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Buckle up for a truly sensual experience with these foods to try in Singapore, and see, feel, and taste for yourself why food is such an integral and beloved part of Singaporean culture.
While Singapore is renowned for its world cuisine, you cannot leave this cosmopolitan metropolis without treating yourself to these 20, and so many more, dishes found everywhere, from bustling food markets to fusion restaurants.
Foods to Try in Singapore
Appetizers
1 – Siu Mai (Steamed Pork Dumplings)
With its origins dating back to the Song Dynasty, Siu Mai (Chinese steamed pork dumplings) is one of Singapore’s most popular dishes. Siu Mai originated in Northern China and expanded throughout the rest of the world.
Along the way, the dish acquired several varieties to suit local preferences. The traditional version consists of pork meat and shrimp wrapped in a thin wonton wrapper that has been steamed to perfection.
They are served with a sweet soy sauce for dipping, and many Singaporean restaurants serve them as part of their appetizer selection.
2 – Popiah (Malay-Style Spring Rolls)
Popiah is a traditional Malay-style spring roll that features thin, crepe-like wrappers and a filling of julienned vegetables, egg, and shrimp. It is usually served with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Popiah is a popular snack food in Singapore and can be found at hawker centers, food courts, and even some fine-dining restaurants.
3 – Satay (Grilled Marinated Meats)
Even though satay is said to have originated on the Indonesian island of Java, it quickly spread to Singapore due to its close proximity and has since gained huge popularity here.
Satay is a popular snack, consisting of grilled marinated chicken, beef, or lamb skewers, served with a spicy peanut sauce. It is usually eaten as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal.
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Main Course
4 – Chili Crab
Visit any seafood restaurant in Singapore, and you’re sure to find this dish. It is believed that Cher Yam Tian created chili crab in the middle of the 1950s when she wanted to modify her recipe for stir-fried crab by adding bottled chili sauce to the dish.
It turned out to be so appetizing that her family convinced her to start selling the dish in its own right, and so chili crab started on its journey to becoming Singapore’s national dish.
At its core, chili crab is a seafood dish consisting of mud crabs stir-fried in a sweet, sour, and spicy tomato sauce. The sauce usually contains chili peppers, garlic, ginger, shallots, and other spices. It is usually served with mantou (Chinese steamed buns) to soak up all the delicious sauce!
5 – Bak Kut Teh (Pork Ribs Soup)
Ask anyone to name the most well-known dishes from Singapore, and they will likely mention Bak Kut Teh or Pork Rib Soup. Bak Kut Teh is a popular Singaporean dish that consists of pork ribs simmered in an herbal broth.
The broth can vary in flavor, depending on the ingredients used and who makes it. A typical Bak Kut Teh will be savory, with notes of garlic and other spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Singaporeans love to eat Bak Kut Teh with a side of plain white rice.
6 – Laksa (Spicy Noodle Soup)
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that can be found all over Southeast Asia and originates from Penang in Malaysia. In Singapore, there are two versions: Nyonya Laksa (also known as Curry Laksa) and Katong Laksa.
Nyonya Laksa is made with a coconut milk-based curry broth and served with thick rice noodles, while Katong Laksa has less moisture, and uses thinner egg noodles. Both versions are topped with bean sprouts, sliced fish cake, hard-boiled eggs, shrimp, and other toppings.
Related: Malaysian Food: 18 Dishes to Try
7 – Roti Prata (Indian-Style Flatbread)
Roti Prata is a type of Indian-style flatbread that is cooked on a griddle with generous amounts of ghee (clarified butter). It can be eaten plain or served with various condiments such as curries, sauces, and fish.
Roti Prata is a popular breakfast option in Singapore and can be found at many hawker centers or food courts around the island. It is usually served with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Related: 30 Indian Foods You Need to Try in India
8 – Kaya Toast and Soft Boiled Eggs
If you ever find yourself in this tiny metropolis amid the vastness of Southeast Asia, do check out Kaya toast. Kaya toast is arguably the most iconic Singaporean breakfast. It consists of kaya (a type of coconut-egg jam) on toast, served with butter and soft-boiled eggs.
The toast can be eaten plain or with various condiments such as sugar, margarine, or condensed milk. Kaya toast is a beloved comfort food among Singaporeans because it is simple yet flavorful.
9 – Chai Tow Kway (Carrot Cake)
Chai Tow Kway was originally known as “char kway” when Teochew immigrants first brought it to Singapore. In time, the dish gained the name “Chai Tow Kway” after the white version was popularized.
This dish is made with a combination of rice flour, egg, and white radish that is fried in a pan. It can be served plain or with various toppings such as eggs, pork slices, and chai po (preserved radish). It is often eaten as a snack or breakfast food.
10 – Hainanese Chicken Rice
This is perhaps the most iconic of all Singaporean dishes. Hainanese chicken rice is a dish made from steamed or boiled chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock and topped off with a unique chili-ginger dipping sauce.
