Singapore

Foods of Singapore: 14 Must-Try Dishes and Culinary Highlights

Foods of Singapore
Foods of Singapore
Written by Just Wravel

Food of Singapore is a delightful journey of authentic flavors that will bless your tastebuds with every bite and leave you craving more! You can find a striking combination of Indian, Chinese, European, and Malay influences, making it a unique and diverse culinary experience for every visitor. Tourists visiting Singapore are advised to enhance their experience by trying authentic Singapore cuisine which includes countless richly aromatic and lip-smacking options— from highly spiced chili crab to creamy fish head curry. Each dish is meticulously prepared, to serve you with the best of the region’s true essence. Below is the list of the 14 must-try foods of Singapore that will offer you a great authentic culinary experience for each visitor! 

Get ready for a savory journey that will bring the region’s real magic to your plate! 

Discover 14 Irresistible Foods of Singapore That Everyone Must Try! 

Are you ready to uncover the epic flavorful side of Singapore? If yes, then here you go!

Fish Head Curry 

Fish Head Curry, Singaporean Local Peranakan Cuisine
Fish Head Curry, Singaporean Local Peranakan Cuisine

Here comes the very first delectable Singapore local food— Fish head curry. This famous dish is a delightful combination of Indian and Chinese cuisine. A fresh red snapper fish is the highlight of the dish, where the head portion is delicately stir-fried in an aromatic curry of tomatoes, tamarind, and coconut milk and artfully served with a variety of vegetables including eggplants and okra. The dish’s main ingredients include the flavorful head portion, considered the best and the most tasty to eat compared with the rest of the fish’s body, mustard seeds for the added nutty twist, and the aromatic Sesame oil or gingelly oil for an epic burst of flavor. The fish head curry is a Singaporean food that is truly the pure indulgence on the plate! This dish is often served in different meal sizes – Small, Medium, and Large plates priced accordingly. You can try this dish anywhere in the city— from local vendors to renowned restaurants. 

Read More: Things to Do in Singapore

Kaya Toast 

Kaya Toast 
Kaya Toast 

This dish is among the popular foods of Singapore that can be your perfect start to the day as it’s ranked among the best options for breakfast in the city. Kaya Toast is a sweet dish that is all about Kaya, a sweet coconut jam generously layered over perfectly browned toast. Talking about the flavor of this Singaporean breakfast classic, Kaya is finely made from sugar, coconut milk, eggs, and fragrant pandan leaves. Giving a perfect balance of creaminess and sweetness in every single bite. The toast is prepared by adding thick layers of cold butter in between to introduce a dramatic buttery flavor for an indulgent experience. Kaya toast is often served with a side of Kopi (coffee) or Teh (Tea) for a 10 /10  flavourful experience. This dish is widely available across Singapore, making it a must-try for locals and travelers alike. 

Extended Read: How to Reach Singapore

Satay 

Satay
Satay

Wondering which Singapore food is must-try– here it is! Satay is a popular Singaporean dish which is a flavorful grilled delight, originated from Indonesia but is now well-ingrained in Singapore’s special tasteful twist. The highlight of this dish is its richly marinated pieces of meat, including mutton, chicken, beef, or even pork which is perfectly grilled over a charcoal fire to perfection leaving strong smoky aromas. The marinating sauce includes a striking balance of lemongrass, chilis, garlic, and a combination of spices to give it a great golden color and authentic taste! Satay is served with a side of delicious peanut sauce dip to enhance the overall indulgence. The best part about the dish is its rich, creamy, and mild spicy aspect, making it easy for those with limited spice tolerance. You can easily try this dish at the local vendors at Satay Street or Sin Chew Satay Bee Hoon. 

Suggested Read: Places To Visit in Singapore

Bak Kut Teh 

Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Teh

This Singapore food is a flavorful Pork rib soup, a staple deeply enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. It is prepared with tender pork ribs which are delicately simmered for hours in an aromatic broth, made of a combination of Chinese herbs, spices, white pepper, and garlic. Bak Kut Teh is a savory soup that is a must-try for every traveler as it offers a super unique yet comforting blend of authentic flavors. The best part about this dish is its darker, cloudy, and equally rich broth, generously infused with soy sauce and served with a side of braised tofu, steamed rice, vegetables, and you tiao (fried dough sticks) for dipping. Trying this dish will let you appreciate Singapore’s rich culinary heritage, where centuries-old recipes deliver authentic savory experiences.

