Is it not apparent enough that Singapore is a foodie’s heaven? We have all sorts of cuisine you can ever imagine, but more so, there are so many local dishes that are representative of Singapore and quite possibly exclusive.
Too many that we don’t even know where to start. Chilli Crab is something we all know, and the Singapore-style Laksa has become world famous; there’s Frog Leg Porridge that is comfort supper food, and we have rojak that is oh-so-wonderful.
They are everywhere—in coffee shops, hawker centres, full-fledged restaurants… and these are some of the Local Dishes That Are Representative of Singapore. The next time you run out of ideas, or are just having trouble satiating your local food cravings, this should be your checklist.
CHILLI CRAB
Gordon Ramsay loves it; don’t you too? Singapore is synonymous with Chilli Crab, and the prized seafood dish is something every overseas guest has on their to-eat list.
Some variations are sweet; some are spicy; some are both. What’s your favourite?
XO CRAB BEEHOON
This is one of our favourites! A piping hot pot that features vermicelli soaked in sweet broth that is prepared with fresh crabs, milk and XO; this is our all-time comfort food.
We love having a glass of ice-cold Coke light® to go with their XO Crab Beehoon. Imagine the fizzy ice-cold Coke®, paired with a mouth-watering bowl of rich, milky goodness – absolutely delicious.
KAYA TOAST
The traditional kaya toast is a widely consumed breakfast staple in Singapore. Sweet coconut jam spreads are sandwiched between butter-smeared bread toasts.
Kaya Toast usually comes in a set, complete with 2 half-boiled eggs and a hot drink (either coffee or tea) of choice.
FROG’S LEG PORRIDGE
Frog’s Leg Porridge sounds like an exotic dish to eat in TV series Fear Factor, except that it is not. The local Singaporean delicacy of succulent frog meat served with smooth congee is usually consumed during dinnertime or suppertime.
We like ours in gong bao-style, a great way to balance the spiciness from the dried chilli is with a refreshing glass of ice-cold Coke®. Instant happiness; we call that.
LAKSA
Nothing beats a warm bowl of Laksa and Singapore’s version of it is sometimes referred to as Katong Laksa.
Typically, the Katong Laksa is topped with cockles, fish cake and boiled prawns. Laksa is best consumed with a soup spoon only. You can add extra spice to your laksa with sambal chilli.
HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE
Ask any local which dish you must try in Singapore and most of them will point you to their favourite Hainanese Chicken Rice stall.
Nobody does chicken rice better than Singapore. Period.
How to make it better? Do it the local way and reach out for that can of Coca-Cola®. The great taste of Coke® paired with a plate of familiar, fragrant, chicken rice delivers one of the most satisfying meal experiences!
ROTI PRATA
The Roti Prata (as it is called in Singapore) has made its mark and goes down as one of our country’s most iconic dishes.
It is like a flour pancake that is usually made a-la-minute, and the most common varieties are plain and egg prata.
FISH BALL NOODLES
Fish Ball Noodles is a true Singapore supper food. It comes in the form of soup noodles, or a dry version where egg noodles are tossed in chilli and served with a bowl of fish ball soup.
The savoury and flavourful dish goes great with can of refreshing ice-cold Coke® that gives an extra something to this bowl of bliss.
CHAR KWAY TEOW
The Singaporean version of Char Kway Teow is an addictive plate of sweet-and-savoury rice cake strip noodles stir-fried with several ingredients—bean sprout, belachan chili paste, blood cockles, eggs and sweet sauce.
ROJAK
We call Rojak the Singapore-style salad. It is a fruit and vegetable “salad” tossed in a shrimp paste sauce and sprinkled with crushed peanuts.
The Indian version of this is very different. It is a variety of deep-fried doughs, seafood and meats that is eaten with a red peanut sauce.
This article was brought to you in partnership with Coca-Cola®, the opinions are of the writers’ own.
Nasi Lemak not in the list !?? Who eats frogleg porridge?