When it comes to Asia, food is always on the table. And when you’re in Singapore, you can’t miss trying their local specialties. From noodles and meat dishes to sweet treats and unique cocktails, this multicultural city-state offers a culinary experience like no other.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 10 must-try dishes in Singapore, as well as explore the best places to eat and drink in the city.
1. Goreng Soton: A Simple yet Delicious Dish
Goreng Soton is a simple dish made from fried squid and vegetables that’s easily found in both old neighborhoods and restaurants. With a cost of €10.00 per serving, it’s an affordable option for those looking to try some local cuisine.
Goreng Soton is a popular dish among locals and tourists alike, and can be found in many small eateries and hawker centers throughout the city. The dish is made with fresh squid rings, vegetables such as onions, carrots, and cabbage, and a seasoning sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste.
2. Hokkien Mee: A Flavorful Noodle Dish
Next up is Hokkien Mee, a popular dish in Malaysia but with a unique twist in Singapore. This noodle dish combines spaghetti rice, egg, shrimp, and sambal, all made with lard for added flavor. With a cost of €8.00 per serving, it’s an affordable option for lunch or dinner.
Hokkien Mee is a classic Chinese dish that originated in the southern province of Fujian. In Singapore, the dish has been adapted to use local ingredients such as shrimp and lard, which gives it a unique flavor profile. The dish is often served with a side of chili sambal, which adds an extra layer of heat to the dish.
3. Gula Melaka: A Sweet Treat
For those with a sweet tooth, Gula Melaka is a must-try dish made from sugar cane crystals served with coconut milk, cream, and coconut. With a cost of €5.00 per serving, it’s an affordable option for dessert or a snack.
Gula Melaka is a traditional Malay dessert that has been enjoyed in Singapore for centuries. The sweet treat is made by boiling down sugar cane juice to create a rich, caramel-like syrup. The syrup is then mixed with coconut milk and cream to create a creamy, indulgent dessert.
4. Tauhu Goreng: A Vegetarian Delight
This dish will please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Tauhu Goreng is made from tofu, fried and served with soybean sprouts and cucumber. With a cost of €10.00 per serving, it’s an affordable option for those looking for a meat-free meal.
Tauhu Goreng is a popular vegetarian dish in Singapore that has gained popularity in recent years. The dish is made by marinating extra-firm tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices, then frying it until crispy. The tofu is often served with a side of soybean sprouts and cucumber for added texture and flavor.
5. Nasi Lemak: A Unique Rice Dish
Nasi Lemak is a rice dish cooked with coconut milk, usually accompanied by fava beans or chicken curry. This unique taste is worth trying, and with a cost of €10.00 per serving, it’s an affordable option for lunch or dinner.
Nasi Lemak is a popular Malaysian dish that has been adopted in Singapore as well. The dish is made by cooking rice with coconut milk and adding a variety of toppings such as fava beans, chicken curry, and peanuts. The combination of flavors and textures creates a unique and delicious meal.
6. Chicken Rice: A Singaporean Staple
Chicken Rice is perhaps one of Singapore’s most famous dishes worldwide. It’s a rice dish seasoned with chicken, accompanied by vegetables. With a cost of €10.00 per serving, it’s an affordable option for those looking to try some local cuisine.
Chicken Rice is a classic Singaporean dish that has gained popularity in recent years. The dish is made by cooking chicken with soy sauce and spices, then serving it over a bed of fragrant rice. The dish is often served with a side of chili sauce and ginger paste for added flavor.
7. Char Kway Teow: A Stir-Fry Noodle Dish
Char Kway Teow is another noodle dish that combines noodles with vegetables and, depending on your taste, meat or fish. With a cost of €10.00 per serving, it’s an affordable option for lunch or dinner.
Char Kway Teow is a popular Chinese dish that has been enjoyed in Singapore for centuries. The dish is made by stir-frying flat rice noodles with vegetables and, if desired, meat or seafood. The noodles are often served with a side of soy sauce and chili paste for added flavor.
8. Mee Soto Ayam: A Delightful Noodle Soup
Mee Soto Ayam is a very popular dish in Singapore made from noodles immersed in a delicious chicken broth. You can also find vegetables like soybean sprouts and pepper. With a cost of €10.00 per serving, it’s an affordable option for lunch or dinner.
Mee Soto Ayam is a classic Chinese noodle soup that has been enjoyed in Singapore for generations. The dish is made by cooking noodles in a rich chicken broth with added vegetables such as soybean sprouts and pepper. The combination of flavors creates a delicious and comforting meal.
