Must-Eat Food in Singapore: A Friendly Guide to Local Delicacies

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If you’re a foodie, Singapore is a must-visit destination. Known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, Singapore offers a range of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From hawker centres to high-end restaurants, the city-state has something to offer for everyone.

People enjoying diverse dishes at hawker center in Singapore

When it comes to iconic Singaporean dishes, there are a few that you simply can’t miss. Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and chilli crab are just a few examples of the must-try dishes that have put Singapore on the culinary map. But there’s so much more to explore beyond these classics.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-timer, there are plenty of culinary experiences to be had in Singapore. From street food tours to cooking classes, you can immerse yourself in the city’s food culture and learn more about the history and traditions behind each dish. So, get ready to indulge in some of the world’s best cuisine and discover the unique flavours of Singapore.

Key Takeaways

Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of dishes to suit every taste.
Iconic Singaporean dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and chilli crab are a must-try for any visitor.
There are plenty of culinary experiences to be had in Singapore, from street food tours to cooking classes.

Iconic Singaporean Dishes

When it comes to food, Singapore has something for everyone. The city-state’s cuisine is a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences, resulting in a unique blend of flavours and spices that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here are some of the most iconic dishes that you must try during your visit to Singapore.

Hawker Centre Classics

Hawker centres are the heart and soul of Singapore’s food culture. They are open-air food courts that offer a wide variety of affordable dishes cooked by local vendors. Here are some of the must-try hawker centre classics:

Chicken Rice: This dish consists of fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and served with tender chicken slices and a side of chilli sauce and ginger paste.
Nasi Lemak: A Malay dish that features coconut rice served with crispy fried chicken, fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and a spicy sambal sauce.
Char Kway Teow: A stir-fried noodle dish that is made with flat rice noodles, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and cockles.
Hokkien Mee: A dish of yellow noodles and rice vermicelli stir-fried with pork, prawns, squid, and vegetables in a fragrant prawn broth.
Laksa: A spicy noodle soup that is made with coconut milk, curry spices, fish cakes, prawns, and cockles.

Street Food Delights

Singapore’s street food scene is just as vibrant as its hawker centres. Here are some of the best street food delights that you can find in Singapore:

Satay: Skewered and grilled meat that is served with a spicy peanut sauce.
Oyster Omelette: A crispy omelette that is made with fresh oysters and served with a sweet and sour chilli sauce.
Roti Prata: A crispy and flaky Indian flatbread that is served with a side of curry.
Prawn Noodles: A flavourful soup that is made with prawn broth, pork ribs, and yellow noodles.
Chwee Kueh: Steamed rice cakes that are topped with preserved radish and served with a side of chilli sauce.
Curry Puff: A pastry that is filled with curried potatoes, chicken, or beef.
Rojak: A salad that is made with fruits and vegetables, and dressed with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce.
Carrot Cake: A savoury dish that is made with radish cake, eggs, and preserved radish.

Signature Singaporean Flavours

No trip to Singapore is complete without trying some of the city-state’s signature dishes. Here are some of the must-try signature Singaporean flavours:

Chilli Crab: A dish of stir-fried crab that is cooked in a sweet and spicy tomato-based sauce.
Black Pepper Crabs: A dish of stir-fried crabs that is cooked in a black pepper sauce.
Fish Head Curry: A spicy curry that is made with fish head, vegetables, and tamarind.
Bak Kut Teh: A pork rib soup that is flavoured with garlic, pepper, and other herbs and spices.
Laksa: A spicy noodle soup that is made with coconut milk, curry spices, fish cakes, prawns, and cockles.
Kaya Toast: A popular breakfast dish that consists of toasted bread that is spread with kaya (a sweet coconut jam) and served with soft-boiled eggs.

In conclusion, Singapore’s food scene is not to be missed. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city-state. So, grab a seat at a hawker centre or hit the streets and start exploring the delicious flavours of Singapore.

Culinary Experiences

If you’re a foodie, Singapore is a paradise for you. From Michelin-starred fine dining to casual eateries, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best culinary experiences you must try in Singapore.

Michelin-Starred and Fine Dining

Singapore has a reputation for being a food lover’s haven, and it’s no surprise that it’s home to some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. From traditional Japanese cuisine to contemporary Thai fusion, Singapore has it all. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, you can’t go wrong with Odette, a French restaurant that has been awarded three Michelin stars. Other Michelin-starred restaurants worth trying include Les Amis, Waku Ghin, and Burnt Ends.

Casual and Cosy Eateries

If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, Singapore has plenty of cosy eateries that serve delicious food. Kopitiams, traditional coffee shops that serve local food, are a must-visit. Try Ya Kun Kaya Toast, a popular kopitiam chain that serves kaya toast, a traditional Singaporean breakfast food. For lunch or dinner, head to a hawker centre, where you can find a variety of local dishes at affordable prices. Some of the must-try dishes include Hainanese Curry Rice, Indian Rojak, Nasi Padang, Katong Laksa, and Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Cultural Food Heritage

Singapore’s food culture is a melting pot of different cuisines, and one of the most unique is Peranakan food. Peranakans are descendants of Chinese immigrants who settled in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and their cuisine is a fusion of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian flavours. If you want to try Peranakan food, head to Candlenut, the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant. Don’t forget to try their signature dish, Buah Keluak Fried Rice. Another must-visit is Violet Oon’s Kitchen, which serves up classic Peranakan dishes like Beef Rendang and Ayam Buah Keluak.

In summary, Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of culinary experiences to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for Michelin-starred fine dining or casual eateries, Singapore has it all. Don’t forget to try some of the local favourites like Hainanese Curry Rice, Katong Laksa, and Peranakan food.

Frequently Asked Questions

People in Singapore eat at a bustling hawker center, surrounded by colorful food stalls and the aroma of various cuisines

What are the top local dishes to try in Singapore?

Singapore is renowned for its diverse and flavourful cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, satay, and chilli crab. These dishes can be found at hawker centres, food courts, and restaurants across the island.

Where can one find the best street food in Singapore?

Singapore is famous for its street food culture, and the best places to find it are at hawker centres such as Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, and Tiong Bahru Market. These centres offer a wide variety of local dishes at affordable prices.

If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, head to hawker centres such as Old Airport Road Food Centre, Amoy Street Food Centre, and Golden Mile Food Centre. These centres offer a wide range of local dishes at affordable prices.

Which Singaporean foods are considered iconic?

Some of the most iconic Singaporean foods include Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, satay, chilli crab, and rojak. These dishes represent the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Singapore’s culinary landscape.

What are the best dining spots for a casual meal in Singapore?

If you’re looking for a casual dining experience, head to places like Timbre+ or Pasarbella. These food halls offer a variety of cuisines and a laid-back atmosphere.

Can you suggest some Singaporean food souvenirs to take home?

Some popular food souvenirs include kaya (coconut jam), bak kwa (barbecued pork), and pineapple tarts. These can be found at local markets and specialty shops.