What to Eat in Singapore: A Culinary Adventure

Singapore is a food lover's paradise, offering a diverse array of flavors that reflect Singapore rich cultural tapestry. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there are many mouth-watering things to eat in Singapore that will make your culinary adventure unforgettable. From savory street food to upscale dining experiences, the Lion City has something for everyone. For interns in Singapore, exploring the local food scene is a perfect way to unwind after work and truly immerse yourself in the culture. Understanding what to eat in Singapore and discovering Singapore local foods will enhance your culinary journey.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Guide to Singaporean Food
• Hawker Centre Delights
• Local Favorites
• Cheap Eats
• Fusion and Modern Twists
• Sweet Treats and Desserts
• Where to Eat

Guide to Singaporean Food

Singapore’s food scene is a melting pot of influences from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines, among others. This fusion of flavors has made the city-state a global food haven, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world. Understanding what to eat in Singapore means appreciating the depth and variety of its local foods. Interns in Singapore will find that the city’s culinary diversity offers endless opportunities to try new dishes and experience different cultures. Exploring Singapore local foods is a key part of this culinary adventure.

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Hawker Centre Delights: Must-Try Singapore Local Foods

Hawker centers are the heartbeat of Singapore’s food culture, providing an array of affordable and delicious dishes. These centers are where you can experience the authentic taste of Singapore local foods. For interns, visiting hawker centers can be an economical and enjoyable way to sample a wide variety of local dishes. Knowing what to eat in Singapore at these hawker centers can enhance your culinary experience and provide a deeper understanding of local food culture.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

• Description: Hainanese Chicken Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish consisting of poached chicken served with fragrant rice, accompanied by garlic chili sauce and ginger paste. The chicken is tender, and the rice is cooked in chicken stock, making it aromatic and savory.
• Top Hawker Centers: Try this dish at Maxwell Food Centre or Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Laksa

• Ingredients: Laksa is a spicy noodle soup with a rich coconut milk base, typically featuring rice noodles, shrimp, fish cakes, and bean sprouts.
• Best Spots: Katong Laksa at 328 Katong Laksa and Sungei Road Laksa are must-visit places.

Char Kway Teow

• Flavor Profile: Char Kway Teow is a smoky, stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, eggs, Chinese sausage, prawns, and bean sprouts, all tossed in a dark soy sauce.
• Where to Find: Head to Hill Street Fried Kway Teow at Chinatown Complex for an iconic version of this dish.

Local Favorites

Dive deeper into what to eat in Singapore by exploring these beloved local favorites. As an intern, these dishes provide a perfect way to connect with the local culture and cuisine. Trying these Singapore local foods will enrich your stay and provide a unique taste of the city’s culinary heritage.

Chilli Crab

• Signature Dish Details: Chilli Crab is a renowned Singaporean dish featuring fresh crabs cooked in a thick, spicy, and tangy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is both sweet and savory, perfect for mopping up with steamed buns.
• Recommended Restaurants: Jumbo Seafood and Long Beach Seafood Restaurant are famous for their chilli crab.

Hokkien Mee

• Unique Aspects: Hokkien Mee is a stir-fried noodle dish made with a mix of yellow and white noodles, prawns, squid, and pork, all cooked in a rich seafood broth.
• Popular Places to Eat: Visit Newton Food Centre or Chomp Chomp Food Centre for authentic Hokkien Mee.

Satay

• Types of Meat: Satay is a dish of skewered and grilled meat, typically served with a peanut sauce. Common meats include chicken, beef, and lamb.
• Where to Get the Best Satay: Lau Pa Sat and East Coast Lagoon Food Village are known for their delicious satay.

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Cheap Eats

For those on a budget, Singapore offers plenty of cheap yet delectable eats that won’t break the bank. These budget-friendly options are perfect for interns looking to experience Singapore local foods without spending too much.

Bak Chor Mee

• Affordable Options: Bak Chor Mee is a noodle dish topped with minced pork, pork slices, liver, and a mix of savory sauces, often with a dash of vinegar and chili.
• Must-Visit Stalls: Try it at Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle or Tai Hwa Eating House.

