10 Traditional Singaporean Dishes You Need to Try. 12 famous local food in Singapore which you cannot miss out! Nonya Kueh. Ngo Hiang (5-Spice pork and shrimp rolls) Popiah (Malay-style fresh spring rolls) Siu Mai (Steamed pork dumplings) Top 10 foods to try in Singapore. For instance, yee sang, which Singaporean Chinese enjoy eating during the Lunar New Year, includes raw fish, which is a rare ingredient to put in dishes except for Japanese or Korean dishes. Bourdain has also publicly spoken about hoping to feature four Singaporean dishes in his upcoming food hall in New York City. 4 This dish is usually made up of egg noodles and rice noodles stir-fried with egg, some slices of pork, prawns, and squid. A number of dishes, listed below, can be considered as truly hybrid or multi-ethnic food. To access and edit all your Favourites, click on the star button at the top right corner of every page throughout our site. Hawker food in Singapore is on the next level! Since Singapore is a mixed cultural nation there is a diverse range of people who might have different and restricted diets, such as Muslims and Hindus. Rice noodles in spicy coconut curry soup with shrimp, fish cakes, egg and chicken meat – a cross between Chinese and Malay cuisine. Singaporean desserts have a varied history. Chilli crab hits all the right spots with tangy gravy that seeps into the succulent flesh of the stir-fried crab. They were then adapted to suit the local availability of ingredients, while absorbing influences from Malay, Indian and other cooking traditions. This can be either white bread or a slice of multicolored, slightly sweetened bread (dyed with food colouring and flavoured with pandan leaf extract). [2] The former also gained the title of the world's "cheapest Michelin-starred meal". Most Singaporean street food is sold at joints called hawker centres, and hawker food in Singapore is one of the country’s best kept secrets. Noodles are typically served stir fried or in soup. Chilli crab. Singapore is a foodie paradise. A 2011 CNN poll ranke d the World’s 50 Best Foods and Singapore Chili Crab made the list at number ... 2- Hainanese Chicken – Chicken Rice from Hainan Province. Laksa also has many variants, but the one in Singapore is katong laksa, with cut-up noodles. This simple dish of stir-fried noodles boasts a rich prawn stock that keeps fans coming back for more. In the snack category, kaya toast is the representative dish, primarily due to the use of kaya. Laksa also has many variants, but the one in Singapore is katong laksa, with cut-up noodles. In Singapore, food is viewed as crucial to its national identity and a unifying cultural thread. [9], Gordon Ramsay participated in a 'Hawker Heroes Challenge' held in Singapore in 2013, in which each competitor made three dishes. [8], Anthony Bourdain brought international attention to local food available in hawker centres on his show, No Reservations. Well-known hawker centres among tourists include Telok Ayer Market, Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat and Newton Food Centre. "Dining in Singapore." Teh halia tarik, ginger tea with "pulled" milk (tarik), This page was last edited on 4 April 2021, at 04:22. Ayam buah keluak, a Peranakan dish of chicken stewed with spices and Southeast Asian black nuts (buah keluak). Food-obsessed travelers make pilgrimages to Singapore … Dining in Singapore. By far the most well known is the durian, known as the "King of Fruits", which produces a characteristic odour from the creamy yellow custard-like flesh within its spiky green or brown shell. Hawker centres are the place where people can experience all kinds of different cultural food in one place. [citation needed], A common greeting for the Singaporean Chinese is the question "Have you eaten? Singaporeans also enjoy a wide variety of seafood including fish, squid (known as sotong in Malay), stingray, crab, lobster, clams, and oysters. Chili crab and black pepper crab are two quintessential dishes that dominate the scene and are greatly recommended to tourists. Fish head curry. Singapore is geographically located in between the Pacific and Indian oceans but it also has the shape of a peninsula and an island at the same time, where various cultures and trades used to and continue to occur. Losing to Ryan Koh representing 328 Katong Laksa and Foo Kui Lian representing Tian Tian Chicken Rice, he graciously accepted defeat. Singapore has further strengthened our defences against the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019). Kueh lapis is a rich, multi-layered cake-style kueh using a large amount of egg whites and studded with prunes. In the dessert category, tau-suan is one of many types of desserts commonly found in hawker centres around Singapore. Pork is not used as it's prohibited in Islam. Cocktails (and modern fusion food) at Tippling Club. When dining out, Singaporeans often eat at hawker centres, coffee shops or food courts rather than restaurants, due to convenience, a wider range of options and affordability. By Kirsten Han and Jialiang Lim. The Singapore version is typically eaten ‘dry’, drenched with some light sweet sauce, slices of pork char siew and wanton dumplings filled with pork, with a small bowl of soup on the side. The Singapore carrot cake, also known as Chai Tou Kway, is a salty fried dish made from steamed radish cakes. The Singapore Tourism Board is stepping up on precautionary measures for your safety and well-being. ", asked in the various Chinese dialects. 