Culinary Scene in Singapore

Photo by Swapnil Bapat

Welcome to Singapore, the land of foodies! If you're a food lover, Singapore is the perfect destination for you. With a vibrant culinary scene, this city-state is known for its fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European cuisine. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hawker centers, Singapore has something for everyone's taste buds. So, grab your chopsticks and let's explore the culinary scene and foods in Singapore!

Hawker Centers

Hawker centers are a staple of Singaporean cuisine. These open-air food markets offer an endless variety of dishes at affordable prices. With over 100 hawker centers in Singapore, you're never far from delicious food. One of the most famous hawker centers is Lau Pa Sat. Built-in the 19th century, this historic building is home to over 50 food stalls. From satay skewers to chili crab, Lau Pa Sat has it all.

Chili Crab

Speaking of chili crab, this is one of Singapore's most famous dishes. This messy, yet delicious dish consists of a whole crab cooked in a spicy chili sauce. It's usually served with mantou, which is a type of steamed bun that's perfect for soaking up the sauce. You'll find chili crab in many seafood restaurants in Singapore, but one of the best places to try it is Jumbo Seafood.

Laksa

Another must-try dish in Singapore is laksa. This spicy noodle soup is made with a rich coconut broth, seafood or chicken, and rice noodles. It's usually garnished with bean sprouts, fried tofu, and sliced chili. You can find laksa in many hawker centers, but one of the most famous places to try it is 328 Katong Laksa.

Chicken Rice

If you're looking for something simple yet satisfying, then you have to try chicken rice. This dish consists of poached chicken served on a bed of fragrant rice. It's usually accompanied by a spicy chili sauce and a refreshing cucumber garnish. You can find chicken rice in many hawker centers, but one of the best places to try it is Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre.

Durian

If you're feeling adventurous, then you have to try durian. This fruit is infamous for its pungent smell, but it's also considered a delicacy in Singapore. Durian has a creamy texture and a sweet, custard-like flavor. You can find it in many hawker centers and markets, but one of the best places to try it is at the Durian Street vendors in Geylang.

Photo by Jonny Clow (IG: @jonnyclow)

Singapore's culinary scene is diverse and delicious. From hawker centers to Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something for everyone's taste buds. So, don't be afraid to explore and try new things. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite dish in Singapore. Bon appétit!