Nasi Lemak

• Variations: Nasi Lemak consists of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with crispy fried chicken, ikan bilis (fried anchovies), peanuts, and sambal (spicy chili paste).
• Budget-Friendly Places: Adam Road Food Centre and Changi Village Hawker Centre are known for their excellent Nasi Lemak.

Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs

• Classic Breakfast Combo: This traditional breakfast includes slices of toast spread with kaya (a sweet coconut jam) and butter, served with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of kopi (coffee).
• Best Cafes: Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Toast Box are popular spots to enjoy this breakfast.

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Fusion and Modern Twists

Singapore’s culinary scene also embraces fusion and modern twists, blending traditional flavors with innovative techniques. For interns, exploring these modern eateries can provide a refreshing break from the usual routine and offer new culinary experiences.

Peranakan Cuisine

• Cultural Significance: Peranakan cuisine is a unique blend of Chinese and Malay influences, characterized by its bold flavors and intricate preparation methods.
• Must-Try Dishes: Some must-try Peranakan dishes include Ayam Buah Keluak (chicken cooked with black nuts) and Laksa Lemak (a creamy coconut-based laksa).
• Top Restaurants: Visit Blue Ginger and Candlenut for authentic Peranakan food.

Modern Singaporean Fusion

• Innovative Dishes: Modern Singaporean fusion cuisine combines local ingredients with global techniques. Dishes like Chilli Crab Pasta and Hainanese Chicken Rice Burgers are creative takes on traditional flavors.
• Top Restaurants: Wild Rocket and Labyrinth are known for their innovative fusion dishes.

Sweet Treats and Desserts

No culinary adventure is complete without indulging in some of Singapore’s iconic desserts. For interns with a sweet tooth, these treats are a perfect way to end a meal or enjoy a mid-day snack.

Ice Kachang

• Traditional Ingredients: Ice Kachang is a popular shaved ice dessert topped with sweet syrups, red beans, corn, jelly, and condensed milk.
• Best Places to Try: Head to Mei Heong Yuen Dessert and Jin Jin Hot/Cold Dessert for the best Ice Kachang.

Chendol

• Components: Chendol is made with shaved ice, coconut milk, green jelly noodles, and gula melaka (palm sugar syrup).
• Recommended Dessert Spots: Try this refreshing dessert at 328 Katong Laksa or Old Amoy Chendol.

Where to Eat

To fully experience what to eat in Singapore, explore a mix of hawker centers, budget-friendly eateries, and upscale restaurants. These places offer a wide range of options, ensuring you never run out of new dishes to try.

Hawker Centers

• Maxwell Food Centre: Famous for its Hainanese Chicken Rice and other local delights.
• Chinatown Complex: Known for its variety of traditional Singaporean dishes, including Char Kway Teow and Satay.

Budget-Friendly Eateries

• Adam Road Food Centre: Renowned for Nasi Lemak and other affordable local foods.
• Golden Mile Food Centre: Offers a wide range of cheap eats, from Bak Chor Mee to Kaya Toast.

Upscale Restaurants

• Jumbo Seafood: Perfect for enjoying high-quality seafood, including their famous Chilli Crab.
• Labyrinth: A modern restaurant known for its innovative Singaporean fusion cuisine.

Food Markets and Dining Areas

• Lau Pa Sat: A historical food market offering a wide variety of local and international dishes. The satay street is particularly popular in the evenings.
• Tiong Bahru Market: Known for its diverse food stalls offering everything from traditional local dishes to modern fusion foods.
• Newton Food Centre: Featured in several movies and TV shows, Newton Food Centre offers a quintessential Singaporean dining experience with its array of seafood and hawker fare.

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Conclusion

Embarking on a culinary adventure in Singapore means diving into a world of diverse and delicious flavors. From hawker center delights to modern fusion cuisine, there are countless things to eat in Singapore that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're an intern or a visitor, exploring the local food scene is a must-do activity that will enrich your experience in this vibrant city-state.

Ready to explore Singapore’s culinary delights during your internship? Discover opportunities with Asia Internship Program (AIP) and immerse yourself in the unique culture and exciting lifestyle of Singapore. For more information on internships and living in Singapore, visit our website and start planning your adventure today.

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