10 Must-Try Foods in Singapore: A Food Lover’s Bucket List

10 Must-Try Foods in Singapore: A Food Lover’s Bucket List

Discover 10 iconic Singapore dishes—from chili crab to kaya toast. Book food tours, save money, and eat like a local!

From Hawker Stalls to Michelin Plates—Eat Your Way Through the Lion City


Why Singapore’s Food Scene is a UNESCO-Worthy Adventure

Singapore isn’t just a city—it’s a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan flavors, all served with smoky *wok hei* (breath of the wok) and a side of hawker center hustle. As someone who’s spent years eating my way through this food paradise, I’m sharing the **10 dishes you can’t miss**—and how to savor them like a local.  

 

Singapore’s hawker centers are where culinary magic happens. 🥢 Book a food tour to taste it all!


1. Hainanese Chicken Rice

What to Know*: Silky poached chicken, fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, and chili-ginger sauce that’s life-changing.  
Where to Try: Tian Tian Chicken Rice** (Maxwell Food Centre)—Anthony Bourdain’s favorite.  
Pro Tip: Order extra chili sauce—it’s that good.  
Join a chicken rice food tour

Singapore’s national dish—simple, succulent, and unforgettable. 🍚


2. Chili Crab

What to Know: Mud crabs smothered in sweet-spicy tomato sauce. Eat with *mantou* (fried buns) to mop up every drop.  
Where to Try: **Jumbo Seafood** (East Coast Parkway).  
Pro Tip: Wear dark clothes—this is gloriously messy.  


3. Laksa

What to Know: Spicy coconut curry noodles with shrimp, fish cakes, and cockles.  
Where to Try: **328 Katong Laksa** (East Coast Road).  
Pro Tip: Slurp it with a spoon—it’s tradition!  

Creamy, spicy, and oh-so-comforting. 🌶️ Find the best laksa here


4. Char Kway Teow

What to Know: Stir-fried flat noodles with cockles, Chinese sausage, and smoky wok char.  
Where to Try: **Hill Street Fried Kway Teow** (Bedok).  
Pro Tip: Ask for extra *wok hei* (breath of the wok) for that smoky flavor.  


5. Satay

What to Know: Skewers of marinated meat grilled over charcoal, served with peanut sauce.  
Where to Try: **Lau Pa Sat** night market.  
Pro Tip: Pair with *ketupat* (rice cakes) for the full experience.  

Satay nights are the best nights. 🔥 Book a night market tour!


6. Bak Kut Teh

What to Know: Pork rib soup simmered with garlic, pepper, and herbs.  
Where to Try: **Founder Bak Kut Teh** (Balestier Road).  
Pro Tip: Dip *youtiao* (fried dough) into the broth.  

Comfort in a bowl. 🍖 Pair with a heritage tour here


7. Rojak

What to Know: A sweet-sour salad of fruits, veggies, and dough fritters tossed in shrimp paste and peanuts.  
Where to Try: **Lao Zhong Zhong** (Balestier Road).  
Pro Tip: Add pineapple for a tangy twist.  


8. Ice Kachang

What to Know: Shaved ice drenched in syrup, red beans, corn, and jelly, topped with evaporated milk.  
Where to Try: **Jin Jin Dessert** (Rochor Road).  
Pro Tip: Try the durian version if you’re brave!  

The ultimate sweet escape. 🍨 Cool down like a local!


9. Kaya Toast & Soft-Boiled Eggs

What to Know: Crispy toast slathered with coconut jam, paired with silky eggs and kopi (local coffee).  
Where to Try: **Ya Kun Kaya Toast** (Changi Airport).  
Pro Tip: Dip the toast into the eggs for the perfect bite.  

Breakfast of champions. ☕ Start your day the Singaporean way!


10. Oyster Omelette (Orh Luak)

What to Know: Crispy-edged omelette stuffed with plump oysters.  
Where to Try: **Hup Kee** (Telok Blangah Market).  
Pro Tip: Add a dash of lime for zing.  


3 Tips for Navigating Hawker Centers

1. Go Early: Popular stalls sell out by noon.  
2. Bring Cash: Most vendors don’t accept cards.  
3. Share Tables: It’s communal—smile and say “*Chope* this seat?”  

Book a guided hawker tour to skip the guesswork!


Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

From flight delays to unexpected mishaps, protect your foodie adventure with comprehensive coverage.  
Explore travel insurance options here for peace of mind.  


Ready to Feast Your Way Through Singapore?

Singapore’s food scene is a journey through culture, history, and flavor. Whether you’re slurping laksa or cracking crab claws, every bite tells a story.  

Click here to book a foodie package with hawker tours, cooking classes, and hotel deals—and savor Singapore like a pro!  


Note: This article contains affiliate links. Booking through them supports our blog at no extra cost to you. Safe travels!*  

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