Prepare to embark on a culinary journey. Through the vibrant cuisines of Singapore’s Cantonese, Hainanese, Hakka, Hokkien, and Teochew communities. These diverse cultures have left their delectable marks on the city-state’s culinary scene. And it’s time to savor their mouthwatering creations and unique flavors. So grab your chopsticks and let’s dig in!

Cantonese Cuisine:

Let’s start with Cantonese cuisine, where every bite is designed to delight your taste buds. Picture yourself in a cozy dim sum teahouse, surrounded by the tantalizing aromas of steaming baskets filled with bite-sized treasures. Soft chee cheong fun, savory siew mai, delicate har gao, and the oh-so-satisfying xiao long pau are just a few dim sum delicacies that will leave you craving for more.

When night falls and hunger strikes after a night out, Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant comes to the rescue. This late-night haven serves up a delectable assortment of dumplings, accompanied by sweet and soft desserts. For a gourmet dim sum experience, TungLok Teahouse and Lei Garden are your go-to spots, where you can indulge in refined flavors and impeccable presentation.

But Cantonese cuisine is not just about dim sum. Sink your teeth into the iconic Lanzhou noodles, flavorful fried beef noodles, comforting century egg porridge, or the ever-popular sweet and sour pork. You’ll find these delectable delights in acclaimed restaurants like Yàn, Lei Garden, and even in the heartland stalls of Keng Eng Kee. And don’t forget, the secret behind Cantonese comfort foods lies in the wok hei technique—a smoking hot cast iron wok that imparts that unmistakable charred flavor we all love.

Mooi Chin Place at Landmark Village Hotel Bugis. 390 Victoria Street #03-12A, Singapore 188061. +65 6339 7766.
Daily 11.30am-9pm.

British Hainan. 75 Carpmael Road, Singapore 429812. +65 6336 8122.
Mon, Wed-Sun 11am-5pm, 6-10pm.

Sin Swee Kee. 34-35 Seah Street, Singapore 188391. +65 6337 7180.
Daily 11am-8.50pm.

Boon Tong Kee. 399, 401 & 403 Balestier Road, Singapore 329801. +65 6254 3937.
Mon-Sat 11am-4.45pm, 5.30pm-4.30am; Sun 11am-4.45pm, 5.30pm-3am.

Hainanese Cuisine:

Now, let’s explore the unique flavors of Hainanese cuisine, which global culinary traditions have influenced. For a taste of the classics, head to Mooi Chin Place. A revered institution that has been dishing out Hainanese fare since 1935. Here, you can savor traditional dishes like curry chicken and mutton soup. Showcasing the fusion of Western influences with authentic Hainanese flavors.

One dish that has become a local favorite in Singapore is Hainanese chicken rice. This local adaptation of the famous “wenchang chicken” from Hainan Island features fragrant rice cooked with garlic and chicken stock, served alongside tender steamed or roasted chicken. Sin Swee Kee along Seah Street and the many outlets of Boon Tong Kee are known for their mouthwatering renditions of this beloved dish.

For a modern twist on Hainanese classics, British Hainan takes center stage. Indulge in their iconic Hainanese pork chop and oxtail stew, served in a fancy modernist setting that will leave you craving for more.

Mooi Chin Place at Landmark Village Hotel Bugis. 390 Victoria Street #03-12A, Singapore 188061. +65 6339 7766.
Daily 11.30am-9pm.

British Hainan. 75 Carpmael Road, Singapore 429812. +65 6336 8122.
Mon, Wed-Sun 11am-5pm, 6-10pm.

Sin Swee Kee. 34-35 Seah Street, Singapore 188391. +65 6337 7180.
Daily 11am-8.50pm.

Boon Tong Kee. 399, 401 & 403 Balestier Road, Singapore 329801. +65 6254 3937.
Mon-Sat 11am-4.45pm, 5.30pm-4.30am; Sun 11am-4.45pm, 5.30pm-3am.

Hakka Cuisine:

Let’s venture to Sembawang Hills, where Plum Village awaits to satisfy your Hakka food cravings. Here, you can relish rare Hakka favorites like fried prawns in Hakka wine and the delightful yam-filled “abacus beads.” Plum Village has been tantalizing diners for over three decades with these unique delicacies.

