Iconic Singaporean food to try
Singapore, a bustling metropolis in Southeast Asia, isn’t just a global financial hub; it’s also a veritable paradise for food lovers. Its vibrant culinary scene is a magnificent tapestry woven from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences, a testament to its multicultural heritage. For the uninitiated British palate, embarking on a gastronomic adventure in Singapore is an absolute must. Forget your Sunday roast for a moment and prepare to have your taste buds tantalised by an array of dishes that are as rich in history as they are in flavour.
Diving into Singapore’s Culinary Heart
Singapore’s food identity is deeply rooted in its history as a trading port. Waves of immigrants brought their culinary traditions, which then fused and evolved, creating unique dishes that tell the story of the nation. The concept of the hawker centre is central to this narrative. These open-air food complexes are UNESCO recognised for their cultural significance and are where you’ll find the most authentic and affordable local fare. They’re bustling, vibrant, and a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local way of life. Don’t be surprised to find queues at popular stalls; it’s a sure sign of quality and worth the wait!
Iconic Singaporean Dishes You Absolutely Must Try
Here are some iconic Singaporean dishes you absolutely must try during your visit:
Chilli Crab
Let’s kick things off with a true showstopper. Chilli Crab isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. Imagine a succulent mud crab, stir-fried in a glorious, thick, sweet, and savoury tomato-chilli sauce. It’s messy, it’s finger-licking good, and it’s utterly unforgettable. Don’t be shy; get those hands dirty and use the accompanying mantou (fried buns) to mop up every last drop of that incredible sauce. You’ll find fantastic renditions at seafood restaurants across the island, with East Coast Lagoon Food Village being a popular haunt. The sheer popularity of this dish means you’ll find variations, but the classic tomato-chilli base is what truly defines it.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
This deceptively simple dish is a national treasure. Hainanese Chicken Rice features perfectly poached chicken, fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, and a trio of dipping sauces – chilli, ginger, and dark soy sauce – that come together to create a symphony of subtle flavours. The magic lies in the quality of the chicken, which is tender and juicy, and the perfectly cooked, aromatic rice that’s infused with garlic and ginger. It’s comforting, satisfying, and a go-to for any time of day. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre is legendary for a reason, but you’ll find excellent versions everywhere from hawker centres to upscale restaurants. Many Singaporeans consider this dish their ultimate comfort food.
Laksa
For those who appreciate a bit of a kick, Laksa is your calling. This rich, spicy coconut milk-based noodle soup typically features thick vermicelli noodles, prawns, fish cake, and a generous sprinkle of cockles. There are various regional variations, but the Singaporean Katong Laksa is particularly famous for its slightly thicker, richer gravy and the unique requirement that the noodles be cut short enough to be eaten with just a spoon – no chopsticks needed! Head to Katong and try the eponymous 328 Katong Laksa for an authentic taste. The aromatic spices and creamy coconut broth make it incredibly warming and satisfying.
Char Kway Teow
A smoky, savoury, and utterly addictive stir-fried noodle dish, Char Kway Teow is a must-try for any visitor. Flat rice noodles and yellow noodles are wok-fried with dark soy sauce, bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, cockles, and sometimes prawns and eggs. The key to its irresistible flavour is the ‘wok hei’ – the smoky breath of the wok that imparts a distinctive charred aroma and taste. It’s a hawker centre staple, and every stall seems to have its loyal following, often passed down through generations. Find a bustling hawker centre like Old Airport Road Food Centre and let your nose guide you to the best stall.
Satay
Picture skewers of perfectly grilled, marinated meat – chicken, beef, or mutton – served with a rich, peanut dipping sauce and accompanied by cubes of compressed rice (ketupat), crisp cucumber, and onions. The smoky char from the grill combined with the sweet and savoury peanut sauce is simply divine. Satay isn’t just food; it’s a communal dining experience, perfect for sharing. Lau Pa Sat, a stunning Victorian-era market, transforms into a bustling satay street by night, offering an unparalleled al fresco dining experience where the air is thick with the aroma of grilling meat.
Nasi Lemak
While a staple throughout Southeast Asia, Singapore’s take on Nasi Lemak is distinctively delicious. Fragrant coconut rice is served with a variety of accompaniments, including crispy fried anchovies (ikan bilis), roasted peanuts, a hard-boiled egg, slices of cucumber, and, crucially, a dollop of sweet and spicy sambal (chilli paste). You can often add fried chicken wings or fish for a more substantial meal. It’s a popular breakfast item but equally satisfying at any time. The combination of textures and flavours – creamy, spicy, crunchy – makes it incredibly moreish.
Roti Prata
A truly versatile Indian-inspired flatbread, Roti Prata is a joy to behold and devour. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, it’s typically served with a side of curry for dipping – be it fish curry, chicken curry, or dhal. It can also be found in sweet variations with sugar or even cheese, making it adaptable for any craving. Watching the prata man skillfully stretch and flip the dough is part of the experience, a mesmerising dance of culinary artistry. Casuarina Curry or Springleaf Prata Place are excellent spots to try this flaky delight.
Oyster Omelette (Orh Luak)
A glorious mess of fluffy egg, plump oysters, and a good amount of starch, all fried together until crispy and served with a tangy chilli sauce, the Oyster Omelette (Orh Luak) is a seafood lover’s dream. It’s savoury, briny, and utterly satisfying, with a delightful contrast in textures. You’ll find this at most hawker centres, often alongside Char Kway Teow stalls, as both require a similar high-heat wok cooking technique.
Bak Kut Teh
Meaning “meat bone tea,” Bak Kut Teh is a comforting pork rib soup renowned for its aromatic broth. There are two main versions: the Hokkien style, which has a darker, herbal broth with a stronger peppery kick, and the Teochew style, which is clearer and more peppery, often with a garlic and white pepper base. Both are incredibly warming and flavourful, often enjoyed with rice and a cup of Chinese tea. It’s a hearty and restorative meal, perfect for a rainy day or a late-night supper.
Fried Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway)
Despite its misleading name, Fried Carrot Cake contains no carrots as we know them in the Singapore. Instead, it’s made from cubes of steamed radishes (often referred to as white carrots) and rice flour, which are stir-fried with eggs, preserved radish (chai poh), garlic, and a variety of sauces. It comes in two main forms: the “white” version, which is simply fried, and the “black” version, which includes sweet dark soy sauce, giving it a rich, caramelised flavour. It’s savoury, slightly chewy, and incredibly addictive.
Embrace the Hawker Culture
To truly appreciate Singaporean food, you must embrace the hawker centre culture. These aren’t just places to eat; they’re social hubs where locals gather, sharing tables and stories over plates of delicious, affordable food. Don’t be intimidated by the sheer number of stalls; simply look for the ones with the longest queues, as that usually indicates a popular and well-loved dish. It’s also common to “chope” (reserve) a table with a packet of tissues before ordering – a unique local custom!
For more information on Singapore’s incredible hawker centres and their culinary offerings, visit the Singapore Tourism Board’s official food guide: https://www.visitsingapore.com/singapore-hawker-centre-food/
To delve deeper into the history and significance of Singapore’s hawker culture, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, you can explore the UNESCO website: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/hawker-culture-in-singapore-01593
Singapore’s food scene is an adventure waiting to happen. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, embrace the hawker culture, and try something new. Each dish tells a story of the island’s rich heritage and its people. So, pack your appetite and prepare for a culinary journey you won’t soon forget. Which dish will you try first?