Joanna James
Ranked among Asia's top holiday hotspots for foodies, Singapore is a dream destination for those who plan their vacations based on the culinary prowess of the location. Offering diners the chance to dig into authentic Chinese, Malay, Indian and colonial fusion dishes, Singapore's hawker centers alone makes a visit to the island well worth the airfare. From exploring the country's street food scene to dining in ethnic strongholds, here's how visitors can eat their way through Singapore.
Whether one is based at Value Hotel SG or any other affordable hotel in Singapore, the chances that a local Kopitiam is within walking distance of one's accommodation hub is quite high due to the layout of the Lion City. Every foodie's culinary journey in Singapore should begin with a morning meal at one of these authentic Singaporean cafes, where the nation's favourite breakfast, Kaya Toast and coffee is served daily and made the traditional way. Simple but nutritious, Kaya jam, which is made using honey, eggs, pandan leaves and coconut cream, is slathered on to buttered pieces of toast and served alongside runny half-boiled eggs and a cup of hot coffee in this classic breakfast spread enjoyed in many a household across Singapore.
Some of the least expensive and the most delicious meals on offer in Singapore are available at local hawker centres that are strategically located in key parts of the Lion City. Hawker Centres are famed for serving an array of classic Asian and fusion dishes, and one can expect to find food stalls selling everything from Singapore Chilli crab to carrot cake at these hawker centres where one kiosk specialises in one meal or dish. Some of the most popular hawker hotspots in Singapore include the Amoy Street Food Centre and the Chomp Chomp Food Centre while the Kensington Park Road's Maxwell Food Centre and the Tiong Bahru Market are equally popular hawker food complexes.
For foodies who enjoy dining in the air-conditioned comfort of upscale malls, Singapore's top department stores and shopping complexes offer a plethora of culinary delights. With some of the Lion City's finest food outlets and restaurants, exploring the food courts in local malls promises an exciting and satisfying gastronomic experience. Notable destinations include ION Orchard, Wisma Atria, VivoCity, and Suntec City, where a diverse range of cuisines and culinary options awaits eager diners.
Travellers with a hankering for Roti Prata, Naan and Biriyani should look no further than Little India for the best South Asian fare in Singapore. Little India is lined with authentic Indian and Pakistani restaurants, and it's not uncommon to find city-dwelling locals hop on the MRTs bound for Little India on weekend mornings, just to enjoy the flavour of a rich and decadent Biryani meal for lunch.
Considered Singapore's one-stop food hotspot for those with a love of Chinese cuisine, Chinatown is not only home to some of the best bazaars in Singapore but also the best dim sums. Chinatown is the Chinese community base in the Lion City, and most families occupying this district run family-owned restaurants and cafes where everything from Wonton soup to Mee Goreng is served at all hours of the day.
Tourists who are heading to Singapore to explore its culinary landscapes must keep in mind that it is not suitable to sit at tables where chairs have been reserved with personal belongings. This is especially relevant at hawker centres where locals might leave an umbrella or a pack of tissues to reserve a table or seat. Blowing one's nose and talking loudly while dining is also frowned upon.
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