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9. Toast Kaya: A Breakfast Classic
Toast Kaya is the obligatory breakfast in Singapore, made from lightly toasted bread filled with eggs, sugar, and coconut milk. You can choose between tea or coffee, strictly strong. With a cost of €7.00 per serving, it’s an affordable option for breakfast.
Toast Kaya is a popular breakfast dish in Singapore that has been enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The dish is made by lightly toasting bread and filling it with scrambled eggs, sugar, and coconut milk. The combination of flavors creates a delicious and satisfying breakfast meal.
10. Nasi Goreng: A Fried Rice Dish
The Nasi Goreng is almost the symbol of Malaysia but is also very popular in Singapore due to its proximity. It’s a unique dish made from rice fried with shrimp and chicken, which can be seasoned with various vegetables. With a cost of €12.00 per serving, it’s an affordable option for lunch or dinner.
Nasi Goreng is a classic Malaysian dish that has been adopted in Singapore as well. The dish is made by frying rice with shrimp and chicken, then adding a variety of vegetables such as carrots, peas, and onions. The combination of flavors creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
Cocktails: The Singapore Sling
No culinary journey would be complete without trying the iconic cocktail that originated in the early 20th century at the famous Raffles Hotel – the Singapore Sling. This classic cocktail is known for its distinctive pink color and unique flavor, made from a combination of gin, cherry heering (cherry liqueur), Cointreau, lime juice, grenadine syrup, and bitters.
The Singapore Sling is a popular cocktail that has gained international recognition in recent years. The drink is made by mixing together a variety of ingredients, including gin, cherry heering, and Cointreau, then adding lime juice and grenadine syrup to create the signature pink color. The combination of flavors creates a unique and delicious cocktail experience.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants, Local Eateries, and Street Food
Singapore is one of the world’s most “western” cities in Asia with its unique skyline that reminds me of New York. The neighborhoods are multicultural: Chinatown, dominated by Chinese residents, Chinatown Food Street, Kampong Glam (predominantly Arab), and Little India with Serangoon Road.
Only a few know that Singapore hosts the largest street food markets in the Asian hemisphere. Tourists love these places just to try local specialties at a very low cost. Here you can find fried rice, exotic dishes of all kinds at makeshift stalls next to vendors’ seats in an extremely “rustic” setting.
Here are some recommendations:
- Clarke Quay: The big commercial district of Singapore, the heart of the nightlife and local street food.
- TaiWan Night Markets: A large food court open at night where you can find many local street food stalls.
- Song Fa Bak Kut Teh: Restaurant where you can taste traditional cuisine and try the durian ice cream.
- Penang Seafood Restaurant: Excellent Asian seafood restaurant, especially offering dishes typical of Penang cuisine.
Conclusion
Singapore is a culinary paradise that offers a unique blend of flavors from its multicultural society. Whether you’re trying local specialties or exploring street food markets, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city-state.
As we conclude our culinary journey through Singapore, we hope you’ve discovered some new dishes to try and places to eat. Until next time, happy eating!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Goreng Soton?
Goreng Soton is a simple dish made from fried squid and vegetables that’s easily found in both old neighborhoods and restaurants. - Is Hokkien Mee spicy?
Hokkien Mee can be spicy, but the level of spiciness depends on your taste preferences. - What is Gula Melaka?
Gula Melaka is a sweet treat made from sugar cane crystals served with coconut milk, cream, and coconut. - Is Tauhu Goreng vegetarian?
Yes, Tauhu Goreng is a vegetarian dish made from tofu, fried and served with soybean sprouts and cucumber. - What is Nasi Lemak?
Nasi Lemak is a unique rice dish cooked with coconut milk, usually accompanied by fava beans or chicken curry. - Is Chicken Rice spicy?
Chicken Rice can be spicy, depending on your taste preferences, but it’s generally mild. - Can I try Char Kway Teow at home?
Yes, you can try making Char Kway Teow at home with a few simple ingredients and some practice. - What is Mee Soto Ayam?
Mee Soto Ayam is a very popular dish in Singapore made from noodles immersed in a delicious chicken broth. - Is Toast Kaya a traditional breakfast dish?
Yes, Toast Kaya is a traditional breakfast dish in Singapore that has been enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. - What is Nasi Goreng?
Nasi Goreng is a fried rice dish made with shrimp and chicken, often served with various vegetables.
