Singapore, also known as the "Lion Island Nation," is a small island country that holds many interesting features. Its cuisine is influenced by various cultures, offering a blend of Indonesian, Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian flavors. This fusion creates a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Here are 10 famous dishes that tourists must try when visiting the "Culinary Capital of Asia."
1.Chilli Crab
Singaporeans are very proud of their traditional Chilli Crab. The main ingredients of this dish are crab cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, with a variety of spices. Chilli Crab is typically served with fried buns or bread to dip into the rich, spicy, and savory sauce.
The dish is prepared in two stages—first boiled, then fried to ensure the crab meat doesn’t stick to its shell.
2.Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a dish originally from Hainan, China, but it is very popular in Singapore. It is usually served with cucumber and various dipping sauces like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and finely chopped chili, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The rice is cooked in chicken broth and coconut milk, making it rich and flavorful. Visitors to Singapore often choose this dish for lunch or dinner.
3.Laksa
Laksa is a unique dish with a strong, bold flavor and an eye-catching "fiery" appearance. It is a perfect combination of noodles and seafood. The dish consists of noodles cooked in a spicy coconut curry broth, often served with seafood like shrimp, fish cakes, eggs, and chicken. This is a famous dish that perfectly blends Malaysian and Chinese culinary cultures.
4.Fish Head Curry
Fish Head Curry is a dish that is unique to Singapore, a place where cultural fusion is prominent. It combines the spices of South Indian curry with a fish head, often the head of a red snapper, simmered with curry and a mix of vegetables like okra and eggplant. It is typically eaten with rice to enjoy the flavorful curry sauce.
5.Kaya Toast
Kaya is a sweet spread made from sugar, coconut milk, eggs, and pandan leaves. A must-try breakfast dish in Singapore, Kaya Toast consists of two slices of toasted bread spread with butter and kaya. It is often served with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of coffee or tea.
6.Biryani Rice
Biryani is an Indian-origin dish that is also very popular in Singapore. The main ingredients include rice cooked with aromatic spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves, and served with meat like beef or chicken. Many restaurants substitute the meat with eggs or potatoes, making the dish more versatile. Biryani is a unique fusion of South Asian, Indonesian, and Malay culinary influences.
7.Dimsum
Dimsum, originally from Hong Kong/Shanghai, is a popular breakfast or snack in Singapore. It consists of various small dishes such as salted egg buns, steamed dumplings, Siew Mai (pork, mushroom, or seafood filling), BBQ pork buns, and shrimp rolls. These are often steamed and highly nutritious.
8.Hokkien Mee
Hokkien Mee is a traditional and widely enjoyed dish in Singapore. The main ingredient is Hokkien noodles, which are fried in a pork and shrimp broth and served with shrimp, squid, chicken, pork, fish cakes, and water spinach. You can add chili sauce and lime juice to enhance the flavor.
9.Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is a traditional dish originating from Malaysia but widely popular in Singapore. It consists of rice cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with fried fish or chicken, eggs, sliced cucumber, and peanuts. It is often served on a fresh banana leaf or brown paper. Visitors to Singapore should not miss this signature coconut rice dish.
10.Wanton Mee
Wanton Mee, influenced by Hong Kong cuisine, is an integral part of Singapore’s culinary culture. The Singaporean style of Wanton Mee is typically served "dry," with a light sweet sauce, slices of roasted or charred pork, and wontons filled with minced pork, accompanied by a small bowl of soup. You can enjoy it either spicy with chili or non-spicy with tomato sauce.
