Best Food to Eat in Singapore: A Local's Guide

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Singapore's culinary landscape is a vibrant blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences, showcasing a rich fusion of diverse cultures. From bustling hawker centres to chic cafes and upscale restaurants, Singapore offers an unparalleled array of dining options. You'll never run out of exciting flavours to explore. For a true taste of authentic Singaporean cuisine, here's a local’s guide to the best food to eat in Singapore


1. Chicken Rice

A timeless favourite, Singapore's Chicken Rice is a dish bursting with flavour. It features succulent poached or roasted chicken paired with fragrant rice cooked in rich chicken broth. Served alongside a trio of dipping sauces—soy sauce, chilli, and ginger paste—this dish offers a comforting and satisfying meal, attributed to the perfect blend of tender chicken and aromatic rice.

Check out these must-try Chicken Rice spots: Nam Kee Chicken Rice, Tian Tian Chicken Rice


2. Chilli Crab

Cooked in a spicy, tangy tomato-based broth that is sweet and fiery, Chilli Crab is an absolute must for seafood lovers. The dish is often served with fried buns (mantou) for dipping, creating an unforgettable, flavourful experience. 

Check out these must-try Chillli Crab spots: Jumbo Seafood, Keng Eng Kee Seafood 


3. Laksa

The dish features a rich, spicy coconut milk broth, accompanied with rice noodles (or sometimes egg noodles), bean sprouts, tofu and prawns or chicken. The creamy broth blends with the crunch of bean sprouts and the soft, chewy texture of the noodles, creating a perfect harmony of flavours and textures. 

Check out these must-try Laksa spots: 328 Katong Laksa, Toa Payoh 94 Laksa


4. Nasi Lemak

A beloved Malaysian and Singaporean dish, Nasi Lemak contains fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, imparting a subtle sweetness and aroma. It’s served with an array of accompaniments, including crispy fried ikan bilis (anchovies), roasted peanuts, a boiled or fried egg, and a generous helping of sambal. Often paired with crispy fried chicken wings or otah, this hearty meal is sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites.

Check out these must-try nasi lemak spots: Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak, Chong Pang Nasi Lemak

5. Bak Chor Mee

Bak Chor Mee is a dish with springy egg noodles tossed in a tangy vinegar-based sauce, sometimes paired with a hint of chili. It is topped with minced pork, pork liver, braised mushrooms, crispy pork lard, and slices of fish cake/balls. Accompanied by a side of clear soup, Bak Chor Mee is packed with savory, spicy, and umami flavors, making it a must-try for any noodle enthusiast.

Check out these must-try Bak Chor Mee spots: 24 Hrs Ming Fa Fishball Noodles, Famous Eunos Bak Chor Mee

6. Carrot Cake

Also known as Chai Tow Kway, carrot cake is a local dish made from radish and rice flour that is steamed and stir-fried, and garnished with spring onions. There are two variations: black and white. The black version is fried with a sweet dark soy sauce, while the white version is fried to a crispy golden brown with eggs, garlic and preserved radish (chye poh).  

Check out these must-try carrot cake spots: Tanglin Halt A1 Carrot Cake, Ghim Moh Carrot Cake


7. Roti Prata

Roti Prata is a beloved South Indian flatbread commonly found in Singapore and Malaysia. The dish is made from dough that is stretched, flipped, and folded into thin layers, then cooked on a hot griddle until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and slightly chewy inside. Served with a side of curry, Roti Prata can also be enjoyed with sugar or condensed milk. 

Check out these must-try Roti Prata spots: Springleaf Prata Place, Sin Ming Roti Prata Faisal & Aziz Curry Muslim Food

8. Satay

A popular Southeast Asian dish, Satay is made of either marinated chicken, beef or lamb meat seasoned with aromatic spices and herb. It is then skewered and grilled over an open flame, creating a tender, smoky and slightly charred flavour. Satay is typically served with a side of peanut sauce, adding a creamy, nutty complement to the grilled meat, along with cucumber, onion and rice cakes (ketupat). 

Check out these must-try Satay spots: Satay by the Bay, Chomp Chomp Satay

9. Prawn Noodle Soup

Singapore's Prawn Noodle Soup, or Hae Mee, is a dish known for its rich, umami soup made of simmered prawn heads, shells and pork bones. Made with either a yellow noodles and rice vermicelli, the dish garnished with fresh prawns, pork slices, fish cakes and brean sprouts. 

Check out these must-try Prawn Noodle Soup spots: Zhi Wei Xian Zion Road Big Prawn Noodle, Blanco Court Prawn Mee

10. Bak Kut Teh

Bak Kut Teh is a fragrant pork rib soup that is deeply rooted in Singapore and Malaysia’s culinary traditions. The dish consists of tender pork ribs simmered for hours in a rich, peppery broth made with garlic, white pepper, and a blend of herbs and spices. Bak Kut Teh is often served with a side of steamed rice, fried dough fritters (youtiao), and a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and sliced chili.

Check out these must-try Bak Kut Teh spots: Founder Bak Kut Teh, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh

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