An Expat Guide To The Best Food Options In Singapore

With a plethora of food options in Singapore there is no doubt it is a foodie’s paradise. But with so many options, it can be daunting for expats looking for the best food in Singapore has to offer. Fear not, for we’ve got you covered! We’ve scoured the city-state and have come up with a list of the top must-try local dishes, fusion cuisine, and international options to satisfy your taste buds.

Singapore’s Street Food Scene

Singapore has a fascinating food culture, with outstanding Hawker stalls, the pride of the country’s hawker heritage awarded the honor of the “Michelin star.” The significance of hawker culture is so profound that the street food stalls were added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020.

Hawker centres are open-air food courts that offer a variety of cuisines at reasonable prices. Here, you can find some of the best local and regional dishes in Singapore. These places are perfect for families with kids who want to enjoy a variety of dishes without breaking the bank.

Why Singaporean Street Food is a Must-Try Experience

The food in Singapore reflects the diverse and ever-growing community. It is not only a sensory feast, but the food is also of high quality, affordable, and accessible to everyone. Sampling Singapore’s street food dishes is a must-try adventure, and first-time visitors will be spoilt for choice.

Exploring the Best Street Food options in Singapore

Maxwell Hawker Centre

Maxwell Hawker Centre is a bustling destination, serving up some of the best local flavors in Singapore. The stalls here offer a fusion of Malay and Chinese-infused cuisines, including classic dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, and Satay. The atmosphere of the food hall is electric, with the laid-back ambiance balanced against the intense flavors.

The must-try dish here is Hainanse Chicken Rice – arguably the most famous dish in Singapore, we dare say that no trip to Singapore is complete without trying Hainanese Chicken Rice. This dish comprises fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and served with poached chicken, sliced cucumber, and a dipping sauce made from ginger and soy sauce. Head over to Tian Tian Chicken Rice located for this iconic dish that everyone raves about!

Hong Lim Market & Food Centre

Hong Lim Market & Food Centre is an institution in Chinatown and has been wowing customers for over forty years. Known for offering affordable yet delicious dishes, this spot is a favorite for both locals and tourists. Do not leave without trying the award-winning Laksa at Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa.

Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that is a Nyonya specialty and is widely available in Singapore. Featuring a blend of Chinese and Malay flavors, laksa is infused with coconut milk and flavored with spices such as ginger, lemongrass, and chili. The dish is usually accompanied by prawns, fish cake slices, and chicken.

Insider Tips for Navigating the Street Food Scene

• Always look for stalls with a long queue, this is an indication that the food is excellent.
• When ordering, let the stall owner know if you want it spicy or non-spicy.
• To avoid the mid-day heat, visit the food halls and street markets either later in the morning or in the early evenings.
• Bring cash and remember to be patient when ordering as most street food stands have limited staff.

Finding the Best Chilli Crab in Singapore

Chilli Crab deserves a section all on its own. If there’s one dish that you cannot miss out on during your visit to Singapore, it has got to be this classic. This fiery dish is a Singaporean specialty that brings together fresh crab, a tomato chili-based sauce, and a medley of spices.

Jumbo Seafood

Jumbo Seafood is a household name when it comes to seafood in Singapore, and this restaurant is a must-visit if you’re looking to taste some of the city’s most delicious chilli crab. The Jumbo Chilli Crab is their signature dish. The sauce has the perfect balance of sweet and spice, coating the succulent crab meat. Jumbo has several locations across Singapore, including the popular East Coast Seafood Centre.

No Signboard Seafood

Another restaurant with a cult following among locals and tourists alike is No Signboard Seafood. This restaurant was originally a humble hawker stand, but it has grown in popularity, and they have now expanded with several outlets across the city. The sauce recipe is a secret, but it is a blend of rich tomato sauce and chili, and the crab is fresh and meaty, the perfect combination.

Long Beach Seafood Restaurant

Long Beach Seafood Restaurant has a history of more than 70 years serving outstanding food in Singapore, and their black pepper crab draws in visitors from all over the world. However, their chilli crab is equally outstanding, drenched in a thick gravy that packs a punch. Long Beach has several locations, including their flagship outlet at Dempsey Hill, with a lovely rainforest ambiance.

