Pocket these lists and addresses to indulge in Singaporean delicacies like a local

Not only renowned for its developed status, Singapore also boasts a distinctive culture, one of which is thanks to its diverse array of Singaporean specialties. Singapore is a multicultural country, from ethnicities to cultures, the Lion City has absorbed many cultures from around the world. In the Lion City, the majority of people have roots from 4 countries: China, India, Malaysia, and the Eurasian group.

Hence, its culinary scene is very unique. Speaking of Singaporean specialties, there are countless dishes originating from other countries that Singaporeans love and become famous for their own unique preparation methods. Travelers visiting Singapore should try dishes originating from different countries to experience this special cultural fusion of the Lion City.

1. Singapore Cuisine - The Essence of Cultural Fusion

1.1 Singaporean Specialties Originating from China

The Chinese are the majority ethnic group in Singapore. Chinese immigrants often migrate from southern provinces of China to Singapore to settle. Today in Singapore, Hokkien and Teochew people are the most populous. In addition, there are smaller groups belonging to the Cantonese and Hainanese.

In Singapore, there is a Chinese neighborhood specializing in Chinese cuisine. 

Therefore, it is no wonder that Singaporean cuisine is deeply influenced by Chinese cuisine. Travelers can easily find authentic Chinese dishes on any street in Singapore.

The hallmark of Singaporean floral dishes often carries traditional flavors, some with the distinctive spiciness of regions like Sichuan. Most Singaporean specialties of Chinese origin bear some special significance, symbolizing longevity, prosperity, and more.

What's unique is that Singaporeans often combine ingredients together, believing in the harmony of Yin and Yang like the Chinese. Some Singaporean specialties of Chinese origin include Fujian noodles, herbal pork rib soup, chili crab, Rojak fruit salad, Peking duck, and more.

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

1.2. Singaporean Specialties Originating from India

Singaporeans of Indian descent constitute the third largest ethnic group on the Lion Island. Most Indians here trace their roots to Tamil Nadu and practice Hinduism. Consequently, 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 the same dish. The condiments and spices used in Indian dishes here are often made from various herbs. 

Travelers can head to Little India to indulge in Singaporean specialties of Indian origin. 

Another characteristic of Singaporean specialties from India is the distinction between dishes originating from North India and those from South India in terms of flavors. Specifically, dishes from South India are typically spicy and often have a rich coconut flavor, while dishes from North India are less spicy and are often seasoned with yogurt. 

Furthermore, Singaporean specialties of Indian origin often include curry - a distinctive spice of India. However, upon reaching Singapore, curry dishes are sometimes altered by Singaporeans in their own unique way. 

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

1.3 Singaporean specialties of Malaysian origin 

Singaporeans of Malaysian descent constitute the second largest ethnic group in this island nation and were the first group of people to migrate to Singapore. Initially, they migrated from regions such as the Malay Peninsula, the islands of Java and Bawean in Indonesia. Moreover, Malaysia is a rare neighboring country with territory adjacent to Singapore. Therefore, many Singaporean specialties bear the influence of Malaysian culture. 

Singaporean specialties of Malay origin are often combined with a variety of 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 condiment among Singaporeans of Malaysian descent. 

Travelers can easily find many Malay-origin dishes in Singapore. 

There are also many dishes with spicy flavors in Singaporean specialties of Malay origin, although the spiciness is typically milder than dishes from other countries as it is balanced by the richness of coconut milk or other ingredients. 

Some Singaporean specialties of Malay 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 countries mentioned above, Singapore also has a culture known as Peranakan. This is a fusion of heritage, aesthetics, and cultural values from China with those of Southeast Asian countries. 

In the past, the term Peranakan referred to the descendants of marriages between Chinese and people from other Southeast Asian countries in Singapore. Today, Peranakan refers to cultural values that are hybridized, combining elements from countries outside Southeast Asia that have been introduced to Singapore, such as the Netherlands, England, Portugal,...

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

In the array of Singaporean specialties, travelers can discover many unique dishes with the distinctive maritime style of Peranakan.

Peranakan cuisine, also known as Nonya, stands out for its spicy flavor combining influences from countries like Malaysia, China, and Indonesia. Especially for dishes originating from Indonesia and Malaysia, they are often enhanced with a special spice blend called Rempah - a mixture of spices and coconut milk. 

