Joanna James
There are many good reasons to love seafood, from the superabundance of healthy fats and proteins to its speedy prep time and versatile deliciousness. Here are some flavour-packed and culture-infused fish dishes that will have you obsessed!
If you’re an ardent lover of Singapore Chilli Crab, with its luscious harmony of sweet, savoury, spicy, and tangy flavours, or the fiery umami kick of Black Pepper Crab, this is a comfort food you can’t miss! Iconic for its unique flavour profile that combines the mildly sweet and briny undertones of fresh crab with a host of island spices that add complexity and richness to every bite, you can’t go wrong with authentic Sri Lankan Crab Curry. This spicy, creamy, and aromatic dish is traditionally scooped up with steamed rice, rustic street bread, or string hoppers. Zesty coconut sambol, dhal curry, and jackfruit cooked in coconut milk are all perfect accoutrements to this phenomenal classic. There are many other specialities revolving around Sri Lankan mud crab, from garlic chilli crab and red curry crab to pure crab served with chilli vinegar, warm butter, and citrusy sauce.
South East Asian cuisine is prized for its succulent seafood concoctions, from Thai-style crispy sea bass and Chinese sweet and sour fillet fish to uber-addictive snacks like Singaporean fish balls and Malaysian prawn cakes with sweet chilli dip. For a lip-smacking grilled fish, Indonesia’s Ikan Bakar will melt in your mouth with its smoky, spicy, and savoury-sweet flavour profile. This popular coastal street food features a whole fresh fish, such as mackerel, snapper, or gourami, marinated in spices and aromatics like garlic, shallots, turmeric, tamarind, and chilli, then seared over charcoal and coated with sweet soy sauce.
If you are a connoisseur of oriental dishes, Singapore’s multi-ethnic seafood dishes often combine a variety of techniques, tastes, and traditions from all over Asia. For instance, its famous fish head curry is an ode to the nation’s Malay, Indian, and Chinese communities, each boasting a delicious variation. This affordable delicacy comprises fresh sea bream or red snapper basted with a spiced blend that typically includes coriander, chilli, turmeric, fenugreek, and cumin, cooked with wholesome vegetables like eggplant and okra.
From Crab Bee Hoon, with its rich, creamy broth and chewy vermicelli, to the fiery sourness of Tom Yum Goong, infused with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, seafood soups hit the spot just right! However, if you dream of a stomach-warming prawn stew vibrant with island spices, a Sri Lankan-style curried shrimp bisque will have you racing to wipe your bowl clean! If you’re looking for an authentic Sri Lankan restaurant in Singapore serving up the best calibre of crustacean dishes, venture no further than the likes of Ministry of Crab.
A beloved staple of Sichuan, Singaporean, and Filipino cuisine, the natural sweetness of freshwater prawns is enhanced with spicy garlic-infused olive oil, robust soy sauce, and chilli flakes, creating an irresistible medley of flavours. This crispy culinary masterpiece requires only a handful of ingredients to ignite fireworks of flavour, and is best served with steaming rice or crusty bread. If you crave a creamy, herbaceous accompaniment, pair it with an avocado crab salad laced with wasabi mayo.
If you’re hankering after an acquired taste dish similar to BBQ sambal stingray, but reflecting the soul of traditional Japanese cookery, this grilled eel dish presents an unforgettable culinary experience. This perfectly grilled fish is displayed atop a bowl of fragrant rice, generously slathered with a special umami-sweet soy sauce.
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.