Tips for Ordering Chilli Crab in Singapore

• When ordering, ask for a side of steamed or fried buns (mantou) to dip into the sauce.
• Be prepared to get your hands dirty – eating chilli crab is a messy but delicious affair. Most restaurants will provide you with bibs and wet towels to clean your hands.
• If you’re sensitive to spice, don’t be afraid to ask for a milder version of the sauce.

Fusion Cuisine

Fusion food is the perfect way to explore the blend of cultures that make up Singapore’s food scene. The cuisine in Singapore is an intricate tapestry woven from a blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences. One of the best ways to experience the blending of these cultures is through fusion food.

Salted Egg Yolk Anything

Salted egg is a popular delicacy in Singapore, and it can be found in various dishes and snacks, ranging from savory to sweet. It is made by coating eggs with a mixture of salt, charcoal, and lime, then leaving them to cure for a few weeks. The result is a creamy golden yolk and a tangy flavor that is hard to resist.

While salted egg is a traditional ingredient in many Asian dishes, in Singapore, it has taken on a new form as a fusion flavor. It can now be found in a range of exciting and innovative dishes that combine traditional and modern elements. Some popular salted egg dishes include Salted Egg Crab, Salted Egg Yolk Fried Chicken, and Salted Egg Croissants.

The unique flavor of salted egg yolk is savory yet delicate and pairs well with almost anything! Go to Toast Box for their Salted Egg Lava Toast, and you won’t regret it!

Chilli Crab Xiao Long Bao

The ingenious blend of two iconic dishes, Chilli Crab, and Xiao Long Bao (a type of Chinese steamed dumpling), has resulted in a flavorful and fun dumpling. Paradise Dynasty serves these, and you must try them for yourself to understand the hype!

Nasi Lemak Burger

Two beloved dishes in one, The Beast by The Bird offers this unique burger for those who love nasi lemak and burgers! Basically it’s a chicken burger topped with ikan bilis (a type of dried anchovy), fried egg, cucumber, and sambal. Don’t knock it till you try it!

Discovering Singapore’s Fine Dining Scene

For an unforgettable culinary adventure, look no further than Singapore and its first-class fine dining scene. From unique cuisines to breathtaking bay views, this island nation has it all. Book in advance and seize the opportunity to create lasting culinary memories during your stay in Singapore.

Labyrinth

First on the list is Labyrinth, a one Michelin Star restaurant which serves up modern-Singapore cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds with its innovative flavors. With a focus on the local produce ingredients and flavors, Labyrinth delivers an unforgettable dining experience.

Odette

Another must-visit restaurant in Singapore is the renowned Odette, which has been awarded three Michelin stars. Located in the iconic National Gallery Singapore, this restaurant offers contemporary French cuisine in a luxurious setting. The interiors are just as stunning as the dishes, with elegant decor and sweeping views of the city’s skyline. It’s an experience that truly delights all the senses.

Waku ghin

Finally, there’s the world-renowned Waku Ghin, where Chef Tetsuya Wakuda treats diners to an intimate fine dining experience. Housed inside the luxurious Marina Bay Sands complex, Waku Ghin, a two Micheline stared restuarant, boasts stunning views of the bay and offers dishes that fuse Western and Japanese flavors. It’s a culinary adventure that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

Dining Etiquette and Tips

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and respecting their customs and cultures while dining is an essential part of the experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• It’s customary to say “yam seng” before clinking glasses and taking a sip.
• Tipping is not necessary or expected in Singapore.
• It’s considered impolite to leave food on your plate, so order only what you can eat.
• Local eateries often use disposable cutlery and plates, and it’s considered normal.
• Refrain from speaking loudly or shouting in public spaces.

Final Thoughts on Food Options in Singapore

Food is one of the most fundamental aspects of any culture. It binds us together, forms our memories, and nourishes us both physically and emotionally. It gives us a very tangible way to integrate into our new home country and can help us adapt to the culture shock of an international move.

Singapore is a vibrant and exciting culinary melting pot with an abundance of delicious flavors to discover and savor. With such a diverse array of restaurants, dishes, and markets, expats living in Singapore can certainly make the most of their stay by exploring traditional dishes from around the world. Bon appetit!