Discover the ultimate guide and addresses to indulge in Singaporean specialties like a local.

Singapore isn't just renowned for being a developed nation; it also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with one aspect being its diverse array of Singaporean delicacies. As a multicultural nation, Singapore has absorbed numerous cultural influences from around the world. Majority of its population originates from four main ethnic groups: Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Eurasian.

As a result, its culinary scene is incredibly diverse. When it comes to Singaporean delicacies, there are countless dishes from various countries that Singaporeans love and have become famous for their unique preparation methods. Travelers visiting Singapore should try dishes originating from different countries to experience this special cultural fusion of the Lion City.

1. Singaporean Cuisine - The epitome of cultural fusion

1.1 Singaporean Specialties with Chinese Origins

The Chinese community constitutes the majority of Singapore's population. They predominantly migrated from the southern provinces of China to Singapore. Currently, the Hokkien and Teochew people are the largest groups in Singapore. Additionally, there are smaller groups of Cantonese and Hainanese people.

Singapore boasts a Chinatown specializing in Chinese cuisine.

Therefore, it's no surprise that Singaporean cuisine is heavily influenced by Chinese cuisine. Travelers can easily find authentic Chinese dishes on any street in Singapore.

Characteristic of flower dishes in Singapore often carry traditional flavors, some with the distinctive spiciness of regions like Sichuan. Most of the Singaporean specialties of Chinese origin carry a special meaning, symbolizing longevity, prosperity, etc.

A unique aspect is that Singaporeans also often combine ingredients together, believing in the harmony of Yin and Yang like the Chinese. Some Singaporean specialties of Chinese origin include: Hokkien noodles, herbal pork rib soup, chili fried crab, Rojak fruit salad, Peking duck, etc.

Travelers can also visit Chinatown - known as one of the beautiful spots in Singapore.

1.2. Singaporean specialties with origins from India

Indian Singaporeans are the third largest ethnic group in the Lion City. The majority of them trace their roots to Tamil Nadu and are Hindus. Hence, it can be said that Singaporean specialties are heavily influenced by Indian culinary culture.

The highlight of Indian-origin dishes in Singapore is the combination of various spices in one dish. The condiments and spices used in Indian dishes here are often made from various herbs.

Travelers can head to Little India to savor Singaporean specialties with Indian origins.

Another characteristic of Singaporean specialties from India is that dishes originating from Northern India differ significantly in flavor from those originating from Southern India. Specifically, dishes from Southern India are spicy and often have a rich taste from coconut milk, while dishes from Northern India are less spicy and are usually flavored with yogurt.

Furthermore, Singaporean specialties with Indian origins often feature curry - a distinctive spice of India. However, when it comes to Singapore, curry dishes are sometimes modified by Singaporeans according to their own preferences.

Some Singaporean specialties of Indian origin that travelers can try when visiting the Lion City include Thosai, Teh tarik milk tea, Vadai,... Particularly, fish head curry, a dish combining Chinese and Indian influences, is a must-try for tourists visiting this island nation.

1.3 Singaporean specialties with origins from Malaysia 

Malaysian Singaporeans constitute the second largest ethnic group in this island nation and were the first group to migrate to Singapore. Initially, they migrated from areas such as the Malaysian peninsula, Java island, and Bawean island in Indonesia. Moreover, Malaysia is one of the rare neighboring countries with territorial borders adjoining Singapore. Hence, many Singaporean specialties bear the influence of Malaysian culture.

Singaporean specialties with Malaysian origins are often combined with various herbs and spices such as galangal, chili, lime leaves, curry leaves, ginger, turmeric, and pungent belacan (shrimp paste). Additionally, these dishes often feature peanut sauce - a common sauce among Malaysian Singaporeans.

Travelers can easily find a variety of Malaysian-origin dishes in Singapore.

There are also many dishes with spicy flavors among Singaporean specialties of Malaysian origin, although the spiciness is often milder compared to dishes from other countries as it is balanced by the richness of coconut milk or other ingredients.

Some Singaporean specialties of Malaysian origin that travelers can easily find in Singapore include spicy yellow noodles (mee rebus) or coconut milk-infused rice with pandan leaves (nasi lemak),...

1.4 Singaporean specialties with Peranakan flair

In addition to Singaporeans with origins from the aforementioned countries, Singapore also boasts a culture known as Peranakan. This is a fusion of heritage, aesthetics, and cultural values from China with those of Southeast Asian countries.

