Explore Singapore’s culinary delights that are mouth-watering, reflect cultural diversity and provide an extraordinary taste experience.
Singapore, a city with an incredible cultural richness, is not only known as a world-class business hub and tourist destination, but also as a tempting culinary paradise.
With influences from various cultures, ranging from Chinese, Malay, Indian, to European, Singaporean cuisine reflects a fascinating diversity. Food in Singapore is known for its rich flavors, bold spice combinations, and fresh ingredients prepared to perfection.
If you are planning a trip to Singapore, do not miss the opportunity to sample its mouth-watering culinary specialties. Here are 10 Singaporean Culinary delights you must try for an unforgettable culinary experience.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes, loved by locals and tourists alike. This food is made from boiled chicken served with rice cooked using chicken stock and chicken fat, giving it a distinctive savory taste.
Usually, this dish is served with chili sauce and soy sauce which makes it even more delicious. Although Hainanese Chicken Rice originated from Hainan, China, it has become an essential part of Singaporean cuisine.
In Singapore, you can find this dish in almost every local restaurant, from the humble to the fancy. Its mild and rich taste makes it a must-try dish.
2. Chili Crab
Chilli Crab is a very famous seafood dish in Singapore, a favorite of many. This dish consists of fresh crab cooked in a thick, spicy, sweet and slightly sour chili sauce. The delicious sauce coats the sweet crab meat , providing an unforgettable eating experience.
Chilli Crab is often served with soft mantou buns, which are used to soak up the rich sauce. This culinary is not only popular in Singapore, but has also gone global, and has become one of the culinary symbols of this country. For seafood lovers, Chilli Crab is the perfect choice to enjoy the rich taste of Singapore’s seafood.
3. Laksa
Laksa is a very famous noodle dish in Singapore, with two main types: laksa lemak and laksa tamarind. Fat laksa is made with rich and spicy coconut milk sauce, while tamarind laksa uses a sour sauce with a spicy taste. Both types of laksa are usually served with rice noodles, shrimp, boiled egg and bean sprouts. For those who prefer a spicy and rich coconut milk flavor, laksa lemak is the perfect choice.
On the other hand, the fresh and slightly sour laksa asam is perfect for those who want to enjoy a lighter flavor. Both variants of laksa reflect the fusion of Chinese and Malay cultures. , providing a unique and appetizing taste.
4. Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a Singaporean stir-fried noodle dish that combines wide noodles with ingredients such as prawns, eggs, cockles and chicken, all cooked together in a thick, savoury and slightly sweet sauce.
The noodles are stir-fried over high heat , giving them a delicious caramelised flavour and a chewy texture. The dish has a rich, slightly spicy flavour, with a distinctive smokey aroma from the large wok and high heat cooking method . Char Kway Teow is the perfect choice for those looking for a flavourful and delicious noodle dish.
5. Satay
Satay is a skewered dish made from chicken, beef, or lamb seasoned with special spices and grilled until brown. Singaporean satay is famous for its thick and sweet peanut sauce , which is the main complement to this dish.
Usually, satay is served with sticky rice or impit rice as a complement. Satay in Singapore has a rich taste and strong spices, making it a perfect dish to enjoy during dinner with family or friends.
The sweet , savory, and slightly spicy taste of Singapore satay makes it a food that is easy for many people to like.
6. Rich Toast
Kaya Toast is a simple yet delicious traditional Singaporean breakfast. It consists of toast spread with kaya jam, a jam made from coconut, eggs and brown sugar, which gives it a sweet and savory taste.
The toast is usually served with a soft-boiled egg and a cup of local tea or coffee. Kaya Toast is very popular in Singapore, especially as a breakfast or afternoon snack.
The uniqueness of kaya jam made from natural ingredients and crispy toast makes kaya toast a mouth-watering dish, providing a unique dining experience from Singapore.
7. Hokkien Mee
Hokkien Mee is a noodle dish made from egg noodles and rice noodles cooked in a rich prawn broth. Prawns and pork chunks are often added to give a deeper savoury flavour. Hokkien Mee is served with a spicy chilli sauce and a squeeze of lime, which gives it a refreshing flavour.
Although it originated from Hokkien in China, this dish has become very popular in Singapore and is a much sought after street food. For noodle lovers, Hokkien Mee is the perfect choice to enjoy a delicious and flavorful noodle dish.
8. Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is a typical Malay dish that is very famous in Singapore. This dish consists of rice cooked in coconut milk, giving it a soft and savory taste. Nasi Lemak is usually served with various accompaniments, such as boiled eggs, fried anchovies , peanuts, and spicy chili sauce.
In Singapore, Nasi Lemak can be found in many stalls food, often served as breakfast or lunch. The savory taste of coconut milk rice combined with the spiciness of chili sauce and the crunchiness of peanuts make Nasi Lemak a delicious and refreshing dish.
9. Popiah
Popiah is a Singaporean snack dish made from thin spring roll pastry filled with various fresh ingredients such as vegetables, prawns, eggs, and meat. The filling is usually topped with a sweet and spicy sauce, giving it a rich and balanced taste.
Popiah is often served as a snack or appetizer at various events and parties. Because of its fresh ingredients and rich sauce, Popiah is a popular choice to enjoy during the day or evening. This dish is perfect for those looking for a healthy and delicious meal with a unique taste.
10. Ice Kachang
Ice Kachang is a typical Singaporean dessert that is very refreshing, especially during hot weather. This dish is made of shaved ice served with various toppings such as red beans, sweet corn , jelly, and peanut butter.
All of these ingredients are drizzled with brown sugar syrup and condensed milk , creating the perfect sweet and refreshing taste.
Ice Kachang is very popular in Singapore as a dessert or afternoon snack. The cold taste of shaved ice and the mixture of fresh ingredients make Ice Kachang a perfect choice to quench your thirst.
Singapore is a culinary haven with a variety of rich and mouth-watering dishes. From sweet and savoury dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice and Chilli Crab to light bites like Popiah and Kaya Toast, Singaporean cuisine offers a variety of flavours to satisfy all taste buds.
Each dish reflects a rich blend of cultures, making it not only delicious but also steeped in local stories and traditions. Among the many Things to do in Singapore, exploring its diverse culinary scene is a must.
If you visit Singapore, be sure to try these 10 signature dishes for an unforgettable culinary experience.
