What Are Some Must-Try Dishes in Singapore? - Treat Your Tastebuds to the Best!

Theme parks, aquariums, business hubs – is there anything else that makes Singapore a must-visit? You bet! Singapore’s food scene attracts foodies from near and far. Singaporean cuisine is a mix of influences, reflecting its diverse culture. If you’re planning a visit, whether for business or leisure, you simply must try these dishes.

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Chicken Rice 

There’s nothing complex about this dish; it’s, well, chicken rice, right? What’s so special about it, you might ask? But here’s the thing: this Singaporean chicken rice dish is practically the national dish. It’s simple, yet incredibly flavourful. It’s filling, too. The fragrant rice is cooked to perfection, and the chicken is so juicy and scrumptious. For added flavour, Singaporeans like to add garlic, ginger, chilli, and soy sauce. There’s nothing pretentious about this dish, which is what makes it so good. Nothing is too much or too little – it’s all about the balance. Where can you enjoy this legendary Singaporean chicken rice? Well, anywhere really. From hawker centres to upscale restaurants, almost every eatery in Singapore serves chicken rice!

Chilli Crab 

This is the kind of dish you’d never get tired of, no matter how much you eat it. Singaporean chilli crab will make your taste buds dance like they’re at a New Year’s party. It’s all things at once – sweet, tangy, and spicy. The crab meat is tender and oh-so-juicy, all soaked up in the spicy tomato sauce. Here’s something to remember: eating chilli crab can be messy, but that’s part of the fun. You can have the crab as a standalone dish, but you can also grab a few steamed buns to soak up all that deliciousness. Hawker centres are the best places to enjoy chilli crab, but there are restaurants serving it too. If you want to try a different type of seafood, however, there are City Hall restaurants in Singapore, like those featured by hotels such as Grand Park City Hall, serving European-style dishes.

Laksa 

Singaporeans love their noodles, and Laksa takes the spotlight. It’s a spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk base. While it’s spicy, it’s not so spicy that you can’t taste the noodles, and the coconut milk adds depth and richness to the dish. There’s also a generous amount of seafood. Depending on where you are, you’ll find different versions of Laksa, but Katong Laksa is the most popular. In this version, the noodles are cut short so you can easily scoop them up with a spoon.

Char Kway Teow 

Another celebrated noodle dish, Char Kway Teow might not be the healthiest, but you’re on holiday, so it’s okay to treat yourself – as long as you have it in moderation. This noodle dish is one of the yummiest you’ll try in Singapore. What does it contain? Stir-fried rice noodles, prawns, Chinese sausages, eggs, bean sprouts, and chives. Unlike your regular noodle dish, Char Kway Teow has a distinct smoky flavour, achieved by stir-frying it on high heat. You can find it in any hawker centre, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for something hearty and flavourful.

Nasi Lemak 

This dish is an example of Singapore’s diverse culture. Nasi Lemak was originally a Malay dish, but it’s now popular in Singapore as well. The main component of the dish is coconut rice, and the other delectable ingredients include eggs, peanuts, anchovies, cucumber, and sambal. The rice is fluffy and creamy, and the sambal is spicy, creating a delicious flavour combo. Some places serve fried chicken and fish on the side too. 

Kaya Toast 

This is a classic Singaporean breakfast. It’s neither too heavy nor too light, making it the perfect start to your day. Kaya is sweet coconut jam, spread generously on perfectly toasted bread with a dollop of butter. Singaporeans like to have a soft-boiled egg with it, paired with a cup of hot coffee or tea.