Best Singaporean Food and Cuisines to try in Singapore by Tourist
Not Sure What to Eat as a Tourist in Singapore? Guide to Best Singaporean Food, What and Where to find them!
Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, with a rich mix of different cuisines from different cultures. If you’re craving a comforting bowl of laksa, kaya toast, or the iconic Hainanese chicken rice, there’s something here for everyone to be found in Singapore. If you're a tourist This guide will take you through the best spots to try these must-try dishes and help you experience the true taste of Singapore’s vibrant good food scene!
Top 10 Best Singapore Food and Where to Find Them!
When it comes to food in Singapore, there’s no shortage of must-try dishes. From iconic local favorites to hidden gems, we've rounded up the top 10 best foods you can't miss. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned foodie, this list will guide you to the best spots in town to satisfy your cravings. Trust us, your taste buds are in for a treat!
1. Chilli Crab
Chilli Crab is a Singaporean classic that brings together sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce. The succulent crab is cooked to perfection, smothered in the flavorful sauce, and served with crispy buns to soak up every drop. In Singapore, many restaurants take this beloved flavor and incorporate it into different dishes, offering exciting new twists. We’ve rounded up two of the best dishes with this iconic flavor that are a must-try!
MUST TRY Chilli Crab Dish at Tanglin Cookhouse
If you’re craving a unique twist on the iconic Chilli Crab, Tanglin Cookhouse has you covered with these two irresistible dishes:
Creamy Singapore Chili Crab Pasta ($26)
Tagliatelle pasta is coated in a rich, creamy chili paste crab sauce, paired with succulent jumbo lump crab meat, cherry tomatoes, and topped with crispy batter soft shell crab for an extra crunch. It’s the perfect fusion of Italian and Singaporean flavors!Chilli Crab Fries ($18)
Crispy fries are generously topped with the signature chili crab sauce and finished with a creamy aioli. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a spicy, flavorful kick.
These two dishes are a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a modern take on a Singaporean classic!
Restaurant Locations: View address here
2. Rojak
Rojak is the ultimate Singaporean salad, bringing together the perfect mix of sweet, sour, and spicy. Imagine fresh pineapple, cucumber, and jicama, tossed with crispy fritters and a hard-boiled egg, all smothered in a tangy, spicy peanut sauce. It’s a riot of flavors and textures that makes this dish such a hit. It’s one of those dishes that perfectly captures the diverse food scene in Singapore—refreshing, bold, and impossible to stop munching on!
MUST TRY "Rojak" Salad at Tanglin Cookhouse
White “Rojak” Fruit Salad ($20)
Tanglin Cookhouse gives the classic Rojak a fresh twist with their White “Rojak” Fruit Salad. Featuring mesclun salad, dragon fruit, pineapple, and other vibrant ingredients, this dish is a refreshing treat. Kaffir lime quinoa and ginger flower vinaigrette add a unique zing, while crunchy you tiao croutons and cashews provide the perfect contrast in texture. A light and zesty bite that’s perfect for anyone craving a fresh take on a beloved dish!
Restaurant Locations: View address here
3. Oyster Omelets
Oyster omelets are a crowd favorite in Singapore, and it's easy to see why. Imagine fresh, juicy oysters wrapped in a golden, crispy omelet, with just the right amount of savory goodness. Drizzle it with some tangy chili sauce, and you've got the perfect bite. This dish brings a mouthwatering mix of textures and flavors, making it a go-to comfort food for both locals and visitors.
MUST TRY Oyster Omelets version at Typhoon Cafe
Oyster Omelette ($9.90)
At Typhoon Cafe, the Oyster Omelette is a must-try with its crispy, golden exterior and plump, juicy oysters tucked inside. Served with a side of tangy chili sauce for that perfect balance of heat and flavor, this dish brings all the classic elements of a traditional Singaporean oyster omelette, but with a fresh and satisfying twist
Restaurant Locations: View address here
4. Satay
Satay is a beloved Singaporean dish made of skewered, grilled meat—often chicken, beef, or lamb—served with a rich, savory peanut sauce. This popular street food is a staple at hawker centre, food courts, and local eateries, where it's enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal. The perfect balance of smokiness from the grill and the sweet, nutty dipping sauce makes satay irresistible. Some of the best places to try satay in Singapore include hawker stalls, street food places and some Asian restaurant.
MUST TRY "Satay" or Skewers at:
Siam Kitchen
Grilled Chicken Satay (4 Sticks) $8.90
Tender pieces of chicken marinated in aromatic spices and grilled to perfection. Paired with a rich roasted peanut sauce, this satay offers the perfect balance of smoky and savory flavors.
