When “Makan” or have you eaten, is the main greeting in Singapore, that immediately tells you something about the importance of food in the country.
On our quest for Authentic Food in Singapore, we were surprised by the depth and diversity of the local flavors.
Food in Singapore has cultural influences from everywhere, and have been assembled together to create something totally unique. You’ll find Chinese, Indonesian, Southern Indian influences and not surprisingly, a significant Malay influence.
Choosing the 12 authentic food and dishes to highlight was actually a really difficult task. The country offers so much to choose from, and there are many similarities to the food in Malaysia.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does take you on a culinary journey across the island to taste the best authentic Singapore food.
Are you ready to eat? Let’s go!
Table of contents
- 1 – Chili Crab – The National Dish of Singapore
- 2- Hainanese Chicken – Chicken Rice from Hainan Province
- 3- Nasi Lemak –Famous Malay Local Dish
- 4 – Otak-Otak – A Nyonya Cuisine Specialty
- 5 – Bak Kut Teh – Pork Rib Soup
- 6- Kaya Toast with Kopi – Singapore’s National Breakfast
- 7 – Murtabak – Stuffed Folded Omelette Pancake
- 8- Biryani – Aromatic Fried Rice Dish
- 9- Roti Prata – South Indian Flatbread
- 10- Fried Hokkien Mee – Famous Singapore Stir Fried Noodles
- 11- Char Kway Teow – Famous Local Singapore Food
- 12 – Pork Satay – Singapore’s Favorite Late Night Food
- In Summary
- Love it? Pin it!
- 12 AUTHENTIC FOOD DESTINATIONSYOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE IN A LIFETIME
1 – Chili Crab – The National Dish of Singapore
A 2011 CNN poll ranked the World’s 50 Best Foods and Singapore Chili Crab made the list at number #35.
Your visit to Singapore will not be complete without trying this famous food in Singapore which is an iconic Singaporean seafood dish. While there are ways to cook up the delicious crab, the two most famous styles are Singapore crab with a spicy tomato chili sauce and crab with black pepper sauce.
This dish is said to have been invented from a pushcart in 1956, by a husband who asked his wife to experiment with other methods of cooking crab other than steaming. After adding chili to stir-fried crab in tomato sauce, their crabs became wildly popular.
Later, a local chef added a slight twist to the dish using sambal sauce (local chili and shrimp paste), tomato paste and eggs to cook the gravy. This has now become the version most commonly served in Singapore.
Our friend Sheena, a teacher in Singapore who writes about off-beat adventures and delicious foods at estsyexplores.com, guided us through the Singapore chili crab experience.
At Mellben Seafood, one of the Singapore must-eat restaurants, we had chili crab and clay pot crab vermicelli soup (clay pot crab bee hoon) accompanied with salted egg yolk green beans.
The crabs were gigantic in size with the juiciest and succulent chunks of meat we have ever eaten. The chili crab is actually not chili or spicy despite its name. It is slathered in a thick delicious chili paste which is perfect to dip fried buns called mantous, which are served with the crab.
Chili Crab - one of the famous local foods in SingaporeThe amazingly flavorful broth of the claypot crab bee hoon soup made us melt from the first spoon of soup. The milky aromatic broth filled with meaty and chunky pieces of crab took us straight to culinary heaven. Combined with the delicate vermicelli noodles, we couldn’t help but keep slurping away at this delightful soup.
Flavorful Claypot Crab Bee Hoon - another famous local food in Singapore 
Mantous for dipping in the famous Singapore Chili CrabWhere to Eat Chili Crab in Singapore
Mellben Seafood is a local Tze Char restaurant (also spelled Che Char or Zi Char) which are uniquely Singaporean restaurants that serve home-style dishes in more elaborate settings than hawker centers. The prices are also more expensive than hawker centers, but cheaper than upscale restaurants.
This particular location was in Toa Payoh, a residential neighborhood. In the open courtyard setting are several restaurants, hawker stalls, fruit stands, and local shops.
