Singapore boasts an extensive array of dining choices, ensuring that food enthusiasts of all backgrounds find something to enjoy. Whether you savor a satisfying meal, there's a culinary delight to suit every palate and wallet. From the delectable blend of local street food reflecting Singapore's diverse cultures to the dynamic fine dining landscape showcasing renowned celebrity chef establishments, Singapore's dining scene offers an exhilarating experience for all.
Foodie Paradise: Local Delights You Must Try
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Singapore Chilli Crab
Adored by both locals and international visitors, chilli crab stands as an iconic Singaporean delight. Originating in the 1950s, this dish was ingeniously crafted by Cher Yam Tian, who replaced the conventional tomato ketchup with bottled chilli sauce in a stir-fried crab creation. The early rendition of chilli crab featured a stir-fry of crab infused with bottled chilli and tomato sauce. Over time, the dish has evolved into the beloved version characterized by a blend of sambal, vinegar, tomato paste, and egg.
Recommendation: Jumbo Seafood, 2 Orchard Turn, #04-09/10, ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
Proximity: 8 mins walk from the hotel
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Ka Ya Toast
Kaya toast stands as an iconic breakfast favorite in Singapore, cherished by locals and visitors alike for its delightful simplicity. Consisting of buttered toast generously layered with fragrant kaya, a delectable coconut jam spread, this morning delight is often savored alongside soft-boiled eggs and a steaming cup of coffee.
Recommendation: Toast Box at Paragon
Proximity: Just across the street from the hotel (2 mins walk)
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Chicken Rice
An iconic Singaporean delicacy, chicken rice stands out as a must-try national dish for anyone residing in the city-state. This flavorful dish features tender chicken, either roasted or steamed, resting atop aromatic rice cooked in a blend of chicken broth, garlic, ginger, and pandan leaves. To fully savor its essence, chicken rice is traditionally enjoyed with a side of spicy chilli sauce.
Recommended: Chin Chin Eating House, 19 Purvis Street, Singapore 188598
Proximity: 21 min by bus
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Sambal Stingray
Inspired by Malay culture, this street food sensation, also known as Ikan Bakar, is traditionally wrapped in banana leaf, grilled with sambal, and finished with a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor.
Recommendation: Newton Food Centre, 500 Clemenceau Ave N, Singapore 229495
Proximity: 20 minutes via the North South MRT Line
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Fried Kway Teow
Popularly referred to as char kway teow (pronounced ‘cha-gway tee-ow’), this stir-fried noodle delicacy traces its origins to the vibrant Teochew culture, which hails from the Chaozhou region of Guangdong province, China. The dish combines flat rice noodles and yellow wheat noodles, skillfully tossed over intense heat with a medley of flavors including light and dark soy sauce, garlic, chili, Chinese waxed sausage (lup cheong), egg, fishcake, and beansprouts.
Recommendation: No. 18 Zion Road Fried Kway Teow
Proximity: 20 mins via the Thomson East Coast MRT Line
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Nasi Lemak
Nasi lemak presents a hearty culinary experience, featuring fragrant coconut-infused rice served alongside a delicate omelette, crispy anchovies, fresh cucumber slices, and a tantalizing dollop of chili paste. This harmonious ensemble is traditionally wrapped in either brown paper or banana leaf, adding a touch of authenticity to this beloved dish.
Recommendation: No. 1 Adam’s Nasi Lemak, Adam Food Centre, 2 Adam Road, Singapore 289876
Proximity: 30 minutes via the North-South and Donwtown MRT Line
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Roti Prata
Frequently accompanied by savory curry or even a sprinkle of sugar for those with a sweet tooth, prata stands as a beloved comfort food in Singaporean cuisine. Its exterior boasts a delightful crispness while inside, it offers a soft, fluffy texture, making it a versatile option suitable for breakfast, supper, or a satisfying snack any time of day.
Recommendation: The Roti Prata House, 246 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574370
Proximity: 27 minutes via the Thomson East Coast MRT Line
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Fish Head Curry
Diverging from conventional curries, this iconic local dish presents a symphony of robust, savory flavors, courtesy of its ingenious blend of myriad spices and a subtle tamarind tang. Seamlessly complementing these rich elements is the freshness of the fish head, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that delights the senses with each spoonful.
Recommendation: Samy's Curry Restaurant, 25 Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249670
Proximity: 25 minutes by bus
Famous Food Centres
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Newton Food Centre
Newton Food Centre epitomizes Singapore's culinary scene, propelled to global fame by its appearance in "Crazy Rich Asians" in 2018. Since 1971, it has burgeoned into a haven of over 80 stalls offering a diverse array of local delights, from Barbecued Seafood to Satay and Hokkien Mee. Its architectural charm, resembling a central courtyard, fosters communal dining amidst lush greenery, evoking colonial-era nostalgia. Newton Food Centre seamlessly intertwines gastronomic excellence with historical resonance, captivating both locals and international visitors alike.
Proximity: 8 mins by car or 20 mins by train (North South Line)
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Lau Pa Sat
With over 150 years of history, Lau Pa Sat captivates with its rich heritage and tantalizing array of hawker delights and retail offerings. From its inception as one of Singapore's earliest wet markets to its present-day status as a culinary haven, Lau Pa Sat has evolved while preserving its historic charm. Originally named Telok Ayer Market, this architectural gem dates back to the 19th century and holds the distinction of being a National Monument since 1973. Despite modern upgrades to accommodate bustling crowds, such as improved seating and ventilation, Lau Pa Sat maintains its Victorian-era allure with its distinctive octagonal structure, intricate wrought iron filigree, and iconic clock tower that chimes every hour, showcasing a timeless blend of tradition and modernity.
Proximity: 10 mins by car or 30 mins by MRT (North South Line)
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Maxwell Food Centre
Maxwell Food Centre stands as a revered institution, tracing its roots back to 1929 when it began as a market for fresh produce, later evolving into a bustling food haven in 1987. Renowned locally as Maxwell, it boasts a diverse array of stalls offering beloved Singaporean dishes, including iconic Hainanese chicken rice, aromatic nasi lemak, comforting porridge, and flavorful mee pok. Situated in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD), Maxwell Food Centre has become a go-to destination for lunchtime feasting. Notably, its Hainanese chicken rice from Tian Tian has garnered international acclaim, impressing culinary heavyweights like Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience for all who visit.
Proximity: 12 mins by car or 25 min by MRT (Thomson East Coast Line)