As a Singaporean, I am proud to say that my city has something for everyone when it comes to cuisine. Singapore's culinary scene reflects the city-state's rich and diverse heritage and is a unique melting pot of cultures. Visitors can experience the tastes of award-winning restaurants, hawker fare and vegetarian food to innovative gastronomic indulgences in the country.
One of Singapore's unique culinary aspects is the fusion of flavours from different cultures the Peranakan cuisine is a perfect example of this. Originating from the intermarriages between Chinese settlers who arrived in the region during the 15th century and local Malay women, this cultural fusion gave rise to a distinct cuisine much-celebrated in Singapore today.
The Cuisine
Peranakan dishes are known for their bold, aromatic flavours and the creative use of spices, herbs, and condiments. Dishes such as Laksa, a spicy noodle soup made with a rich, creamy coconut milk broth and flavoured with a blend of spices like lemongrass, turmeric, and galangal, or Ayam Buah Keluak, a chicken dish that's cooked in a spicy, tangy sauce made with tamarind and belacan (shrimp paste) are must-tries for anyone looking to experience the unique flavours of Singapore.
While speaking about the influence of communities on Singapore's gastronomic and socio-cultural fabric, it is hard to miss Indian food. Indian cuisine can be found all over the city-state, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors. Whether it is the fragrant biryanis or the crispy Dosas, the rich flavours of Indian food have become an integral part of Singapore's culinary landscape, thanks to the influence of the Indian community.
Indian Food Influences
Indian travellers to Singapore are in for a treat, thanks to the city-state's hawker centres. These open-air food courts offer many affordable choices, making them a go-to option for both locals and tourists. The Hawker Culture in Singapore, in fact, was successfully inscribed as Singapore's first element on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A visit to these hawker centres is necessary for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavours of the country. Thanks to their delicious offerings and high-quality ingredients, these centres have become popular with locals and tourists alike. Some of these include the famous Tai Hwa Pork Noodle and Liao Fan Hawker Chan Chicken Rice, both of which have received Michelin star recognition.
On the subject of eateries that have received accolades, Singapore is at the forefront as the city is home to numerous award-winning restaurants that attract food lovers worldwide. Some of these include ones that have been honoured with Michelin stars and are part of the World and Asia's 50 best restaurants for instance, Candlenut, helmed by chef Malcolm Lee, which is the world's first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant.
To bring Singapore's flavours to India, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has collaborated with Indian tastemakers and renowned chefs to showcase their signature creations under the Taste Obsession campaign. Chefs such as Alan Chan from Rempapa and Andrei Soen from Park Bench Deli have conducted pop-up events in Mumbai and Bangalore. The STB is also planning to bring in more such chefs and experts to provide a sneak peek into Singapore's lively culinary scene to Indian food enthusiasts.
Vegetarian Demands
Singapore's food scene has also evolved to accommodate the growing demand for vegan and vegetarian options. Some popular plant-based meat dishes include the Impossible Meat Burger from VeganBurg, and the Omnipork dumplings and noodles from Lotus Kitchen. Additionally, many traditional Singaporean dishes can be made vegan, such as the famous Hainanese chicken rice, which can be made with mock meat or tofu, and Laksa, which can be made with vegetable broth and plant-based protein substitutes. Singapore's cuisine is truly a melting pot of cultures that will leave you craving more.
Renjie Wong is the Area Director for India & South Asia at the Singapore Tourism Board