Some typical Singaporean specialties of Peranakan culture that travelers should try when visiting the Lion City include: pork stewed in soybean sauce (babi pongteh), spicy chicken stew with sour 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 cultural fusion with many countries, the culinary scene of the Lion City boasts a plethora of delicious dishes. Moreover, dining costs in Singapore are not excessively high. Travelers should refer to the following dishes to compile a list of Singaporean specialties to fully enjoy the culinary essence of the Lion City.

2.1 Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hainanese Chicken Rice tops the list because it's an easy dish to enjoy. Even if travelers are not accustomed to spicy food, they can still eat this dish. Hainanese Chicken Rice originated from China. Specifically, this Singaporean specialty dish has been passed down by immigrants from Hainan Island to Singapore. The main ingredients of this dish are rice and boiled chicken mixed with a special sauce to create a distinctive flavor.

The key to the deliciousness of Hainanese Chicken Rice is that the rice must be cooked with chicken broth, pandan leaves, and ginger, with just the right amount of oil. Additionally, ensuring the sauce is tasty with a balanced ratio of spiciness and sourness is also important.

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

Today, Singaporean chicken rice also comes in many different cooking styles, 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 many locations throughout Singapore's streets.

2.2

Chilli Crab

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

Travelers visiting Singapore must indulge in chilli crab.

Chilli crab can be prepared in two ways: chilli crab with tomatoes for a spicy flavor or black pepper sauce to enjoy the characteristic spiciness of pepper. Impressively flavorful and with firm, fresh crab meat, this dish is a must-try.

Being an island nation with a long coastline, Singapore boasts a bounty of fresh seafood. Therefore, travelers must definitely 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 cuisine. This Singaporean specialty is highly beloved by locals. The main ingredients of this dish include fish heads stewed with curry and various spices, vegetables, eggplants, and okra.

Travelers can enjoy this Singaporean specialty in the Indian food district.

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

2.4 Baked Kaya Cake

When traveling to the Lion City, indulging in a proper Singaporean breakfast is a must-do for tourists. Kaya toast is a dish passed down by the Hainanese people. Over time, Kaya toast has become a 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 and paired with fragrant and rich Kaya jam. This jam is made from eggs, coconut, and milk. Additionally, it is 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 places on the streets of Singapore such as Ah Seng Coffee, Nanyang Cafe, the Killine Kopitiam chain, Ya Kun Kaya outlets,...

2.5 Roti Prata Bread

Roti Prata is a crepe originating from India. Upon arriving in Singapore, they are beloved by the locals and prepared with their own unique twists.

Roti Prata Bread is also a Singaporean delicacy commonly enjoyed by travelers in the morning.

Made from thin rolled-out dough, Roti Prata is cooked and served with various Singaporean spices, along with options like bananas, cheese, lentil soup, curry, or chocolate. Travelers can seek out the best Roti Prata stalls in the Little India district.

2.6 Stingray Grilled with Sambal Sauce

This Singaporean specialty originates from Malaysia but is highly favored by the people of Singapore. Stingray is traditionally grilled and wrapped in banana leaves during the grilling process. After grilling, it is topped with sambal sauce. The ingredients for the sambal sauce include belacan, chili, and onions.

This is one of the Singaporean delicacies that is very popular.

2.7 Laksa Noodles/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 only in 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 with a sweet and clear broth made from bones and shrimp.

• Curry laksa: this noodle soup is cooked with curry paste and coconut milk, giving it a rich flavor.

• Sarawak laksa: characterized by its creamy coconut broth cooked with fish, resulting in a sweet and savory taste.

• Asam laksa: with its main ingredient being a tangy tamarind broth, this version has a light and tangy flavor.

Travelers visiting Singapore should try all the variations to experience the different flavors of this Singaporean specialty if possible. This dish is also considered iconic, bringing Singaporean cuisine to worldwide fame.

2.8 Wanton Noodles

Wanton noodles, originally from Hong Kong, have become an essential part of the daily diet for locals and a signature dish of Singapore after being introduced to the Lion City.

Despite its origins from another country, this dish has become a Singaporean specialty.

For Singaporeans, the best wanton noodles are when they are mixed dry with pork dumplings, sauce, char siu, and served with a small bowl of soup on the side. This noodle dish can be found in many countries, and sometimes even Vietnamese tourists have enjoyed it 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 followers. Gradually, this dish has been sold at street stalls in Singapore. Therefore, tourists visiting 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 for spicy flavor for the skewered grilled meat or enjoy it 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 Court, Boon Tat to see stalls selling this Singaporean specialty. This place has so many stalls selling this dish that Boon Tat is even called 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 originates from the Muslim people in India. Therefore, the ingredients of this dish include Basmati rice and the typical spices of India. Additionally, pork, beef, and chicken are indispensable components of this dish.

