Singapore’s most debated first date ideas – from Lau Pa Sat to other so-called red flag spots

Should a first date at Lau Pa Sat really be a dealbreaker?

Lau Pa Sat first date drama

The debate over one of Singapore’s most iconic hawker centres as a first date spot is far from new. First flaring up in 2024, it’s back in the spotlight thanks to Singapore influencer @naomiblackk. 

In a viral TikTok clip, Naomi dismissed the hawker centre as “plain rude” for a first date, adding: “Tell me honestly, do I look like a Lau Pa Sat kinda girl? I can smell a brokie from afar.”

Located at Raffles Quay in the city’s central business district, Lau Pa Sat might be iconic, but for Naomi, it wasn’t quite the right vibe. Screenshots shared on her Instagram story revealed the conversation with her date, who had suggested meeting there. She replied, “Not really. I think it’s best to call it (off) here,” explaining that their preferences didn’t align. 

In the post’s caption, she added: “Anyone who invites me to Lau Pa Sat for a first date is getting cancelled. It’s just plain rude lol. I don’t care how handsome you are. I don’t give chances; this is not charity.”

Netizens were divided. Some took issue with her objection to the location, interpreting her remark about not being a “Lau Pa Sat kind of girl” as indicative of an entitled or elitist attitude. 

Others, however, praised her candour about her dating preferences, agreeing that the crowds, noise, and satay smoke made Lau Pa Sat a less-than-ideal spot for a first date.

Naomi later reflected on the controversy via her Instagram story, writing: “It’s wild to me that my dating standards became a national debate, but hey, knowing what you want and sticking to it isn’t arrogance, it’s clarity.” 

She clarified that her objection wasn’t about money: “I love hawker food, but it’s not something I eat daily for health reasons. It’s not about money or looking down on anyone. I’ve had plenty of simple coffee dates.” 

“But let’s be real, most women want to feel like there’s effort put into a first date.”

Her stance has turned the Lau Pa Sat debate into a wider conversation about dating expectations, class signaling, and what counts as effort – and even inspired a merchandise line featuring her most viral quips.

Does the first date location matter?

First dates can take countless forms – a quiet coffee, a dinner and a movie, a hike in the hills, or even a spontaneous wander through the local supermarket. Each comes with the same question hanging in the air: will it go well?

Dating, after all, is as much about conversation as it is about meeting. In Naomi’s story, her would-be date suggested a location without pause – he didn’t check what might be enjoyable for both. His lack of consideration was obvious, no matter the setting.

Yet research reminds us that the space itself is far from the deciding factor. A study from the University of Georgia paired strangers in contrasting environments: one warm, welcoming, and carefully arranged; the other plain, with bare walls, old chairs, and clutter scattered about. 

The result? The setting barely mattered. Connection blossomed not from decor or ambience, but from conversation, curiosity, and the willingness to be present.

The study underscores that chemistry, open dialogue, and shared vulnerability – all of which could still be considered ‘effort’ – matter far more than an ‘Instagrammable’ backdrop. Even a bustling food court or a mundane supermarket run can become memorable – and even fun – when both people can lean in, listen, and laugh together.

Naomi’s critique may reflect the social lens of effort and etiquette, yet the study offers a broader truth: first dates can be measured not just by the elegance of their setting, but by the richness of the interaction.

And perhaps most importantly, dates don’t have to be transactional. They don’t need to involve expensive meals, elaborate planning, or grand romantic gestures to be meaningful. At their best, first dates are an exploration of another person’s thoughts, values, humour, and energy. 

When both parties are genuinely curious and respectful, the pressure to “perform” or “impress” fades. What’s left is a shared experience, rather than a checklist of expectations.

If on the same wavelength, thoughtful dialogue, gentle humour, and genuine connection can transform any space – even the most chaotic hawker centre – into a first date worth remembering.

Other controversial first date spots in Singapore

So, even if she doesn’t strike you as a Lau Pa Sat kind of gal, some ‘rude’ spots where chaos, crowd, or low effort reign can be unexpectedly memorable – should your chemistry be strong enough.

