Sudrabfox Notes
Confessions of a Travel Freak
Local Dishes in Singapore
Hey, foodies and culinary adventurers! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds as we embark on a flavorsome journey through the local dishes of Singapore. This vibrant city-state is a true paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse array of culinary delights that reflect its multicultural heritage. From hawker centers to Michelin-starred restaurants, Singapore has something to satisfy every palate. So, let’s dive right in and explore the mouthwatering local dishes that should be on every foodie’s radar!
Kaya Toast:
Indulge in a classic Singaporean breakfast staple – Kaya Toast. Thick slices of toasted bread are generously spread with kaya, a sweet coconut and pandan jam, and topped with a slab of butter. Pair it with a cup of aromatic kopi (local coffee) or teh (tea) for a truly satisfying morning treat.
Satay:
Take your taste buds on a skewered adventure with Satay, beloved street food in Singapore. Tender meat, usually chicken or beef. It is marinated in a fragrant blend of spices and grilled to perfection over an open flame. Served with peanut sauce, cucumber, and onions. Satay is a tantalizing combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
Hokkien Prawn Mee:
Also known as Hokkien mee (fried prawn noodles). This stir-fried noodle dish is steeped in aromatic stock made of pork bones and prawn heads.
This lip-smacking noodle dish—comprises yellow noodles and thick ‘bee hoon’ (vermicelli). It has juicy prawns, squid, pork belly strips, egg and crunchy fried pork lard (optional), making everything taste perfect. It is served with sambal chilli and a squeeze of lime juice for that added zing.
As its name suggests, Hokkien Prawn Mee is a dish created by Hokkiens. But its origins are a little uncertain.
Wanton Mee:
If you’re a fan of noodles, you can’t miss out on Wanton Mee. Springy egg noodles are tossed in a flavorful sauce, accompanied by succulent wantons (dumplings), slices of tender char siu (barbecue pork), and a generous serving of leafy greens. This humble dish packs a punch and is a favorite among locals for its simplicity and comforting flavors.
Fried Carrot Cake
Do not confuse this with the dessert carrot cake, a moist cake made with carrot and spices; covered with cream cheese frosting.
This savoury carrot cake has no carrot, at least not of the orange variety. Instead, the core ingredients of the cake are rice flour and white radish, which some call white carrot. The mixture is steamed, then cut into cubes and fried with garlic, eggs and preserved radish called ‘chai poh‘.
Commonly referred to as ‘chai tow kway‘ in the Teochew dialect, these smooth and soft fried rice cakes can be found in almost every hawker centre. It is served black (fried with sweet dark soya sauce) or white (original).
Rojak
Rojak means an “eclectic mix” in colloquial Malay, and the dish sure lives up to its name. Its ingredients reflect the cultural diversity of Singapore, bringing together disparate items with strong flavours into a harmoniously tasty blend.
It is a local salad of mixed vegetables, fruits, and dough fritters that is covered in a sticky black sauce and garnished with chopped peanuts and finely-cut fragrant ginger flowers for a piquant taste.
The mark of a good rojak is its sauce, made up of fermented prawn paste, sugar, lime and chilli paste. It must be an appetising mix of sweet, sour and spicy.
The sauce is traditionally mixed in a large wooden bowl with a wooden spoon. Only when the sauce is complete are the ingredients added and thoroughly mixed.
These include blanched kang kong (water spinach) and beansprout, crunchy raw cucumber and Chinese turnip, tangy-tasting fruits like sliced pineapple, young mangoes or jambu (unripe rose apples), fried dough fritters and toasted beancurd.
Fish Head Curry:
For the adventurous eaters out there, Fish Head Curry is a dish that will make your taste buds dance. A whole fish head in a tangy and spicy curry gravy, infusing it with the flavors of aromatic spices like turmeric, tamarind, and chili. The tender fish meat and the flavorful curry create a delightful combination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Roti Prata:
Indulge in a crispy and flaky delight known as Roti Prata. This South Indian-inspired flatbread is best enjoyed with a side of flavorful curry. Watch as the skilled prata makers skillfully flip and stretch the dough before cooking it to perfection on a hot griddle. Whether you prefer it plain or filled with ingredients like egg or cheese, Roti Prata is a breakfast favorite that will leave you craving for more.
Char Kway Teow:
Calling all noodle enthusiasts! Char Kway Teow is a stir-fried noodle dish that will satisfy your cravings for smoky, wok-hei goodness. In this irresistible plate of noodles, succulent prawns, juicy Chinese sausages, crunchy bean sprouts, and fragrant soy sauce come together to stir-fry flat rice noodles. Experience a tantalizing blend of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Chili Crab:
Prepare yourself for a messy, finger-licking experience with Singapore’s iconic Chili Crab. Stir-fry fresh mud crabs in a tangy and slightly spicy tomato-based sauce, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors. Don’t forget to grab some mantou (steamed buns) to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce!
Laksa:
Spice up your culinary adventure with a bowl of Laksa, a fragrant and hearty noodle soup. This Peranakan specialty combines thick rice noodles, succulent prawns, tender chicken, bean sprouts, and a rich, coconut-based curry broth infused with aromatic spices. It’s comfort in a bowl that will leave you craving more.
Hainanese Chicken Rice:
Let’s start with the quintessential Singaporean dish that has gained worldwide fame – Hainanese Chicken Rice. Succulent poached chicken, fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, and a trio of delectable sauces (ginger, chili, and dark soy) come together to create a symphony of flavors. This dish embodies simplicity at its finest and is a must-try for any food lover.
So there you have it, a tantalizing list of local dishes that will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure in Singapore. From savory to sweet, from street food to upscale dining, this city-state offers a diverse and mouthwatering gastronomic experience that will leave you craving for more. So pack your appetite and get ready to savor the flavors of Singapore!