Written by: Marissa Saini
Hailed as a food paradise, you’ll always be able to find delicious food at affordable prices tucked away at every corner in Singapore. Humble hawker centres, coffee shops, and various mom and pop shops serve up iconic and mouthwatering renditions of Singaporean cuisine that attract foodies and tourists alike from far and wide.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
This no-frills dish has captured the hearts of all those who have tried this simple yet satisfying combo of flavours. The star of the dish is the titular chicken, which you can choose either roasted or steamed. It comes with rice cooked in chicken broth, soup, and some garlic chilli sauce that gives this delicacy its distinctive kick.
Try this dish at Boon Tong Kee, 18 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599742 (near Beauty World MRT Station Exit B)
2. Satay
Satay consists of small portions of meat – usually chicken, beef, or mutton – that have been skewered and cooked on a charcoal grill. The irresistible aroma of charred meat means you’ll always know there’s a satay stall nearby, even when you haven’t seen it yet. The dish is served with a side of delicious peanut sauce, cucumbers, and rice cakes.
Try this dish at Lau Pa Sat Satay Street, 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582 (5-minute walk from Raffles MRT)
3. Prata
Prata lovers would have this flatbread dish for breakfast, usually accompanied by a hot cup of teh tarik (“pulled” tea sweetened with dollops of condensed milk). Made out of dough and ghee that’s fried to give it its signature crispy exterior, this iconic hawker staple is best eaten with savoury curry. Got a hankering for something sweet? Prata goes well with sugar too!
Try this dish at Famous Crispy Prata Indian Muslim Food, Poh Ho Restaurant, 7 Crane Road, Singapore 429356
4. Salted Egg Dishes
The newest addition to Singapore’s list of delicacies, salted egg dishes have proven their place among the league of iconic dishes that have been around the block for decades. Salted egg dishes are made with cured duck eggs, whose egg yolks lend a rich flavour. Due to its versatility, these egg yolks are usually made into a sauce with curry leaves and chilli – a delicious topping that goes with everything from deep-fried squid to chicken.
Today, you’ll be able to find salted eggs in about any food variation you can think of. Chips, burgers, fries, eggs Benedict – you name it.
Try this dish at Taste Good 好味小厨1 Rochor Canal Road, #02-04, Sim Lim Square, 188504.
5. Chilli Crab
Best enjoyed with heaps of mantou (fried buns) to soak up all that savoury and sweet goodness, chilli crab consists of stir-fried crabs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. You’ll find this iconic dish served in longstanding restaurants that have been around for 70 years. Be sure to eat it with your hands only – it just tastes better that way!
Try this dish at JUMBO Seafood, #01, 11 Dempsey Rd, 16 Dempsey Hill, 249673.
Hungry to sink your teeth into these timeless delicacies? Singapore has a lively food scene with so much more to offer (read: so much more than what’s on this list) that it’s nearly impossible to name them all. Whether you’re trying it out for the first time or a seasoned foodie, these dishes will surely make you understand and appreciate Singapore’s obsession with food.
Moving to Singapore for an exciting new job opportunity? Why not let Ohmyhome take care of home finding with our Destination Services?
We analyse your needs, select possible residences that fit your budget, and help you negotiate the lease.