Historically, the term Peranakan referred to the descendants of mixed marriages between Chinese and people from other Southeast Asian countries in Singapore. To this day, Peranakan refers to cultural values that are a blend of those from other countries beyond Southeast Asia that have been imported into Singapore, such as the Netherlands, England, Portugal,...

Not only in cuisine, but Peranakan culture is a distinctive aspect of Singaporean culture.

In Singaporean specialties, travelers can find many exquisite dishes with the distinctive Peranakan culinary style.

Peranakan cuisine, also known as Nonya, is characterized by its spicy flavor, combining spices from countries like Malaysia, China, and Indonesia. Dishes originating from Indonesia and Malaysia are often seasoned with a special spice called Rempah - a blend of spices and coconut milk.

Some typical Singaporean specialties of Peranakan culture that travelers should try when visiting this Lion City are: pork stewed in fermented soybean sauce (babi pongteh), spicy chicken stew with tamarind and keluak nuts (ayam buah keluak), beef stewed in coconut milk (rendang beef). Especially, travelers must try Laksa noodles - a spicy Singaporean specialty.

2. Must-try Singaporean specialties

Thanks to its cultural diversity with many countries, the culinary scene of the Lion City boasts a myriad of delicious dishes. Moreover, dining expenses in Singapore are not overly expensive. Travelers should consider the following dishes to create their own list of Singaporean specialties in order to fully enjoy the culinary essence of the Lion City.

2.1 Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hainanese Chicken Rice tops the list as it is an easy-to-eat dish. Even if travelers are not accustomed to spicy food, they can still enjoy this dish. Hainanese Chicken Rice originated from China. Specifically, this Singaporean specialty dish was brought over by immigrants from Hainan Island to Singapore. The main ingredients of this dish are rice and poached chicken, combined with a special sauce to create a unique flavor.

The key to delicious Hainanese Chicken Rice lies in cooking the rice with chicken broth, pandan leaves, and ginger, with just the right amount of oil. Additionally, ensuring the sauce is tasty with the perfect balance of spiciness and sourness is also important.

Hainanese Chicken Rice is a dish perfect for travelers who can't handle spicy food.

Today, Singaporean chicken rice comes in many variations, one of which is influenced by Cantonese cuisine. In this version, the chicken is served with a spicy red chili sauce. Travelers can find this dish at numerous locations throughout Singapore's streets.

2.2 Chili Crab

When traveling to Singapore, tourists must try chili crab. Not only famous for its delicious taste that everyone loves, but this dish is also a Singaporean specialty - the iconic national dish recognized by the authorities in this country.

Travelers visiting Singapore must indulge in chili crab.

Chili crab can be prepared in two styles: chili crab with tomatoes for a spicy and tangy flavor, or black pepper sauce to savor the distinctive spiciness of pepper. Besides impressing with its spicy and tangy taste, the firm and succulent crab meat is also a key factor in this dish.

Being an island nation with a long coastline, Singapore boasts an abundance of fresh seafood. Therefore, tourists must try this Singaporean specialty when visiting the Lion City.

2.3 Fish Head Curry

As mentioned earlier, this fish head curry is one of the iconic dishes representing Indian culinary culture. This Singaporean specialty is highly cherished by locals. Its main ingredients include fish head simmered with curry and various spices, vegetables, eggplant, and okra.

Travelers can enjoy this Singaporean specialty at Indian specialty districts.

Although originating from South India, this dish in Singapore is combined with culinary cultures of other countries. For instance, Singaporeans of Chinese descent often enjoy this dish with fried buns dipped in sauce. The curry sauce is sweeter and milder. Meanwhile, Singaporeans of Indian descent typically pair it with Indian pickled vegetables and papadams, with a spicier and richer sauce.

2.4 Baked Kaya Cake

When traveling to the Lion City, indulging in a true Singaporean breakfast experience is something that tourists shouldn't miss. Kaya toast is a dish passed down by Hainanese immigrants. Over time, Kaya toast has become a signature Singaporean delicacy and an essential part of the locals' breakfast.

Travelers visiting Singapore should try this dish for breakfast.

The toast is grilled over charcoal, paired with fragrant and creamy Kaya jam. This jam is made from eggs, coconut, and milk. Additionally, it's often served with soft-boiled eggs, pepper, soy sauce, and enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee for a perfect breakfast.