This delicious meal can be found at almost any hawker center in Singapore. It originated from the Chinese province of Hainan but was adopted by Singaporeans as one of their national dishes.
It has a perfect balance between savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whenever I travel outside of Singapore, this meal is the one I frequently miss!
11 – Fish Head Curry
This dish is a Singaporean favorite and is made with a whole fish head cooked in a spicy curry sauce. The flavourful curry is usually served with plain white rice and complemented by an array of condiments such as pickled vegetables, sambal (chili paste), and lime wedges.
The curry is usually quite spicy, so it’s best to order your food according to your tolerance for spice. Fish head curry is available at many Indian restaurants around Singapore, but my favorite place to eat this dish is Muthu’s Curry. This hearty dish pretty much always hits the spot!
12 – Nasi Lemak (Coconut Rice)
Nasi lemak is a Malay dish consisting of coconut-flavored rice. Because coconut milk burns easily when cooked over a hot fire, the rice is traditionally steam-boiled.
Coconut milk is used in place of water to cook rice by modern-day cooks. It is traditionally served with fried anchovies, cucumber slices, hard-boiled eggs, fried fish, and a sweet chili sauce. Modern iterations of the meal now come with a wide selection of various side dishes.
13 – Hokkien Mee (Fried Noodle Dish)
Hokkien mee is a fried noodle dish that is made with thick egg noodles, prawns, squid, and pork slices cooked in a flavourful stock and has a unique savory flavor.
It is served with bean sprouts, sambal (chili paste), lime wedges, and other condiments. This dish is often sold by street vendors in Singapore and can be found in most places in Singapore.
14 – Dosa (South Indian Pancake)
This South Indian-style pancake is made with fermented rice and lentil batter that is cooked on a flat griddle. It can be served plain or stuffed with various ingredients such as potatoes, onions, and spices.
Dosa is usually served with a variety of accompaniments, such as sambar (lentil stew), coconut chutney, and tomato chutney. This dish is widely available at Indian restaurants in Singapore.
15 – Minced Meat Noodles (Bak Chor Mee)
This is a classic Singaporean dish that consists of thin egg noodles served in a flavourful soup made with pork, mushrooms, and other ingredients. It is topped off with a unique chili-vinegar sauce to give it an extra zing.
Over time, food stalls have modified the dish by adding toppings like fishballs, pork balls, fried wantons, mushrooms, and scallops. This noodle dish is a popular snack or lunch item among Singaporeans.
16 – Indian Rojak
Indian rojak is a tasty snack and is garnished with a variety of ingredients, such as deep-fried dough fritters, egg, potatoes, beansprouts, and cucumbers.
It is served with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce and can be found at most hawker centers in Singapore. This dish has an interesting mix of textures and flavors that makes it a must-try for any foodie.
17 – Roti John (Omelet Sandwich)
Roti john is a popular snack or breakfast dish which first came to prominence in Singapore in the 1960s. It consists of an omelet that is cooked with minced meat, onions, and other herbs sandwiched between baguette-like bread.
The sandwich is usually served with a spicy chili sauce and can be found at most hawker centers in Singapore. If you’re searching for a quick and tasty meal, this easy yet delicious sandwich will definitely satisfy your craving.
Sweets and Desserts
18 – Chendol
Chendol (or cendol) is a popular dessert in Southeast Asia that consists of shaved ice, red beans, pandan jelly noodles, and coconut milk. It was traditionally made from rice flour with pandan leaves extract to give it its distinct green color.
Nowadays, chendol is usually made with artificial ingredients such as green food coloring and sugar syrup instead of traditional ingredients.
Chendol has become an iconic dessert in Singapore, and it can be found at most hawker centers, food courts, or even convenience stores. It’s a must-try when visiting Singapore!
19 – Ice Kachang (Shaved Ice Dessert)
This delicious dessert consists of fine shavings of ice topped with colorful syrups and various toppings such as grass jelly, red beans, peanuts, corn, creamed corn, and agar-agar.
Ice Kachang is usually served with a creamy topping of evaporated milk or condensed milk to give it an extra sweetness. It’s perfect for hot days when you’re looking for a refreshing treat!
20 – Ice Cream Sandwich
The ice cream sandwich is a childhood favorite for many Singaporeans, and it’s even been featured on the country’s currency notes!
This treat consists of two layers of wafer cookies or rainbow bread and is filled with scoops of ice cream in between. Popular flavors include durian, mango, red bean, and chocolate. It’s the ideal snack to quell the summer heat, and it’s very affordable.
Foods to Try in Singapore Summary
A colorful, dazzling mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other Southeast Asian influences along with various European influences, Singaporean food really is like no other in the world.
These 20 dishes are a great place to start, but really are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the delicious and mouthwatering foods you can find throughout Singapore. When you visit, make food an integral part of your trip, and get exploring!
You Might Also Like to Read
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Contributor: Joanne H is a freelance writer based in Singapore. She has worked with global publications like TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, CreativeBloq, and more.