1. Ikea

Flatpack dreams, meatballs, and a touch of chaos – a first date at Ikea is part adventure, part informal ‘playing house’. Wander the aisles debating which sofa looks comfiest, inspect the candle section together (bonus points if you sniff every scent), parent a Djungelskog bear, or argue over whether that minimalist bookshelf really belongs in a living room.

For soon-to-be couples mindful of dietary restrictions, the Ikea Swedish Restaurant also offers halal options, so everyone can join the fun without worrying about the menu. Don’t forget to stop for gravy-soaked Swedish meatballs, Daim cake, or a soft-serve cone at the cafe – the shared ritual of choosing, tasting, and laughing makes even mundane meals feel like a mini-adventure.

At the Tampines outlet – Ikea’s largest in Singapore – the scale amplifies the experience: navigating the sprawling showroom, testing beds and chairs, and debating interior design decisions become part of the date itself. By the end, you’ll know whether you click as partners – and maybe even as potential flatmates.

Ikea Tampines is located at 60 Tampines North Drive 2, Singapore 528764. Ikea Alexandra is located at 317 Alexandra Rd, Level 1, Singapore 159965

2. Haw Par Villa

For a first date that veers delightfully into the eccentric, Haw Par Villa is a treasure trove of kitsch, culture, and conversation starters. Built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw – the millionaire philanthropist and marketing mastermind behind Tiger Balm – the park is Singapore’s largest outdoor art gallery, featuring more than 1,000 colourful statues of Chinese deities, legendary figures, and personalities such as Confucius and the Laughing Buddha.

The most famous exhibit, The Ten Courts of Hell, presents the Buddhist beliefs around death and reincarnation. For couples with a taste for the macabre, you can even grab tickets for Hell’s Museum, the world’s first museum dedicated to death, which is also accessible via SG Culture Pass.

Haw Par Villa is also surprisingly practical for a date – stroll hand in hand through the sculptures, pose for whimsical photo ops, bring along pets to join the fun, or even enjoy a casual picnic in the open spaces. Tours are available for those keen to dive deeper into the history, philosophy, and hidden stories behind the exhibits. Do remember that timing matters: mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid the midday sun and enjoy the park at a leisurely pace. 

Between the eccentric statues, colourful backdrops, and playful architecture, you’re guaranteed plenty of conversation – whether it’s laughter, intrigue, or the occasional shiver at a scene from the Ten Courts of Hell. A first date here is unforgettable, and decidedly unlike any other in Singapore.

Haw Par Villa is located at 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628.

3. Mustafa Centre

For a first date that thrives on chaos and spontaneity, Mustafa Centre is a playground of sights, sounds, and endless aisles. This 24-hour mega-department store in Little India is loud, crowded, and brimming with the kind of variety that makes you laugh at the sheer scale of it all – from snacks and electronics to clothing and quirky souvenirs.

Here, you might argue over which instant ramen flavour to grab, get lost in the endless floors together, or bond over the absurdity of a six-storey convenience emporium. Timing is anything but a concern: any hour works, making it as flexible as it is unpredictable.

And when the chaos gets overwhelming, take a short stroll to Tekka Centre, just ten minutes away, for a bite of local hawker fare to refuel and reset.

Mustafa Centre is located at 145 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207704.

4. McDonald’s at Ridout Tea Garden

Sometimes, low effort is its own kind of charm. A first date at McDonald’s at Ridout Tea Garden offers fries, fizzy drinks, and a relaxed vibe that’s unexpectedly inviting. Sharing a simple meal without pressure or pretence can feel refreshingly comforting – especially if you find yourselves laughing at the ice cream machine that’s supposedly never working.

