Last Updated on November 29, 2021
The super clean city, Singapore, is not just iconic because of its lush green beauty, or the Marina Bay Skyline or the islands–Singaporean cuisine is to die for too! The best foods in Singapore can be segregated into five categories: most renowned seafood, meat, noodles, snacks, and dessert. If you are planning to visit Singapore anytime soon, keep note of these 10 must-have food items:
1. Kaya toast
Start your day in Singapore with the locally originated Kaya toast, which is a staple breakfast item here. This dish consists of two toast slices that are greased with butter and coconut jam (called Kaya) in the middle. Kaya toasts are popularly served alongside coffee or boiled eggs and have become the locals’ most loved combination for a quick snack.
2. Chilli Crab
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Seafood in Singapore cannot be missed, and if you are a fan of crabs, this is a must-try. The large crabs with hard shells are prepared in not-so-thick gravy and have a tomato chili base. Crabs are first steamed and then cracked partially, and finally, they are stir-fried in a mixture that is prepared using eggs, chili sauce, and lots of tomato paste! The surprising or shocking part (you decide) is that, given its name, you might be fooled to think this dish would be spicy, but no! Order some bread or fried buns to team with the chili crab and you will thank us later.
3. Smile Martabak’s Martabak Manis
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Martabak Manis, a pan-fried bread or a thick pancake that is stuffed with delicious filling, is a popular dessert from Indonesia that is also available in Singapore! Smile Martabak’s Martabak Manis,Singapore is known for its authentic Indonesian Martabak. These are freshly baked regularly by Muslim chefs and are available in multiple flavors such as Original Choco-Cheese and Red Velvet Oreo.
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4. Bak Kut Teh
To simplify, this popular dish is nothing but soup made out of pork ribs, or otherwise referred to as meat bone tea. Herbs such as star anise, cinnamon, dong quai, garlic, and others, add a rich flavor to the soup. Bak Kut Teh item has been present ever since Singapore was not a developed city, and is known to be a modest and simple dish.
5. Hainanese Chicken Rice
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To enjoy a trip to the food paradise, try this local rice dish that is cooked in chicken stock and served with steam chicken and light soy sauce. The chicken broth quality is very important for this food item, and you can understand it with the aroma that emanates from the rice. The chicken is so succulent that it will practically melt in your mouth. It is sure to last in your mind for a long time!
6. Char Kway Teow
Rice noodles is another popular local food in Singapore. Char (stir-fried) Kway Teow (flat rice noodles) takes inspiration from a Chinese rice noodle dish that is stir-fried. Chinese waxed sausages, bean sprouts, clams, shrimp paste, and dark soy sauce, amongst other ingredients, are used to stir-fry the rice noodles. The dish will leave a smoky taste and is not sweet.7.Â
7. Satay
Satay is a highly celebrated street-food dish that is available in multiple variations in Singapore. Prepared using different varieties of meat, the most popular one is the Pork Satay. The pork meat is cut into small pieces and grilled on a skewer, which is then served with a yummy dip (sauce made of peanuts, soy sauce, and chilis). This classic dish is also coupled with onions and cucumber to add the street food vibes and is in great demand, especially during late nights.
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8. Sambal Stingray
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A Singaporean invention, Sambal Stingray or barbecued fish, is a local dish where the Stingray is first grilled well in a banana leaf so that the natural flavors are in place. Post grilling, the fish is topped with the sambal paste that is prepared using shallots, spices, chilies, and shrimp paste. This dish is very popular locally and is readily available at hawker centers in Singapore.
9. Curry puffs
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Whether it is chicken, sliced egg, or potatoes, curry puffs are cooked with spices and stuffed into pie shells, and then deep-fried. This is a very popular snack in Singapore and should not be missed!
10. Pandan Chiffon Cake
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This fluffy and spongy cake with Indonesian/Malaysian roots is widely eaten across Singapore. The primary ingredient of this dessert is the Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) leaves that add an authentic flavor with its juice and give a natural green color to the cake. This is a must-try!
Owing to its rich multi-ethnic culture, Singapore is gifted with exceptionally distinct flavors and dishes. It is a culinary heaven for people who love food. This catalog of famous food items, including Chili Crabs, Martabak Manis, Satay, etc., is surely not an exhaustive list, but we believe you will get a true taste of Singaporean cuisine with the items listed above. Enjoy!
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