Singapore is where your tummy and taste buds are sure to have the best time. With the delicious aromas wafting from the thriving hawker centres to the stunning ambience and even better menus of the many Michelin-star restaurants in Singapore, you will never go hungry.
Renowned for its vibrant blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences, Singapore, often called the "little red dot," has nurtured a thriving street food scene since the 1800s, when it emerged as a bustling entrepôt. During this era, the allure of starting a street food business with minimal capital drew many away from other forms of employment.
Here are some of the famous local delicacies and where you can have them.
One of the most beloved street foods in the city is Peranakan cuisine, blending Chinese and Malay influences. This dish features thick rice vermicelli, known as bee hoon, immersed in a spicy broth enriched with coconut milk. The soup is generously filled with tender cockles, bean curd puffs (tau pok), fish cakes, and crunchy bean sprouts.
In the vibrant Katong and Joo Chiat neighbourhoods, a standout establishment for this delicacy is Katong Laksa. Here, patrons indulge in a flavourful coconut-based noodle soup that's spicy and aromatic, sprinkled with cockles, shrimp, and sliced fish cake.
Nasi lemak, a fragrant Malay rice dish typically enjoyed for breakfast or lunch in Singapore, is traditionally cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaf. It comes accompanied by a variety of sides such as fresh cucumber, omelette, crispy anchovies with peanuts, and spicy sambal chilli paste made from chilli blended with garlic, ginger, and shallots. For a more indulgent experience, options may include deep-fried chicken and turmeric-dusted fried kuning fish.
For an authentic taste of nasi lemak, Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak at 2 Adam Road #01-02, Adam Road Food Centre is highly recommended.
If you're craving authentic South Indian cuisine, look no further than Komala Vilas, a popular establishment locals and tourists love. This iconic eatery offers a diverse menu that showcases an extensive selection of vegetarian delights. Indulge in their signature dosas, which are thin, savoury crepes filled with various fillings like spiced potatoes or cheese. For a lighter option, try their idlis, steamed rice cakes that pair perfectly with flavourful chutneys and piping hot sambar, a lentil stew packed with vegetables and spices. Another popular choice is their vadas, crispy savoury doughnuts that make for a delightful accompaniment to any meal.
A much loved breakfast classic in Singapore, roti prata, often dubbed the "Asian croissant," originates from South India and is a flour-based flatbread fried on a griddle with ghee (clarified butter). This dish is celebrated for its crisp, flaky texture and rich buttery flavour. It is typically enjoyed with a side of fish or mutton curry, and for younger diners, it can be served with sugar. You can order your roti prata plain or with an egg cooked into it for added richness.
For an exceptional roti prata experience, make sure to visit Mr. & Mrs. Mohgan's Super Crispy Roti Prata, located at 7 Crane Road, within the Poh Ho Eatery. This establishment is renowned for serving some of the crispiest roti prata in Singapore. While the curry flavours here are somewhat mild, you can opt to try all three types of curry—fish, mutton, and dhal—in one go. The eatery operates daily, except for every second Monday, from 6:30 am to 1:30 pm, ensuring you can satisfy your cravings for this delightful dish almost any day of the week.
The buzzing hawker centres are must-visit spots for every food enthusiast wanting to taste the local flavours of the country.
The Chinatown Complex Food Centre stands as Singapore's largest hawker centre, boasting stalls offering diverse Chinese delicacies, ranging from dim sum to savoury roast meats. Highlights include the renowned char siu (barbecued pork) from Hua Kee Hougang Char Siew Wanton Mee and the aromatic laksa (spicy coconut noodle soup) at Katong Laksa. Among the most popular venues is Tekka Centre, an expansive hawker complex in Little India featuring over 200 stalls serving Indian, Malay, and Chinese cuisine.