What makes this outlet truly special, though, is its history and setting. Opened in 1989, it’s one of Singapore’s oldest operational McDonald’s branches, housed in a single-storey pavilion next to a serene pond. The site itself has a storied past: it began as the Queenstown Japanese Garden in 1970, survived a fire in 1978, and was rebuilt in 1980. The 2022 revamp added charming pavilions, making it arguably the prettiest McDonald’s in Singapore.

Visitors can stroll through the meticulously crafted Japanese garden, complete with bonsai trees, serene pathways, and even tortoises swimming in the pond – perfect for a calming post-meal picnic. Open 24 hours, it allows couples to enjoy the scenery and the nostalgia at any time of day, from a sunrise breakfast to a late-night snack.

At Ridout Tea Garden, a McDonald’s date can be casual, quirky, and surprisingly romantic – a mix of comfort food, historical charm, and a touch of nature that sets it apart from the ordinary.

McDonald’s at Ridout Tea Garden is located at 580 Queensway, Singapore 149066.

5. Science Centre Singapore

Unleash your inner child and let curiosity lead the way. A first date at Science Centre Singapore is a playground for the playful, the nerdy, and the inquisitive. From interactive exhibits to the iMAX Omni Theatre, there are endless opportunities to test each other’s knowledge, challenge one another at experiments, or get swept up in the wonder of a planetarium show. It’s educational, fun, and surprisingly bonding – plus, science-themed conversation starters are guaranteed.

Navigate exhibitions on everything from climate change and energy to ageing, phobias, and even sanitation and toilets. Brave the mirror maze, giggle over quirky displays, or debate over how much a roller coaster of knowledge can teach you about each other.

The Centre doesn’t look the same as it did decades ago – a major revamp began in 2024 and is scheduled for full completion by the end of 2027 – but the spirit of discovery remains. For those planning a date, remember that it’s quite a journey from the heartlands, so picking your partner up is definitely a thoughtful touch.

Science Centre Singapore is located at 15 Science Centre Rd, Singapore 609081.

6. Don Don Donki at Jurong Point

Sushi, snacks, and sensory overload – a first date at Don Don Donki is a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and flavours. Neon signs flicker overhead, cramped aisles hum with shoppers, and the sheer variety of products can leave you both laughing, debating, and occasionally lost. It’s chaotic, it’s playful, and it’s the perfect test of adaptability and humour.

Challenge each other to pick the strangest snack, try a random Japanese drink, or marvel at the endless shelves of quirky products. Foodies can head to Sen Sen Sushi, a made-to-order corner where you can mix and match classic sushi selections, creating your own personalised rolls together. For those in the mood to sip, the sake bar offers a casual drink amidst the chaos.

Don Don Donki (Jurong Point) is located at 1 Jurong West Central 2, #B1-09, Singapore 648886.

7. Jurong Fishery Port

For adventurous night-owls, Jurong Fishery Port is a first date like no other – intense, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable. Late-night fish auctions, pungent aromas, and crowds of fishermen set the stage for a sensory overload that tests patience, humour, and adaptability. But if you can laugh while navigating the crowds, maybe even haggle for a fresh catch together, it’s a date story worth telling – one that will linger far longer than a fancy dinner ever could.

Arrive early and you’ll see foreign workers leaving with bags upon bags of fish, the freshest catches of the day. The smell of the sea and seafood mingles with the cool night air, creating an atmosphere that is as authentic as it is unforgettable at the heart of Singapore’s fish industry.

For an even deeper experience, join Port65, a third-generation seafood wholesaler that offers guided tours on the first Friday night of every month from 9:50pm to 11pm.

The tour is free and gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse of fishing boats arriving from Indonesia and beyond, and the bustling operations of wholesalers.

Practical tips: wear covered shoes with good grip as the market can be wet and slippery, bring an umbrella just in case, and carry your IC or Work Pass to access the secured area. With a mix of adventure, novelty, and sheer chaos, a first date at Jurong Fishery Port is guaranteed to be memorable – a story you and your newfound partner will be retelling for years.

Jurong Fishery Port is located at 35A Fishery Port Rd, Singapore 619743.