Singapore is a food paradise, known for its diverse and delicious culinary scene influenced by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cultures. From humble hawker stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city-state offers a wide range of flavors that reflect its rich heritage. Whether you’re a food lover or a first-time visitor, here are the top 10 must-try foods in Singapore that you should not miss.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
A simple yet flavorful dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice is considered Singapore’s national dish. It consists of poached or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by chili sauce, dark soy sauce, and ginger paste.
- Where to try it: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Maxwell Food Centre) or Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice.
- Why it’s a must-try: The combination of tender chicken and aromatic rice, paired with spicy and tangy sauces, makes this dish irresistible.
2. Chili Crab
One of Singapore’s most iconic seafood dishes, Chili Crab features fresh crab stir-fried in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy tomato-based sauce. The dish is best enjoyed with deep-fried mantou (buns) to soak up the rich sauce.
- Where to try it: Jumbo Seafood or No Signboard Seafood.
- Why it’s a must-try: The balance of flavors and the fun of eating crab with your hands make this an unforgettable experience.
3. Laksa
A spicy and creamy noodle soup, Laksa is a must-try dish that blends Chinese and Malay flavors. The most famous version in Singapore is Katong Laksa, made with thick rice noodles in a rich coconut curry broth, topped with shrimp, fish cakes, and cockles.
- Where to try it: 328 Katong Laksa.
- Why it’s a must-try: The fragrant coconut milk and spicy chili paste create an addictive, comforting dish.
4. Hokkien Mee
Hokkien Mee is a stir-fried noodle dish made with a mix of egg noodles and rice vermicelli, cooked in a flavorful seafood broth with prawns, squid, and eggs, then topped with sambal chili and a squeeze of lime.
- Where to try it: Tian Tian Hokkien Mee or Nam Sing Hokkien Mee.
- Why it’s a must-try: The smoky wok hei (charred aroma) and umami-rich seafood flavors make this dish a favorite among locals.
5. Satay
A popular street food, Satay consists of skewered and grilled meat (chicken, beef, mutton, or pork) served with a rich peanut sauce, rice cakes, onions, and cucumbers.
- Where to try it: Lau Pa Sat Satay Street or Chomp Chomp Food Centre.
- Why it’s a must-try: The charred, smoky flavor of the grilled meat combined with the nutty, slightly sweet peanut sauce is a perfect match.
6. Char Kway Teow
A beloved hawker dish, Char Kway Teow is a stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, eggs, Chinese sausage, cockles, and bean sprouts, all cooked in a savory and slightly sweet dark soy sauce.
- Where to try it: Hill Street Char Kway Teow or Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee.
- Why it’s a must-try: The combination of chewy noodles, crispy bits, and smoky wok hei flavor makes this a guilty pleasure.
7. Kaya Toast & Soft-Boiled Eggs
A traditional Singaporean breakfast, Kaya Toast consists of crispy toast slathered with kaya (a sweet coconut and egg jam) and butter, served with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of strong, aromatic kopi (coffee) or teh (tea).
- Where to try it: Ya Kun Kaya Toast or Killiney Kopitiam.
- Why it’s a must-try: This simple yet delicious breakfast provides a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
8. Roti Prata
A crispy and flaky Indian flatbread, Roti Prata is served with curry (usually fish or mutton) and can be enjoyed plain or with fillings like egg, cheese, or banana.
- Where to try it: Springleaf Prata Place or Mr. and Mrs. Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata.
- Why it’s a must-try: The crispy texture and buttery layers, combined with spicy curry, make for a satisfying meal.
9. Bak Kut Teh
A flavorful pork rib soup, Bak Kut Teh (meaning “meat bone tea”) is made by simmering pork ribs in a fragrant broth with garlic, pepper, and various herbs and spices. It is served with rice, youtiao (fried dough sticks), and a side of dark soy sauce with chili.
- Where to try it: Song Fa Bak Kut Teh or Founder Bak Kut Teh.
- Why it’s a must-try: The rich broth and tender pork ribs make this a comforting and hearty dish.
10. Ice Kacang & Chendol
For a sweet ending, Singapore’s must-try desserts include Ice Kacang and Chendol. Ice Kacang is a colorful mountain of shaved ice topped with syrup, sweet corn, red beans, grass jelly, and condensed milk. Chendol features coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and green pandan jelly noodles over shaved ice.
- Where to try it: Mei Heong Yuen Dessert or Jin Jin Hot/Cold Dessert.
- Why it’s a must-try: These icy treats are perfect for cooling down in Singapore’s humid weather.
Conclusion
Singapore’s food culture is a delicious mix of heritage and flavors that cater to every palate. Whether you’re craving something spicy, savory, sweet, or comforting, these top 10 must-try foods in Singapore will give you an authentic taste of the Lion City. So, when you visit, make sure to explore its hawker centers, food streets, and restaurants to indulge in these iconic dishes!
Exploring Singapore’s Food Culture Beyond the Top 10 Dishes
Singapore’s food scene is more than just a collection of famous dishes—it’s an experience that brings people together, showcasing the city’s cultural diversity. While the top 10 dishes mentioned earlier are a great starting point, there are plenty more foods that deserve attention. Let’s dive deeper into some additional culinary delights, the best places to experience authentic flavors, and tips on how to eat like a local in Singapore.
