Exploring Singapore’s food culture

Singapore is among the few global business hubs blessed with diverse and unique cultures. And food is a major cultural attraction to visitors, thanks to the influence by its many, different ethnic groups.

“Have you eaten?” This is the form of greeting you should expect from a typical Singaporean Chinese. Apart from being dead-serious in eating, Singapore offers some of the best, unique cuisines that will get your head spinning.

Corporal punishment is useless in school philosophy

February 27, 2021

Debt trap after graduation

February 27, 2021

Singapore is home to mouth-watering cuisines that derive their heritage from Indonesian, Indian, Malaysian and Chinese influence. In Singapore, preparing a local meal is an art, that’s why their dishes ooze mellowness.

Singaporeans are united with food and are known for their unending appetite. Just before clearing your plate of Chinese noodles and Malay stir-fries, you will be invited to another meal—full of Indian curries. And before you leave, you will be slurped down with hot coffee or an ice kacang drizzling with gula Melaka.

To help you out, we created a check-list of vibrant Singaporean meals that are a-must-eat, and where you’ll find them:

1. Hainanese chicken rice

Considered one of the national dishes in Singapore, this local dish was ranked by CNN as the 45th most delicious food in 2011. Chicken rice can be found anywhere in Singapore, from hawker shops to being served by airlines. The delicacy is one moderately priced meal that can be enjoyed by tourists and travellers on a budget.

2. Bak Kut Teh

This Chinese soup is one of the most popular dishes in Singapore. Bak Kut Teh is prepared by simmering pork chops for hours in a broth filled with spices or herbs. Enjoy your bowl of tender pork in a spicy soup at the wee hours of the night at the Legendary Bak Kut stall.

3. Pandan cake

Named the national cake of Singapore in 2017 by CNN, this greenish, fluffy cake has flavors that will leave your taste-buds craving for more. For the love of a tasty bite, drop by the Tampines Mall. And devour a piece of your favorite Bengawan Solo’s pandan chiffon cake and pack some for later consumption.

4. Chilli crab

One of the tastiest dishes in the world that long found its way into Singapore cuisine. Your trip to Singapore won’t be complete if you don’t pop-in the long beach seafood restaurant for a stir-fried crab on a spicy tomato sauce. However, if you want to enjoy a well-searched, white pepper crab, grab a plate at No Signboard, and request it chili- shed tears as you eat.

Apart from the dishes, there is still more Singapore has to offer. Discover the source of the herbs and spices. Head to the spice garden at Fort canning park and watch laksa leaves, pandan and ginger spring with life. In the evening, visit the Amoy street for a signature whiskey or a Singaporean flavored Roti Kaya.

By Denis M

Email address: [email protected]