Address: Blk 211 Toa Payoh Lorong 8 #01-11/15, Singapore 310211
Hours: Daily, 4:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Average Food Price in Singapore: SGD 55, approx $39.70 USD
Mellben Seafood, Tze Char restaurant for the best Singapore crabJumbo Seafood
While we didn’t eat here, Jumbo Seafood is also recommended by locals for their award winning chili crab.
Address: East Coast Seafood Center, Blk 1206 East Coast Parkway #01-07/08
Hours: Daily, 5:00pm – 11:00pm, Sunday’s, 12:00pm – 12:00am
Average Food Price in Singapore: SGD 50.00, approx $36.00 USD
Authentic Food Quest Tip: Explore the food in Singapore with a local guide and taste the local specialties while learning about the city’s history. Book a Singapore food tour and go deeper in one of the world’s best food cities.
2- Hainanese Chicken – Chicken Rice from Hainan Province
This is one of my favorite local Singapore foods. What I love about Hainanese chicken is that it is as succulent as it is simple. It practically melts in your mouth.
Hainanese chicken is a rice dish with juicy steamed white chicken cut into thin pieces. The chicken is served over fragrant rice with light soy sauce. The dish is topped with cilantro and sesame oil and accompanied by with a garlic-chili sauce. The rice is cooked in the chicken broth with ginger and pandan leaves giving it its unique fragrance.
This traditional food in Singapore comes from Chinese immigrants from the province of Hainan in Southern China. They kept the traditional methods of cooking the chicken and rice, which give this dish its unique flavors.
Unbelievably flavorful Hainanese chicken riceOur visit to Singapore would not have been complete if we did not eat at this stall, ranked one of the best hawker food stalls in Singapore. After waiting in line, we sat down to enjoy the most tender chicken and flavorful rice that exceeded all other chicken and rice dishes we’d had previously. Satisfied and content, we recognized that same look in diners eating close by.
Tian Tian is one of the best hawker food stalls in Singapore and celebrated for the Hainanese chicken rice. It has been popularized by celebrity chefs like Anthony Bourdain as well as voted by locals as the best chicken rice in Singapore.
Where To Eat Hainanese Chicken in Singapore
In Singapore, you will find many places where you can have Hainanese chicken. Every Singaporean has their own favorite Hainanese chicken stall.
While Tian Tian was our favorite, we also discovered Eng Kee food stall at Eunos hawker center where we were staying.
Like at Tian Tian, you also have to wait in line at this popular vendor to get this famous local Singapore food.
Address: Maxwell Road Food Center, 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore.
Hours: Everyday, 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
Average Food Price in Singapore: About SGD 3.50, approx $2.50 USD
Waiting in line at Tian Tian at Maxwell center one of the best hawker centers in SingaporeEng Kee – Eunos Food Center
Address: Eunos Food Center, 7 Eunos Crescent, Singapore.
Hours: Open every day from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Average Food Price in Singapore: About SGD 2.80, approx $2.00 USD
The queue for chicken rice at Eng Kee food stall at Eunos hawker center3- Nasi Lemak –Famous Malay Local Dish
Nasi Lemak is a Malay dish is a very popular food in Singapore. There are several ways of preparing it, though at the core, it is a rich rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf.
This popular Singapore food is typically served with deep-fried fish or chicken wings, grilled fish paste, fried anchovies and peanuts, eggs, cucumber slices, and sambal (spicy chilli paste).
Flavorful and rich, this hearty dish and best eaten when you have a big appetite.
A hearty plate of Nasi Lemak, a popular local Singapore dishWhere to Eat Nasi Lemak in Singapore
Nasi Lemak Kukus
This local joint and self-service concept is quite popular with Singapore locals. With your meal, you can have unlimited rice and sambal chili sauce. With this option, you can have Nasi Lemak with different sides and taste the local specialties all on one plate.