Suggested Read: Visa for Indians Traveling to Singapore

Laksa 

Laksa 
Laksa 

This is a famous food in Singapore that originated in the Katong area and is also named Koting Laksa. This dish is mainly a flavorful noodle soup that perfectly combines the best of spiciness and creaminess, where each bite will feel like a celebration of life!  The authentic flavor of Laksa comes from its freshly prepared coconut milk-based broth, finely spiced with the striking balance of chili paste, herbs, and a combination of other spices, including lemongrass and galangal. The dish is served in a bowl with small-cut noodles and vegetables and topped with shredded fish cake, prawns, and chicken for an utterly satisfying experience. 

Tip: You can easily eat this dish with chopsticks and ditch the spoon for an authentic culinary experience. 

Chilli Crab 

Chilli Crab
Chilli Crab

Singapore’s iconic chili crab is all you need to add an arguably spicy twist to your culinary experience! This dish’s main highlight is the live mud crab richly cooked in an aromatic curry to release a succulent texture. Talking about the unique flavor of this seafood delight is its sauce, which is a perfect blend of chili, garlic, tomato, and ginger for spiciness and sugar, and ketchup for a sweet, tangy balance. Chili crab, one of the most-liked foods of Singapore, is usually served with a side of deep-fried mantou (buns) for a wholesome savory experience. The best part about the dish is its live, fresh, tender, big meaty crabs that make every bite incredibly succulent.

Hainanese Chicken Rice 

Hainanese Chicken Rice or Rice Steamed with Chicken Soup
Hainanese Chicken Rice or Rice Steamed with Chicken Soup

This Singapore food is a true delight to the senses! Hainanese chicken rice’s main highlight is its tender, succulent chicken poached to perfection in water containing ginger, garlic, and spring onions. This process continues till the chicken exudes a tender and juicy texture ensuring extreme flavorfulness. Once done, the remaining broth (used for cooking chicken) is then utilized to prepare rice, typically long-grain or jasmine rice for a rich, delectable experience as it absorbs the chicken’s essence. The cooked chicken is then cut into bite-sized pieces and served with a side of rice, homemade chili sauce, and ginger-garlic paste to add a perfect spicy kick to the overall dish. 

Char Kway Teow 

Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow

This beloved standalone food Singapore is a must-try for anyone visiting the city! Char Kway Teow is all about its flat rice noodles and tubular yellow wheat noodles fried in soy sauce, garlic, and lard along with taste-enhancing ingredients such as Chinese waxed sausage, cockles, beansprouts, and egg. The dish’s flavor is more like a great blend of smoky and savory, enhanced with delicately sweetened elements. The dish is served with fresh cilantro toppings and lime pieces on the side for taste enhancement (as per needs). The best part about the dish is its crispy bits of fried shallots and the wok hei, which is an irresistible smoky aroma attained through frying at high heat—making it a must-try. 

BBQ Sambal Stingray 

Stingray Fish with Sambal Chili Sauce
Stingray Fish with Sambal Chili Sauce

This Singapore food will leave you drooling over its irresistible flavors. The main highlight of BBQ Sambal Stingray is the Stingray fillet fish which is richly marinated in the spicy and tangy Sambal paste made from shallots, spices, garlic, dried shrimp, and other variety of aromatic spices. The best part of the dish is its irresistible buttery texture attained through delicately grilling in the banana leaves and served with a generous amount of Sambal paste for spice lovers. Majorly served at the Hawker centers and street food stalls, this dish is a must-try for every seafood enthusiast while visiting Singapore! 

Nasi Lemak 

Nasi Lemak 
Nasi Lemak 

Commonly associated with both Singapore and Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is another must-try food in Singapore that will transport you to another world. The dish’s main highlight is its steamed rice served with crunchy roasted nuts, ikan bilis (anchovies), egg, and slices of cucumber. The unique flavor of this well-rounded dish is achieved through the richness of the coconut milk-infused rice, revealing a super-creamy texture perfectly balanced with sweet and spicy Sambal. The best part about the dish is the crunchy essence that will enhance your savory experience by 10 times. 

