The Best Food In Singapore

When it comes to food, Singapore boasts a diverse range of cuisines that reflect its multicultural society. From hawker centers to Michelin-starred restaurants, Singapore is a food lover’s paradise. In this article, we explore the top dishes that you must try in Singapore, the best places to find them, and answer some frequently asked questions about Singaporean cuisine.

Bak Kut Teh 🍲

Bak Kut Teh is a popular dish in Singapore that originated from southern China. It is a pork rib soup that is slow-cooked with herbs and spices such as star anise, garlic, and pepper. The dish is usually served with white rice, fried dough fritters, and a side of chili sauce. The best place to find Bak Kut Teh is in the bustling Chinatown area, where you can try it at Song Fa Bak Kut Teh or Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh.

Chili Crab 🦀

Chili Crab is a must-try dish in Singapore. This dish is made by stir-frying crabs in a tomato-chili sauce and is best enjoyed with steamed buns. The dish is messy, but it is definitely worth it. The most popular place to try Chili Crab is Jumbo Seafood, but you can also find it in hawker centers such as Newton Food Centre and East Coast Lagoon Food Village.

Hainanese Chicken Rice 🍚

Hainanese Chicken Rice is a dish that is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. This dish is made by poaching a whole chicken and serving it with fragrant rice and chili sauce. The best place to try Hainanese Chicken Rice is at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice located in the Maxwell Food Centre.

Laksa 🍜

Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that is made with a coconut milk-based soup and flavored with spices such as turmeric and lemongrass. The dish also contains seafood such as prawns and cockles. The best places to try Laksa are 328 Katong Laksa, Sungei Road Laksa, and Janggut Laksa.

Nasi Lemak 🍛

Nasi Lemak is a fragrant rice dish that is cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves. It is served with a variety of side dishes such as fried chicken, fried fish, and sambal chili. The best place to try Nasi Lemak is at Adam Road Food Centre.

Roti Prata 🥞

Roti Prata is a popular breakfast dish in Singapore. It is a flatbread that is usually eaten with curry or sugar. The best place to try Roti Prata is at The Roti Prata House.

Satay 🍢

Satay is a dish that consists of marinated meat skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal fire. It is usually served with peanut sauce, sliced onions, and cucumber. The best place to try Satay is at Lau Pa Sat Satay Street, where you can find stalls selling a variety of meat such as chicken, beef, and mutton.

Biryani 🍴

Biryani is a rice dish that is flavored with spices such as saffron and turmeric. It is usually served with chicken or mutton and is a popular dish in Indian and Malay cuisine. The best place to try Biryani is at Zam Zam Restaurant.

Fish Head Curry 🐟

Fish Head Curry is a spicy curry dish that is made with fish heads and vegetables such as okra and eggplant. It is usually served with rice or bread. The best place to try Fish Head Curry is at Muthu’s Curry or The Banana Leaf Apolo.

Char Kway Teow 🍜

Char Kway Teow is a stir-fried noodle dish that is made with flat rice noodles, soy sauce, and vegetables such as bean sprouts and chives. It is usually topped with seafood such as prawns or squid. The best place to try Char Kway Teow is at Hill Street Fried Kway Teow or Outram Fried Kway Teow Mee.

Popiah 🌯

Popiah is a fresh spring roll that is filled with vegetables such as turnips and carrots, and sometimes meat. It is usually served with a sweet chili sauce. The best place to try Popiah is at Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Original Popiah and Kueh Pie Tee.

Curry Puff 🥟

Curry Puff is a small pastry that is filled with curry chicken or vegetables. It is a popular snack in Singapore and can be found in most bakeries and hawker centers. The best place to try Curry Puff is at Old Chang Kee.

Kaya Toast 🍞

Kaya Toast is a breakfast dish that consists of toasted bread spread with kaya, a sweet coconut jam, and butter. It is usually served with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of coffee or tea. The best places to try Kaya Toast are Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Toast Box.

Ice Kachang 🍧

Ice Kachang is a dessert that consists of shaved ice, red beans, sweet corn, and jelly, topped with syrup and condensed milk. It is a popular dessert in Singapore and can be found in most hawker centers. The best place to try Ice Kachang is at ABC Brickworks Food Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions about Singaporean Cuisine

1. What is Singaporean cuisine?

Singaporean cuisine is a mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences, reflecting the country’s multicultural society.

2. What are some popular dishes in Singapore?

Some popular dishes in Singapore include Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chili Crab, Laksa, and Roti Prata.

3. Where can I find the best food in Singapore?

Some of the best places to find food in Singapore are hawker centers such as Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, and Tiong Bahru Market.

4. How much does it cost to eat at a hawker center in Singapore?

On average, it costs around SGD 5-10 per dish at a hawker center in Singapore.

5. What are some vegetarian or vegan options in Singaporean cuisine?

Some vegetarian or vegan options in Singaporean cuisine include dishes such as Vegetable Curry, Steamed Tofu with Mushroom Sauce, and Stir-fried Noodles with Vegetables.

6. What is the official language of Singapore?

The official languages of Singapore are English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.

7. How spicy is Singaporean cuisine?

Singaporean cuisine can be spicy, especially dishes such as Laksa and Chili Crab. However, most dishes can be adjusted according to your preference.

8. What drinks should I try in Singapore?

Some popular drinks in Singapore include Teh Tarik, Milo Dinosaur, and Fresh Coconut Juice.

9. What is the tipping culture in Singapore?

Tipping is not customary in Singapore, and most restaurants do not include a service charge in their bill.

10. What is the currency of Singapore?

The currency of Singapore is Singapore Dollar (SGD).

11. What is the best time to visit Singapore for food?

The best time to visit Singapore for food is during the annual Singapore Food Festival, which takes place in July and August.

12. How do I get around in Singapore?

The best way to get around in Singapore is by using the efficient public transport system, which includes the MRT (subway), buses, and taxis.

13. Is street food safe to eat in Singapore?

Yes, street food in Singapore is generally safe to eat. Singapore has strict food safety regulations, and all food establishments must adhere to them.

Conclusion

Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of cuisines to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy Laksa or fragrant Hainanese Chicken Rice, there’s something for everyone in Singaporean cuisine. We hope this article has given you a taste of the best dishes that Singapore has to offer and that you’ll be inspired to try them out for yourself.

So what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Singapore, explore the city, and indulge in some of the best food in the world!

Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of the time of writing. Prices and availability of dishes may change over time.