Travelers can find this dish at many locations along the streets of Singapore, such as Ah Seng Coffee, Nanyang Cafe, Killine Kopitiam chain stores, Ya Kun Kaya chain stores,...

2.5 Roti Prata Bread

Roti Prata is a crepe originating from India. When in Singapore, they are beloved by locals and given their own unique twist.

Roti Prata bread is also a Singaporean specialty commonly enjoyed in the morning by tourists.

Made from thin rolled dough, Roti Prata is baked and infused with Singaporean spices, often served with banana, cheese, lentil soup, curry, or chocolate. Travelers can seek out the best Roti Prata vendors in Little India district.

2.6 Grilled Stingray with Sambal Sauce

This Singaporean specialty originates from Malaysia but is highly favored by Singaporeans. Stingray is traditionally grilled and wrapped in banana leaves during the grilling process. Once grilled, it is topped with sambal sauce. The sambal sauce ingredients include belacan, spicy chili, and shallots.

This is one of the most beloved specialties in Singapore.

2.7 Laksa Noodle Soup

This Singaporean specialty is known as a noodle dish originating from the Peranakan people living along the Malacca Strait. Being a noodle dish, it can be either rice noodles or wheat noodles.

This is the most famous Singaporean specialty.

Not exclusive to Singapore, Laksa is also found in several other Southeast Asian countries. In each region, this dish is prepared according to a different recipe.

• Nyonya laksa: also known as laksa lemak, this dish features a sweet and savory broth made from bones and shrimp.

• Curry laksa: this noodle soup is cooked with curry paste and coconut milk, resulting in a creamy flavor.

• Sarawak laksa: characterized by its rich coconut milk broth cooked with fish, giving it a sweet and savory taste.

• Asam laksa: With the main ingredient being tamarind, this version has a light and tangy sour taste.

Travelers visiting Singapore should try all the variations to experience the different flavors of this Singaporean specialty if possible. Because this is also considered one of the iconic dishes, making Singaporean cuisine famous worldwide.

2.8 Wanton Noodles

Wanton noodles, also known as Wanton Mee, originally hails from Hong Kong. However, over time, it has become an essential dish in the daily meals of locals and a Singaporean specialty.

Although originating from another country, this dish has become a Singaporean specialty.

For Singaporeans, the best Wanton Noodles are when they are dry-tossed with pork dumplings, sauce, char siu, and served with a small bowl of soup. This dish can be found in many countries, sometimes even enjoyed by Vietnamese tourists in Chinatown. However, when traveling to the Lion City, tourists should try Wanton Noodles here to experience the difference in flavor.

2.9 Satay Grilled Meat

Satay Grilled Meat originates from Malaysia and is passed down by Muslim adherents. Gradually, this dish is sold in food carts along the streets of Singapore. Therefore, tourists traveling to this island nation can easily find and enjoy this dish.

The main ingredients of this dish can be chicken, pork, or beef. They are marinated with turmeric and spices before being grilled over charcoal. Diners can request spiciness for the grilled meat skewers or enjoy them with onions, cucumbers, and rice cakes.

Tourists can find this dish at street food stalls when visiting Singapore.

Tourists traveling to Singapore can visit Lau Pa Sat food market, Boon Tat area to see stalls selling this Singaporean specialty. There are so many stalls here that the Boon Tat area is called the Satay Street.

2.10 Biryani Fried Rice

Similar to other dishes, Biryani Fried Rice is also a dish originating from another country imported into Singapore. Specifically, this Singaporean specialty originated from Muslims in India. Therefore, the ingredients of this dish include Basmati rice and typical Indian spices. In addition, pork, beef, and chicken are also essential components of this dish.

Biryani Fried Rice carries the flavor of India.

However, for this dish to taste authentically Indian, it cannot be without characteristic ingredients such as bay leaves, nutmeg powder, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and served with chili sauce and curry. When touring the Lion City, tourists should try this dish to experience the multiculturalism in Singaporean culture.

2.11 Frog Porridge

Surely for food enthusiasts, Singaporean Frog Porridge is not a strange dish. This Singaporean specialty is so popular that it is loved and found in other countries like Vietnam.

Originating from China with the typical breakfast habit of congee and dim sum. But when it comes to becoming a Singaporean specialty, dim sum is replaced by frog meat - a readily available ingredient in this country.

This is a Singaporean specialty that almost everyone knows about.

