Most Popular Singaporean Dishes - You Must Try

Despite its small size, Singapore is a country that offers a diverse range of experiences to explore. One aspect that should not be missed while visiting Singapore is its food scene. With its rich cultural blend of Asian ethnicities, this destination is a foodie's paradise. The international culinary options are also plentiful, allowing visitors to enjoy any cuisine they desire. However, for those seeking a true culinary adventure, it is essential to sample the famous Asian treats and signature dishes that Singapore is renowned for. As a melting pot of cultures, Singapore's food scene offers a variety of dining experiences, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants, that cater to every taste preference. So, if you are planning a trip to this vibrant city-state, make sure to add these mouth-watering dishes to your must-try list.

Kaya Toast

Start your day right with Kaya Toast. It's a simple but delicious dish that consists of toasted loaves of bread and a layer of Kaya, a smooth custard made with coconut cream, pandan leaves, sugar, and eggs. Locals frequently enjoy it for breakfast, usually with a rich cup of coffee and soft-boiled eggs. The kaya toast is a part of Singapore's kopi tiam culture, and you can get a takeaway from Ya Kun, Bread Talk, or Killiney Kopitiam. This dish is extremely addicting because of the flavourful contrasts between the savoury eggs and the strong coffee. It's a perfect start to your day in Singapore.

 

Singapore Chicken Rice

Tuck into Singapore Chicken rice for a sumptuous lunch or dinner. Singaporeans have made this Hainanese dish their preferred meal, and it can be found in every corner of the city. With Cantonese influences, you will find chilli oil, braised meats in soy sauce, but the basic ingredients are poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, served with chili and ginger sauce. It's juicy, and incredibly tender, and the spicy chili and ginger sauce adds a kick. The fragrant rice forms a base for the flavours to balance out. In Singapore, this dish is often tagged as its national dish and is an absolute must-try. Head to Maxwell Food Centre, Boon Tong Kee or Hawker Chan for the best versions of Chicken Rice.

Chilli Crabs

Chilli Crab is one of the most beloved dishes in Singapore's flavour palette. This dish features a whole crab cooked in a spicy, thick and tangy tomato sauce infused with garlic, ginger, beaten eggs, and red peppers, creating a flavourful and aromatic combination that pairs perfectly with the succulent crab meat. The crab is the star of the dish and the delicacy has a delicious umami to it. There is an explosion of flavour in your mouth as soon as you take the first bite. Chilli Crab is traditionally eaten with mantou, a type of steamed bun that is used to soak up the delicious sauce. If you are a seafood lover and looking to try something truly Singaporean, then Chilli Crab is a must-try dish that will leave you craving for more. Check out Red House Sea Food, Holy Crab and restaurants in Upper Thomson to enjoy a sumptuous serving of this popular dish.

Fried Carrot Cake

Though it mentions carrot, you will be surprised to find that this dish isn’t orange hued at all! It often has a monochromatic hue, sometimes with brown charred texture depending on how it is prepared. Commonly known as Chai tow kway , fried carrot cake actually doesn't have carrots in it but is made out of white radishes mixed with rice or tapioca flour, then steamed or blanched and then cut into cubes which are stir-fried in soya sauce or flavoured with beaten egg over it. The dish is eaten as a delightful snack or appetizer by the locals. It was perhaps named as carrot cakes since radishes were loosely translated as carrots in Asia long ago. You can savour some at places like Redhill, and Marine Parade in Singapore.

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is another dish that is incredibly popular in Singapore. This rice based dish comes all the way from Malaysia and has become an instant favourite with Singapore locals. The rice is cooked in coconut milk till its creamy and fragrant creating a rich and flavourful base for the toppings. This fragrant coconut rice dish is served with various toppings such as fried fish or chicken, fish paste, anchovies, cucumber, and a chilli-infused sauce known as sambal. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours in Nasi Lemak is what makes it so unique and delicious. The best spots to check out a delicious Nasi Lemak lunch is at Coconut Club, Mount Faber Nasi Lemak, Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak and Mizzy Corner.

Satay

Lastly, satay is another dish that surely features as the top 10 dishes in Singapore you won't want to miss. Typically made of chicken or beef, satays are slow-grilled meats with a smoky, charred flavour and texture that are served with cucumber and peanut sauce. This is the most popular grab-and-go food at Singapore's hawker stalls and restaurants. The meat is tender and flavourful, and the peanut sauce gives the dish a creamy, nutty flavour. Although there are many satay variations, each one adds a distinctive cultural twist, making it one of Singapore's most popular street foods. Satay is definitely worth trying if you enjoy grilled meat and dipping sauces; the best varieties can be found at Arab Street, Telok Ayer Market and Lau Pa Sat.

Conclusion

Singapore's food scene is incredibly diverse and offers something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of spicy soups or hearty meat dishes, Singapore has it all. You can find a wholesome range of food to satiate your taste buds in Singapore. It is impossible to turn away from the tempting flavours of Singaporean chicken rice, satays and kaya toast which are beloved staples of locals in Singapore. Set forth to Little India, Joo Chiat Kampong Gelam where you can find yourself spoilt with choices on what to devour. Likewise, many restaurants offer the best of Singapore’s popular dishes for you to enjoy. So, the next time you find yourself in Singapore, make sure you come with an open mind and an empty stomach. Whether you are a foodie or simply looking for a good meal, Singapore is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.