From experience, we found the rice to be quite addictive. When you taste it once, you’ll want to have more. For the sides, we recommend the lamb and the anchovies. These two local Singapore foods were definitely our favorites.
The food and concept is quite unique and you won’t be disappointed either by the decor. The illustrated walls, where customers can write messages, makes this local restaurant a unique venue for your food travels to Singapore.
Address: 229 Selegie Road, Singapore
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm, closed on Sundays.
Average Food Price in Singapore: About SGD 4.00, approx $2.90USD
Writing on the walls is part of the eating experience at Nasi Lemak Kukus4 – Otak-Otak – A Nyonya Cuisine Specialty
Otak Otak is a popular classic Nyonya specialty that can be found in Malaysia and Singapore alike.
Nyonya cuisine refers to the cuisine from the descendants of the early Chinese immigrants who settled in Malaysia and Singapore. The cuisine is the result of blending Chinese ingredients with various distinct spices and cooking techniques used by the Malay.
Otak Otak actually means “brains” in Malay due to its texture and shape. Not to worry however, this food in Singapore has nothing to do with brains.
This popular Singapore food is grilled or steamed fish cake made with the fillet of fish which is mixed with tapioca starch, and wrapped in a banana leaf. This dish can be eaten as a snack or as a main meal with a side of rice.
We enjoyed this dish as an appetizer and we found it light and refined in taste. A nice treat to open up to Nyonya flavors.
READ our article about discovering Nyonya food in Malaysia
Otak Otak or steamed fish cakes Where to Eat Nyonya Food in Singapore
Guan Hoe Soon is a Nyonya restaurant located in the Joo Chiat neighborhood, popularly known as a foodie haven. Opened since 1953, it is one of the oldest Nyonya restaurants in Singapore.
Dedicated to Nyonya cuisine, you will find several Nyonya specialties to enjoy including the delicious Otak-Otak.
Address: 40 Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore
Hours: Open every day, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Average Food Price in Singapore: Expect to pay SGD8.00 for Otak-Otak appetizer ($5.80 USD). A main dish costs about SGD $20.00 to $30.00, approx $15.00 to $20.00 USD
The interior of Guan Hoe Soon Nyonya Restaurant 5 – Bak Kut Teh – Pork Rib Soup
This humble dish of Chinese origin is one of the most popular Singapore foods. It is also popular in Malaysia and we actually had it in Kuala Lumpur, the capital.
Bak Kut Tey is a pork rib soup, made up of juicy pork ribs, simmered for hours in a rich herbal broth. While it sounds simple, the soup is actually highly complex and demands the right amount of peppers, garlic among other ingredients to achieve the best flavors.
The name Bak Kut Tey, literally means meat bone tea and is in reference to the Chinese tea that is consumed with this dish.
We enjoyed this delicious soup and found the broth flavorful and peppery. Not spicy, but just the right amount of flavors for a nice bite. Having boiled for hours, the pork was tender and literally fell off the bones.
A steaming bowl of Bak Kut Teh soupWhere to Eat Bak Kut Teh in Singapore
To taste this famous food in Singapore, the following restaurant was recommended by locals and rated one of the top spots to try Bak Kut Teh in Singapore.
This restaurant has been serving Singapore Bak Kut Teh for over 40 years. It is an institution that is globally famous for its meaty, pork ribs simmered in a delicious broth, using a family secret recipe.
Address: 347 Balestier Road, Singapore 329777
Hours: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm to 2:00 am (Closed on Tuesday)
Average Food Price in Singapore: Expect to pay between SGD 6.50 to SGD 10.00 (approx $4.50 USD to $7.50 USD)
Authentic Food Quest Tip: Singapore is a food obsessed country. One of the best ways to taste the culture is to take a cooking class. Learn how to cook Singapore’s most famous dishes, when you book your cooking class here.