Restaurant Locations: View address here
Thai Style Grilled Chicken Skewers $12.90
Succulent boneless chicken legs are marinated in a blend of Thai curry powder and fresh herbs, then grilled to a delicious char. Served with a creamy homemade peanut sauce, these skewers bring a delightful mix of spicy and savory flavors.Thai Style Grilled Pork Skewers $12.90
Grilled to perfection, these juicy pork skewers are served with a tangy tamarind skewer sauce, offering a deliciously sweet, sour, and slightly smoky flavor. Perfect for anyone craving a savory and flavorful bite!
Restaurant Locations: View address here
5. Laksa
Laksa is Singapore’s ultimate comfort food, packing a punch with its creamy, spicy coconut milk broth that perfectly complements the tender noodles. The dish is served with a choice of noodles (usually rice noodles or thick egg noodles) and topped with seafood like shrimp, fish cake, boiled egg, and sometimes chicken. It's the kind of dish you’ll want to savor over and over again while exploring Singapore’s vibrant food scene.
6. Cendol
Cendol is a refreshing, sweet treat that’s perfect for Singapore’s warm weather. This popular dessert features green pandan jelly noodles served over shaved ice, drenched in rich coconut milk, and sweetened with gula melaka (palm sugar). The combination of textures and flavors makes it an irresistible indulgence. It’s a go-to dessert that captures the essence of local Southeast Asian flavors—cool, creamy, and packed with sweetness!
MUST TRY "Chendol" Thai version
Siam Kitchen
Thai Chendol $7.90
Enjoy a refreshing twist on the classic dessert with Siam Kitchen’s Thai Chendol. Served with smooth coconut ice and sweet gula melaka, this dessert is topped with a delightful combination of chendol jelly, corn, red bean, and attap seeds. It’s a perfect treat to cool off with, bringing you the rich flavors of Thailand in every spoonful!
Restaurant Locations: View address here
7. Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Teh, often referred to as "pork bone tea," is a flavorful and aromatic soup that has earned its place as a must-try dish in Singapore. This dish features tender pork ribs simmered in a rich, herbal broth infused with garlic, star anise, and other Chinese herbs. The savory broth is typically enjoyed with a side of rice and complemented by a serving of chili. Locals love to indulge in Bak Kut Teh as a comforting dish, and it’s often enjoyed with a cup of Chinese tea to cleanse the palate.
8. Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is the ultimate Singaporean comfort dish you can’t miss! It features a bed of creamy coconut rice, topped with crispy fried chicken, a hard-boiled egg, cucumber slices, and spicy sambal for that perfect kick. Add in crunchy anchovies and peanuts, and you've got a satisfying combo that hits all the right notes.
9. Sambal
Sambal is a fiery, tangy chili paste that’s a must-try for spice lovers. It’s the heart and soul of many Southeast Asian dishes, made from fresh chilies, garlic, shallots, and sometimes shrimp paste. The perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami, sambal is often used as a dipping sauce, topping, or even stirred into noodles and rice to amp up the flavor. It’s that bold, irresistible kick every meal deserves!
10. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a true Singaporean classic that you’ve got to try! Tender, juicy chicken is served with fragrant, flavorful rice cooked in chicken fat, and accompanied by a zesty chili sauce and ginger paste for an extra kick. It’s a simple yet comforting dish that packs a punch in every bite.
There are also two other must-try Hainanese dishes in Singapore: Hainanese Pork Chop and Hainanese stew. Here's where to find them:
MUST TRY "Hainanese" Dishes
Tanglin Cookhouse
Crispy Hainanese Kurobuta Pork Chop ($32)
Enjoy a perfectly crispy, golden-brown Kurobuta pork chop, served with a tangy oriental tomato sauce, garden peas, fries, and coleslaw. The rich flavors and crispy texture make this dish a must-try!
The Hainanese Oxtail Stew ($28)
Enjoy the tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Hainanese oxtail stew, with zucchini, potatoes, and carrots swimming in a savory broth. Served with rustic baguette, this dish is packed with comforting flavors you won’t forget!
Restaurant Locations: View address here
How to Experience Singapore's Best Cuisines as a Tourist?
If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, you’ve got to try the local food that really defines the island! From savory stir-fried Hokkien Mee with egg, rice, and soy sauce to sweet treats like coconut jam and Roti Prata, Singapore’s food scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re into tofu dishes, spicy stir-fries, or desserts made with Pandan leaves, there’s no shortage of iconic dishes to enjoy.
Head to the best restaurants in Singapore to experience the full range of local cuisine, where chefs mix tradition with modern twists. From egg and rice dishes to flavorful side dishes, you’ll find a world of flavors waiting for you. Explore the many food spots across the island and get a true taste of Singaporeans best cuisine!
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