Singapore cuisine is heavily influenced by Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, and Indonesian cooking. If you haven’t been to Singapore yet, you may have little idea of what kind of food you should eat when you get there. And if you want to have the full Singapore experience, you need to eat like a local.
Not sure which places to eat in Singapore and what dishes to order? Here’s a list of must-try local dishes that are widely available in the country:
1. Chicken rice
The iconic chicken and rice dish is something you shouldn’t miss when you’re in Singapore. A simple plate of steamed rice, roasted or steamed chicken, and a variety of sides and dips, chicken rice is a humble yet delicious meal that can fill you up quickly and grace your tongue with refreshing, straightforward flavors.
2. Wanton mee
Wanton mee is a noodle dish similar to what you can find in Chinese restaurants. In this dish, wanton noodles are tossed with vegetables, sweet pork slices, and a light sauce. It is typically served with a few pieces of pork dumplings and soup.
3. Nasi lemak
This dish is made from fragrant rice, coconut milk, and pandan leaves, giving your tongue an explosion of rich flavor. When you eat nasi lemak, you can pair it with other delicious sides such as fried chicken, shrimp, eggs, or fried fish.
4. Laksa
You can’t leave Singapore without trying laksa, a flavorful combination of Chinese and Malay cuisines in one dish. Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that has several variations; you can get laksa with coconut milk, sour and spicy fish broth, and curry, among others. Although Western tastes may find laksa flavors overwhelming, it’s a gastronomic adventure that is worth taking.
5. Kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs
This dish is a traditional breakfast in Singapore. Kaya toast is just regular toast that is smeared with coconut or egg kaya, served with butter in between the slices and soft-boiled eggs on the side. If you want to eat it right, you must crack the soft-boiled eggs on a plate, put a little pepper and soy sauce, and dip the toast into the eggs while sipping coffee.
6. Oyster omelette
Also known as ‘orh lua,’ an oyster omelette is one of the most savory dishes that you can get in Singapore. It is made with eggs, potato starch, and oysters, then fried in high heat. This flavorful dish is usually dipped in a special vinegar chili.
7. Char kway teow
If you want to try the best noodle stir fry dish in Singapore, look for a stall that sells char kway teow. This local favorite is composed of rice noodles, egg, shrimp paste, dark soy sauce, and a variety of protein ingredients, creating a sweet and mildly spicy noodle dish.
Trying local food is the best way to get in touch with a country’s culture. So, if you are visiting Singapore anytime soon, keep these must-try foods in mind when walking through food stalls and rows of restaurants during your trip.