6- Kaya Toast with Kopi – Singapore’s National Breakfast
Toast and coffee might not seem that exciting as a breakfast dish. But in Singapore, it is treasured. We first tasted Kaya Toast and Kopi (coffee) when we landed in Singapore’s Changi Airport and were immediately blown away. The taste and flavors are outstanding.
Kaya toast is toasted bread with butter and kaya, a jam made from eggs, sugar, coconut milk, and pandan leaves. Not too sweet, this is one of the most delicious jams we’ve had.
The breakfast dish is enhanced even further when paired with soft boiled eggs and a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
Kopi, the signature coffee drink comes with sugar, sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk. This famous breakfast food in Singapore is the perfect start to a new day or for a snack in the middle of the day.
Unbelievably delicious Kaya Toast and KopiWhere to Have Kaya Toast in Singapore
We had Kaya toast several times, and each time our appreciation of the flavors increased. We stumbled onto Toast Box, while escaping the rain on a chilly afternoon and enjoyed Kaya Toast and hot Kopi in a cozy environment.
Ya Kun Kaya Toast is a popular Singaporean chain with locations throughout the city. At Chiang Airport, be sure to stop at Wang Cafe for the last time or for a “welcome to Singapore” breakfast.
Address: More than 70 locations across the island
Hours: Daily, 8:00 am – 10:30 pm
Average Food Price in Singapore: Between SGD 2.00 for Kaya Toast and SGD 1.50 for Kopi, approx $1.44 USD to $1.10 USD
Address: Several locations throughout the island
Hours: Daily, 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Average Food Price in Singapore: Between SGD 2.00 for Kaya Toast and SGD 1.50 for Kopi, approx $1.44 USD to $1.10 USD
Address: Changi Airport, Terminal 1, #01-02,
Hours: Everyday, 24/7
Average Food Price in Singapore: Between SGD 2.00 for Kaya Toast and SGD 1.50 for Kopi, approx $1.44 USD to $1.10 USD
7 – Murtabak – Stuffed Folded Omelette Pancake
We love Indian food, although most of the Indian dishes we’ve had have been mostly in the U.S. Murtabak, this famous Singapore food was new to the both of us and highly recommended as a dish not to miss in Singapore.
The single place that kept coming up to have Murtabak was Zam Zam, an Indian Muslim restaurant with an international reputation.
Murtabak is a like a huge and stuffed pancake filled with either chicken, beef, and mutton, which are the most popular fillings. However, you can also find venison and sardine versions as well.
At Zam Zam, we ordered their signature chicken Murtabak. Given this calorie-laden and oversized dish, we opted to share just one.
Murtabak at ZamZam restaurant in SingaporeThere is everything to like about Murtabak. Layers of crispy buttery naan pastry with a golden, flaky appearance. Bursting on the inside are chunks of succulent chicken, folds of egg and sweet onions, and spices that give it an orange glow.
The Murtabak comes with a bowl of thick chicken curry, that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
While Murtabak is flavourful on its own, it reaches a higher level of deliciousness when coated liberally with the curry sauce.
Zam Zam, one of the best local restaurants in SingaporeWhere to Eat Murtabak in Singapore
This is one of the best local restaurants for Murtabak, and it is also one of the oldest restaurants in Singapore, founded in 1908.
At Zam Zam, watch the theatrics of different vendors flipping dough and sizzling flatbread. It is truly fascinating to watch the preparation of Murtabak.
Address: 679 North Bridge Road
Hours: Daily, 7:00am to 11:00pm
Sizes: Five different sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Special, Super Special
Average Food Price In Singapore: Prices range from SGD 6.00 to SGD 17.00, approx $4.30 USD to $12.30 USD
8- Biryani – Aromatic Fried Rice Dish
Biryani is a fried rice dish of Indian Muslim influence and a popular food in Singapore. The rice used is a distinctive long grain rice, usually Basmati rice, which cooks to a light and fluffy texture.
Meats can be added and the most popular are chicken, mutton or fish. The spices used are heavy in flavor with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and bay leaves. In one dish, the rice is served with the accompanying chicken or mutton curry.
