Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, where so many incredible flavors from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cultures converge. Singapore’s food culture starts from bustling hawker centers to Michelin-starred restaurants, and the city-state offers a gastronomic journey like no other. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience!
This What to Eat in Singapore thread is specifically to talk about Singaporean food - the best dishes to try, the must-eat recipies and bizarre foods that others may tell you to avoid (or not even tell you about!). Hopefully, it helps a hungry traveller with some inspiration (and information) to taste some incredible Singaporean specialties. While street food is mostly non-vegetarian, there are many vegetarian versions that you can find without difficulty
Here’s a list of the most popular Singaporean foods that I can quickly recollect spotting in the street food shops and the Hawker Centres:
Food (some of these are vegetarian friendly):
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: Singapore’s national dish is a seemingly simple yet incredibly flavorful combination of poached chicken, fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, and an array of dipping sauces (chili, ginger, and dark soy). The tender chicken and flavorful rice create a harmonious symphony of tastes.
- Tamil Banana Leaf Meals: Traditional Tamil festive food served on a banana leaf with a number of optional add-ons such as poriyal, fried veggies, meats and seafood. It is similar to the south Indian thali (meals) found in most parts of India, originating from the southern states.
- Chilli Crab: This iconic dish features mud crabs cooked in a rich and spicy tomato-chili gravy. The sweet and succulent crab meat is perfect for dipping with the accompanying fried mantou buns.
- Laksa: A spicy noodle soup with a rich coconut milk broth, Laksa comes in various regional variations. Whether you prefer the tangy Assam Laksa or the creamy Curry Laksa, both are bursting with flavor and will leave you wanting more.
- Char Kway Teow: This stir-fried noodle dish is a symphony of wok-hei (smoky flavor) and textures. Flat rice noodles are tossed with prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, eggs, and chives, resulting in a savory and satisfying meal.
- Satay: These skewered grilled meats (chicken, meats or tofu) are marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, then served with a rich peanut sauce, ketupat (rice cakes), and cucumber relish.
- Fish Head Curry: This fiery and flavorful curry features a whole fish head simmered in a spicy tomato-based gravy with vegetables like okra and eggplant. It’s a dish that’s meant to be shared and enjoyed with rice or bread.
- Kaya Toast: A beloved breakfast staple, Kaya toast consists of two slices of toasted bread slathered with kaya (a sweet coconut jam) and a thick slab of butter. It’s often enjoyed with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of kopi (local coffee).
- Roti Prata: This flaky Indian-style flatbread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day. It’s often served with curry or dhal and can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
Popular Drinks/Sweets:
- Milo Dinosaur: If you’re a 90s kid, you’ll be blown away with this amazing drink made with Nestle Milo.
Have you had any of these dishes? Which one did you like best? Want to suggest more Singaporean foods? Share them here as responses/comments on this thread. This will be very helpful to fellow travellers and members of this travel community who are planning a trip to Singapore.
