Discover a variety of mouth-watering Singaporean specialties and introduce you to the unique flavours of local cuisine rich in culture and tradition.
Singapore, despite being a small country, is known worldwide as a culinary hub rich in flavor and variety. As a multicultural country, Singapore has managed to blend various culinary influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian and even Arabic cultures, making it a haven for foodies.
On every street corner in Singapore, you can find mouth-watering food that reflects its rich cultural heritage. From sweet desserts to mouth-watering main courses, Singaporean cuisine is a perfect combination of bold flavors and unique cooking techniques.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes known to many people around the world. This food originates from China and was introduced by the Hainanese community in Singapore.
This dish consists of boiled chicken pieces served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by spicy chili sauce and soy sauce. The smooth and rich taste makes Hainanese Chicken Rice a favorite choice in many local restaurants and food stalls.
As one of the Typical Singapura Food, this dish offers a delightful combination of tender chicken, savory rice, spicy chili sauce, and pickles. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to sample the authentic culinary delights of Singapore.
2. Chili Crab
Chilli Crab is one of Singapore’s most famous seafood dishes and is loved by spicy food lovers. The fresh crab is cooked in a spicy tomato sauce rich in spices and brown sugar, giving it a unique blend of sweet, spicy and sour flavors.
It is usually served with soft mantou buns, which are used to soak up the delicious sauce. Chilli Crab is not only famous in Singapore, but also a must-try dish for tourists who want to enjoy seafood with deep and appetizing flavors.
3. Laksa
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup dish that is very popular in Singapore, especially among spicy food lovers. Laksa noodles are made from rice noodles served in a rich, spicy coconut milk broth.
Typically, laksa is topped with prawns, boiled eggs, and bean sprouts, and served with a sprinkling of mint leaves and chili sauce to add to the spiciness.
There are two main variations of this dish: laksa lemak (which uses coconut milk) and laksa assam (which uses sour fish stock). The rich taste and chewy texture of the noodles make laksa a perfect dish for those who like their food to be spicy and creamy.
4. Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a typical Singaporean fried noodle dish that has a savory and slightly sweet taste. The noodles used in this dish are wide noodles fried in oil and served with various additional ingredients such as shrimp, clams, eggs, tofu and spring onions.
One of the elements that differentiates Singapore Char Kway Teow is the use of sweet soy sauce which gives the noodles a slightly sweet and salty taste.
With its chewy noodle texture and rich taste, Char Kway Teow is a popular choice for those looking for a mouth-watering noodle dish.
5. Satay
Satay is a popular satay dish in Singapore, originating from Malay and Indonesian cuisine. Satay consists of pieces of meat (such as chicken, beef, or lamb) skewered on skewers, then grilled over charcoal fire until cooked.
The meat is served with a rich and sweet peanut sauce. The tender texture of the meat and the savory taste of the peanut sauce make satay a delicious dish to eat with rice or as a snack. Satay is often sold at many street vendors in Singapore and is loved by locals and tourists alike.
6. Rich Toast
Kaya Toast is a typical Singaporean breakfast dish that is often served with local coffee. Kaya toast consists of toast spread with kaya jam, which is made from eggs, coconut milk, and palm sugar, which gives it a sweet and savory taste.
The toast is usually served with a soft-boiled egg and a strong cup of local coffee. Kaya Toast is the perfect way to start your day in Singapore, providing a delicious and satisfying filling.
7. Hokkien Mee
Hokkien Mee is a fried noodle dish originating from the Hokkien Chinese community in Singapore. This dish consists of yellow noodles and rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp, scallops, and pork slices, then given a savory seafood broth.
Hokkien Mee is served with a sprinkling of garlic and chili sauce that gives it a spicy and fresh taste. This food is very popular as a main course and is often found in local food stalls or Singaporean restaurants.
Hokkien Mee is the perfect choice to enjoy the combination of rich sea flavors and chewy noodles.
8. Prata Bread
Roti Prata is a fried flatbread served with a variety of side dishes, such as chicken curry or beef. It has a crispy texture on the outside and a soft texture on the inside, and is a very popular food among Singaporeans and tourists.
Prata is usually eaten as a breakfast or light dinner, and can be customized with a variety of sauces such as curry or peanut sauce.
Other variations of roti prata include egg roti prata, which has an added egg in the dough. Roti Prata provides a savory taste and is suitable for those who want a filling and delicious meal.
9. Fish Head Curry
Fish Head Curry is a very famous specialty dish in Singapore, especially among Indian food lovers. This dish uses fish heads cooked in a thick and spicy curry sauce, mixed with typical Indian spices.
Fish Head Curry is usually served with white rice or roti prata. The rich and spicy taste with tender fish meat makes this dish very popular. You can find Fish Head Curry in many restaurants serving Indian and South Asian cuisine in Singapore.
10. Boiled Noodles
Mee Rebus is a noodle dish served with a thick sauce made from beef broth, peanuts, and spices. The noodles used in this dish are usually chewy yellow noodles, served with boiled egg, potatoes, bean sprouts, and fried shallots.
The rich broth gives the noodles a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy taste. Mee Rebus is very popular as a snack or lunch in Singapore, and is usually sold at local food stalls around the city.
Singapore is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes that reflect the country’s rich culture.
From hearty mains like Hainanese Chicken Rice and Chilli Crab to sweet treats like Kaya Toast and Roti Prata, these dishes reflect the rich blend of flavors and traditions of Singaporean society.
Exploring these culinary delights is undoubtedly one of the Things to do in Singapura for anyone looking to experience the city’s vibrant food culture.
If you’re planning to visit Singapore, be sure to sample the signature dishes we’ve covered in this article, and have an unforgettable culinary experience. Don’t forget to bring home some of Singapore’s unique flavours as a souvenir of your trip!