The proper way to enjoy this Singaporean specialty is to have the congee served in a clay pot and the spicy frog meat served in another clay pot. When eating, diners will pour the sauce spoon by spoon onto the congee and eat directly to savor the rich flavor of the dish instead of mixing the sauce and congee together.

Some delicious frog porridge restaurants that tourists should remember for future trips to Singapore are Dragon City, Tiong Shian center, Eminent frog porridge, Lion City restaurant,...

2.12 Rib Bone Tea

This specialty dish is also known as Bak Kut Teh. It's a Singaporean specialty that must be included in any article about traveling to Singapore due to its fame.

This dish has a very special origin story.

The most distinctive feature of this dish is that pork ribs/pork bones are stewed with various spices, including star anise and pepper, giving the broth a color resembling that of tea.

2.13 Peanut Sauce Noodles 

Peanut Sauce Noodles, also known as Mee Rebus, stand out with their sauce made from tomatoes, peanuts, dried shrimp, curry powder, and salted soybeans. Travelers eager to taste this Singaporean specialty can visit renowned eateries like Selera Kita Peanut Sauce Noodles, Inspirasi Stall Peanut Sauce Noodle Shop, Afandi Hawa & Family Mee Rebus Stall,...

2.14 Steamed Rice Cakes 

This is a common breakfast dish in Singapore, where steamed rice cakes are typically topped with vegetables and served with chili after being steamed until cooked. 

2.15 Coconut Milk Rice

At first glance, travelers might mistake this for ordinary white rice served with side dishes. However, the uniqueness of this dish lies in the rice infused with the rich, sweet flavor of coconut milk. 

This Singaporean specialty originates from Malaysia and has various versions worldwide. 

3. What Singaporean specialties to buy as gifts for loved ones

Besides Singapore's vibrant culinary scene, Singaporean specialties make great gifts, offering a diverse range of options. Travelers exploring Singapore should research to find unique gifts for their loved ones.

3.1 Kaya Jam

Kaya Jam is commonly paired with bread for breakfast, representing a Singaporean delicacy. Made from eggs and coconut milk, this jam is perfect for enjoying the iconic Kaya toast even after the trip.

Kaya Jam is one of the must-buy Singaporean specialties for travelers visiting the Lion City.

3.2 Bak Kwa Jerky

Bak Kwa Jerky is one of the most popular snacks in Singapore. Thinly sliced dried meat squares are marinated with spices. Usually, pork, beef, or chicken is chosen for Bak Kwa Jerky.

This snack is quite common in Singapore, and travelers can buy this Singaporean specialty as a gift for family members during their trip.

3.3 Laksa Sauce

Surely, if travelers have ever heard of Laksa noodle soup or tasted it, they will be impressed and remember its flavor forever. Therefore, Laksa sauce is considered part of the essence of Singaporean cuisine. Travelers should buy this Singaporean specialty to not only continue enjoying the wonderful Laksa noodle soup but also to give as a gift to family members.

3.4 Singaporean Sausage

One of the Singaporean specialties that travelers can buy as a gift is Singaporean sausage. Similar to Vietnam, Singaporean sausage is quite easy to eat and also quite easy to find at street shops.

3.5 Dried Sweet Plums

Singapore's dried plums bear a resemblance to those from Da Lat, Vietnam. However, travelers should consider trying this Singaporean specialty as a gift because the plums are dried and coated with a layer of white powder outside to ensure a soft texture inside.

3.6 Pineapple cake

Originating from Taiwan, pineapple cake has become one of the favorite snacks in Singapore. Despite its cookie-like appearance, the inside contains a fragrant filling. Travelers are sure to be enchanted by this cake on their first taste due to its delicious flavor. The slight sweet and sour taste of the pineapple filling helps balance the richness of the cake. It would be regrettable not to purchase it as a Singaporean specialty.

In a multicultural and diverse country like Singapore, the list of Singaporean specialties in travelers' plans is bound to be extensive as every dish is delicious and worth trying. If time permits, travelers should plan to try all the dishes mentioned above to experience the cultural fusion in Singaporean cuisine and purchase additional snacks to bring back home as gifts for their loved ones. Cuisine undoubtedly plays a vital role in trips to the Lion City that travelers should invest in. If travelers are planning to visit Singapore in 2024, contact Mytour now via the hotline Mytour for advice on affordable Singapore tours today.

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