Global pop star Dua Lipa has partnered with Google Maps to curate 12 personalized lists of her favorite dining, drinking, partying, and reading spots around the world. Among the picks: Maxwell Food Centre, one of Singapore’s most iconic hawker centres, which she describes as “a true Singaporean haven.”
The British-Albanian singer, known for chart-topping hits and her book club Service 95, isn’t just a musician — she’s a self-proclaimed avid traveler with a keen eye for local cuisine. Her latest collaboration with Google Maps offers fans a curated guide to her go-to destinations, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street-side stalls. The lists span categories including “Chill Dinners & Snacks,” “Late Night Bites,” and “Coffee & Cake,” reflecting Lipa’s eclectic tastes.
A Hawker Centre Gets the Spotlight
Maxwell Food Centre, wedged between Singapore’s Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar, earned a spot on Lipa’s “Chill Dinners & Snacks” list. In her Google Maps description, she calls it “a true Singaporean haven” — a sentiment shared by locals and tourists alike. The food centre is a bustling hub where visitors line up for the legendary Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, praised by chefs Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain. Beyond that, regulars recommend Alimama for green chili chicken rice, Zhen Zhen Porridge for comforting bowls of chicken or fish porridge, Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake for crispy fritters stuffed with minced meat and diced oysters, and Mr. Appam for South Indian fermented rice pancakes with palm sugar and grated coconut.
Lipa likely discovered Maxwell during her two concerts at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in 2024. (Lady Gaga also caused a stir there during her The Mayhem Ball tour in May 2025.) The singer’s other international picks include Bangkok’s Raan Jay Fai, a street-side restaurant famous for its crab meat omelette and goggle-wearing chef; Tokyo izakaya Narukiyo; London’s Beigel Bake; and Barcelona’s Cañete.
Beyond the Lists: A Deeper Travel Philosophy
Lipa’s collaboration isn’t just about promoting her personal favorites — it’s part of Google Maps’ broader effort to highlight hidden gems recommended by trusted voices. Users can access all 12 of Lipa’s lists on the Google Maps blog, where they can save spots to their own maps or plan future trips. The partnership underscores a growing trend: celebrities using their platforms to share authentic, local experiences rather than generic tourist traps.
For Singaporeans and travelers alike, Lipa’s nod to Maxwell Food Centre is a reminder that some of the best dining happens in the most unassuming places. Hawker centres remain a cornerstone of the city-state’s food culture, offering affordable, Michelin-recognized dishes in a communal setting.
What’s Next for Food Lovers?
If you’re inspired to explore Singapore’s hawker scene, start with Maxwell — but don’t stop there. Time Out recommends nine other fantastic hawker centres, from the old-school legend at Old Airport Road to a neighborhood gem in Clementi. For a deeper dive, check out our list of 50 hawker stalls recommended by the Time Out team, or browse the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore.
Read more: