Best Food in Singapore: A Culinary Journey Through the Lion City
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice The National Dish of Singapore
Overview:
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a dish so iconic that it is often called Singapore’s national dish. Originating from Hainan, China, this dish consists of poached or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in rich chicken broth. The magic lies in the dipping sauces: spicy chili sauce, ginger paste, and dark soy sauce. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors—tender chicken, aromatic rice, and a hint of heat from the condiments. The dish is widely available at hawker centers and even upscale restaurants.
Where to Try:
- Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Maxwell Food Centre)
- Boon Tong Kee (Balestier Road)
2. Chili Crab Singapore’s Signature Seafood Delight
Overview:
If there’s one dish that represents Singapore’s love for seafood, it’s Chili Crab. This dish features fresh crabs cooked in a thick, tangy, and mildly spicy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is so addictive that diners scoop it up with soft, deep-fried mantou (buns). The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes Chili Crab a top choice for both locals and tourists. Some variations include Black Pepper Crab, which is equally famous.
Where to Try:
- Jumbo Seafood (East Coast Park)
- No Signboard Seafood (Geylang)
3. Laksa A Spicy and Creamy Noodle Soup
Overview:
A beloved Peranakan dish, Laksa is a bowl of rich, spicy coconut-based noodle soup. This dish comes in different variations, but the most famous is Katong Laksa, where thick rice vermicelli is cut into shorter strands, allowing you to scoop up noodles with just a spoon. It’s usually topped with shrimp, fish cake, cockles, and a dollop of spicy sambal. The creamy broth, fragrant with coconut milk and spices, makes it a comforting meal.
Where to Try:
- 328 Katong Laksa (East Coast Road)
- Sungei Road Laksa (Jalan Berseh)
4. Hokkien Mee Stir-Fried Noodles with Seafood Goodness
Overview:
This dish is a true hawker classic. Hokkien Mee is a plate of stir-fried egg noodles and vermicelli soaked in a rich seafood broth made with prawn heads and pork bones. The noodles are cooked with prawns, squid, eggs, and crispy pork lard for extra flavor. Squeeze some lime and mix it with sambal chili for a spicy kick. The smoky aroma from the wok-frying process (known as “wok hei”) is what makes a good plate of Hokkien Mee stand out.
Where to Try:
- Geylang Lor 29 Hokkien Mee
- Nam Sing Hokkien Mee (Old Airport Road Food Centre)
5. Satay The Ultimate Grilled Meat Skewers
Overview:
Satay is a must-try dish if you love grilled meats. These skewers of marinated chicken, beef, lamb, or pork are cooked over a charcoal flame, giving them a slightly smoky, caramelized exterior. Served with a creamy peanut sauce, cucumber slices, and rice cakes, satay is a delicious and affordable street food. The tender, flavorful meat combined with the rich peanut sauce makes this dish incredibly addictive.
Where to Try:
- Lau Pa Sat Satay Street
- Chomp Chomp Satay (Serangoon Gardens Food Centre)
6. Kaya Toast Soft-Boiled Eggs The Quintessential Singaporean Breakfast
Overview:
A humble yet legendary breakfast, Kaya Toast consists of crispy, charcoal-grilled bread slathered with kaya (a sweet coconut jam) and butter. It's served with soft-boiled eggs drizzled with soy sauce and a sprinkle of white pepper. This classic meal is typically paired with a cup of traditional kopi (coffee) or teh (tea). The creamy, sweet kaya, combined with the buttery toast and savory eggs, creates a nostalgic and satisfying breakfast.
Where to Try:
- Ya Kun Kaya Toast
- Toast Box
7. Bak Kut Teh The Herbal Pork Rib Soup
Overview:
Bak Kut Teh, which translates to "Meat Bone Tea," is a rich, aromatic pork rib soup simmered with garlic, pepper, and medicinal herbs. The broth is light yet flavorful, offering a comforting taste. There are two main versions: the Teochew version (peppery and clear) and the Hokkien version (darker, with a strong herbal taste). It's best enjoyed with rice and youtiao (fried dough sticks) for dipping.
Where to Try:
- Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (Clarke Quay)
- Founder Bak Kut Teh (Balestier Road)
8. Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway) A Savory Delight
Overview:
Singaporean Carrot Cake has nothing to do with the sweet dessert! It’s a savory dish made from stir-fried radish rice cakes mixed with eggs, preserved radish, and garlic. There are two styles: white (crispier, without sweet soy sauce) and black (sweeter, coated in a dark caramelized sauce). The crispy edges and soft interior make this a beloved hawker dish.
Where to Try:
- Lau Goh Teochew Chye Thow Kway (Zion Road)
- Fu Ming Cooked Food (Redhill Market)
9. Roti Prata The Ultimate Indian Flatbread
Overview:
A favorite late-night snack, Roti Prata is a flaky, crispy Indian flatbread served with a side of curry. Prata comes in many flavors—classic plain or egg, as well as cheese, banana, and even chocolate variations. The crispy layers of the prata, combined with spicy curry, make this dish a delicious indulgence.
Where to Try:
- The Roti Prata House (Upper Thomson Road)
- Springleaf Prata Place
10. Nasi Lemak A Fragrant Coconut Rice Dish
Overview:
Nasi Lemak is a Malay dish featuring fragrant coconut rice, crispy fried chicken or fish, ikan bilis (anchovies), peanuts, cucumber, and sambal chili. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Where to Try:
- Adam Road Nasi Lemak
- Chong Pang Nasi Lemak