3. The delectable, tender chicken meat is best enjoyed with tangy red chilli sauce dip. Singapore used to be colonised by Britain from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century, and like most of Asian countries did, they were ruled by Japan during World War 2. This delectable dish can be found at almost every dining spot, from humble hawker centres to high-end restaurants. Add to Plan. Some of these fruits also are used as ingredients for other dishes: iced desserts, sweet-and-sour pork, and certain types of salad such as rojak. Forks and spoons are used, but Chinese food is eaten with chopsticks, and Indian and Malay food may be eaten with the hand. Put simply, they are neither sit-down restaurants nor traditional street food stalls. "Fried Hokkien mee", fried egg noodles with prawns, sliced pork and gravy, "Nyonya laksa", rice noodles served in a coconut prawn broth and "Char Kuey Teow", stir-fried rice noodles with prawns, Chinese sausage, lard and cockles. Can be served in a tamarind-filled variant with shredded mackerel and mangosteen. Let our site be more useful to you each time you visit by enabling your cookies so we can remember details like your preferred language and more for a smoother browsing experience. Laksa. 7 June 2018. All of this delicious meal is served along with deep-fried fish or chicken wings, grilled fish paste, fried anchovies, peanuts, eggs, cucumber slices, and sambal to complete the full course version. Other than local Singaporean cuisine, it is also common in Singapore to find restaurants specialising in cuisine from a great variety of countries around the world. Try the famous Singapore traditional food – Chili Crab – if you can stand a rich spicy dish. Copyright © 2021 Singapore Tourism Board. [5] The nomination was submitted in March 2019 and approved and inscribed on 16 December 2020. 1 – Chili Crab – The National Dish of Singapore. Gulai daun ubi, sweet potato leaves stewed in coconut milk. Experience Singapore's food culture and find out more about Singapore cuisine. [1] "When Stamford Raffles sought to convert Singapore into a trading post for the East India Company in 1819, immigrants from China, Malaya, India, Indonesia, Europe, the United States and the Middle East flocked to the island. Coffee shops are non-air conditioned versions of food courts and are commonly found island-wide, usually at the bottom of blocks of HDB flats. Contrary to its name, there's nary a tinge of orange in the local fried carrot cake, a flavourful dish that comes in the monochrome colours of black or white. 4 Kacang puteh. Three noodle dishes stand out in Singapore cuisine. Cockles and tofu puffs are sometimes added. Singapore is especially renowned for its seafood. Singapore Street Food | Street Food in Singapore | Chinese Street FoodSingapore is an amazing food destination and consist of many different cuisines. It is an extension of Malay cuisine but influenced by the Chinese – not to mention the Indians, Arabs, British and other settlers who have contributed to making Singapore one of the world's most important trading ports. It is a sweet and starchy soup made from split mung beans, usually eaten with Youtiao. Singaporean cuisine has been promoted as a tourist attraction by the Singapore Tourism Board. Curry laksa, a Peranakan dish of vermicelli noodles and fried bean curd served in a creamy coconut sauce with slices of shrimp, fish, and cockles. Joe Lloyd. YouTube personality Mike Chen, better known by his username StrictlyDumpling, has created several videos bringing attention to local cuisine on his channel. We encourage you to use our e-services to minimise your time spent in public places. The duo behind The Halal Food Blog took over our Instagram account and went on a quest for halal-certified pasta dishes in Singapore 50 drinks you must have in Singapore From cocktails with uniquely Singaporean ingredients to local microbrewery beers and historic vintages, we help you get your drink on The dishes that comprise "Singaporean Chinese cuisine" today were originally brought to Singapore by the early southern Chinese immigrants (Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka and Hainanese). Top 12 Authentic Food in Singapore You Want To Try. You find traditional dishes from each of the different ethnic groups. Char kuay teow. [12] Colonisation of Japan also influenced Singaporean cuisine. Situated between Malaysia and Indonesia, Singaporean Malay dishes is influenced by the food of the neighbouring Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the Riau Islands. The Singapore-style chicken rice is regarded as the national dish. Chilli and Black Pepper Crabs Why we are so proud of these two dishes – the Chilli and Black Pepper Crabs can be said to have originated from Singapore, created by different restaurants in East Coast during the 1950s.. What makes the Chilli Crab distinct is the thickened sweet savoury sauce, tasting somewhat like a cross of chilli and tomato sauces. Cheongsam Source The exquisiteness of this elegant traditional Singapore costume makes it a great alternative to modern wear. A wide variety of tropical fruits are available all year round. Chinchalok, a spicy and pungent fermented shrimp sauce dip, is optional. This simple dish is the ultimate comfort food for those with a sweet tooth, offering the right mix of crunch and sugar rush. The ice cream consists of sealed blocks which are sliced to order and then placed on a single slice of over-sized, often multicolored bread. Popular markets like Old Airport Road Food Centre in Geylang, Golden Mile Food Centre on Beach Road and Maxwell Road Food Centre in Chinatown offer the best of Chinese, Malaysian and Indian cooking, melded into foods that are uniquely Singaporean. 