Bonus Must-Try Foods in Singapore
11. Oyster Omelette (Orh Luak)
Oyster Omelette, or Orh Luak, is a flavorful dish that combines eggs, tapioca starch, and fresh oysters, pan-fried to a crispy yet gooey perfection. Served with a tangy chili sauce, this dish is a favorite among locals at hawker centers.
- Where to try it: Lim’s Fried Oyster at Newton Food Centre or Ah Chuan Fried Oyster Omelette (Toa Payoh).
- Why it’s special: The combination of crispy batter, creamy oysters, and spicy-sour dipping sauce creates an addictive texture and flavor.
12. Fish Head Curry
A fusion of Indian and Chinese culinary influences, Fish Head Curry is a spicy, tangy dish featuring a whole fish head simmered in a rich coconut milk and tamarind-based curry with vegetables.
- Where to try it: Samy’s Curry or Muthu’s Curry.
- Why it’s special: The tender fish meat absorbs the bold flavors of the curry, making it a must-try for spice lovers.
13. Wanton Mee
A beloved noodle dish, Wanton Mee consists of springy egg noodles tossed in a savory-sweet dark sauce, topped with char siu (barbecue pork) and served with a bowl of wanton (dumpling) soup.
- Where to try it: Kok Kee Wanton Mee or Eng’s Wantan Noodle.
- Why it’s special: The combination of chewy noodles, succulent char siu, and delicate dumplings makes this dish a favorite comfort food.
14. Nasi Lemak
Originally a Malay dish, Nasi Lemak is now a staple in Singaporean cuisine. It consists of fragrant coconut rice, crispy fried chicken, ikan bilis (anchovies), peanuts, a fried egg, and sambal chili.
- Where to try it: Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak or The Coconut Club.
- Why it’s special: The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes every bite satisfying.
15. Mee Siam
A spicy and tangy noodle dish, Mee Siam features thin rice vermicelli in a flavorful tamarind-based gravy, topped with boiled eggs, fried tofu, and prawns.
- Where to try it: Guan Kee Mee Siam or Rumah Makan Minang.
- Why it’s special: The mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors creates a uniquely refreshing noodle dish.
Where to Experience the Best of Singapore’s Food Scene
Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly hawker stalls or fine-dining experiences, Singapore offers a variety of options to satisfy your cravings. Here are some must-visit locations:
1. Hawker Centers – The Heart of Singaporean Cuisine
Singapore’s hawker centers are where you’ll find the most authentic and affordable local dishes. Some of the best hawker centers include:
- Maxwell Food Centre – Home to the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.
- Lau Pa Sat – Known for its bustling satay street and diverse food stalls.
- Old Airport Road Food Centre – A go-to spot for Char Kway Teow and Hokkien Mee.
- Newton Food Centre – Popular for BBQ seafood and Oyster Omelette.
- Chinatown Complex Food Centre – A massive hawker center with a variety of authentic Singaporean dishes.
2. Michelin-Starred & Famous Restaurants
Singapore is home to several Michelin-starred and renowned restaurants that elevate traditional dishes:
- Burnt Ends – A modern BBQ restaurant serving innovative grilled dishes.
- Candlenut – The world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant.
- Hawker Chan – The first hawker stall to receive a Michelin star, famous for its soya sauce chicken.
- Jumbo Seafood – One of the best places for Chili Crab.
3. Local Cafés & Kopitiams
For a laid-back dining experience, Singapore’s traditional coffee shops (kopitiams) and modern cafés offer delicious local snacks and coffee.
- Ya Kun Kaya Toast – A famous chain serving traditional kaya toast breakfast.
- Chin Mee Chin Confectionery – A heritage café with old-school vibes.
- Toast Box – A popular spot for kopi and local snacks.
How to Eat Like a Local in Singapore
To fully enjoy Singapore’s food scene, follow these tips to eat like a local:
- Eat at Hawker Centers – It’s the best way to experience authentic local flavors at affordable prices.
- Share Dishes – Many Singaporean dishes are meant to be shared, so try ordering multiple dishes with friends or family.
- Use Chopsticks & Hands When Needed – For dishes like Chili Crab and Satay, don’t be afraid to use your hands!
- Embrace Spice – Many dishes come with spicy sambal or chili sauces. If you’re unsure about spice levels, ask for it on the side.
- Order Teh or Kopi Like a Local – Singaporeans have unique ways of ordering coffee and tea:
- Kopi O – Black coffee with sugar.
- Kopi C – Coffee with evaporated milk and sugar.
- Teh Tarik – Pulled milk tea with a frothy top.
The Cultural Significance of Food in Singapore
Food in Singapore is more than just sustenance; it reflects the country’s multicultural heritage. It’s common to see Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences in a single dish, showcasing the seamless blend of cultures.
Moreover, hawker centers serve as community hubs where people from all walks of life come together to enjoy delicious meals. In 2020, Singapore’s hawker culture was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its importance in the country’s identity.
Final Thoughts
Singapore is truly a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse array of mouthwatering dishes that cater to every palate. From the comforting simplicity of Hainanese Chicken Rice to the bold flavors of Chili Crab and Laksa, every meal tells a story of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Whether you’re exploring street food at hawker centers, indulging in fine dining, or sipping on kopi at a traditional café, every bite in Singapore is an experience worth savoring. So, the next time you visit, make sure to tick off these must-try foods in Singapore from your list and immerse yourself in one of the world’s most exciting food destinations!
