The best food in Singapore is a lot of different things. Singapore is a vibrant and diverse country, with an array of mouthwatering dishes to try. From the iconic Chilli Crab to the delicate Ayam Buah Keluak, there’s something for every palate. If you’re looking for a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and free your mind from everyday worries, then these best food in Singapore are just what you need!
One of the most popular local dishes is Chili Crab. This delectable dish consists of succulent crab pieces cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. It’s often served with mantou buns for mopping up any remaining sauce, making it one of Singapore’s most sought after dishes.
Another delicious delicacy is Ayam Buah Keluak. This unique dish features chicken cooked with black nuts from the Indonesian Pangium edule tree and is usually served with steamed rice or noodles. It has an earthy flavor that makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
From classic favorites to unique flavors, Singapore offers a wide variety of delicious dishes for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we’ll explore some must-try dishes in Singapore that will tantalize your taste buds and bring freedom to your mind!
Jump To a Section Below
Overview And History Of Singapore Cuisine
Singapore is renowned for its rich culture and diverse cuisine, with dishes from all around the world. From Chinese to Indian to Malay to Western, there’s something for everyone in Singapore. But perhaps the most famous of them all is the iconic chili crab. This dish has become synonymous with Singaporean cuisine over the years and remains a must-try for anyone visiting this tropical paradise. But before we get into the specifics of chili crab, let’s take a brief look at the history of Singaporean cuisine.
Singapore’s food culture is shaped by its unique geographical location – it is both an East and West meets South-East Asian country. As such, it has adopted many different cooking styles from both East and West, making it one of the most diverse cuisines in Asia. The majority of dishes here are based on Chinese, Indian, Malay or Peranakan flavors, but there are also influences from other regions such as Thailand and Indonesia. The variety of ingredients used in these dishes is also incredibly vast – everything from seafood to spices can be found in Singaporean recipes.
The influence of foreign cultures combined with local recipes has created a unique gastronomic experience that you won’t find anywhere else in Asia. Now that you know a little bit about Singapore’s culinary history, let’s move onto our main topic: chili crab!
Chili Crab
Chili crab is a must-try dish when in Singapore. It’s a classic seafood dish that consists of stir-fried mud crabs, smothered in a sweet and spicy chili gravy. The combination of the sweet and savory flavors makes it one of the most beloved dishes in Singapore. I highly recommend getting your hands dirty while devouring this delicacy – it’s all part of the experience! Plus, you can always ask for some extra tissue! When ordering chili crab, be sure to get some mantou buns on the side to soak up all that delicious sauce. Chili crab is one of the best food in Singapore
The best way to enjoy chili crab is by sharing it with friends or family and pairing it with an ice cold beer. There’s nothing like digging into a plate full of succulent mud crabs with loved ones and bonding over this iconic Singaporean dish.
Chili crab is one of those dishes that will surely leave an unforgettable impression on your taste buds and make you crave for more every time you come back to Singapore. Moving on from this delightful seafood treat, let us explore another equally popular dish: satay.
Satay
Next on the list of must-try dishes, one of the best food in Singapore is Satay! This popular street food has been a Singaporean staple for generations. It consists of skewered and grilled meat, usually chicken or beef, served with a sweet, spicy peanut sauce and cucumber slices. The best part about it is that it’s incredibly affordable – you can get yourself a plate of 10 satays for less than five dollars!
There are many variations of this classic dish found around Singapore, but here are some things you should look out for when enjoying this delicious treat:
– Choose the freshest looking satay skewers to ensure quality.
– Ask your server what type of meat they use to make sure it’s something you’re comfortable consuming.
– Opt for the classic peanut sauce rather than other variations like coconut or sambal.
– Try adding some freshly chopped red onions on top for an extra bit of flavor and crunch.
– Don’t forget to order some ketupat (rice cakes) as well to complete your meal!
Satay is one of those dishes that no trip to Singapore would be complete without trying. It’s sure to delight even the pickiest eaters, so go ahead and give it a try! With that said, let’s move on to our next dish – oyster omelette.
Oyster Omelette
Oyster omelette is one of the must-try dishes in Singapore. This dish consists of a fluffy omelette made with eggs and a generous portion of fresh oysters. The flavour profile of this dish is savoury and briny, making it an addictive combination. The oyster omelette is usually cooked with just a few simple ingredients like garlic, scallions and chili paste for added flavour. The result is a delicious dish that’s both flavourful and light on the palate.
The best way to enjoy this dish would be to order it from a local hawker stall. Hawker stalls are ubiquitous in Singapore and offer the best representation of the country’s cuisine. The oyster omelette here is always freshly made with quality ingredients and served hot off the pan. It pairs perfectly with some white rice or just on its own as an appetiser or snack. Oyster omelette is one of the best food in Singapore.
