Must Try Eateries and Delicacies of Singapore
Try out Singapore’s gastronomically gratifying delicacies.
Finding the right eatery in an unknown city is not an easy thing to do. In fact, for the untrained tongue, telling the difference from a good and a bad restaurant is almost impossible. One such distraction is Singapore. Like New York— the city that never sleeps, Singapore is the city that never stops eating. From cheap thrills to exotic meals, this land of culinary privilege can offer you all of them. The only catch here is that you know where to look.
Before we look into the most popular eateries in Singapore, here’s a little heads up about the city. As Anthony Bourdain would describe it, ‘It is hot! It’s very very hot.’ Apart from the weather, the city is clean, orderly and tightly regulated. The society in Singapore is diversely dominated by three ethnic groups—The Chinese, Malay, and Indian.
That being said, let’s look at the Menu, shall we?
Not everyone is willing to lavishly spend their hard-earned dollar bill on food, right? Talk about cheap food stalls? Yes. In a sophisticated country like Singapore, cheap food stalls are still a reality. But think twice before you even begin to judge them.
1. Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Travelers who are on the lookout for cheap local food will definitely not miss this place. This houses more than 200 food stalls serving all the local dishes. If you’re up for a quick bowl of chicken rice, this is where you would be.
Because there are many stalls selling similar food here, the prices are very competitive and reasonable. A chicken bowl would only cost you around $2 to $5. Isn’t that a great deal?
Recommended restaurants: China La Mian Xiao Long Bao (#02-135), Hai Sing Ah Balling (#02-59).
2. Maxwell Road Hawker Centre
The Maxwell Road Hawker Centre is strategically located near the Buddha tooth relic temple and museum. The food stalls here offer a wide variety of Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisines. The food here is priced reasonably to attract locals and backpackers.
If you’re up for a quick meal after taking a stroll around the museum, this is where you want to be. Stalls like the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall (#01-10), Zhen Zhen Porridge (#01-54), China Street Fritters (#01-64) are among the popular ones.
Must-Try Local Singaporean Dishes
1. Laksa
If there is a dish that blends the Chinese and Malay culture together, that should be Laska. A bowl of noodles with curry makes the base of the dish. It is then topped with slices of fishcake and other proteins. Some laksa includes coconut milk while others are just water based.
Where to try Laksa: The Sungei Road laksa.
Price: $33 per bowl
2. Bah Kut Teh
Bah Kut Teh translates to pork bone tea. If you’re wondering if the food is cooked with tea in it, you’re wrong. Surprisingly, tea is not at all included in the recipe. The flavor of the soup is created by boiling the pork till it becomes tender. Then white pepper and garlic are added to give the dish a delicate flavor. The dish is best consumed with a bowl of rice. You can wash it down with some fresh Chinese tea.
Where to try Bah Kut Teh: Outram Park Ya Hua Rou Gu Cha
Price: $7 SGD per bowl
3. Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a local favorite. This stir-fried delicacy is a dish of flat wide noodles stir-fried with egg, soy sauce, shrimp paste, chili, and Chinese sausage. Char Kway Teow might not be for everybody because of its slightly sweet and not that spicy taste. It also has a soft texture. However, if you do visit Singapore and want to try the local delicacy, you are not disappointed.
Where to try Char Kway Teow: Hill Street Char Kway Teow
Price: $4 per plate
When you find yourself in Singapore, try the food mentioned in this list and you’ll definitely have a run for your money. Better yet, you can quickly skim through the entire article to pick the place that you are closest to. What are you waiting for? Grab your backpack and embark yourself on a culinary journey.
High-end Restaurants and Foods in Singapore
Forget those easy-on-the-wallet foods and experience gourmet food as we reveal high-end eateries and cuisines in Singapore. If you are looking for that perfect spot to have a romantic dinner, the list we have will definitely solve your dilemma.
1. Akira Back
This restaurant at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach epitomizes the legacy of celebrity chef Akira. Through his journey, Chef Akira has collected and perfected a number of cuisines that intricately merges elements from his gourmet explorations.
Be amazed at the whacky yet delicious food presented at this restaurant. The dishes offered here is modern Japanese cuisine with a bit of Korean tinge to it.
2. Cut by Wolfgang Puck
Cash in those dollar bills in exchange for high-quality mouth-watering cuisine. Cut by Wolfgang puck will help you dry your cash with just one meal. Surprise your taste buds with the incredibly tender and buttery soft Wagyu beef from Japan.
The interior furnishing and fully stocked bar will make you spend your entire wallet without any second thoughts. If you’re not careful, you could easily damage around $300 tax included.
3. Shinji by Kanesaka
Shinji by Kanesaka honors the efforts of Japanese chef Shinji Kanesaka. Prepare to be awed by the expensive menu fully controlled by the chef himself. You will have no say unless you are allergic to any particular dish.
The Omakase menu is skilfully executed by native Japanese chefs. The restaurant will easily charge you $300 per tax for some sushi and sake.
High-End foods in Singapore
1. Free Range Chicken Meals
This classic French creation is priced at $160 in many high-end eateries. If you are willing to spend a months’ worth of grocery money on one single menu, then this dish is definitely worth every bite. If the hefty price tag gives you an eye roll, prepare yourself to wait for an hour before you can dive in.
2. Imperial Signature Seafood Platter
This seafood platter consists of oysters, jumbo prawns, lobsters, clams, ceviche, and other seafood delicacies. The entire platter is priced at $888. If that over the top for you, try the Royal Signature Platter priced $375. You can try this dish at Chef Daniel Boulud’s
3. Hokkaido Snow Beef
The Hokkaido snow beef is served by Singapore’s opulent steakhouse, The Cut by Wolfgang Puck. Priced at $250 for 120 grams, the tender meat has intense marbling which justifies the high pricing. The marbling on the beef is the reason why it’s called snow beef. The Cut is the only restaurant in Singapore that offers the snow beef outside of Japan.