Flavorful Chicken BiryaniWhere to Have Biryani in Singapore
You’ll find Biryani at several Singapore hawker centers. We enjoyed this simple and fragrant dish at Eunos hawker center, where we stayed. Listed below are additional recommendations given to us by locals.
Allauddin’s Biryani, Tekka Center
Address: 665 Buffalo Rd, #01-229, Tekka Food Centre
Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 8:00pm
Average Food Price in Singapore: Between SGD 4.50 – SGD 6.50, approx $3.25 USD to $4.70 USD
Address: 679 North Bridge Road
Hours: Daily, 7:00am to 11:00pm
Average Food Price in Singapore: SGD 6.50, approx $4.70 USD
9- Roti Prata – South Indian Flatbread
Roti Prata is a signature Singapore food. It is also extremely popular in Malaysia where it goes by the name Roti Canai. Its history can be traced back to Indian subcontinent as well as Pakistan.
The meaning of Roti Prata is simple. Roti means roti or bread and Prata means flat. The Indian version is known as Paratha.
This local Singapore food is a simple and tasty dish.The pancake-like flatbread is served with a meat-based or a vegetable-based curry.
You simply tear up slices of the roti and dip it into the delicious curry for a light meal or a filling snack.
Tasty and flavorful, this was one of our favorite local Singapore foods.
Roti prata with different dipping curries Where to Eat Roti Prata in Singapore
This popular Indian restaurant in Little India serves delicious and inexpensive South Indian and North Indian vegetarian food.
Address: 76-78 Serangoon Road
Hours: Daily, 7:00am to 11:00pm
Average Food Price in Singapore: Prices range from SGD 6.00 to SGD 17.00, approx $4.30 USD to $12.30 USD
Address: 679 North Bridge Road
Hours: Daily, 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Average Food Price in Singapore: Prices range from SGD 6.00 to SGD 8.00, approx $4.30 USD to $5.80 USD
10- Fried Hokkien Mee – Famous Singapore Stir Fried Noodles
Hokkien Mee, a dish found in Malaysia and Singapore originated from Hokkien, in the Southern province of China.
Hokkien Mee is prepared differently depending on where you have it. In Singapore, it is a stir-fried dish made of a combination of rice and egg noodles. It comes with prawns, squid, oysters, spring onions and fresh lime. The dish is served with a thick and fragrant sauce made from fresh shrimp and dried prawns.
Served on the side is a sambal sauce with red chilis and a light soy sauce.
Fried Hokkien Mee, the Singaporean WayWhere to Eat Hokkien Mee in Singapore
Kim’s Hokkien Mee is a famous local joint a the corner a busy street. You will not miss the flashy neon sign with the name “Mr Kim.” We got this recommendation from our Airbnb host, a local Singaporean.
The open air seating is inviting and you will find several variations of Kim’s Hokkien Mee on the menu. Rich and creamy, this Hokkien Mee will satiate your hunger.
Enjoy it with a glass of fresh coconut juice.
Address: 62B Jln Eunos, Singapore
Hours: Everyday from 11:00 am to 1:00 am
Average Food in Price: Expect to pay between SGD8.00 – SGD 12.00, approx $5.78USD – $8.66 USD
At the counter of KIm's Famous Fried Hokkien Mee11- Char Kway Teow – Famous Local Singapore Food
Char Kway Teow is one of the most popular dishes found in both Singapore and Malaysia. This dish is part of the Singapore food culture.
This is a stir-fried dish made of flat rice noodles, with prawns, eggs, slices of Chinese sausages, bean sprouts, Chinese chives, shrimp-paste. It is stir-fried over very high heat with a light and dark chili soy sauce.
It is hard to resist to a delicious plate of Char Kway Teow. We named it the Pad Thai of Malaysia. If you love fried noodles, you will love this dish. It can be quite fatty but it is truly exceptional.
