Table of contents
The Ultimate Guide to Iconic Street Food in Singapore
Introduction
Singapore is renowned for its vibrant food culture, reflecting the country's rich tapestry of multicultural influences. From Chinese to Malay to Indian cuisine, the street food scene—primarily found in the famous hawker centers—offers a culinary journey that is both diverse and delicious. This guide highlights some of the most iconic street food dishes in Singapore that you absolutely must try.
Details
-
Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Regarded as Singapore's national dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice features poached chicken and seasoned rice, served with chili sauce and usually with cucumber garnishes.
- Authentic vendors source the chicken from Malaysia.
- The best Hainanese Chicken Rice often comes from famous eateries like Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre.
- Regarded as Singapore's national dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice features poached chicken and seasoned rice, served with chili sauce and usually with cucumber garnishes.
-
Chili Crab
- This signature seafood dish involves stir-fried crab submerged in a rich, tangy tomato and chili sauce.
- Opt for mud crabs for their sweet, tender meat.
- Popular spots to enjoy Chili Crab include Jumbo Seafood and No Signboard Seafood.
- This signature seafood dish involves stir-fried crab submerged in a rich, tangy tomato and chili sauce.
-
Char Kway Teow
- A classic stir-fried noodle dish made from flat rice noodles, cooked in lard with prawns, Chinese sausage, eggs, and bean sprouts.
- Look for stalls that smoke their noodles for better flavor.
- Famous vendors include Hill Street Char Kway Teow and 91 Jalan Tua Kong.
- A classic stir-fried noodle dish made from flat rice noodles, cooked in lard with prawns, Chinese sausage, eggs, and bean sprouts.
-
Laksa
- A spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk base, often made with rice vermicelli and topped with shrimp, fish cakes, and bean sprouts.
- There are variations, but the most celebrated is the Katong Laksa for its unique curry flavor.
- Good locations for Laksa are 328 Katong Laksa and Laksa King.
- A spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk base, often made with rice vermicelli and topped with shrimp, fish cakes, and bean sprouts.
-
Roti Prata
- A crispy, flaky flatbread served with a variety of curries or sugar for a sweet twist.
- Originally Indian, it can be found in many hawker centers and food courts.
- Head to The Roti Prata House for an excellent, authentic experience.
- A crispy, flaky flatbread served with a variety of curries or sugar for a sweet twist.
-
Satay
- Grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually served with a spicy peanut sauce, rice cakes, and cucumber.
- Varieties include chicken, beef, and lamb.
- Lau Pa Sat is well-known for its satay street, especially during the evening grilling sessions.
- Grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually served with a spicy peanut sauce, rice cakes, and cucumber.
-
Nasi Lemak
- A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, accompanied by fried chicken, sambal chili, peanuts, and cucumber.
- It is often considered a breakfast staple but enjoyed all day long.
- Visit Adam Road Food Centre for some of the best Nasi Lemak in the city.
- A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, accompanied by fried chicken, sambal chili, peanuts, and cucumber.
-
Popiah
- A fresh spring roll filled with various ingredients like turnips, prawns, and eggs, typically served with sweet sauce and chili.
- Enjoy these light snacks from Tiong Bahru Market.
- Each stall often has its secret sauce for a unique flavor.
- A fresh spring roll filled with various ingredients like turnips, prawns, and eggs, typically served with sweet sauce and chili.
-
Bak Kut Teh
- A herbal soup with pork ribs, often served with rice and a side of sweet soy sauce, it reflects Chinese medicinal traditions.
- Different variations exist, with Teochew and Hokkien styles being popular.
- Consider visiting Song Fa Bak Kut Teh for a traditional experience.
- A herbal soup with pork ribs, often served with rice and a side of sweet soy sauce, it reflects Chinese medicinal traditions.
-
Mee Pok
- A type of flat egg noodle tossed in a savory sauce, usually topped with fish balls, meat, and chili.
- Depending on the stall, you can choose between dry and soup options.
- Try 88 Keng (Bishan) for one of the best bowls of Mee Pok in Singapore.
- A type of flat egg noodle tossed in a savory sauce, usually topped with fish balls, meat, and chili.
Conclusion
Singapore's street food scene is a food lover's paradise, with iconic dishes that embody the multicultural essence of the city. From the simplicity of Hainanese Chicken Rice to the spicy explosion of Chili Crab, each dish tells a story and reveals the rich culinary heritage of Singapore. For anyone visiting, experiencing these must-try street food dishes will undoubtedly be a highlight of your culinary adventure in this vibrant city.