Singapore is a nation known for its glorious culinary scene that reflects its multicultural heritage. Certainly, the nation’s deep love for food is rooted in the diverse culinary influence of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian cuisines, which has created a bustling unique food culture in Singapore. But what are the most beloved local dishes that Singaporeans take pride in? That’s why we’ve tracked down eight of the most popular food dishes that locals and visitors enjoy in Singapore.
1. Chili Crab
One of the most popular Southeast Asian seafood dishes are Chili Crabs. The dish can be traced back in the early 1950s in Singapore and Malaysia. It was invented by Cher Yam Tian, who initially sold stir-fried mud crabs with bottled chili sauce, before evolving into the culinary delight it is today. Normally, the mud crabs are stir-fried in a tangy, spicy tomato sauce, accompanied by steamed mantou buns. They are a messy affair but perfectly enjoyed during a group meal. Some top-rated places to try Chili Crab in Singapore include JUMBO Seafood, Long Beach Seafood, and even the new Ministry of Crab from Sri Lanka, to name a few.
2. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Tourists reading this can’t leave Singapore without trying the main national dish: Hainanese Chicken Rice. The simple yet flavourful dish consists of poached chicken, served with fragrant rice, cooked in a chicken broth, and accompanied by comforting flavours and drooling sauces such as garlic or dark soy sauce. There are hundreds of restaurants to try this Singaporean specialty across the cities. Some of the most popular places include hawker centres like the acclaimed Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre and famous chain Boon Tong Kee, to name a few. Certainly, one of the most popular food dishes in Singapore.
3. Laksa
Another iconic food dish to try in Singapore is Laksa. The dish comes from Peranakan culture, which blends Malay and Chinese culinary traditions, reflecting the multicultural heritage of Singapore. There are several types of laksa available across the city. Normally, it features a creamy, spicy, and aromatic broth, typically made from a blend of coconut milk, seafood, and a variety of spices to make a satisfying spicy noodle soup dish. Laksa is widely available around every corner and at generally cheap price across Singapore. Some of the best places to eat are 328 Katong Laksa, Katong Laksa, and Super Star Original Famous Penang Laksa, to name a few.
4. Roti Prata
Roti Prata is an Indian food dish cherished among foodies in Singapore. While traditionally a breakfast dish, it can be enjoyed throughout the day, from morning to late-night suppers thanks to 24/7 restaurants. There are multiple variations but a top-rated roti prata consists of a flaky, crispy bread, served with varieties of curry, paired with meats like fish or chicken, or else a sweet profile with dessert-style items such as ice cream, chocolate and jam. Certainly, roti prata caters to a wide range of tastes and it’s totally inexpensive. You’ll find the popular dish at every single Indian restaurant in Singapore as well as some hawker centres, coffee shops, and more. Two of our favourite locations for roti prata are Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Prata and the Roti Prata House.
5. Fish Head Curry
Singaporeans absolutely adore an authentic Fish Head Curry which just so happens to be one of the best traditional dishes in the city. The symbolic dish features a whole fish head, cooked in spicy tangy curry broth, made with a blend of spices, and vegetables. There are many unique versions available across Singapore in Chinese, Peranakan, and Indian restaurants catering to diverse tastes. Some popular restaurants for fish head curry are Muthu’s Curry, The Banana Leaf Apolo, and IVINS Perankan Restaurant, to name a few.
6. Kaya Toast
Are you really a Singaporean if you haven’t tried Kaya Toast? This toasted bread is made with kaya jam and butter, often served with soft-boiled eggs, and a hearty coffee or kopi. It’s a nostalgic and cheap breakfast dish loved for its comforting flavours and originating from Hainanese immigrants in the 19th century. Certainly, you won’t be short of coffee shops serving kaya toast in Singapore but our personal favourites are Ya Kun Kaya Toast and instagrammable cafe Chin Mee Chin Confectionery. Definitely, one of the most popular food dishes in Singapore.
7. Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is another iconic ig-worthy food dish in Singapore. The stir-fried flat rice noodles are paired with Chinese sausage and prawns. Then it’s topped with eggs, soy sauces, vegetables, and more. Particularly, you’ll find cheap dish in famous hawker stalls like Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee, Ang Mo Kio Fried Kway Teow, among many others. Certainly, one of the most popular food dishes to try in Singapore.
8. Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak completes our list of the most popular dishes loved by the masses in Singapore. It boasts rich flavours, diverse varieties, and a cultural significance with Malay roots. The rice is cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, usually served with fried fish or chicken or even beef, alongside the likes of eggs, peanuts, sambal, and anchovies. In recent years, there has been many innovations created in Singapore such as nasi lemak sushi, ice cream, and burgers. Wonderfully, you can enjoy Nasi Lemak at any time of the day across hawker centres, restaurants, hotels, and more locations in Singapore. A top-rated spot is The Coconut Club (pictured).
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