The Best Food Guide Singapore: A Culinary Journey to Remember

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more apparent than in its food. From hawker centers to high-end restaurants, Singapore’s food scene is renowned for its diversity and quality. This guide will take you on a culinary journey through the Lion City, highlighting the best foods and places to eat. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, get ready to indulge your taste buds and find out why Singapore is a foodie’s paradise.

🍲 The Best Foods in Singapore

1. Chili Crab

One of Singapore’s most iconic dishes, chili crab is a must-try for any seafood lover. The dish consists of a whole crab cooked in a spicy tomato and chili sauce, served with mantou (Chinese steamed buns) to soak up the sauce.

2. Laksa

This coconut-based curry noodle soup is a Peranakan (Straits Chinese) specialty. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, with a hint of spice from the chili paste. Laksa is often topped with shrimp, sliced fish cake, and hard-boiled egg.

3. Hainanese Chicken Rice

Singapore’s national dish, Hainanese chicken rice is a simple yet satisfying meal. The dish consists of poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by chili sauce and dark soy sauce.

4. Char Kway Teow

This fried noodle dish is a favorite among locals. It’s made with flat rice noodles, stir-fried with egg, bean sprouts, soy sauce, and chili paste, and often topped with cockles, prawns, and Chinese sausage.

5. Roti Prata

This Indian-style flatbread is a popular breakfast or supper item. It’s made from dough that’s stretched and flipped until it’s paper-thin, then cooked on a hot griddle until it’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Roti prata is often served with curry or dhal.

🍴 The Best Places to Eat in Singapore

1. Maxwell Food Centre

This hawker center in Chinatown is a must-visit for foodies. It’s home to some of Singapore’s most iconic dishes, including Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake.

2. Jumbo Seafood

Jumbo Seafood is the place to go for chili crab. The restaurant has several locations in Singapore, but the original outlet in East Coast Park is the most atmospheric.

3. 328 Katong Laksa

This humble stall in Katong is famous for its laksa. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are perfectly cooked. Be prepared to queue for a seat!

4. Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle

This hawker stall in Chinatown made headlines in 2016 when it became the first street food vendor in the world to be awarded a Michelin star. The chicken rice is a must-try.

5. Burnt Ends

If you’re looking for a high-end dining experience, Burnt Ends is the place to go. The restaurant specializes in modern Australian barbecue, with dishes like smoked quail egg and wagyu brisket.

🍽️ Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Singapore

1. Odette

This restaurant at the National Gallery Singapore is helmed by chef Julien Royer, who was previously at the acclaimed Jaan. The French-inspired cuisine is innovative and beautiful.

2. Waku Ghin

This Japanese restaurant at Marina Bay Sands is run by chef Tetsuya Wakuda, who has two Michelin stars to his name. The multi-course menu is a showcase of his artistry and skill.

3. Les Amis

This elegant French restaurant has been a fixture on the Singapore dining scene since 1994. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect classics like foie gras and duck confit.

4. Zen

This Japanese restaurant at the St Regis hotel is a hidden gem. It’s a kaiseki restaurant, which means that you’ll be treated to a multi-course meal that’s a work of art.

5. Restaurant André

This Michelin-starred restaurant is run by Taiwanese chef André Chiang, who’s known for his Octaphilosophy of cooking. The menu is a reflection of his philosophy, which emphasizes purity, texture, and memory.

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Singaporean food?

Singaporean food is a mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines. The food is often spicy, flavorful, and rich. Some of the most popular dishes include chili crab, laksa, and Hainanese chicken rice.

2. Where can I find the best hawker food in Singapore?

Maxwell Food Centre, Newton Food Centre, and Old Airport Road Food Centre are some of the best hawker centers in Singapore. They offer a wide variety of dishes at affordable prices.

3. What is a Peranakan?

A Peranakan is a person of mixed Chinese and Malay heritage. Peranakan cuisine is a blend of Chinese and Malay flavors and techniques.

4. What is a Michelin star?

A Michelin star is a rating system used by the red Michelin Guide to grade restaurants on their quality. A restaurant can receive one to three stars, with three being the highest.

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

A meal at a hawker center can cost anywhere from SGD 3 to SGD 10. The price will depend on the dish and the location of the hawker center.

6. Do I need to tip in Singapore?

Tipping is not customary in Singapore, as a 10% service charge is usually included in the bill. However, if you receive exceptional service, you can leave a small tip.

7. What should I wear when dining at a fine dining restaurant in Singapore?

Most fine dining restaurants in Singapore have a smart casual dress code. Men should wear collared shirts and trousers, while women should wear dresses or blouses with skirts or trousers.

👍 In Conclusion

The Best Food Guide Singapore has taken you on a journey through the city’s vibrant food scene. From hawker centers to fine dining restaurants, Singapore offers something for every palate and budget. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we hope that this guide has inspired you to explore the different cuisines and flavors of Singapore. So go ahead, indulge yourself, and have a gastronomic adventure in the Lion City.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication. However, restaurants and prices may change over time. Please check with the venues directly for the latest information.