Singapore, a gastronomic haven, boasts a rich tapestry of flavours that reflect its diverse cultural influences. It’s a country that will never bore a foodie and one trip will never be enough. With influences from India, China and Malaysia, you know the end result is going to be mindblowingly good. Here’s a curated list of 9 Singaporean delights that every food enthusiast must sample when they visit the country if they want to try authentic traditional Singaporean food.
1. Kaya Toast: A Morning Classic
Begin your day the Singaporean way with Kaya Toast. This breakfast staple features toasted bread that is grilled over charcoal, slathered with kaya, a sweet and creamy coconut jam (with a hint of pandan), and a generous slice of butter. Pair it with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of strong coffee for the perfect kickstart. The traditional way to have it is: you pour soy sauce and white pepper over the eggs and then you dip your toast into the eggs and enjoy. You can also then dip the toast into your coffee for an added kick. This final step is optional. We like to pour a drop of coffee into the egg mix instead to not ruin the coffee.
Where to try it: Yakun Kaya (the most famous and popular kaya toast franchise with branches all over the country) & Heap Seng Leong (an old school traditional kopitiam serving this classic – a wonderful experience and you’ll be transported back in time, but for us we preferred the crispy bread of yakun).
2. Roti Prata: Flaky and Flavourful
Roti Prata, a South Indian-inspired flatbread, is a flaky and crispy delight. Served with an array of curries, from spicy to mild, or with sweet condensed milk, this versatile dish caters to various taste preferences. You’ll recognise this as the famous Malaysian breakfast staple: roti canai. It is exactly that. Curry may not be everyone’s cup of tea for breakfast, but trust us, give it a try and you’ll fall in love.
Where to try it: Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s is the king of roti in Singapore.
3. Hokkien Mee: Noodles in Umami Glory
Hokkien Mee, a stir-fried noodle dish, brings together prawns, squid, and a savoury seafood broth. The result is a symphony of umami flavours that will leave your taste buds yearning for more. This is one of the most popular and famous noodle dishes of the country, I mean can I call it the national noodle dish of the country? Maybe Char Kway Teow will have something to say about that though. It’s got a slight seafood/anchovy/shutki (for my Bengalis) taste to it, so if you’re not used to that or not fond of that, this may not be for you.
Where to try it: Bedok Food Centre was the only one I was aware of that does it halal (because lard is a core ingredient), but after posting on TikTok I was (not so) kindly informed that there are many more halal spots. And some were even kind enough to actually mention names. Feel free to check out the post on TikTok.
4. Carrot Cake: Not What You Think
Singapore’s Carrot Cake isn’t the sweet dessert you might expect. There’s no carrot nor cake in sight. Instead, it’s a savoury dish featuring radish cakes stir-fried with eggs, prawns, and preserved radish. Often found in hawker centres, this local gem showcases Singapore’s love for unique culinary twists. You can get it in black and white version. The difference being the black version has sweet soy sauce in it.
Where to try it: Bedok Food Centre
5. Fish Head Curry: A Spicy Extravaganza
For an adventurous culinary experience, try Fish Head Curry. A spicy and tangy curry featuring a fish head as the star, this dish blends Indian and Chinese flavours seamlessly. This is a unique dish that you’ll find in Singapore that actually has a variety of different versions. You’ll find an Indian version, a Chinese version and a somewhere in between version. We actually didn’t try it this time round (the pictured one is from Indonesia).
Where to try it: Samy’s Curry Restaurant – Mark Wien’s favourite fish head curry in Singapore
6. Stingray: A Seafood Delight
Grilled Stingray, marinated in a flavourful sambal sauce, is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. This dish exemplifies Singapore’s prowess in creating delightful seafood experiences. We actually didn’t get a chance to try this at all.
Where to try it: Bedok Food Centre
7. Chicken Rice: A National Treasure
Hainanese Chicken Rice, Singapore’s national dish, is a symphony of succulent poached chicken served with fragrant rice and accompanied by chilli sauce and ginger paste. This simple yet flavourful dish encapsulates the essence of Singaporean cuisine. Combine all the components into one bite and you got yourself an award winning bite. Despite being simple, a good version of this dish can be quite challenging to find. But when you find it, it may well be one of the best dishes you’ll ever have.
Where to try it: Bedok Food Centre, Evertop, Edmond and Mackenzie Rex are all halal certified spots.
8. Chili Crab: A Culinary Icon
No exploration of Singaporean cuisine is complete without indulging in Chilli Crab. Mud crabs drenched in a luscious, spicy chilli-tomato gravy showcase the country’s love for bold and vibrant flavours. This is more than a dish; it is an experience. Go with a group of friends or family members and it’ll be a proper social experience as well as delicious one. Don’t forget to inhale all the delicious sauce with the given bread (the best part!).
Where to try it: Jumbo Seafood is a legendary spot that has been doing it since 1987!
9. Salted Egg Chicken Rice
At the heart of this gastronomic delight is the velvety salted egg sauce. A harmonious blend of creamy, savoury, and slightly sweet notes, the sauce is crafted from salted duck eggs, curry leaves, chilli, and a dash of magic. This luscious concoction transforms a simple dish into a decadent feast for the senses. The star of the show is undoubtedly the crispy fried chicken. The chicken is expertly marinated, ensuring each bite is a symphony of flavours. The golden-brown exterior crackles with every bite, revealing succulent and tender meat within. This perfect marriage of texture is what elevates Salted Egg Chicken Rice to a league of its own.
Where to try it: Puncak Best Noodles Halal Restaurant (a proper hidden gem that only locals frequent).
Singapore’s culinary landscape is a testament to the harmony of cultures and tastes. Each dish tells a unique story, inviting you to savour the rich heritage woven into every bite. Embark on this gastronomic journey and discover the diverse and delectable world of Singaporean cuisine.
