Singapore has a rich and vibrant food culture. The variety of food and number of interesting eating establishments in Singapore is staggering. A visitor to Singapore for a few days may not have a complete experience of all the food that Singapore has to offer. If you like to eat like the locals eat, here is a list of some “must try” foods in Singapore. Obviously, the list is not exhaustive and the selection is very subjective.
CHICKEN RICE
Sometimes said to be the unofficial national dish of Singapore, the rice is cooked in chicken and ginger broth and eaten with cut-up chicken pieces.
Where to try? It can be found in most food courts and hawker centers and on the streets near the Raffles Hotel. Venues like Tian Tian Chicken Rice at 1 Kadayanallur Street, #01-10, Maxwell Road Hawker Centre, Singapore 069184 and Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice Restaurant at 101 Thomson Road, #01-08, United Square, Singapore 307591.
SPICY CRAB
It is said to be one of the few unique dishes created in Singapore. The crabs are cooked in a thick tomato-chili sauce. There is no other way to really enjoy the dish except by using your hands.
Where to try? It can be found in most seafood restaurants and some food halls. Venues like Long Beach Seafood at 1018 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449877 and Mattar Road Seafood BBQ at #01-63, Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051.
LAKSA
Singapore Laksa are thick rice noodles cooked in coconut milk flavored with dried shrimp and sambal chili. Ingredients typically include fish cakes, prawns, cockles, and taupok (tofu snacks).
Where to try? There are many shops in Katong and some food centers. Venues like The Original Katong Laksa at 50 East Coast Road, Roxy Square #01-64 Singapore 428769 and Sungei Road Laksa at Block 27 Jalan Berseh, #01-100 Singapore 200027.
CHWEE KWAY (RICE CAKE WITH WATER)
The rice flour and water are mixed together and then put into small saucers and steamed. Cooked rice cakes are topped with diced candied radish and served with chili sauce.
Where to try? They can be found at Tangs Market on Orchard Road and at some food hubs on Ghim Moh, Queen Street and Smith Street. Venues like Bedok Chwee Kueh at Block 207 New Upper Changi Road #01-53 Singapore 460207 and Jian Bo Shui at Tiong Bahru Food Center #02-05 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898.
CHAPATI
South Asian unleavened flatbread eaten with a variety of curries. It’s cheap and good.
Where to try? They can be found in Little India and at some Indian food stalls on Geyland and Bussorah Street. Venues such as Norris Road Chapati (Azmi Restaurant) at 168 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218051 (junction of Norris Road and Serangoon Road) and Mr Prata at 26 Evans Road #01-02 Singapore 259367.
