My husband and I met in Singapore when we were both working there in 2018. It is one of our favorite cities. The city-state also stands out to many as one of the world's greatest food cities. While it is an expensive city, you can find great prices at Hawker Centers (local food courts throughout Singapore) such as the one highlighted in the movie Crazy Rick Asians. The diversity and complexity of Singaporean cuisine reflects its rich cultural tapestry. A trip here is incomplete without exploring the local food scene, which marries Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences into a gastronomic orchestra. Here are our favorite Singaporean food dishes you absolutely cannot miss.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
My personal favorite – one I can eat daily and look for when traveling as it can be found in many other cities including Manila. No dish captures the essence of Singaporean cuisine quite like Hainanese Chicken Rice. This simple yet flavorful dish features poached chicken served over fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and garlic. A trio of sauces - chili, ginger, and dark soy - accompanies the dish, providing a burst of flavors with each bite. Enjoy it with a bowl of light chicken broth on the side for the complete experience.
2. Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a delicious stir-fried noodle dish that hails from Southeast Asia. Flat rice noodles are quickly stir-fried with dark soy sauce, chilli, belachan (shrimp paste), Chinese sausages, prawns, bean sprouts, and eggs in a wok, creating a smoky, savory dish. It's indulgence on a plate!
3. Chilli Crab
A visit to Singapore would be incomplete without trying Chilli Crab. Large mud crabs are stir-fried in a semi-thick, sweet, and savory tomato and chili-based sauce. Despite its name, it is not very spicy. The dish is often accompanied by mantou (fried Chinese buns) that you can dip into the addictive sauce.
4. Laksa
My husband’s favorite and a dish he must have every time we are in Singapore, We have also been fortunate to find it locally in many Philippine cities. Singapore's Katong Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that will have you coming back for more. Rice noodles are served in a creamy, spicy coconut milk-based broth flavored with dried shrimp and spices. It's usually topped with prawns, fish cakes, and sometimes, cockles. The result is a bowl of harmonious flavors that hits all the right notes.
5. Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Teh, or "Pork Ribs Soup", is a comforting and hearty dish. Pork ribs are simmered for hours in a broth of herbs and spices, creating a flavorful soup that's usually accompanied by rice, youtiao (fried dough sticks), and a spicy chili sauce. The Singapore version is lighter and more peppery compared to its darker, herbal Malaysian counterpart.
6. Ice Kacang
Finally, to beat the tropical heat, indulge in Ice Kacang, a delightful dessert. The Singapore/Malaysian version of the Filipino Halo-Halo or Hawaiian Shave Ice. This mountain of shaved ice is drizzled with a variety of colored syrups and condensed milk, concealing a treasure trove of sweet corn, red beans, grass jelly, and palm seeds beneath. It's a colorful and refreshing way to wrap up your Singaporean food journey.
Embarking on this food trail in Singapore will take you on a fascinating journey of flavors and textures, from hawker centers to upscale dining establishments. It is an experience that can satiate more than just your hunger - it's a cultural immersion, a testament to Singapore's vibrant multicultural heritage. Happy eating, or as the locals say, "Makan"!
For those interested in making these dishes, Amazon has a great selection of Singaporean cookbooks.
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