Plate full of the addictive and delicious Char Kway TeowWhere to Have Char Kway Teow in Singapore
Chon Hiang is a famous Char Kway Teow food stall in the East Coast Lagoon Food Village. Ms. Mui Mui, a second generation hawker, is known for her cooking skills.
Her stall was recommended to us by several locals. We didn’t eat Char Kway Teow in Singapore because we ate it several times in Malaysia. Our focus was on the unique specialties and authentic food in Singapore.
However, if you make it to this relaxing hawker center by the beach, don’t forget to visit Ms. Mui Mui food stall.
Chon Hiang
Address: 1220 East Coast Park Service Road.
Hours: Open every day, 10:30 am – 2:00 am
Average Food Price in Singapore: Expect to pay about SGD3.00, approx $2.20 USD
READ our article best 6 hawker centers to eat in Singapore
12 – Pork Satay – Singapore’s Favorite Late Night Food
Pork Satay is grilled bamboo skewered pork served with spicy dipping sauce. The sauce is a combination of soy and peanut sauce and chili. Pork satay is served with cucumbers and onions and is a great snack to enjoy on a late night.
Pork Satay, one of the best hawker food in SingaporeWhere to Have Pork Satay in Singapore
One of the best places to have Pork Satay is at Satay by the Bay. Not only you will have the choice of six satay food stalls, you will also enjoy the Gardens by the Bay.
Wander through the different food stalls and sample the different skewers. Let your nose and taste buds guide you. Besides pork, you can also try beef, chicken, mutton and prawns satay.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore.
Hours: Everyday from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm and until 2:00 am on weekends and Wednesdays.
Average Price in Singapore: About SGD0.70 / per skewer, approx $0.50USD.
The spectacular Gardens by the Bay at nightIn Summary
Singapore is a paradise for food lovers. The country’s multi-ethnic culture has resulted in a variety of unique flavors and dishes. In one of the most exciting cities for food, be prepared to eat and leave room in your belly for more. There are not many places in the world, where you can eat the diversity of high-quality dishes for under $5.00 USD.
With the variety of dishes that we have presented, we trust you will have a true taste of the diversity found in local Singapore food.
Have you had any of these dishes before? Which food in Singapore tempts you the most? Share your comments below.
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Rosemary is a writer, culinary explorer, and digital nomad. Together with her partner, Claire, they created Authentic Food Quest to help people find the best local food on their travels. For over 5 years they have eaten their way through South America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America while sharing the best local food experiences on their website. Authentic Food Quest has been featured on top publications such as Huffington Post, Business Insider, and Honest Cooking. Rosemary and Claire are also authors of Authentic Food Quest Argentina and Authentic Food Quest Peru, available on Amazon. Prior to creating Authentic Food Quest, Rosemary worked as a strategy director in advertising for over 15 years.
yum. it all looks so amazing. I would love the chili crab, the “Brains”, the Roti, the Biryani, and the Char Kway Teow looks especially great. It all looks so good and I bet the spices mixed in are delightful. I can imagine how the restaurants smell.
Indeed, Eric, the flavors in the restaurants and on the streets of Singapore are deliciously overwhelming. You’ve got to get to Singapore for their culinary delights 🙂
So many different yummy foods! We visited Singapore last year and I was surprised to see the drastic changes in prices from one place to another, some as little as 0.50$ like you have shown and others as expensive as $40 for a pizza! Next time we visit I will keep your list in mind 🙂
That’s interesting that you saw such a disparity in the food prices. At Hawker Centers, we found the pricing to be very consistent. Do indeed keep this list in mind for your next visit! Thanks Claudia.
Wow! You guys checked out the food scene in Singapore very well. Not sure if I would have the Chilli Crab but the chicken and rice looks cool (I like things simple and sweet) 😀
Thanks Danik, we really did out job exploring the local flavors. The goal is to invite travelers to try the local foods…like the chicken rice, you would love it. Appreciate you stopping by
I absolutely loved the food in Singapore, especially at the hawker stands. It’s been over ten years since I was there though. When I head back, I’m going straight for Hainanese Chicken per your recommendation.
