, coffee
Lunch Service (11:00am – 2:30pm):
- Traditional Indian Thali:
- Steamed basmati rice with ghee
- 2-3 vegetable curries (potato curry, cauliflower masala, bhindi fry)
- Dal tadka (lentils tempered with cumin, mustard seeds, ginger)
- Fresh rotis/chapatis
- Pickle and papad
- Buttermilk or lassi
- International Options (Weekly Rotation):
- Vegetable fried rice with soy sauce and vegetables
- Pasta with tomato sauce and herbs
- Noodle soup with local vegetables
Festival & Special Occasion Menus:
- Diwali: Special sweets like laddu, gulab jamun, extra varieties of curry
- Holi: Thandai (spiced milk), colorful vegetarian dishes
- Janmashtami: Makhan (butter) preparations, special Krishna-inspired meals
Cooking Methods & Ingredients:
- Home-style cooking with minimal oil and fresh spices
- Traditional Indian tempering (tadka) with mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves
- Fresh vegetables from local markets, cooked daily
- Spice blends made from scratch (garam masala, sambar powder)
Nutritional Information:
- Breakfast: 350-450 calories, high carbohydrates for energy
- Lunch: 600-800 calories, complete protein from dal and rice combination
- Rich in vitamins from fresh vegetables and spices
- Probiotic benefits from buttermilk and fermented items
Dietary Accommodations:
- ✅ Vegetarian (contains dairy – ghee, yogurt, milk)
- ✅ Jain-friendly options (no root vegetables upon request)
- ⚠️ Contains gluten (chapati, some pasta dishes)
- ⚠️ Dairy products used in cooking
- ⚠️ Spicy food (mild options available)
- ❌ Limited vegan options due to ghee usage
Portion Sizes: Generous home-style portions, designed to provide sustenance for manual laborers, typically includes 2-3 chapatis and full rice plate
Distribution Model: Mobile service reaching 15-20 locations daily, including construction sites and worker dormitories
Strengths: Mobile service, focuses on migrant workers, home-cooked quality, personal touch Unique Feature: No fixed location – meals distributed where needed most
How to Get There
Note: This is a mobile service – meals are distributed at various migrant worker dormitory locations. Contact the organization directly for current distribution points and times.
5. Free Food for All (FFFA)
Address: 60 Kaki Bukit Place, Eunos Techpark, #05-07, Singapore 415979
Contact: +65 6530 3661
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm, Closed weekends
Review
An IPC-registered charity that has served over 500,000 halal meals since 2015. FFFA operates innovative programmes including community fridges, ready-to-eat meal pouches, and children’s breakfast programmes. They focus on elderly, disabled, and financially distressed individuals. Their collaboration with partners like RedMart and SG Food Rescue demonstrates their commitment to reducing food waste while helping those in need.
Typical Menu Options:
- Halal Rice Meals: Chicken curry with rice, beef rendang, fish curry
- Noodle Dishes: Mee goreng, bee hoon, laksa
- Bread & Light Meals: Sandwiches, buns, pastries
- Kids’ Breakfast: Cereal, milk, fruits, bread
- Community Fridge Items: Pre-packed meals, snacks, drinks, fresh produce
- Ready-to-eat Pouches: Shelf-stable meals for take-away
Strengths: Halal certification, innovative programmes, focus on food waste reduction, targets specific vulnerable groups Special Features: Community fridges available 24/7, meal pouches for take-away
How to Get There
- Nearest MRT: Kaki Bukit MRT (DT28) – 5-minute walk
- From Kaki Bukit MRT: Exit A, walk towards Kaki Bukit Place, enter Eunos Techpark
- Bus Services: 15, 28, 35, 158 (Kaki Bukit Avenue 1)
6. Sri Krishna Mandir (Food For Life Programme)
Address: No. 9 Lorong 29 Geylang, #03-02, Singapore 388065
Contact: +65 6250 2280
Operating Hours: Contact for current meal times
Review
Running since 2003, this Hare Krishna-inspired programme serves thousands of vegetarian meals annually. The Food For Life programme is guided by spiritual principles emphasizing compassion and service. The meals are prepared according to strict vegetarian standards and often feature traditional Indian dishes. The organization is planning expansion with a larger dining hall, indicating strong community support and growth.