10 Delicious Street Foods You Must Try in Singapore. Singapore’s street food is unlike any other country’s street food. 01568 — Hawker culture in Singapore, community dining and culinary practices in a multicultural urban context", "4 Singaporean dishes make Anthony Bourdain's wishlist for his new street food hall in New York", "Gordon Ramsay loses Hawker Heroes Challenge", "40 Singapore foods we can't live without", Minorities at Risk (MAR) Project assessment for Malays in Singapore, "Best ayam penyet in Singapore – HungryGoWhere Singapore", "Singapore – White Curry Jackfruit (Gudeg Putih)", "Nasi Tumpeng Singapore – IndoChili Indonesian Restaurant", "Thank Singapore & Malaysia for Ketchup and Chicken Chop", https://www.culturally.co/blog/introduction-to-singapore-s-coffee-culture, Founding of modern Singapore (1819–1826), British Military Administration (1945–1946), Self-governance of Singapore (1955–1962), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Singaporean_cuisine&oldid=1015888802, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2019, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2017, Articles needing additional references from December 2020, All articles needing additional references, Articles containing Chinese-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2019, Articles containing simplified Chinese-language text, Articles containing traditional Chinese-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. 2. 10 FAMOUS SINGAPORE LOCAL FOOD !In this Video of singapore food guide, we will introduce you singaporean food from the hawker center. Recently ranked at number 12 on Asia's best bars and 31 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants lists, head for the Tippling Club for a tipple. The soup version has gotten quite popular as well. Despite absorbing regional influences, it tends to be adapted to local tastes and differ from their counterparts in neighbouring countries. In 2011, four Singaporean dishes were included in the list of 'World's 50 Most Delicious Foods (Readers' Pick)' – a worldwide online poll by 35,000 people held by CNN International. Web. Another dish to try is the Laksa, thick vermicelli noodles cut into smaller pieces and served with prawns and fishcakes. A sandwich costs around S$1 but may cost up to S$2 or more in downtown areas and tourist spots. Most of the names of Singaporean Chinese dishes were derived from dialects of southern China, Hokkien (Min Nan) being the most common. Indonesia is located to the south, Thailand, China, the Philippines and Malaysia are located to the north and India is located to the west. Dishes from both North India and South India can be found in Singapore.[20]. This spicy dish is a scintillating stew of curry cooked with vegetables and of course, the whole head of a fish. For example, bah kut teh may also be spelt bak kut teh, and char kway tiao may also be spelt char kuay teow. There is a recipe for everyone! Dark and sticky, the salad may not look very appealing at first; but tuck into this culinary marvel and you’ll be amazed by the delicious mix of sweet and savoury. Singapore's cuisine is as diverse as its culture. Essentially, it is rice cooked with chicken fat, served with boiled chicken, accompanied with chili sauce. Influences include the cuisines of the Malays, the Chinese and the Indians as well as Indonesian, Peranakan and Western traditions (particularly English and Portuguese-influenced Eurasian, known as Kristang). Hokkien Mee is a Singaporean and Malaysian dish that is said to have originated in the Fujian (Hokkien) province of China. Hainanese chicken rice. In the meat category, Hainanese chicken rice is the most popular dish. While some vendors sell their ice cream in cups or cones, as is common in the West, the more popular variant is on slices of bread or between wafers. Chinese-inspired noodles, which were the bulk I … It is also possible to assume that this is how Singaporeans think about the meal and food. Singaporean cuisine derived from several ethnic groups which have developed through centuries of political, economic, and social changes of this cosmopolitan city-state. Influences from neighbouring regions such as Japan, Korea, and Thailand are also majorly present. Spices and coconut milk are common ingredients, although Chinese ingredients such as taupok (tofu puffs) and tofu (known as tauhu in Malay) have been integrated. Soup tulang merah, is a dish consisting of mutton or beef bones stewed in a sweet and spicy red soup of mutton stock, tomatoes, ginger, chillies and spices. Ramsay's chili crab was voted the best, but he lost on the other two dishes. Click or Tap to Open/Close. The love of food is deeply entrenched in Singaporean culture, and rightly so considering it is one of the best food cities in the world. Singaporean literature declares eating a national pastime and food