Singapore’s cuisine is a rich mosaic of cultural flavors, reflecting the city-state’s multi-ethnic heritage. The local food scene is vibrant and diverse, bringing together Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan, and other Southeast Asian influences. Here’s a guide to some of Singapore’s iconic dishes and where to find them for an unforgettable culinary experience.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese chicken rice is Singapore’s unofficial national dish, simple yet immensely popular. In the traditional recipe, the chicken is poached and then quickly cooled, creating a silky texture. The rice, cooked in chicken broth with garlic, ginger, and pandan leaves, absorbs all the savory flavors. Served with a spicy chili sauce, dark soy sauce, and minced ginger, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. One of the best places to experience an authentic version is Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice in central Singapore.
Address: 101 Thomson Road, 1-08 United Square
Hokkien Mee
Singapore’s Hokkien Mee is a beloved local twist on a classic Fujian dish, blending egg and rice noodles that are braised in a deep, savory prawn stock until they’re infused with rich, briny flavor. This aromatic base is then stir-fried with tender slices of egg, pork, juicy prawns, and squid, creating a dish that’s both comforting and full of umami. Served with a squeeze of lime and a side of spicy sambal, each bite offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors that showcase Singapore’s vibrant culinary heritage. is a treasure trove of delicious bites for both locals and visitors, so it’s no surprise that it houses a popular stall for Hokkien Mee. Nam Sing Hokkien Mee, a staple since 1963, has been dishing out steaming plates of their signature noodles daily, delighting patrons with its time-honored flavors.
Chilli Crab
Chilli crab is a messy, hands-on experience, but it’s well worth it. Typically, the crab is cooked in a sauce made from sambal (chili paste), tomato, garlic, and egg, creating a flavor profile that’s spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet. Served with bread to soak up the rich sauce, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. A popular spot to enjoy chilli crab is the Matchbox-sized Mattar Road Seafood. The owner claims his recipe dates back to the 1950s, and he devotes two days each week to preparing his sambal and letting it rest. The result is an addictive balance of sweet, spicy, and sour.
Address: Old Airport Road Food Centre
Laksa
Laksa is a rich, spicy noodle soup that embodies the city’s vibrant fusion of flavors. This dish combines rice noodles in a fragrant coconut milk and curry-based broth, enriched with a tantalizing blend of spices. Topped with prawns, fish cakes, tofu puffs, and a garnish of fresh herbs, Singapore Laksa is creamy, spicy, and full of umami. Often served with a side of sambal chili and a squeeze of lime, each bowl is a comforting and flavorful reflection of Singapore’s diverse culinary heritage. Famous as Janggut Laksa or The Original Katong Laksa, this spot is renowned for its unique twist: crayfish laksa, the house specialty. Founded by Ng Juat Swee in the 1940s, this laksa variation is known for its extra creamy broth. Each bowl is generously topped with prawns, fishcakes, cockles, and fresh laksa leaves, creating a rich, flavorful experience unlike the usual laksa found elsewhere.
Dim Sum
Dim sum in Singapore has gained its own character, influenced by both traditional Chinese cuisine and local tastes. At Din Tai Fung, a beloved dim sum chain, you’ll find expertly crafted dumplings like xiao long bao (soup dumplings) filled with pork or truffle. These steamed delicacies are made with thin, silky dough that holds savory broth and filling inside. Dim sum here is not just food; it’s a delicate, flavorful art form.
Address: Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Rd
Satay
Satay, grilled meat on skewers served with a rich peanut sauce, is a favorite evening snack in Singapore. At Lau Pa Sat, an iconic hawker center, vendors set up street-side stalls, and the smell of smoky chicken, beef, and prawn satay fills the air. Lau Pa Sat’s Victorian architecture and bustling atmosphere make it a memorable spot to enjoy this savory dish, particularly with a cold drink.
Address: 18 Raffles Quay
Century Eggs
Century eggs, an acquired taste, are a Chinese delicacy with a unique preparation. These eggs, typically made from duck, chicken, or quail, are preserved in a saline solution for several weeks, developing a dark, translucent exterior and a creamy, savory yolk. Their umami-rich flavor and smooth texture make them an interesting dish for those willing to try something new. Din Tai Fung serves century eggs with a touch of elegance.
Address: Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Rd
Nasi Padang
Nasi Padang offers a taste of Indonesian cuisine and is similar to a thali. A variety of small dishes—vegetables, meats, and curries—are served with rice, making for a colorful, flavorful meal. HJH Maimunah is a well-known restaurant for this dish, offering specialties like beef rendang and unusual delicacies like lemak siput (snails in coconut curry). Many locals enjoy their meal with a classic Milo drink, which comes in versions like the “Milo Dinosaur” or “Milo Godzilla.”
Address: Jalan Pisang
Fish Ball Soup
Fish ball soup is another classic comfort food, often enjoyed at hawker centers. The broth is light and clear, flavored with garlic and onions, and served with bouncy, handmade fish balls. The dish is simple yet flavorful, ideal for those new to local seafood. Chinatown Food Street offers a great selection, with various stalls serving fish ball soup along with other Singaporean favorites.
Address: Chinatown Food Street, Smith Street, Chinatown
8. Kaya Toast
For breakfast or a quick snack, Singaporeans love kaya toast, a sweet and satisfying treat. Kaya is a spread made from coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and pandan, slathered on toasted bread and often paired with a pat of butter. Enjoy it with a cup of kopi (local coffee) for a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. Tong Ah Eating House is a beloved spot for kaya toast, though Killiney Kopitiam also offers great versions across the city.
Address: Tong Ah Eating House, 35 Keong Saik Road
Picks for the Pantry
If you love cooking as much as eating, Singapore’s markets are an adventure in themselves. Supermarkets like NTUC FairPrice and local markets like Tiong Bahru Market stock a variety of ingredients perfect for bringing a taste of Singapore back home. From bottles of sambal and laksa paste to dried tropical fruits, these items make for great souvenirs. Chinatown’s teahouses offer a variety of Chinese teas for tea enthusiasts to enjoy.
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