So much good food in Singapore. Definitively worth a return trip…and to Tian Tian for the famous Chicken Rice 🙂
Dying to visit Singapore, now I know what to eat!
Awesome!! Do keep this list handy!!
Yay! I was excited to see the Nasi Lemak which appears to be vegetarian! It’s so nice to see things I can eat in new countries
Yes, you will find lots of vegetarian options in Singapore. So many local dishes and so flavorful! Nasi Lemak is quite tasty 🙂
There is literally no better way to explore Singapore than through food. I love the hawker centres, don’t even know which dish is my favorite, it’s all so delicious.
You are right, the best way to explore Singapore is through the food, and at the hawker centers. Understand the difficulty in choosing one fav dish…it’s all good 🙂
Ah, this is blasphemy I know, but we spent 48 hours in Singapore and since our hotel included an executive lounge with complimentary breakfast, dinner and snacks, we pretty much didn’t eat anywhere else :S!! I did however note that walking through the many ethnic districts of Singapore, the flavors which wafted through the streets were diverse and enticing. Will have to get back and be a little more adventurous with our food choices :D!
You are right…can’t believe you missed tasting the local flavors on your trip to Singapore!! Guess, it’s time for a trip back 🙂
There are so many of these dishes we missed out on last time we were in Singapore! I definitely want to try the chili crab, the Otak-Otak and Char Kway Teow sounds delicious too. I am definitely saving this to reference for the next time we go to Singapore. Thanks so much for sharing where to find all these dishes too!
You are most welcome Jen!! And we agree, there is so much good food to explore in Singapore. We would also go back in a heartbeat to explore even more 🙂 This list nonetheless does give you a great place to start. Do let us know what you discover 🙂 Cheers.
I’m not very adventurous when it comes to trying exotic foods. My husband has traveled to Singapore quite a lot and he has described some interesting foods, for sure! The Stuffed Folded Omelet Pancake actually sounds really good to me, and it looks safe! (As in, it wouldn’t be too spicy, right?).
Food is one of life’s simple pleasures and it must be enjoyed. Unlike many other Southeast Asian countries we visited, the food in Singapore is not as spicy and the conditions are pretty clean. You’d be safe there as long as you order from an “A” rated vendor. Branch out and join your husband on one of his trips to Singapore and enjoy the food!! Cheers
Great list! I will definitely be referring back to it when I visit Singapore in October. So many great foods to try, so little time!
Awesome. Glad you like the options offered and do keep this list handy. Feel free to reach out with any questions! Have a great and delicious trip in October.
I love the Singapore greeting. We certainly ate well when we visited. We don’t like it hot. But our son was travelling with us and loved the Chili Crab. We had it at Jumbo Seafood. The pot seemed bottomless! We tried Nasi Lemak and Biryani in a few spots. Even the food court! Loved the night markets for food choices.
So glad to hear you enjoyed the food in Singapore. The chili crab is fantastic and one of our favorites. So many food courts and so much good food. It’s no wonder Singapore is a top destination for food.
Chili Crab, Hainanese Chicken, and Char Kway Teow are my top 3 favorites. As a matter of fact, I have learned now to make Hainanese so we have it once a month at home!
Lucky you for learning how to make Hainanese chicken. The next time we are in Singapore, we’ll definitively take a cooking class. All the good food in Singapore.Yum. Those are some of our favorites as well. Cheers, Carol.
I didn’t know that Chili crab is the national dish of Singapore, and would LOVE to try it someday! Char Kway Teow is one of my favorite dishes (I’m originally Teo chew, and Char Kway Teow is also a Teo chew dish…) Anyway, your post is making me hungry! VERY hungry! So I’m off to get some food now! 😀
So did you get Char Kway Teow? Lucky you for having access to this Teo chew dish regularly. We absolutely loved it!! Singapore chili crab is a delicious experience. Hope you get to savor it soon. Thanks for stopping by.