Biryani fried rice carries the flavors of India.

However, to make this dish truly authentic Indian, it cannot be without characteristic ingredients such as bay leaves, nutmeg powder, cloves, cinnamon, and served with chili sauce and curry. When traveling to the Lion City, tourists should try this dish to experience the multiculturalism in Singapore's culture.

2.11 Frog Porridge

Surely for food enthusiasts, Singaporean frog porridge is not an unfamiliar dish. This Singaporean specialty is so famous that it is loved and appears in other countries like Vietnam.

Originating from China with a typical breakfast consisting of porridge and dim sum. However, upon arriving and becoming a Singaporean specialty, dim sum is replaced by frog meat - a type of ingredient easily found 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 porridge served in a separate clay pot and the spicy frog meat served in another clay pot. When eating, diners will pour the sauce onto the porridge spoon by spoon and consume directly to savor the rich flavor of the dish instead of mixing the sauce and porridge together.

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

2.12 Pork Rib Tea

This specialty dish is also known as Bak Kut Teh. It's a Singaporean specialty that must not be left out in any article about traveling to Singapore due to its fame.

This dish has a particularly special origin story.

The most unique aspect of this dish is that pork ribs/pork bones are stewed with various spices, herbs, and pepper, resulting in a broth that often resembles the color of tea.

2.13 Peanut Sauce Noodles 

Peanut Sauce Noodles, also known as Mee Rebus, stands out with its sauce made from tomatoes, peanuts, dried shrimp, curry powder, and salted soybeans. Travelers wishing 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 Shop,...

2.14 Steamed Rice Cakes 

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

2.15 Coconut Rice

At first glance, travelers might think this is just ordinary white rice served with side dishes. However, the standout feature 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 around the world.

3. What Singaporean specialties should you buy as gifts for loved ones

Besides Singapore's vibrant culinary scene, the array of Singaporean specialties as gifts is equally diverse. Travelers visiting Singapore should research and explore to find unique gifts for their loved ones.

3.1 Kaya Jam

Kaya Jam is often paired with bread for breakfast - a Singaporean specialty. Made from two main ingredients, eggs and coconut milk, travelers can buy jars of Kaya Jam to continue enjoying the distinctive Kaya toast after their trip.

Kaya Jam is one of the Singaporean specialties travelers should buy when visiting the Lion City.

3.2 Bak Kwa Jerky

Bak Kwa Jerky is one of the most popular snacks in Singapore. Thinly sliced square pieces of dried meat are marinated with spices. Typically, 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 gifts for their family members during their travels.

3.3 Laksa Sauce

Surely, if travelers have ever heard of or tasted Laksa noodle soup, they will be impressed and remember its unforgettable flavor. Therefore, Laksa sauce is considered a quintessential part of Singaporean cuisine. Travelers should buy this Singaporean specialty to continue enjoying the amazing Laksa noodle soup and also to give as gifts to their family members.

3.4 Singaporean Sausage

One of the Singaporean specialties that travelers can buy as gifts is Singaporean sausage. Similar to Vietnam, Singaporean sausage is quite easy to eat and can be easily found at street vendors.

3.5 Dried Red Dates

Dried red dates from Singapore resemble those from Dalat, Vietnam. However, travelers should also try buying this Singaporean specialty as a gift because the dates are dried and coated with a layer of white powder on the outside to ensure a chewy texture inside.

3.6 Pineapple Cakes

Pineapple cakes originated from Taiwan but have become one of the favorite snacks in Singapore. These cakes look like cookies but have a fragrant filling inside. Travelers will surely be enchanted by this cake upon their first taste due to its delicious flavor. The lightly sweet and tangy taste of the pineapple filling balances the not overly rich pastry. It would be a pity not to buy them as a Singaporean specialty.

With a multicultural and diverse country like Singapore, the list of Singaporean specialties in travelers' plans is likely to be very long because every dish is delicious and worth trying. If time permits, travelers should plan to try all the dishes mentioned above to enjoy the cultural fusion in Singaporean cuisine and buy additional snacks to bring back home as gifts for their loved ones. Food undoubtedly has to be an important factor in travelers' trips to the Lion City that they should invest in. If travelers are planning to visit Singapore in 2024, contact Mytour immediately at the hotline number Mytour for advice on cheap Singapore tours today.

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