Joanna James
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects this diversity with a tantalising array of flavours and dishes. From savoury street food to refined culinary creations, here are five must-try Singaporean foods that will delight your taste buds and give you a true taste of the Lion City.
Hainanese Chicken Rice is Singapore's unofficial national dish, beloved by locals and visitors alike. This delicious dish features perfectly poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth with chili sauce and ginger paste. The tender chicken, with its smooth texture and subtle flavours, contrasts perfectly with the aromatic rice and zesty condiments. Whether you try it at a hawker center or a Michelin-starred restaurant, Hainanese Chicken Rice is a quintessential Singaporean culinary experience not to be missed.
No visit to Singapore is complete without indulging in Chili Crab, a dish that has gained international fame for its bold flavors and messy eating experience. The crab is stir-fried in a savory, tangy chili sauce made from tomatoes, chili paste, and eggs, creating a rich and spicy gravy that is perfect for dipping mantou (fried buns) or drizzling over rice. The sweetness of the crab meat balances out the heat of the sauce, making every bite a harmonious explosion of flavours. Head to a seafood restaurant along the East Coast or Clarke Quay to savor this iconic dish in a lively setting.
Laksa is a hearty and aromatic noodle soup that blends Chinese and Malay flavours into a bowl of pure comfort. The base of the soup is a coconut milk-infused curry broth, simmered with spices such as lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric, giving it a fragrant and creamy texture. Rice vermicelli noodles soak up the flavours of the broth, while toppings like shrimp, chicken, tofu puffs, and hard-boiled eggs add layers of texture and taste. Laksa is a favourite among locals for breakfast or lunch, and you can find variations such as Katong Laksa or Nyonya Laksa across Singapore. You can discover this at one of the Chinatown restaurants in Singapore located within properties like PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering.
Char Kway Teow is a popular stir-fried noodle dish that epitomises Singaporean street food at its best. Flat rice noodles, stir-fried over high heat with chili, soy sauce, shrimp paste, eggs, bean sprouts, and slices of Chinese sausage and prawns, create a dish that is both smoky and savory. The key to a great Char Kway Teow lies in the wok hei, or "breath of the wok," imparting a slightly charred aroma that enhances the overall flavor. Whether enjoyed at a hawker center or a local kopitiam (coffee shop), Char Kway Teow is a beloved comfort food that satisfies cravings any time of day.
Satay is a quintessential Singaporean street food that showcases the influence of Malay cuisine. Skewers of marinated meat, typically beef, chicken, or lamb, are grilled over charcoal, imparting a smoky flavour that complements the savory-sweet marinade. Satay is served with peanut sauce, cucumber slices, and ketupat (rice cakes), creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you're exploring Lau Pa Sat at night or enjoying a satay feast at a local hawker center, this finger-licking dish is a must-try for its simplicity and deliciousness.
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.
