Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, and one of the highlights of my trip was exploring its diverse culinary scene. From the sizzling wok-fried noodles of Chinatown to the fragrant curries in Little India, the city offers a melting pot of flavors that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a street food enthusiast or prefer fine dining, Singapore has something to satisfy every palate. In this article, I’ll take you through some of the must-try dishes and where to find them, based on my own food adventures in the city.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
If there’s one dish that defines Singaporean cuisine, it’s Hainanese Chicken Rice. This seemingly simple dish of poached chicken served with fragrant rice and a trio of sauces (chili, ginger, and dark soy sauce) is an absolute must-try. The flavors are clean, comforting, and well-balanced.
Where to Try It: While you’ll find chicken rice almost everywhere in Singapore, one of the most famous places to sample it is Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre. The chicken is tender and succulent, and the rice is perfectly seasoned. I had it for lunch and was amazed at how such a simple dish could be so flavorful.
2. Chili Crab
One of Singapore’s most iconic dishes, Chili Crab is a seafood lover’s dream. The crab is cooked in a sweet, spicy, and savory tomato-based sauce that has just the right amount of heat. Eating chili crab is a hands-on experience—you’ll have to roll up your sleeves, crack open the shells, and dip the succulent crab meat into the rich sauce.
Where to Try It: For some of the best chili crab in town, head to Jumbo Seafood at East Coast Seafood Centre. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but the experience is worth it. Pair it with fried mantou (Chinese buns) to soak up all that delicious sauce. I enjoyed my meal overlooking the ocean, which added to the experience.
3. Laksa
A bowl of Laksa is a must for anyone who loves rich, spicy, and flavorful dishes. This noodle soup is made with a coconut milk-based curry broth, often featuring a combination of prawns, fish cakes, tofu puffs, and rice noodles. The balance between the spicy broth and the creamy coconut milk makes for a unique and comforting dish.
Where to Try It: I tried Laksa at 328 Katong Laksa, located in the Katong area, and it lived up to the hype. The noodles are cut short, so you can easily eat it with a spoon, and the broth was rich without being too heavy. It’s one of those dishes that leaves you craving more even after you’re full.
4. Satay
Satay is a popular street food dish in Singapore, consisting of skewered and grilled meat served with a side of peanut sauce, rice cakes, and a cucumber-onion salad. The meat—often chicken, beef, or lamb—is marinated in a blend of spices before being grilled to perfection, giving it a smoky, charred flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy peanut sauce.
Where to Try It: Lau Pa Sat is famous for its Satay Street, where several stalls grill satay over an open flame in the evening. The smoky aroma fills the air, making it impossible to resist. I sampled chicken and lamb satay, and both were juicy and flavorful, especially when dipped in the rich peanut sauce.
5. Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, egg, Chinese sausage, prawns, and bean sprouts, all tossed together in a dark soy sauce. This dish is smoky, savory, and slightly sweet, with a hint of spice. The key to a good Char Kway Teow is the “wok hei” (the charred, smoky flavor from the wok).
Where to Try It: Hill Street Fried Kway Teow is one of the best-known places to try this dish. I visited their stall at Chinatown Complex Food Centre, and the noodles had just the right amount of smokiness and were well-balanced with the savory and sweet flavors. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish, perfect after a day of exploring.
6. Roti Prata
For breakfast or a quick snack, Roti Prata is an excellent choice. This Indian flatbread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with a side of curry for dipping. Whether you prefer it plain, stuffed with egg, or even with cheese, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal.
Where to Try It: Springleaf Prata Place is a popular spot for Roti Prata, and they offer a variety of fillings, including some more creative options like Prata with mozzarella or even murtabak (a stuffed, thicker version of prata). I tried the classic plain prata with fish curry, and the combination was heavenly—crispy, flaky bread with rich, flavorful curry.
7. Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is a traditional Malay dish that consists of fragrant coconut rice served with fried fish or chicken, sambal (spicy chili paste), crispy anchovies, peanuts, and a boiled egg. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish incredibly satisfying, with the sweetness of the coconut rice balancing out the heat of the sambal.
Where to Try It: Changi Village Hawker Centre is famous for its Nasi Lemak stalls. I tried the dish at International Muslim Food Stall Nasi Lemak, and the rice was perfectly cooked, while the sambal had just the right amount of spice. It’s a great dish to start your day or enjoy as a light lunch.
8. Kaya Toast and Soft-Boiled Eggs
If you’re looking for a simple, traditional Singaporean breakfast, Kaya Toast is a must-try. Kaya is a sweet coconut and egg jam, spread on toasted bread with butter, and often served with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of kopi (local coffee). The mix of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors makes it the perfect way to start the day.
Where to Try It: Ya Kun Kaya Toast is a well-known chain that specializes in this classic breakfast. I stopped by their outlet in Bugis, and the combination of kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and strong coffee hit all the right notes. It’s a simple yet iconic part of Singaporean food culture.
9. Fish Head Curry
One of the more unique dishes I tried in Singapore was Fish Head Curry. This South Indian dish consists of a whole fish head cooked in a spicy, tangy curry with vegetables like okra and eggplant. The fish is tender, and the curry is packed with bold flavors from the spices and tamarind.
Where to Try It: I tried Fish Head Curry at Muthu’s Curry on Race Course Road, and it was an unforgettable experience. The curry was rich and flavorful, and while the idea of eating a fish head might sound intimidating, the tender meat from the cheeks and collar was absolutely delicious.
10. Ice Kacang
For dessert, Ice Kacang is a refreshing treat, especially on a hot day in Singapore. It’s a mound of shaved ice topped with colorful syrups, sweet corn, grass jelly, red beans, and evaporated milk. The mix of textures and flavors makes it a unique dessert that’s both cooling and satisfying.
Where to Try It: Head to any hawker center or dessert stall, but I particularly enjoyed the version at Mei Heong Yuen Dessert in Chinatown. The ice was finely shaved, and the toppings were generously served, making it the perfect way to cool down after a day of exploring.
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s culinary scene is a reflection of its multicultural identity, with Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences all coming together to create a food culture that’s both diverse and delicious. From street food at hawker centers to more indulgent dishes at well-known restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As someone who loves exploring new cuisines, my journey through Singapore’s food scene was unforgettable.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, make sure to dive headfirst into the food culture—there’s no better way to experience the soul of Singapore.