Typical Menu:
- Rice Preparations: Vegetarian biryani, sambar rice, lemon rice
- Curries: Mixed vegetable curry, dal, rasam
- Indian Breads: Chapati, poori (occasionally)
- Traditional Items: Khichdi, curd rice, pickle
- Sweets: Prasadam (blessed food), traditional Indian sweets during festivals
- Beverages: Buttermilk, herbal teas
Strengths: Long-established programme, spiritual foundation, traditional vegetarian cuisine, expansion plans Atmosphere: Peaceful, spiritually-oriented environment
How to Get There
- Nearest MRT: Aljunied MRT (EW9) – 8-minute walk
- From Aljunied MRT: Exit A, walk along Geylang Road, turn into Lorong 29
- Bus Services: 2, 7, 13, 26, 51 (Geylang Road)
7. Anna Lakshmi Restaurant
Address: Multiple locations (check website)
Operating Model: Pay-as-you-wish vegetarian Indian buffet
Review
Unlike traditional free meal centres, Anna Lakshmi operates on a unique pay-as-you-wish model. This volunteer-run restaurant serves an extensive vegetarian Indian buffet where diners contribute whatever they can afford – including nothing at all. The food quality is restaurant-standard, featuring authentic South Indian cuisine with a wide variety of curries, rice dishes, and traditional sweets. The model creates dignity for diners while maintaining financial sustainability.
Extensive Buffet Menu:
- Rice Varieties: Steamed rice, coconut rice, curd rice, vegetable biryani
- Curries: Multiple dal varieties, vegetable curries, sambar, rasam
- Dry Dishes: Vegetable stir-fries, poriyal (South Indian vegetable dishes)
- Breads: Chapati, poori, papadam
- Condiments: Multiple chutneys, pickles, raita
- Sweets: Payasam, laddu, halwa, seasonal desserts
- Beverages: Buttermilk, filter coffee, herbal teas
- Special Items: Appam, dosa (weekend specials at some locations)
Strengths: Restaurant-quality food, extensive buffet selection, dignified dining experience, authentic Indian cuisine Unique Model: Pay-what-you-can system allows for flexible contributions
How to Get There
Multiple locations available – check their website for current addresses and directions to the nearest location.
8. Food from the Heart
Address: 130 Joo Seng Road #03-01, Singapore 368357
Contact: +65 6280 4483
Operating Hours: Daily 9am-6pm
Service Type: Food bank for registered beneficiaries
Review
Founded in 2003, this IPC-status food bank serves nearly 64,000 beneficiaries yearly through programmes like Bread Run and School Goodie Bag. Unlike walk-in centres, Food from the Heart operates systematically with registered beneficiaries, creating a more organized approach to food distribution. Their partnerships with schools and charities enable them to reach children and elderly populations effectively.
Typical Distribution Items:
- Bread Run: Fresh bread, pastries, buns from bakeries
- Rice & Staples: Rice, noodles, canned goods, cooking oil
- School Goodie Bags: Snacks, fruits, sandwiches for children
- Fresh Produce: Vegetables, fruits (when available from partners)
- Packaged Foods: Ready meals, biscuits, cereals
- Beverages: UHT milk, juice boxes, bottled water
Strengths: Systematic approach, large beneficiary base, partnerships with institutions, focus on children and elderly Note: Registration required – not a walk-in service
How to Get There
- Nearest MRT: Bartley MRT (CC12) – 10-minute walk
- From Bartley MRT: Exit A, walk along Upper Serangoon Road, turn into Joo Seng Road
- Bus Services: 13, 56, 88, 107, 133 (Upper Serangoon Road)
9. SG Food Rescue
Service Type: Surplus food redistribution via social media alerts
Operating Model: Community-driven food rescue network
Review
SG Food Rescue operates through social media networks to quickly redistribute surplus food from events, bakeries, and restaurants. Participants join Facebook and Telegram groups to receive real-time alerts about available food pickups. This innovative model prevents food waste while helping those in need. The system requires quick response times but offers fresh, high-quality food that would otherwise be discarded.