This classic Singaporean dish will certainly leave you wanting more with its unique taste and texture. Oyster omelette proves that simple ingredients can create something special when they come together in harmony. On to the next must-try dish – BBQ Stingray!
Bbq Stingray
Moving on from the delicious oyster omelette, another one of the best food in Singapore is BBQ stingray. This dish has a unique smoky flavour which is to die for! It’s served with a spicy sambal sauce, made from chilli and belacan (dried shrimp paste). The fish is marinated in a special blend of spices before being cooked over charcoal, giving it an irresistible smoky taste.
The texture of the fish is firm yet delicate, and it melts in your mouth. The sambal adds a nice kick to the dish which complements its smoky flavour perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try having the stingray with a squeeze of lime juice – it brings out its subtle sweetness.
BBQ Stingray is definitely one of those dishes that will leave you wanting more! Whether you’re looking for something savoury or spicy, this dish won’t disappoint. Next up, let’s take a look at Bak Kut Teh – another delicious Singaporean classic.
Bak Kut Teh
Bak kut teh, also known as pork rib soup, is a must-try dish, one of the best food in Singapore. It’s a simple but flavorful stew made with pork ribs, garlic, mushroom, and Chinese herbs cooked in a savory broth. The soup is usually served with steamed white rice and other condiments like chili paste and soy sauce. This fragrant stew has become a popular dish in Singapore since the 1950s and it’s now one of the island nation’s signature dishes.
The key to a delicious bowl of bak kut teh lies in its broth. The base of this soup is typically made up of pork bones that have been simmered for hours in water with herbs like star anise, cinnamon bark, fennel seeds and garlic to create a unique flavor that’s both sweet and slightly spicy. To add texture, mushrooms are commonly added to the stew while some stalls may also include tofu puffs, dried bean curd sheets or even salted vegetables.
Bak kut teh offers something special for everyone – whether you’re looking for a hearty meal on a cold day or just want to enjoy some comforting soul food. So if you’re ever in Singapore make sure you try this delicious dish! Transitioning into the subsequent section about nasi lemak – another iconic Singaporean dish – let’s take a look at what makes this traditional Malay breakfast so special.
Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is a classic Singaporean dish and a must-try for any visitor. This fragrant, coconut-infused rice is usually served with a variety of accompaniments such as hard-boiled eggs, fried anchovies and peanuts, cucumber slices, and sambal chili paste. The sambal is the highlight – it’s spicy and flavourful and really brings the dish together. I love to add extra sambal for an extra kick!
If you’re not sure where to find the best Nasi Lemak in Singapore, just ask around. Everyone has their own favorite spot, so take recommendations from locals or friends who have visited before. You’ll be sure to find something delicious no matter where you go. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet too – a plate of Nasi Lemak can cost as little as SGD$3!
Nasi Lemak is definitely one of my favorite Singaporean dishes – it’s flavorful and comforting, perfect for any meal of the day. With its delicious taste and affordability, it’s no surprise that this dish has become so popular all over the world, this is one of the best food in Singapore. Now let’s move on to another Singaporean breakfast staple: kaya toast!
Kaya Toast
Now, let’s move on to another classic Singaporean dish: Kaya Toast. Kaya Toast is a breakfast staple and one of the best food in Singapore and it consists of thick slices of white bread slathered with kaya, a sweet coconut jam. It’s usually accompanied by two soft boiled eggs and a cup of coffee or tea.
Kaya Toast is a simple yet delicious dish that’s often served for breakfast in Singapore. Here are some places where you can find the best Kaya Toast:
– **Ya Kun Kaya Toast**: Ya Kun Kaya Toast has been around since 1944 and is known for its authentic taste. They serve both original and kopi-o (black coffee) versions of the toast.
– **Tong Ah Eating House**: Tong Ah Eating House offers two different types of Kaya Toast, one with just butter and one with both butter and kaya jam. They also serve traditional breakfast items such as poached eggs, soya sauce chicken, and deep fried dough fritters.
– **Kim Choo Kueh Chang**: Kim Choo Kueh Chang serves an eggy version of the traditional toast, which comes with soft boiled eggs, dark soy sauce, pepper, and chilli sauce. They also offer other traditional snacks such as “otah” (grilled mackerel paste) and lontong (rice cakes).
