Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Singapore, Singapore

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Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Singapore, Singapore

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice

Fluffy rice cooked in chicken fat served with tender poached chicken. A quintessential Singaporean dish, it's a must-try!
  • Culinary Heritage: Hainanese Chicken Rice is a fusion of Hainanese and Malaysian culinary influences.
  • Popularity: This dish can be found in almost every hawker center, but the best is said to be at Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre.
  • Versatility: The versatile nature of this dish makes it suitable for any meal of the day.

2. Laksa

A rich, spicy coconut milk-based soup filled with noodles, prawns, fish cake, and cockle. It's a hearty, delicious meal!
  • Spiciness Levels: Each laksa stall has its unique level of spiciness; find one that suits your taste buds.
  • Varieties: From Katong to Peranakan, there are numerous varieties of laksa to explore.
  • Perfect for Lunch or Dinner: Laksa is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

3. Chilli Crab

Sweet and spicy crab cooked in tomato-based sauce, served with mantou (steamed buns). A messy but unforgettable experience!
  • Seafood Freshness: The best chilli crab is made from fresh, live crabs.
  • Unique Sauce: Chilli crab sauce is a unique blend of tomato, chilli and egg.
  • Dining Experience: Cracking open the crab while enjoying the sauce makes for an interactive dining experience.

4. Char Kway Teow

Flat rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp, cockles, egg, and soy sauce. A classic street food dish that's hard to resist!
  • Varieties: From wet to dry, each Char Kway Teow vendor has their unique twist.
  • Street Food Experience: Enjoy this dish at a bustling hawker center for an authentic experience.
  • Spiciness Levels: Adjust the spiciness to your preference by asking for more or less chilli sauce.

5. Satay

Grilled skewered meat (usually chicken or beef) served with peanut sauce. A must-try for any satay lover!
  • Versatility: Satay is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
  • Diverse Flavors: Each stall has its unique peanut sauce and marinade recipe.
  • Popularity: Visit Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat for a selection of delicious satay options.

6. Bak Kut Teh

Pork rib soup flavored with medicinal herbs and garlic. It's a comforting dish that warms the soul!
  • Culinary Heritage: Bak Kut Teh originated from Hainan province in China.
  • Varieties: From white pepper to herbal, each Bak Kut Teh variant has its unique flavor profile.
  • Authenticity: For an authentic experience, try it at Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle in Old Airport Road Food Centre.

7. Wonton Mee

Noodles served with prawn or pork wontons and char siew (roasted pork). A delicious bowl of comfort food!
  • Varieties: From dry to soup, there are numerous variations of Wonton Mee.
  • Authenticity: For an authentic experience, try it at Old Airport Road Food Centre or Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre.
  • Versatility: Wonton Mee is suitable for any meal of the day and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

8. Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway)

Cubed radish cakes stir-fried with eggs, chai poh (dried preserved radish), and soy sauce. A unique and tasty dish!
  • Unique Ingredients: Carrot Cake is made from daikon radish, not carrots.
  • Versatility: Available as white or black version, each with its unique taste and texture.
  • Street Food Experience: Enjoy this dish at a bustling hawker center for an authentic experience.

9. Rojak

A mixed fruit and vegetable salad dressed in sweet and spicy sauce. A refreshing dish that's perfect for hot days!
  • Varieties: From peanut to pineapple, each Rojak vendor has its unique blend of ingredients.
  • Spiciness Levels: Adjust the spiciness to your preference by asking for more or less chilli sauce.
  • Refreshing Dish: Rojak is a refreshing dish that's perfect for hot days, especially in the afternoon.

10. Teochew Chendol

A sweet dessert made of green pandan jelly, red beans, coconut milk, and ice. It's a refreshing treat on hot days!
  • Unique Texture: The chewy texture of the green pandan jelly is a delightful contrast to the smooth coconut milk.
  • Refreshing Dessert: Teochew Chendol is a refreshing dessert, perfect for hot days.
  • Street Food Experience: Enjoy this dish at a bustling hawker center or street stall for an authentic experience.

11. Ice Kachang

Shaved ice dessert filled with red beans, attap seed, grass jelly, and various syrups. It's a colorful and refreshing treat!
  • Colorful Presentation: Ice Kachang is known for its colorful presentation, making it an Instagram-worthy dessert.
  • Refreshing Dessert: Ice Kachang is a refreshing dessert, perfect for hot days.
  • Street Food Experience: Enjoy this dish at a bustling hawker center or street stall for an authentic experience.

12. Tng Bah Ru

Sweet soup made from pandan leaves, longan, and glutinous rice dumplings. A comforting dessert that's perfect for any time of the day!
  • Culinary Heritage: Tng Bah Ru is a traditional Peranakan dessert.
  • Versatility: Tng Bah Ru can be enjoyed hot or cold, and at any time of the day.
  • Authenticity: For an authentic experience, try it at Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre.

13. Nasi Lemak

Coconut milk rice served with fried anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, cucumber slices, and spicy sambal. A tasty and flavorful dish!
  • Versatility: Nasi Lemak can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
  • Spiciness Levels: Adjust the spiciness to your preference by asking for more or less sambal.
  • Unique Flavor: The coconut milk rice gives this dish a unique and delicious flavor.

14. Mee Goreng Mamak

Fried noodles with eggs, prawns, bean sprouts, and various spices. A flavorful and filling dish!
  • Spiciness Levels: Adjust the spiciness to your preference by asking for more or less chilli sauce.
  • Varieties: From wet to dry, each Mee Goreng Mamak vendor has its unique twist.
  • Authenticity: For an authentic experience, try it at a Mamak stall in Geylang Serai or Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre.

15. Curry Fish Head

A rich and flavorful fish curry served with rice. Enjoy the tender fish meat and the spicy gravy!
  • Seafood Freshness: The best Curry Fish Head is made from fresh, whole fish.
  • Spiciness Levels: Adjust the spiciness to your preference by asking for more or less chilli paste.
  • Authenticity: For an authentic experience, try it at Tekka Market or Newton Food Centre.