Typical Rescued Food Items:
- Event Catering: Buffet dishes, sandwiches, canapés, desserts
- Bakery Items: Fresh bread, pastries, cakes, cookies
- Restaurant Surplus: Cooked meals, pre-prepared dishes, salads
- Hotel Food: Breakfast items, buffet leftovers, packaged snacks
- Corporate Events: Lunch boxes, finger food, beverages
- Wedding/Party Food: Elaborate dishes, desserts, specialty items
- Seasonal Items: Festival foods, holiday specialties
Strengths: Prevents food waste, fresh high-quality food, community-driven, quick distribution Requirements: Must join social media groups, quick response needed for pickups
How to Access
- Join their Facebook and Instagram groups for pickup alerts
- Telegram group available for instant notifications
- Pickup locations vary based on available surplus food
10. Willing Hearts
Address: No. 1 Lorong J Telok Kurau (entrance via Joo Chiat Place)
Contact: +65 6476 5822 / 1800 222 0000
Operating Hours: Daily 5am-5pm
Review
Singapore’s largest soup kitchen, delivering approximately 10,000 free meals daily to the needy and marginalized. This IPC-registered organization is run mostly by volunteers and operates with remarkable efficiency. They prepare and distribute meals islandwide, reaching the most vulnerable communities. The organization welcomes volunteers of all skill levels, creating an inclusive environment for both recipients and helpers.
Daily Menu (Simple, Nutritious Meals):
- Rice Dishes: Plain rice with 2-3 dishes, fried rice, porridge
- Protein Options: Chicken curry, fish curry, egg dishes, tofu preparations
- Vegetables: Stir-fried vegetables, curry vegetables, soup
- Noodle Alternatives: Bee hoon, mee goreng, instant noodles
- Soup: Daily soup varieties (vegetable, chicken, fish)
- Packed Meals: Disposable containers for delivery routes
- Special Occasions: Enhanced meals during festivals and holidays
Strengths: Largest operation in Singapore, island-wide distribution, volunteer-friendly, consistent daily service Scale: Millions of meals served annually, extensive volunteer network
How to Get There
- Nearest MRT: Eunos MRT (EW7) – 12-minute walk
- From Eunos MRT: Exit A, walk along Joo Chiat Road towards Joo Chiat Place, turn into Lorong J Telok Kurau
- Bus Services: 16, 33, 135 (Joo Chiat Road)
General Tips for Visitors
Etiquette and Respect
- Dress modestly and maintain respectful behavior
- Remove shoes when required (especially at religious venues)
- Cover your head at Sikh temples
- Be patient during busy meal times
- Offer to help with cleaning or serving if appropriate
- Make donations if you’re able to contribute
What to Expect
- Simple, nutritious meals – quality varies but all are wholesome
- Communal dining – shared tables and eating spaces
- Diverse communities – people from all backgrounds and circumstances
- Volunteer-run operations – services may vary based on volunteer availability
- Religious or spiritual elements – some venues incorporate prayers or spiritual practices
Best Times to Visit
- Avoid peak meal times if possible to reduce crowding
- Weekday mornings often less busy than evenings
- Contact venues directly to confirm current meal times and availability
- Religious holidays may affect operating schedules
Transportation Notes
- Keep small change for bus fares
- Plan extra time for walking from transport stops
- Some locations may be in residential areas with limited signage
- Use Singapore transport apps like Citymapper or SG BusLeh for real-time information
Emergency Contacts and Resources
National helplines for those in need:
- ComCare Hotline: 1800 222 0000
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1800 221 4444
- Silver Ribbon: 6385 3714
Online Resources:
- Ministry of Social and Family Development: msf.gov.sg
- Singapore Food Bank Directory: Various charity websites
- Volunteer opportunities: giving.sg
This guide represents current information as of 2025. Operating hours, locations, and services may change. Always contact venues directly to confirm details before visiting.
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