Joanna James
Singapore, a melting pot of cultures, is a foodie's paradise. With its diverse culinary scene, the city-state offers a tempting array of flavours and textures to introduce to your taste buds! From spicy seafood to aromatic noodle dishes and more, here are some of the most popular dishes to try.
Chilli crab is a beloved Singaporean dish that has gained worldwide recognition. It consists of crabs steamed in a rich, sweet, and savoury tomato and chilli-based gravy. The sauce, which has a tomato chilli base with a harmonious blend of flavours, is the star of the show. The dish is typically served with steamed or fried mantou buns, perfect for sopping up the delectable sauce. While the name might suggest a fiery heat, chilli crab offers a balanced flavour profile that is both satisfying and addictive. With its bold taste and ‘messy’ appeal, chilli crab has become a must-try dish for any foodie visiting Singapore!
Char kway teow is a stir-fried rice noodle dish that showcases the diverse flavours of Singaporean cuisine. The noodles are tossed with a sauce made from light and dark soy sauce which also has a hint of sweetness. The dish is typically packed with ingredients like prawns, bean sprouts, and eggs which combine to offer a heavenly taste. Of course, the secret to a truly delicious char kway teow lies in the wok-charred flavour that is imparted to the noodles. The high heat of the wok gives the dish a smoky and slightly charred aroma, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste.
Laksa is a fragrant and spicy noodle soup that is a staple of Singaporean cuisine. This aromatic broth is typically coconut-based, lending a rich and creamy texture. It's packed with flavours from lemongrass, galangal, shrimp paste, shallot, chilli and other ingredients that create a complex and satisfying taste. It is usually served with rice noodles, prawns, fish cakes, bean sprouts, and a splash of lime. Each spoonful is a burst of flavour that will warm you from the inside out! Keep in mind you get different variations of this dish too such as Nonya Laksa which can be enjoyed at restaurants like Tablescape at Grand Park City Hall or hawker centres across the city.
Hokkien prawn mee is a hearty culinary creation that is popular throughout Singapore. This dish features yellow egg or rice noodles swimming in a flavourful broth consisting of pork or chicken, dried shrimp, and squid. The broth is often slightly sweet and savoury, with a hint of umami. Topped with plump prawns, roast pork, and a variety of vegetables, Hokkien prawn mee offers a satisfying and comforting meal which can be enjoyed while dining at a City Hall hotel in Singapore or when on your foodie tours.
Satay is a quintessential Singaporean street food that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. These tender skewers of marinated meat, typically chicken or beef, are grilled to perfection over charcoal. The meat is marinated in a flavourful blend of spices, coconut milk, and lemongrass, which give it a rich and aromatic taste. Satay is usually served with peanut sauce, cucumber slices, and ketupat (rice cakes) making it the perfect snack to enjoy as you explore the city and uncover its culinary treasures!
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.
