Singapore is a cultural hub influenced by the Chinese, Indian, Malayan and Eurasians cultures. This kaleidoscope of multiculturalism has made its way into the culinary delights that Singapore has to offer. The mixing of each cultural influence has created new and bold flavours, while retaining the essence of each culture. Here is some of the best food to eat when you’re in Singapore.

Chili and pepper crab

Delicious chili and pepper crab. Photo by Serious Eats
Delicious chili and pepper crab. Photo by Serious Eats

No two dishes scream Singaporean better than the chili and pepper crabs. Both as famous as the other, they combine different flavours of sweet and spicy in order to create this magnificent dish.

Kaya toast

A cup of Kopi and Kaya Toast. Photo by Geraldine Lim, flickr

Nothing speaks more of a traditional Singaporean breakfast than kaya toast; toasted white bread spread with a coconut condiment called kaya and a knob of butter. Most Singaporeans enjoys kaya toast with a soft boiled egg which is topped off with soya sauce and pepper. It can also be enjoyed with a cup of hot Kopi.

Hainanese chicken rice

Hainanese chicken rice. Photo by Steamy Kitchen
Hainanese chicken rice. Photo by Steamy Kitchen

Along with the chili crab the hainanese chicken rice dish can rival it as the national dish of Singapore. Chicken which is succulent and tender is served on top a pile of fragrant rice, cucumber and delicious dipping sauce.

Char kway teow

Char kway teow. Photo by Sayantani
Char kway teow. Photo by Sayantani

Char kway teow is a delicious flat rice noodle dish. Stir-fried with soy sauce, chili, cockles, bean sprouts, Chinese sausages, prawns and eggs, it’s a great dish to have for lunch or dinner!

Chai tow kuay (carrot cake)

Interesting dish of Chai Tow Kuay. Photo by Msihua
Interesting dish of Chai Tow Kuay. Photo by Msihua

Not getting it mixed up with the well-known sweet carrot cake, the Singaporean carrot cake is fried batter that is made up of preserved radish, known as chai poh, eggs, and white radish flour. It is served with soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic and spring onions.

Bak kut tek

Enjoy a hot bowl of Bak Kut Tek when you're in Singapore. Photo by Deliciously Haute
Enjoy a hot bowl of Bak Kut Tek when you’re in Singapore. Photo by Deliciously Haute

Known as pork rib tea this dish appears to look like tea, but it an infused broth made from pork ribs, garlic, pepper, herbs and spices.

Oyster omelet

Oyster omelet commonly served in Singapore. Photo by Food in Mouth, flickr
Oyster omelet commonly served in Singapore. Photo by Food in Mouth, flickr

A favourite of many locals, the oyster omelet also has tourists enjoying its taste as well. Potato starch is mixed into an egg batter with added oysters. They then garnish it with some fresh coriander.

Fish head steamboat

Fish head steamboat. Photo by C Sea Suc B
Fish head steamboat. Photo by C Sea Suc B

Don’t let the name of this dish turn you away. The fresh soup is served with a mix of rice vermicelli noodles, fried fish bones, yams and vegetables. Fish slices are then added to the soup.

Ice kachang

Refreshing Ice Kachang with corn. Photo by Your Singapour
Refreshing Ice Kachang with corn. Photo by Your Singapour

This refreshing dessert will top off a hot day in Singapore. Shaved ice is drizzled with syrup, creamed corn, condensed milk and palm sugar.

Singapore sling

Knock back a few of these Singapore Slings and you'll be doing okay. Photo by Suma Beach Lifestyle
Knock back a few of these Singapore Slings and you’ll be doing okay. Photo by Suma Beach Lifestyle

The iconic drink for Singapore is the Singapore sling. A cocktail mixed with gin, cherry liqueur, benedictine, pomegranate  and pineapple juice will definitely get you started on a night out on the town.