One of Hakka cuisine’s most famous exports is yong tau foo—a soup that combines assorted fish paste, tofu, and vegetables. Plum Village and Goldhill Hakka Restaurant prepare this beloved dish to perfection. And while you’re at Goldhill Hakka Restaurant, don’t forget to try their signature Hakka dishes like steamed “la la” clams and authentic yong tau foo. It’s a culinary journey you won’t want to miss!

Plum Village. 16 Jalan Leban, Singapore 577554. +65 6458 9005.
Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10pm.

Goldill Hakka Restaurant. 299A Changi Road, Singapore 419777. +65 6842 4283.
Tue-Sun 11am-9pm.

Hokkien Cuisine:

Originating from Guangdong near the Hakka region, the Hokkien people have their culinary gems to offer. Prepare your taste buds for the flavorful Hokkien mee. A dish of fried prawn noodles that will leave you wanting more. Head to Tian Tian Lai and Kim Keat Hokkien Mee in Toa Payoh to indulge in this local favorite, served on traditional plates or piping hot in claypots.

But Hokkien cuisine isn’t just about noodles. Beng Hiang Hokkien Restaurant in Jurong is renowned for its Hokkien-style. Pig trotters and yam dishes that have been delighting patrons for four decades. Beng Thin Hoon Kee Restaurant on Chulia Street is also worth a visit. Serving up Hokkien delights like fish maw soup alongside other delectable dishes.

Tian Tian Lai Hokkien Mee. 127 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh #02-27, Singapore 310127. +65 6251 8542.
Tue-Sun 8.30am-2.30pm.

Kim Keat Hokkien Mee. 92 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh #01-264, Singapore 310092.
Wed-Sun 11.30am-9pm.

Beng Hiang Hokkien Restaurant. 135 Jurong Gateway Road #02-337, Singapore 600138. +65 6221 6695.
Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-9.30pm.

Beng Thin Hoon Kee Restaurant at OCBC Centre. 65 Chulia Street #05-02, Singapore 049513. +65 6533 7708.
Daily 11.30am-3pm, 6-10pm

Teochew Cuisine:

Known for Teochew opera, Teochew porridge, and the famous bak kut teh (peppery pork rib soup), the Teochew people bring their rich culinary heritage. Experience the many side dishes that accompany Teochew porridge at Ah Seah Teochew Porridge, a local favorite in Hougang. From preserved vegetables to braised peanuts, steamed fish to tofu sheets, every bite is a celebration of authentic Teochew flavors.

Next, take a short MRT ride to Rangoon Road (Alight at Farrer Park MRT Station). Where Legendary Bak Kut Teh and Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh preserve the original recipe of this peppery pork rib soup that the Teochew brought to Singapore from China. For Teochew-style pig trotter jelly, braised duck, braised goose, steamed pomfret, prawn rolls and orh nee (yam paste dessert), head over to Swatow Restaurant or Chui Huay Lim.

Ah Seah Teochew Porridge. 31 Teck Chye Terrace, Singapore 545731. +65 6283 7409.
Daily 11am-midnight.

Legendary Bak Kut Teh. 154 Rangoon Road, Singpore 218431. +65 6292 0938.
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun 9am-11pm.

Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh. 208 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218453. +65 6291 4537.
Daily 7am-10pm.

Swatow Seafood. 181 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh #02-602, Singapore 310181. +65 6363 1717.
Daily 8am-10.30pm.

Chui Huay Lim at Chui Huay Lim Club. 190 Keng Lee Rd #01-02, Singapore 308409. +65 6732 3637.
Mon-Thu noon-3pm, 6-11pm; Fri-Sun 11.30am-3pm, 5.30-11pm.

So there you have it—the diverse culinary wonders of Singapore’s Cantonese, Hainanese, Hakka, Hokkien, and Teochew cuisines. From dim sum to chicken rice, abacus beads to Hokkien mee, and bak kut teh to Teochew porridge, these flavors will transport you to the heart of Southeast Asian culinary traditions. Indulge in the vibrant tapestry of tastes, and let your palate be enchanted by the cultural diversity that defines Singapore’s culinary landscape. Bon appétit!