I have not been to Singapore yet and I love crab so I am all about the crab chili and mantous buns! I’m also making a note to go to Tian Tian for Hainanese chicken rice. Not going to lie, I stop dead when I read brains… glad it isn’t really brains and think I would have to eat it so I could translate to meaning for my friends ?
The food is a great reason to visit Singapore. Such delicious and unique delights. Hope your travels take you to The Lion City soon. Thanks, Sherianne.
Can’t believe I missed out on Chili Crab the last time I was in Singapore. Another trip to Singapore is due soon! Gonna bookmark this list and try and grab atleast 8 of 12 items. I’ve had Biryani and Pork Satay before. I’m eyeing the crab, the pork rib soup and otak otak.
Perfect timing if you have an upcoming trip to Singapore. Do eat your way through this list for a delectable and fulfilling culinary journey. Cheers.
This whole article had me salivating! I haven’t visited Singapore, but when I do I will indulge in all the food! I am a fan of Hainanese Chicken rice and Roti Prata, and I’d eat street food style all the time given the chance!
Perfect, Hannah. This is the ideal guide for you. With all the local specialties on this list, you will feast like a local. Hope your travels take you to Singapore soon.
WOW! I didn’t know much about Singapore cuisine before reading your post. I am not fan of crab, but my favourite dish would be Nasi Lemak, and I think I picked the right one since it is one the popular dishes in Singapore. I also would like to try The Stuffed Folded Omelet Pancake 🙂
So glad you learned a little more about Singapore food. There is so much to choose from and Nasi Lemak is a great place to start. Thanks for stopping by.
The chili crab, stir fry noodles and pork satay are all right up my alley. Sounds like there are a lot of delicious things to try in Singapore!
If you haven’t been to Singapore, highly recommend making a trip just for the food. Amazing delicacies that will not disappoint 🙂 Thanks, Jennifer.
We ate in Little India during our short Singapore visit. It was really good and authentic. Singapore is such a beautiful city I imagine that they do everything top notch. Gardens By the Bay is beautiful so that bumps Satay at the Bay way up on our list. Might have to get an original Singapore Sling while we’re in the neighborhood.
You are right, Little India in Singapore is full of history as well as amazing food. So much to see and do. Always worth going back to Singapore for more. Thanks for stopping by.
Visiting Singapore for the first time then must try this combination of brininess from Tagiasce olives, bitterness from Castelfranco radicchio and umami from veal tongue makes for a flavor party on the palate.
Oh…yum! This sounds divine. Will certainly add it to our must try list on our next Singapore trip. Cheers.
Try out Marinate the chilies overnight with rice vinegar and salt for a piquant yet fiery sauce to perk up the flaky white fish in Singapore.
Awesome. Thanks for the tip Julia. We’ll absolutely add this to our list the next time we are in Singapore. Thanks for sharing 🙂
As a tourist, this is a good check-list of authentic local cuisine in Singapore that you must eat when you visit.
Thank you so much Joseph. For an amazing local experience in Singapore, you cannot go wrong with this checklist. What’s your favorite local Singaporean dish?
Wow, it has been 20 years away from SG for seeking happiness in west . Those all are my favorite food and still missing all of them. can’t wait to eat them again.
That’s great to hear. You’ll have an amazing time savoring the flavors once again. The food in SG was amazing and curious what your first dish will be. Cheers.
Authentic food in Singapore you will adore is offered in the restaurant Paradise Dynasty at Woodlands Square. Amazing food and great service at this expensive but worth the money restaurant. The staff are helpful and nice, food is of course tasty! Therefore, it is worth visiting the restaurant for everyone who will be in Singapore.
Thank you Ant, for that tip. Looking forward to traveling to Singapore again and checking it out. Cheers and thanks for stopping by.