Kaya Toast is definitely a must try when visiting Singapore! The combination of sweet kaya jam and crispy toast makes for an unforgettable experience that will surely leave you wanting more. So be sure to try it out when you’re exploring the city! Now let’s take our taste buds on another journey to discover what Hainanese Chicken Rice has to offer…
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of the most famous dishes in Singapore. It’s a classic dish that every foodie needs to try when visiting the city-state. The dish consists of succulent steamed chicken served with aromatic rice cooked in chicken stock, accompanied by chili sauce and a garlic-ginger dip. This mouthwatering combination is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
The key to this dish lies in the quality of ingredients used, such as free range chickens, special brand of rice and the amount of time taken to prepare it. The cooking process requires skill and patience, which is why it’s so popular among professional chefs who are able to bring out all the flavors and nuances of this beloved dish.
Overall, Hainanese Chicken Rice is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed when exploring Singapore’s vast culinary landscape. Its unique blend of flavors and textures make it a must-try for all food enthusiasts looking for something truly remarkable. With its appeal that spans generations, this delicious dish will surely have you coming back for more! Next up: fish head curry!
Fish Head Curry
If you’re in Singapore and looking for a unique, must-try dish, look no further than Fish Head Curry. This iconic Singaporean dish is a spicy curry with tomatoes, chillies and tamarind paste – all topped off with an entire red snapper head. The combination of flavours and textures make this dish stand out, as you get a mix of spiciness, sourness and sweetness all in one bite. Plus, the fish head gives you an extra boost of flavour that can’t be found anywhere else!
The best part about Fish Head Curry is that it’s incredibly easy to find. It’s usually served in local restaurants or food courts so you don’t have to go too far to try it. And when you do find it, the price is usually quite reasonable – so you can enjoy this delicious meal without breaking the bank!
All in all, Fish Head Curry is a must-try dish, one of the best food in Singapore . The combination of flavours and textures makes it unlike anything else – definitely worth tasting! With its affordability and easy availability, there’s really no reason not to give it a try. Onward now to the next popular Singaporean dish: Hokkien Mee!
Hokkien Mee
Moving on from Fish Head Curry, another local dish that visitors to Singapore must try is Hokkien Mee. This dish is a combination of noodles and seafood served in a savory sauce. The noodles are usually made from egg, so it has an almost yellow color when cooked. The seafood in the dish can vary depending on what’s available, but there are usually prawns, squid and sometimes even fish slices included. The flavor of the dish comes from the savory sauce which has a mix of chili paste, soy sauce and oyster sauce. It is often garnished with sliced fried shallots for an extra crunchy texture. As for sides, you can enjoy this dish with some pickled green chilies or a small bowl of soup to complete your meal. All in all, Hokkien Mee is one of those dishes that you just can’t miss out and one of the best food in Singapore Singapore!
Next up we have Roti Canai – a popular Malaysian flatbread that’s also popular in Singapore.
Roti Canai
Roti Canai is a must-try dish, one of the best food in Singapore. This Indian-Malaysian flatbread is made from flour, sugar, salt and ghee and served with a delicious curry dip. It’s a great snack or light meal. The dough is flattened and tossed in the air until it’s thin and crisp on the outside. Then it’s cooked on a hot griddle to give it that nice smoky flavor. I love that it comes with its own unique accompaniment – the curry sauce! It’s spicy, savory and just melts in your mouth! Plus, it’s very affordable so you can get your fill of this flavorful dish without breaking the bank.
When you try Roti Canai for the first time, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to tear off small pieces of the roti instead of cutting it into slices as this will help preserve its crispiness. Second, don’t be afraid to ask for extra curry sauce – you won’t regret it! And lastly, if you really want to experience local culture, try having Roti Canai at a hawker center where locals go for their favorite dishes – an authentic Singaporean experience!
The best way to enjoy Roti Canai is by mixing some of the curry sauce into the roti itself before taking each bite – trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!
Conclusion
Singapore cuisine has a rich and diverse array of dishes, each with its own unique taste. From the beloved Chili Crab to the savory BBQ Stingray, there’s something for everyone in Singapore. I highly recommend trying all of these dishes if you ever get a chance to visit this vibrant city-state.
No matter what your tastes are, you’re sure to find something that you love. All of the dishes I’ve mentioned have their own special flavor and texture that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Whether it’s the sweet-and-spicy chili crab or the fragrant Fish Head Curry, you’ll be sure to find something delicious when exploring Singaporean cuisine.
With its wide variety of flavors and techniques, Singapore is one foodie paradise that everyone should experience at least once in their life! So go ahead and try all of these must-try dishes in Singapore – your taste buds will thank you!
Penny is a sought-after wedding and party planner, known primarily for her exquisite culinary knowledge, sharp palette and inventive pairings of wine and drink.
She has traveled the world hunting for the best food and drink to share with her clients on their special day.