Food is a big part of everyday life in Singapore. Whether you want to grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely meal, there’s something for everyone’s taste. The city may be small, but its food scene is world-class and deeply rooted in its diverse heritage.
Singapore’s food culture is built on influences from its Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan communities. That means you won’t just find incredible Singaporean dishes here, but also foods from all over Southeast Asia. If you’re heading to Singapore, here’s a guide on what to eat and where to find it.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
This dish is considered Singapore’s national dish. It’s simple but bursting with flavor. You get tender, poached chicken served on fragrant rice that’s cooked with chicken broth. The rice is often served with a tasty mix of sauces including chili, soy sauce, and ginger paste.
Head to Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice in Maxwell Food Centre or Wee Nam Kee for a great experience.
Chilli Crab
Chilli crab is a must-try. This iconic Singaporean dish consists of hard-shell crab cooked in a thick, sweet, and mildly spicy tomato sauce. You’ll want to soak up the sauce with steamed or fried buns, known locally as mantou.
For some good chilli crab, you can visit No Signboard Seafood, Jumbo Seafood, or Long Beach.
Laksa
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk base. You’ll usually find it loaded with prawns, sliced fishcakes, and eggs. There are two key styles in Singapore: Katong laksa, where noodles are cut short for easy eating with a spoon, and the Peranakan version, which has a spicier broth.
Grab a bowl at 328 Katong Laksa, which is one of the best places to try this dish.
Hokkien Mee
This stir-fried noodle dish is another favorite. You’ll get egg noodles and rice vermicelli fried in a seafood broth with prawns, squid, and eggs. Lime wedges and sambal chili are usually served on the side to add a bit of zest and spice.
Try Nam Sing Hokkien Mee in Old Airport Road Food Centre for a tasty plate of Hokkien Mee.
Satay
I love satay: grilled skewers of marinated meat that are served with peanut sauce. Typically, you’ll find options like chicken, beef, and mutton satay. It’s a great snack to share or have as a main meal.
For the best experience, head to Lau Pa Sat, where satay stalls take over after sunset.
Kaya Toast
No trip to Singapore is complete without tasting kaya toast. This breakfast favorite features thin slices of toasted bread slathered with kaya, a sweet coconut jam, and butter. It’s usually enjoyed with some soft-boiled eggs and black coffee or tea.
Some of the popular spots for kaya toast are Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Toast Box.
Char Kway Teow
This dish is a must if you enjoy fried noodles. Char kway teow consists of flat rice noodles stir-fried with prawns, Chinese sausage, and eggs. The secret is in the mix of soy sauce and the use of pork lard for frying, which adds richness to the dish.
Locals love to go to Hill Street Char Kway Teow for this popular dish.
Carrot Cake
Don’t be fooled by the name! This Singaporean-style “carrot cake” is not a dessert, but rather a savory dish made from white radish (daikon). The fried cakes are mixed with eggs and sometimes seasoned with black sweet soy sauce or served “white” without it.
You can try carrot cake at Lorong 29 Fried Hokkien Mee or at any hawker center.
Roti Prata
Roti prata is a crispy flatbread that is typically served with a side of curry for dipping. This Indian-influenced dish can also come in sweet versions filled with sugar, banana, or even chocolate.
Check out Mr. and Mrs. Moghan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata for some of the best roti prata in Singapore.
Nasi Lemak
Nasi lemak is a Malay dish consisting of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and served with crispy fried fish or chicken, peanuts, hard-boiled egg, ikan bilis (anchovies), cucumber, and sambal.
One of the best places to try this is at Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak in Adam Road Food Centre.
Popiah
Popiah is a fresh spring roll stuffed with various ingredients like boiled eggs, shrimp, bean sprouts, lettuce, and seasoned vegetables, all wrapped in a thin rice skin. It’s light but satisfying and makes for an excellent snack.
You can grab popiah at Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah.
Fish Head Curry
Fish head curry is a specialty that combines a whole fish head cooked in Indian-style curry with vegetables like eggplant and okra. The broth is thick and often quite spicy, making it a bold and flavorful dish.
Try Muthu’s Curry or Banana Leaf Apolo for a memorable fish head curry experience.
Where to Eat in Singapore
Hawker Centres
If you want to experience Singaporean food culture without breaking the bank, hawker centres are your go-to places. These are open-air food courts with a wide range of stalls serving all kinds of local eats at affordable prices.
Some of the most popular hawker centres include Newton Food Centre, Maxwell Food Centre, and Old Airport Road Food Centre. Here you’ll find everything from chicken rice to laksa, Hokkien mee, and more.
Local Neighborhoods
Different neighborhoods in Singapore have their own food specialties. For instance, Little India is where you can find amazing Indian dishes like roti prata and fish head curry.
Chinatown has endless options for Chinese food, including bak kut teh (a pork rib soup). Lastly, Kampong Glam, which is the Malay district, offers delicious nasi lemak and satay.
Fine Dining
If you’re looking to splurge, Singapore also has some excellent fine dining options. Famous restaurants like Odette or Burnt Ends offer modern Singaporean cuisine with a creative twist, using local ingredients in innovative ways.
Tips on Exploring the Food Scene
Food in Singapore is not just delicious but also accessible. You don’t have to travel far to find hawker stalls or markets in almost any part of the city.
If you’re short on time, consider signing up for a food tour. There are several companies like Wok ‘n’ Stroll that offer guided food tours to show you the hidden gems in different neighborhoods.
One last tip: stay hydrated. It’s hot and humid in Singapore, and indulging in spicy food can make you sweat. Drink plenty of water and eat at your own pace.
Happy eating!
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