a national obsession. This Indian specialty is pleasing to the palate and the eye. Like other Singaporean ethnic cuisines, Singaporean Indian cuisine has been influenced by multiple cultural groups. Let our site be more useful to you each time you visit by enabling your cookies so we can remember details like your preferred language and more for a smoother browsing experience. He featured Tian Tian Chicken Rice and Maxwell Food Centre on the programme. InterNations, n.d. Tāu-suàn (split mung bean soup), is a dessert of Teochew origin. Lemak siput, shellfish cooked in a thick coconut milk-based gravy. During the Lunar New Year, people eat nian gao, which is originally from China, and is traditionally eaten around the Chinese New Year. "[7], Singaporean food is a significant cultural attraction for tourists and visitors. Although Malays are native to Singapore, most Malays in Singapore today are either relatively recent immigrants from Indonesia and Malaysia, or the descendants of these immigrants. All Recipes. Here are 10 street food items that shouldn’t be missed. With the temperature in Singapore usually touches 35°C you would like to remain hydrated as you explore the city. Hainanese chicken rice. Magazine subscription – 6 issues for only £9.99 Singapore's melting pot of cultures makes it an exciting and flavoursome foodie hotspot, and we have the inside track on what and where to eat. Durians are banned on public transport, elevators, certain hotels, and public buildings because of their strong odour. Hawker centres, or open air food courts, have come to define Singaporean food culture. [11] One of Singapore Day's major draws is the local Singaporean hawker food, which is prepared on-site by well-known hawkers specially flown in for the event. A typical food court or hawker centre dessert stall will usually have a large variety of desserts available, including but not limited to: Wafer ice cream sandwiches are a popular dish sold by street vendors operating carts on busy street corners. Types of food and some world popular food. It is garnished with some vegetables, pieces of lard, sambal sauce, and lime. Typical Singapore Dishes. Many Chinese and Tamil Muslim adaptations of the following dishes also exist. Their heat typically comes from a wallop of chili paste stirred into broth, or a small dish of even hotter sauce on the side. Watch the prata-maker stretch the dough by slapping and swinging it in one skilful motion. [1], In 2016, Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle and Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle became the first two street food locations in the world to be awarded a Michelin star. Imagine dipping sticks of crisp, glistening meat into a rich, spicy-sweet peanut sauce. Kaya Toast. Chilli crab. Kari lemak ayam, a Peranakan chicken curry with a coconut milk base, "Western Food" in hawker centres where "Singapore-style" chicken chop. Singapore's multi-ethnic culture and heritage presents a multitude of colourful cuisines, each with its own unique flavour. Lapis sagu is also a popular kueh with layers of alternating colour and a sweet, coconut taste. [13] Since Singapore is influenced by so many different regions, religion, and areas, there are also many events or anniversaries. [3][4], In 2018, Singapore hawker culture was nominated by Singapore's National Heritage Board (NHB), National Environment Agency and Federation of Merchants' Associations Singapore for inscription into UNESCO's Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As you browse through our site, add pages to your Favourites by clicking on the star button within every article. He mentioned being in absolute awe of the hawkers, and was humbled by how they welcomed him into their kitchens and taught him to cook.[10]. Laksa. This blending of cultures and religious beliefs is reflected in Singapore food. For more information, click here. Arguably one of Singapore’s most classic local foods, chicken rice can be found in its many forms (steamed, poached or roasted) at hawker centres and eateries across the island. It is fried to crispy perfection, and sprinkled with spring onions. It is formally known as the Hainanese Chicken Rice. |. Since Singapore's position is between various Asian countries, there is a diversity in food and culture. [1] The culture of Singapore is made up of diverse influences from different continents and countries. People from different communities often eat together, while being mindful of each other's culture and choosing food that is acceptable for all. Some Singaporean dishes have become internationally known. [16] Hence, Singaporean Malay cuisine features a unique set of influences, especially from Minang cuisine. Cockles and tofu puffs are sometimes added. Bak Chor Mee is quite a uniquely-Singapore hawker dish, typically of dry noodles with minced pork, pork balls and braised mushroom tossed in a vingary-sauce. The dishes that comprise "Singaporean Chinese cuisine" today were originally brought to Singapore by the early southern Chinese immigrants (Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka and Hainanese). Food is often eaten outside the home in food centers where food is cheap, tasty, and freshly made. Also known as ‘char kway teow’ in Singapore, this indulgent wok-fried noodle dish has been a popular Singaporean hawker staple for decades. Before television sets became commonplace in Singapore, cinema was the main source of entertainment for many Singaporeans, its appeal wide-ranging with screenings of American, British, Chinese, Malay, Hindi, and Tamil films. Religious dietary strictures do exist; Muslims do not eat pork and Hindus do not eat beef, and there is also a significant group of vegetarians/vegans. Singaporean food can be divided into five types: meat, seafood, rice, noodles, dessert and snacks. You have exceeded the number of Favourites. 