Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects that. From Chinese to Indian to Malay influences, there’s no shortage of amazing dishes to try. If you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary adventure, here are the best local foods to taste and where you can find them.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
One of Singapore’s most iconic dishes is Hainanese Chicken Rice. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal of poached chicken and fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock. The dish is served with sliced cucumbers, a side of chili sauce, and usually dark soy sauce.
Where to try it:
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre is often mentioned as one of the best spots for this dish. Even Gordon Ramsay has visited! You can also head to Boonsong Kee along Balestier Road for another local favorite.
Chili Crab
This is another must-try dish when you’re in Singapore. Sweet, spicy, and a little messy, Chili Crab is cooked in a thick tomato-and-chili-based sauce that’s finger-licking good. Pair it with some steamed or fried buns (mantou) to soak up all that sauce!
Where to try it:
No Signboard Seafood is known for having some of the best Chili Crab in Singapore. Jumbo Seafood at Clarke Quay and East Coast Lagoon Food Village are also top recommendations for those wanting to experience this local favorite.
Laksa
If you’re into spicy noodle soup, you can’t leave Singapore without trying Laksa. It’s a rich, coconut-based dish filled with rice noodles, shrimp, fish cakes, and sometimes chicken. The broth is spicy, savory, and creamy all in one bowl.
Where to try it:
Head to 328 Katong Laksa on East Coast Road. Locals love this family-run joint for its authenticity. Another great spot is Sungei Road Laksa, where they offer a charcoal-cooked version which is rare to find.
Char Kway Teow
This local noodle dish is stir-fried with eggs, prawns, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts, with a touch of dark soy sauce for sweetness and depth. The noodles are usually cooked over high heat, resulting in a smoky, caramelized flavor.
Where to try it:
Hill Street Fried Kway Teow at Bedok South will satisfy your cravings. They’re famous for their balanced flavors of sweet and savory. Another good option is Lorong 29 Famous Char Kway Teow in Geylang.
Satay
If you love grilled meat skewers, you’ll want to try Satay in Singapore. Pieces of chicken, beef, or mutton are marinated with a mix of spices before being grilled over charcoal. They’re served with a rich, nutty peanut sauce and rice cakes on the side.
Where to try it:
Try Lau Pa Sat in the evening. This historic hawker center turns into Satay Street at night, with numerous vendors grilling up skewers. Another popular spot is East Coast Lagoon Food Village for an authentic experience by the sea.
Kaya Toast
This dish is more of a breakfast or snack option. Kaya toast is made of crispy toasted bread spread with kaya, a rich coconut and egg jam. You’ll usually find it served with soft-boiled eggs on the side and a cup of strong local coffee.
Where to try it:
Ya Kun Kaya Toast is probably the most famous chain for this dish and can be found in various locations in the city. Another excellent option is Killiney Kopitiam, one of the oldest coffee shops in Singapore.
Hokkien Mee
This dish is a stir-fry of thick yellow noodles with prawns, squid, and egg, often finished with a light, savory seafood-based broth. It’s full of umami flavor, and you’ll usually get a slice of lime and some sambal on the side for extra kick.
Where to try it:
Chomp Chomp Food Centre is where many locals go for a plate of Hokkien Mee. Another well-known spot is Geylang Lor 29 Hokkien Mee, which has been around for decades.
Fish Head Curry
Singapore’s Fish Head Curry is a blend of Indian and Chinese influences. It’s a tangy and spicy dish with a whole fish head simmered in a rich curry sauce. While it might sound unusual, the tender fish cheek and gelatinous parts are highly prized by locals.
Where to try it:
You can’t go wrong with Muthu’s Curry in Little India. It’s been serving this famous dish since 1969. Another solid choice is Samy’s Curry at Dempsey Hill.
Roti Prata
Roti Prata is a type of flatbread originating from Indian settlers. It’s usually served with curry for dipping, or sometimes it’s filled with ingredients like egg, cheese, or chicken. It’s crispy on the outside, soft and doughy on the inside.
Where to try it:
The Roti Prata House on Upper Thomson is a favorite for a reason. Another good choice is Springleaf Prata Place, which also offers unique flavors like salted egg yolk and murtabak-style Prata.
Wanton Mee
Wanton Mee is a noodle dish topped with char siu (barbecued pork), wontons, and vegetables. It can be served dry or with a light broth. The dry version often has a sweet-salty sauce and is usually accompanied by pickled green chili.
Where to try it:
Fei Fei Wanton Mee in Joo Chiat is famous for its springy noodles and tasty wontons. For another excellent option, head to Kok Kee Wanton Mee at Lavender Food Square.
Bak Kut Teh
This pork rib soup features a peppery broth with garlic and other spices. Bak Kut Teh translates to “pork bone tea,” though there’s no actual tea in the dish. The tea that accompanies the dish helps to wash down the sometimes fatty ribs.
Where to try it:
Most locals will recommend Song Fa Bak Kut Teh on New Bridge Road for its peppery broth and tender ribs. Alternatively, give Founder Bak Kut Teh a try. They’ve been serving this dish since 1978.
Tips for Finding Authentic Local Cuisine
- Visit hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre, Amoy Street Food Centre, and Old Airport Road Food Centre. These places are filled with affordable, local food options.
- Ask locals for their recommendations. Singaporeans are proud of their food, and they’ll be more than happy to point you to the best spots.
- Don’t hesitate to try smaller stalls or places that don’t look fancy. Some of the best food in Singapore comes from humble hawker stalls.
Exploring Singapore’s food scene is one of the best ways to experience the city’s culture. Whether you’re enjoying a plate of Hainanese Chicken Rice at a hawker stall or treating yourself to Chili Crab by the seaside, you’sre in for a delicious adventure!
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