If you’re visiting Singapore anytime soon, doing some research about the food the land has to offer is a great way to not only introduce yourself to some delicious cuisine but to immerse yourself in the culture.
Food is a defining part of the culture in Singapore, and visitors will find that to be true during their visit. The food their hails from many different cultures worldwide, so one almost feels like they’ve travelled with a single bite.
That’s why Singapore is considered a foodie heaven! With a large appetite and taste palate, the food offered in this island city-state is unlike anywhere else in the world. The variety also caters to dietary restrictions such as veganism or vegetarianism so everyone can enjoy the cuisine.
Here, we’ll talk about the different ways food is offered and sold and the top dishes to sink your teeth into as soon as you step into beautiful Singapore.
Local Dishes
The following three dishes are staples in Singapore culture and are available at most restaurants and eateries you happen to pass while on your trip.
Singapore Chilli Crab
Singapore Chilli crab is a tasty delight that originated in Singapore around the 1960s. This dish can be found at many eateries throughout Singapore, as it’s very popular and quite delicious.
Even if you aren’t fond of crab, trying a bite may have you changing your mind; visiting Singapore begs the mindset to ‘try everything’ because in a new place with a high reputation in food, why wouldn’t you?
The Singapore Chilli crab has tasty crab meat drenched in a special sauce that differs depending on where you order and can be anywhere from mild to spicy. You can even replicate it at home with this authentic Singapore Chilli crab recipe.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice is another dish one can find in the streets of Singapore. This recipe originated from Hainanese immigrants and is a timeless dish with few changes to its taste; another classic.
Those who order will enjoy poached chicken and seasoned rice, with a chilli sauce and a cucumber garnish; you can order and eat it on the street!
Laksa
Laksa is another classic Singapore dish and can be customized depending on your preference. The meal’s base is spicy noodles (with the kind changing from place to place) garnished with toppings that vary from place to place.
One can add chicken, shrimp, and fish. There are also add-ons like bread, egg, cilantro, and many other additions. It naturally depends on where you’re ordering from, but Laksa is a versatile dish.
Food Hawker Centres and Food Courts
While many places have regular food courts, Singapore has food hawker centres, which takes dining to a different level.
Food hawker centres are complexes that have open-air access. The thought behind the architecture is that it allows more airflow to help with hygiene while also making it easier for vendors and patrons to move around from stall to stall throughout the hawker.
The food hawker centres are similar to food courts because they house many different food stalls for visitors to purchase. Meanwhile, food courts in Singapore tend to have more restaurants for patrons to pick from than in other countries.
Vegetarian and Vegan Food
This section is crucial for those who indulge in vegetarian and vegan diets. You’ve probably noticed the staple foods above, such as the Singapore Chilli crab and Laksa, have included fish or meat as an addition.
Many dishes in Singapore are customized and have different ingredients depending on the area and the place you order. No need to worry; you won’t have to sit through salads for every meal during your vacation!
Many restaurants only serve vegetarian and vegan dishes. However, ADDA is a popular eatery with many different options for guests, for instance. So as long as you research before you go, there are choices to satisfy you.
Food Festivals & Markets
Because Singapore is home to many different cultures, several holidays and festivals happen throughout the year. And because Singapore has developed a reputation for its exceptional food and eateries, some festivals have been created to celebrate said food.
The World Gourmet Summit Festival, which 2021 took place from March to November, not only lets visitors indulge in the delicacies but holds different tastings with special menus at various restaurants. There are also workshops available, and it is quite an experience!
Singapore also hosts a Cocktail Festival where visitors can enjoy different mixed drinks. Very unique!
There is also the Singapore Food Festival from August to September, which includes musical events and other activities outside of the exceptional cuisine.
There are only a few festivals in Singapore; if you’re booking a trip, be sure to do some research because visiting any of these festivals would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for sure!
Night Food Markets
Night food markets are, as they say – food markets open late into the night! These night food markets are great options for those travelling all day who don’t want to worry about squeezing a meal in.
Night food markets are open all day, depending on the location. The nightlife makes them busier as the day ends, however. Most food markets are interwoven with regular shops, so you can pick up your souvenirs and grab a bite simultaneously.
It’s a unique feature and lets visitors get more out of their day since everything is open later; one can do both without worrying.
Singapore is a beautiful place to visit, and one can become introduced to many different foods and cultures there. Visitors far and wide celebrate and sing of the magnificent cuisine; it’s worth a visit from that alone.
A great mindset in Singapore is to try everything; every dish is unique and has a meaningful history. So not only does it taste good, but you’ll walk away knowing more about this unique part of the world.
