Singapore’s culinary scene is a vibrant melting pot of flavors, reflecting its multicultural heritage. From hawker stalls to fine dining, these iconic dishes are must-tries for food lovers. Below, we explore the origins, ingredients, and where you can savor these top 16 famous Singaporean foods.
Arcot’s Makkan Peda is a rich, indulgent sweet known for its soft, fudgy texture. Key ingredients: khoya, sugar, ghee, and nuts like almonds or pistachios. This dessert, often garnished with slivers of nuts, is a festive favorite and a specialty of Arcot’s sweet shops.
Origin: Singapore
Description: Singapore’s iconic seafood dish—mud crabs stir-fried in a tangy, spicy tomato-chilli sauce.
Key Ingredients: Mud crab, chilli paste, tomato sauce, garlic, egg
Where to Try: Jumbo Seafood, No Signboard Seafood
Origin: Peranakan
Description: Toasted bread with kaya (coconut jam) and butter, often enjoyed with soft-boiled eggs and kopi.
Key Ingredients: Coconut milk, eggs, sugar, pandan, bread, butter
Where to Try: Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Toast Box
Origin: Southern Chinese (Teochew, Hokkien)
Description: Pork rib soup in a peppery or herbal broth, served with rice and youtiao (fried dough).
Key Ingredients: Pork ribs, garlic, peppercorns, Chinese herbs
Where to Try: Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
Origin: Indonesia (adopted in Singapore Malay cuisine)
Description: Skewered and grilled meat served with peanut sauce, cucumber, and ketupat (rice cakes).
Key Ingredients: Chicken/beef/lamb, turmeric, spices, peanut sauce
Where to Try: Lau Pa Sat Satay Street
Chennai’s Vadacurry is a spicy, lentil-based curry often served with idlis or dosas. Key ingredients: chana dal, onions, tomatoes, fennel seeds, and spices. This aromatic curry, with its thick, flavorful gravy, is a breakfast favorite in Chennai’s bustling food stalls.
Origin: South Indian
Description: Crispy, flaky Indian flatbread served with curry. Variations include cheese, egg, or banana prata.
Key Ingredients: Flour, ghee, water, salt
Where to Try: Nalan Restaurant (City Hall & Little India) – Known for pure vegetarian South Indian cuisine, Nalan serves freshly made Roti Prata with delicious curries. A must-try for locals and tourists alike.
Origin: Malay
Description: Fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal, anchovies, egg, peanuts, and cucumber.
Key Ingredients: Coconut milk rice, ikan bilis, sambal, fried egg
Where to Try: The Coconut Club, Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak
Origin: Malay/Chinese-Indian mix
Description: A sweet and spicy fruit and vegetable salad with a thick shrimp paste dressing.
Key Ingredients: Pineapple, cucumber, youtiao, tau pok, shrimp paste, peanuts
Where to Try: Balestier Road Hoover Rojak
Origin: Cantonese
Description: Thin egg noodles with wonton dumplings, char siu (roast pork), and vegetables. Served dry or with soup.
Key Ingredients: Egg noodles, wonton, char siu, soy sauce, sesame oil
Where to Try: Kok Kee Wanton Mee
Origin: Eurasian/Malay
Description: A deep-fried or baked pastry filled with curried potatoes, chicken, and egg.
Key Ingredients: Puff pastry, potatoes, curry powder, egg, chicken
Where to Try: Old Chang Kee
Origin: Indian Muslim
Description: Aromatic spiced rice with meat or vegetables, served with raita or curry.
Key Ingredients: Basmati rice, saffron, cardamom, meat (chicken/mutton), yogurt
Where to Try: Bismillah Biryani, Islamic Restaurant, MANAM
Origin: Indonesia (Minangkabau)
Description: A slow-cooked dry curry made with beef and rich spices, tender and flavorful.
Key Ingredients: Beef, lemongrass, galangal, coconut milk, chilli
Where to Try: Rumah Makan Minang
Origin: Southeast Asia
Description: A cold dessert with pandan jelly noodles, palm sugar syrup, and coconut milk.
Key Ingredients: Pandan cendol, gula melaka, shaved ice, red beans
Where to Try: Cendol Geylang Serai
Origin: Singapore street food
Description: A block of ice cream wrapped in rainbow bread or wafers, perfect for tropical heat.
Key Ingredients: Ice cream block, bread/wafers
Where to Try: Ice cream uncles (orchard road, Bugis)
Singapore’s cuisine is a testament to its multicultural heritage, blending Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences. Hawker centers like Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat, and Old Airport Road are treasure troves for foodies, offering affordable, authentic dishes. For a refined experience, restaurants like Nalan Restaurant (known for its delicious roti prata) elevate these classics with quality and ambiance.
Pro Tip: Visit hawker centers during off-peak hours (mid-morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds and enjoy freshly prepared dishes.
Explore Singapore’s food scene to savor these iconic dishes, each telling a story of culture, history, and innovation.
A Contemporary Indian Vegetarian Experience in Little India and City Hall
Quik link
82 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 217987.
+65 9171 8282
info@nalan.com.sg
13 Stamford Rd, #B2-54, Capitol Singapore, Singapore 178905.
+65 9732 4289
info@nalan.com.sg