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Must-Try Dishes in Singapore: A Food Lover’s Guide
Singapore is a melting pot of flavors, combining Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences into one of the world's most vibrant food scenes. From humble hawker stalls to fine dining, Singapore offers a wide range of dishes that reflect its multicultural heritage. Here's a list of must-try dishes for anyone visiting this food paradise.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
A quintessential Singaporean dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice features tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth. It's accompanied by a trio of sauces: chili, ginger, and dark soy. Simple yet flavorful, this is a national favorite.
Where to Try:
- Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre.
- Boon Tong Kee on Balestier Road.
2. Chili Crab
One of Singapore’s most iconic dishes, Chili Crab is a messy but delicious affair. The crab is stir-fried in a sweet, spicy, and tangy chili-tomato sauce. Dip fried buns (mantou) into the rich sauce to complete the experience.
Where to Try:
- Jumbo Seafood at Clarke Quay.
- No Signboard Seafood in Geylang.
3. Laksa
Laksa is a rich and spicy noodle soup that blends Chinese and Malay culinary traditions. The Singaporean version, known as Katong Laksa, features rice noodles in a coconut-based curry broth, typically topped with shrimp, fish cakes, and egg.
Where to Try:
- 328 Katong Laksa on East Coast Road.
- Sungei Road Laksa in Jalan Berseh.
4. Char Kway Teow
A stir-fried noodle dish made from flat rice noodles, Char Kway Teow is seasoned with dark soy sauce and stir-fried with eggs, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and seafood. The hallmark of this dish is its smoky flavor from the wok, known as "wok hei."
Where to Try:
- Hill Street Fried Kway Teow at Chinatown Complex.
- Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee at Hong Lim Food Centre.
5. Satay
Satay consists of marinated skewers of meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) that are grilled over charcoal and served with a side of peanut sauce, rice cakes, cucumber, and onion. It’s a beloved street food snack.
Where to Try:
- Lau Pa Sat Satay Street, a lively spot with multiple vendors.
- Chomp Chomp Food Centre in Serangoon Gardens.
6. Hokkien Mee
This dish features a mix of egg and rice noodles stir-fried with prawns, squid, and pork, all infused with a flavorful seafood stock. It's served with sambal chili and lime, adding a spicy, zesty kick to the dish.
Where to Try:
- Nam Sing Hokkien Mee at Old Airport Road Food Centre.
- Tian Tian Lai Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee at Toa Payoh Lorong 1.
7. Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Teh is a comforting pork rib soup with a fragrant broth made from garlic, pepper, and a blend of herbs. The Teochew version has a clear, peppery broth, while the Hokkien style is darker and more herbal.
Where to Try:
- Song Fa Bak Kut Teh near Clarke Quay.
- Founder Bak Kut Teh on Balestier Road.
8. Nasi Lemak
This fragrant Malay dish consists of rice cooked in coconut milk, accompanied by fried chicken, sambal chili, peanuts, fried anchovies, and a boiled or fried egg. Originally a breakfast dish, Nasi Lemak is now enjoyed at any time of day.
Where to Try:
- The Coconut Club on Ann Siang Road.
- Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak at Adam Road Food Centre.
9. Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs
A traditional Singaporean breakfast, Kaya Toast is made with slices of toast slathered with kaya (a sweet coconut jam) and butter. It's typically served with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of kopi (local coffee) or tea.
Where to Try:
- Ya Kun Kaya Toast (multiple locations).
- Tong Ah Eating House on Keong Saik Road.
10. Roti Prata
Roti Prata is a crispy Indian flatbread served with curry. It can be enjoyed plain or with various fillings like egg, cheese, or even sweet versions with banana and sugar.
Where to Try:
- Springleaf Prata Place (multiple outlets).
- The Roti Prata House on Upper Thomson Road.
11. Oyster Omelette (Orh Luak)
This Teochew dish combines a starchy batter with eggs and fresh oysters, creating a crispy and savory omelette. It's served with a tangy chili sauce to complement the richness of the dish.
Where to Try:
- Ah Chuan Oyster Omelette at Toa Payoh Lorong 7.
- Simon Road Oyster Omelette at Kovan Market & Food Centre.
12. Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway)
Singaporean Carrot Cake is made from radish (or "carrot") cubes stir-fried with eggs, garlic, and preserved radish. It comes in two versions: white (without dark soy sauce) and black (with dark soy sauce for added sweetness).
Where to Try:
- Lau Goh Carrot Cake at Zion Riverside Food Centre.
- He Zhong Carrot Cake at Bukit Timah Food Centre.
