Singapore is a little island city-state located at the bottom tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Due to its location, it has had various cultural influences over the years. As the melting pot of several cultures, this city-state offers some amazing culinary experiences that are hard to find anywhere else. If you love to plan your travels around your culinary choices, Singapore has a lot to offer. Here is a list of things you should try to get a real taste of Singapore’s culinary scene.
1. Hawker Centres
A discussion on Singapore’s culinary scene is incomplete without the mention of its hawker centres. Designed in the form of open-air food courts, these centres offer a variety of affordable local dishes that you can enjoy in a casual setting. You should definitely visit the renowned Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown Complex Food Centre during your trip to enjoy authentic hawker dishes, such as Hainanese Chicken Rice, Char Kway Teow, and Laksa.
2. Seafood Delights
If you love seafood, Singapore has plenty of delectable seafood dishes to offer. Do not forget to try the famous chilli crab, which is spicy and sweet in taste, served with a sauce (chilli paste, garlic, and tomato) packed with flavours. The black pepper crab is also worth a try. It offers a smoky and spicy kick from freshly cracked black pepper. If you are looking for good places to have these must-try dishes in Singapore, Jumbo Seafood and Long Beach Seafood are some great options to consider.
3. Peranakan Cuisine
In Singapore, you have the option to experience a delicious blend of Chinese and Malay cooking, known as Peranakan cuisine (or Nyonya cuisine). These dishes are aromatic and rich in spices and use ingredients like tamarind and coconut milk. Some of the most popular Peranakan dishes include ayam buah keluak and Nyonya laksa. You can find these unique dishes at restaurants like Candlenut. It is the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant.
4. Michelin-Starred Dining
If you are interested in having a refined dining experience during your trip to Singapore, you should check out the fine dining restaurants in the area. You will be glad to know that Singapore has several Michelin-starred restaurants that offer some great dishes in a luxurious setting. The most popular choices include the following:
- Burnt Ends: This modern Australian barbecue joint earned its first and only Michelin star in 2018. If you want to explore delicious grilled meats and seafood with a dynamic dining experience, you should definitely check this one out.
- Restaurant Andre: This two-Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its innovative French cuisine. While the restaurant offers a unique and unforgettable experience, you often need to reserve your tables several months in advance.
- Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle: This Michelin-starred hawker stall is known for its very own version of the city’s favourite chicken rice at an affordable rate. In fact, it is considered one of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants.
5. Local Desserts
When in Singapore, it will be a big miss if you do not try the unique desserts that reflect the diverse cultural influences of the country. You can find kaya toast, a traditional snack that is made using toasted bread, kaya (a sweet coconut jam), and a soft-boiled egg. Then, there is Cendol, a refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, pandan-flavoured jelly, coconut milk, and red beans. While trying all these sweet treats, you should also give durian a try. Known as the “king of fruits,” durian offers a creamy, custard-like texture inside.
Conclusion
Singapore’s culinary scene is all about trying new flavours. From an array of delicious street food to Michelin-starred dining experiences, the country has something for everyone. So whenever you visit Singapore, be adventurous and step out of your comfort zone. Explore the bustling hawker centres, try mouthwatering seafood, and if you want to try something fancy, check out the fine dining restaurants. The fusion of food and culture in Singapore won’t disappoint you.