Joanna James
What's not to love about Singapore? Most of all - its offering of delectable local culinary offerings. From the famed chilli crabs to exotic fusions of Indian, Malay, and Chinese cultures, Lion City's Street food culture is representative of the melting pot that is Singapore. Here are some must-try dishes that will get the most bang for your buck.
Widely considered Singaporean's national dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice is the quintessential comfort food that fuses ginger, chicken broth and the heady aroma of pandan on a piping hot bowl of white rice! Garnish with the tangy spicy dip and chilli sauce for added taste.
Everybody in the culinary world has heard of the mouth-watering Singaporean chilli crabs no doubt, but have you ever wondered what makes them so enticing and special? The dish requires mud crabs to be stir-fried in a semi-thick sauce, eggs, tomato paste, a special sambal and vinegar to taste. This famed dish can be found in humble street food joints to high-end hotels that provide amazing deals, and can be found via popular sites like Excellent Hotel Deals.
There is absolutely no harm in wanting to explore the culinary offerings of Malaysia while in Singapore -and the Nasi Lemak is the perfect way to do so. Another filling and comforting dish, the Nasi Lemak is made by cooking the rice in fresh coconut milk and pandan leaves. Sides include the spicy and vibrant chilli sambal – the staple of the nasi lemak, slices of cooling cucumber, deep-fried anchovies with peanuts for an added crunch and an omelette. One also has the option of choosing from deep-fried fish or crispy-fried chicken as well. To try some truly authentic versions of the Nasi Lemak, consider making your way to Yung Sheng Road.
Another beloved Singaporean street dish bursting with flavour is the Char Kway Teow. Usually sold near hawker centres close to hotels that offer great accommodation deals, the Char Kway Teow's preparation includes stir-frying flat rice noodles over high heat with blood cockles, bean sprouts, dark soy sauce, prawns, and an egg. To test out the best Char Kway Teow make your way to the Hong Lim Complex which is home to many a hawker stall known for serving the best possible take on this well-loved street food.
One of the most classic street foods one can sample in Singapore is skewers of smoked meat paired with a delicious peanut sauce. Another well-loved hawker food, the satay is best sampled with a serving of rice cakes, tons of freshly cut onion rings and diced cucumber on the side. To chomp down on satays Crazy Rich Asians -style hail a taxi to Newton Food Centre.
Boasting of an intense flavour profile, this unique dish is a true labour of love. Did you the preparation of the beef rendang requires hours dedicated to just getting the staple thick sauce made out of aromatic spices and fresh coconut milk right?
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