Murtabak 

Murtabak 
Murtabak 

This is one of the most enjoyed foods of Singapore by the locals and tourists alike. The main highlight of the dish is its stuffed, pan-fried flatbread combining a generous amount of savory fillings containing minced meat (lamb, chicken, or beef) flavored with a unique blend of spices along with finely chopped onions and garlic. The dough is delicately pan-fried until it reveals a rich-golden and crispier texture for the delightful crunch and burst of flavors with every bite. Murtabak is usually served with aromatic curry sauce, cucumber in ketchup, or sweetly pickled onions for an added taste. The best part about the dish is that it’s served in large portions, making it a must-try with family and friends! 

Lor Mee

Lor Mee
Lor Mee

Wanna try the famous food in Singapore that awakens the senses from within? It is Lor Mee, a savory dish that contains delicately braised pork noodles containing tangy thick gravy. Also popular as Hokkien Lor Mee, the dish’s rich flavor lies in the sweetness of chicken stock, the saltiness of soy sauce, and a variety of aromatic and taste-enhancing spices. The best part about the dish is its velvety, slightly thickened texture that none can resist! Try Lor Mee in Singapore and experience the true essence of local culinary delight! 

Carrot Cake 

Carrot Cake
Carrot Cake

Carrot cake, aka known as fried radish cake, is a famous Singapore food which is a delicately prepared glutinous rice flour cake, served popularly across the city. This dish contains a mixture of rice flour and grated white radish, all freshly chosen for the best taste. The cake is stir-fried with eggs and enhanced with a touch of soy sauce, giving it a slightly sweet and umami-packed flavor. Every bite of this dish feels like heaven—perfectly crispy on the outside and equally tender on the inside. 

Popiah

Popiah - Singapore Spring Roll
Popiah – Singapore Spring Roll

Popiah is a Singapore food that translates to ‘pancake’ or ‘thin snack’ which is widely enjoyed in the city. This popular dish actually sparks joy from within with its delectable burst of flavors. Prepared from fresh mixed vegetables, crushed peanuts, jicama, or sometimes meat filling, Popiah is topped with savory and sweet sauce to enhance the overall flavor. This is a light snack that is available at nearly every stall or hawker center in Singapore. Popiah, a Singaporean version of the Spring rolls can be utterly enjoyed with a dipping sauce and a choice of your beverage as a perfect evening snack! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Singapore’s national food?

Chicken rice is considered Singapore’s national dish and is nearly available across the city. The dish is served with tender chicken pieces, steamed rice, and a side of ginger paste and chili garlic sauce. 

What is the street foods of Singapore called?

Singapore street food is often called Hawker food which can easily be found at the Hawker centres throughout the city. The food and taste are beyond amazing, fairly priced, and offer a great burst of diverse flavors. 

Are veg options available in Foods of Singapore? 

Yes, there are veg options available in Singapore for travelers. Singapore offers a wide variety of plant-based diets and even vegetarian versions of their famous non-veg dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and Laksa. 

What is the spice level of Foods of Singapore?

Singaporeans love spicy food leading to high spice levels in their cuisine. There are plenty of options for spice lovers but those with limited spice tolerance can also find a variety of options to eat. 

Which is the most popular drink in Singapore? 

Beer is the most popular drink in Singapore. It is the most consumed alcoholic beverage by locals and tourists alike along with food.  

Explore Singapore’s food with JustWravel HERE…

Leave a Comment

1 Comment

About the author

Just Wravel

JustWravel is a one stop platform for all your Outstation Travel Needs.Group Tours, Road Trips ,Treks, Adventure activities, Packages for Independent Travelers,we have it all.

5 Must-Visit Places in Kerala: Discover the Enchanting Beauty 6 Beautiful Valleys of India for every Traveler Trips you should take in February 2025 Best Sri Lanka Travel Guide 2025 Top Romantic Getaways for Valentine’s Day 2025