17 March 2016. This led Singapore cuisine to be mixed-cultural society food. That is the quintessential “ satay experience,” which ... Nasi Lemak. Another favourite is sambal stingray. These hawker centres are widespread, cheap and usually feature dozens of stalls in a single complex, with each stall offering its own speciality dishes. In Singapore, food is viewed as necessary to national identity and a unifying cultural thread. Singapore rice vermicelli dish with whole mud crab served in a claypot and spiced … Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle, Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of countries with organic agriculture regulation, "Singapore street food stalls get Michelin stars", "Michelin star for Singapore noodle stall where lunch is half the price of a Big Mac", "The world's first Michelin-starred hawker stall", "Singapore hawker culture to be nominated for Unesco listing", "Singapore's hawker culture clinches spot on Unesco's intangible cultural heritage list", "Nomination file No. There are two versions: black or white carrot cake. Barbecued stingray. These grilled meat skewers are bound to delight lovers of street food in Singapore, and are perfect for communal meals. "Kaya kopitiams" are a common sight on the island. Other popular tropical fruits include mangosteen, jackfruit, longan, lychee, rambutan, soursop, pineapple and mango. The complete collection of all our precious heritage recipes, consisting of traditional multi-ethnic dishes to revised versions of old goodies. These affordable coffee shops dish out bread toasts, spread with coconut egg jam and butter, served with coffee and tea as well as two soft Boiled eggs. [6] UNESCO described the hawker centre as "‘community dining rooms’ where people from diverse backgrounds gather and share the experience of dining over breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's considered a Singapore invention. The laksa broth offers the right balance of spice and coconut milk, a distinctive noodle soup that will tickle the tastebuds. Auntie will also ask if you want it spicy or not. Wonton mee.Most Asian cultures are rice- or noodle-focused, but in Singapore they're both. There are many cafés, coffeehouses and teahouses, and formal restaurants. Over the course of 13 videos he highlighted Singaporean street food, hawker centres, local buffets and restaurants. And in addition, a blend of flavors in dishes such as Peranakan food, which is a marriage of Chinese and Malay cuisines. [citation needed]. These videos have a combined view count of over 17 million views. The Overseas Singaporean Unit also organises Singapore Day in major cities around the world as a platform for Singaporeans living abroad. Once it’s time for a drink, try cooling down with one altogether these famous drinks in Singapore. Use it to help you plan a Singapore-style meal, party or festival. In Singapore, though, we had no problem since many of the traditional dishes were healthy, and there was such a great selection of restaurants and cafes that served some of the best healthy food we’d ever tasted. The black carrot cake is sweeter and made with black sweet sauce, while the white version is crispy and oily. Food is a frequent topic of conversation among Singaporeans. This popular food of Singapore is a very rich and creamy dish which has rice cooked under thick organic coconut milk and pandan leaf. Rice noodles in spicy coconut curry soup with shrimp, fish cakes, egg and chicken meat – a cross between Chinese and Malay cuisine. Create your own Singapore guide with up to 12 of your Favourites. Singapore may be among the world’s smallest countries, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with an astonishing culinary variety. Hokkien prawn mee. Satay. Having a slim fit and appropriate cuts for comfort with a high collar made from silk or cotton, the Chinese Cheongsam or Qipao portrays the duality of modern wear as well as revives the traditional culture and identity. This dish is imbued with local Cantonese influence and can be found in almost all food stalls, hawker centers, food courts and high-end restos. Appetizers. Beef fried rice topped with a sunny side up egg. As there was no common system for transliterating these dialects into the Latin alphabet, it is common to see different variants on the same name for a single dish. Okay. A list of typical Singaporean dishes and foods. These carts carry a variety of flavours, including but not limited to vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, coffee, sweet corn, coconut, and durian. Like many other Asian countries, Singapore experienced a period of colonisation. It's the savoury and creamy rice that carries this dish, with spicy sambal to give it that extra zing. The Malay dishes (such as these) are usually based on a foundation of spicy, fishy sambal, sour herbs, and/or complex citrus.