Conclusion
Singapore’s food scene is a reflection of its diverse cultural heritage, offering something for every palate. From the spicy and aromatic to the rich and savory, these must-try dishes represent the best of Singaporean cuisine. Whether you're at a humble hawker stall or a stylish restaurant, each bite reveals a story of Singapore's rich culinary history. Don't leave without savoring the local favorites—it's a journey you won't forget.
My Personal Opinion: Amazing culinary experience
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
This dish has become synonymous with Singaporean cuisine, and for good reason. The simplicity of the tender chicken, paired with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, is comforting. What sets it apart for me is the trio of dipping sauces—chili, ginger, and dark soy. Personally, the chili sauce adds the right amount of heat, elevating the dish to something truly special.
2. Chili Crab
Singapore’s chili crab is a true delicacy that I crave every time I visit. The crab is cooked in a thick, sweet-spicy sauce that has an almost addictive quality. It’s messy to eat, but that’s part of the fun! I love dipping the crispy mantou (fried buns) in the sauce, which is the perfect balance of tangy and savory. In my opinion, no trip to Singapore is complete without indulging in chili crab.
3. Laksa
Laksa is my go-to comfort food in Singapore. The spicy coconut curry broth is rich and fragrant, with a nice kick from the chili. I appreciate how each spoonful combines creamy soup with noodles, shrimp, fish cakes, and boiled eggs. It’s hearty yet not overwhelming, and I often find myself slurping up every last bit of the broth.
4. Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a street food classic that never disappoints. The stir-fried flat noodles, mixed with prawns, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts, have a smoky flavor from the wok (wok hei) that I can’t get enough of. The mix of textures, from the chewy noodles to the crunchy sprouts, is perfect. For me, this dish captures the essence of Singapore’s street food culture—simple, flavorful, and satisfying.
5. Satay
Satay is one of those dishes I always associate with gatherings and fun times. The skewers of grilled meat, usually chicken or beef, are smoky and tender, but what truly makes them unforgettable is the peanut sauce. It’s rich and slightly sweet, and I enjoy dipping the skewers into it generously. The addition of rice cakes and cucumber slices makes it a complete, hearty snack. Personally, satay is an excellent choice for casual meals.
6. Hokkien Mee
I’m a big fan of noodles, and Hokkien Mee is one of my absolute favorites. The dish is a blend of egg noodles and rice noodles, stir-fried with prawns, squid, and pork. What I find irresistible is the umami-rich seafood stock that coats the noodles. The sambal chili on the side adds the perfect amount of heat for me, making each bite a burst of flavor.
7. Bak Kut Teh
When I first tried Bak Kut Teh, I was blown away by how simple yet flavorful it is. The peppery pork rib soup is warm and soothing, perfect for rainy days or when you need something comforting. The garlic-heavy broth pairs well with the tender pork, and I usually enjoy it with rice and pickled vegetables. It’s a hearty, wholesome dish that I recommend for anyone looking for comfort food in Singapore.
8. Nasi Lemak
While Nasi Lemak originated in Malaysia, it has become a beloved dish in Singapore as well. The fragrant coconut rice, served with crispy fried chicken, sambal, and anchovies, is a well-balanced meal. I love how the sambal adds a spicy kick, while the cucumbers and peanuts bring freshness and crunch. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful, perfect for any time of day.
9. Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs
Kaya toast is the quintessential Singaporean breakfast, and I absolutely love it. The crispy toast slathered with kaya (a coconut jam) and butter, paired with soft-boiled eggs and soy sauce, is a unique combination. I find it comforting, especially with a hot cup of kopi (coffee). The sweet-salty contrast is what makes this dish a favorite of mine.
10. Roti Prata
Roti Prata is my guilty pleasure. The crispy, flaky flatbread is usually served with a side of curry, and I enjoy tearing it apart and dipping it into the curry. Sometimes I opt for the sweet versions with sugar or condensed milk, but the savory curry combination is my preferred choice. It’s a filling, flavorful dish that I highly recommend, especially for breakfast or late-night snacking.
11. Oyster Omelette (Orh Luak)
Oyster omelette is one of those dishes I’ve grown to appreciate more with each bite. The combination of crispy fried egg with plump oysters, served with a tangy chili sauce, is a delightful contrast of textures. While I wasn’t initially a fan of the gooey texture, it’s now one of my top picks when I’m in the mood for something different. The briny flavor of the oysters pairs perfectly with the eggs and chili.
12. Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway)
Lastly, Singapore’s carrot cake is nothing like what you might expect from its name. It’s a savory dish made from radish cake, stir-fried with eggs and preserved radish (chai poh). I prefer the black version, where dark soy sauce is added, giving it a slightly sweet flavor. The crispy bits of the radish cake are my favorite, and I always find myself coming back for more. It’s one of those comforting street foods I can't resist.
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