Holicay's Recommendation: Top 10 Must-Try Food Spots in Singapore
Last updated on June 27th 2024
Singapore, the melting pot of cultures and cuisines, is a paradise for food enthusiasts.
If you're planning a trip to the Singapore, prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary adventure! Check out Holicay for unique Singapore itineraries. Create a customized itinerary and book at an all-inclusive price. With Holicay's expert travel planners, your dream vacation can become a reality, tailored perfectly to your preferences.
Here's my list of top 10 must-try food spots in Singapore, each offering a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience.
1. 328 Katong Laksa
Must-Try: Laksa
Starting our food journey with the legendary 328 Katong Laksa. This iconic dish, featuring a rich coconut-based curry broth, is a harmonious blend of spices and herbs. The laksa comes with thick rice noodles, fresh prawns, cockles, and a generous sprinkle of laksa leaves. Don't forget to add a spoonful of sambal chili for that extra kick!
Laksa is more than just a dish; it's a cultural experience. The broth, which takes hours to perfect, combines the creaminess of coconut milk with the spiciness of chili and the earthiness of dried shrimp. The noodles, cut short so you can eat them with a spoon, absorb the flavors beautifully. The experience of eating laksa at 328 Katong is akin to savoring a piece of Singapore's history, as this dish has roots in the Peranakan culture, a unique blend of Chinese and Malay heritage.
2. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
Must-Try: Hainanese Chicken Rice
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice has earned international fame, even impressing the likes of Gordon Ramsay. The succulent poached chicken is served with fragrant, flavorful rice cooked in chicken broth and aromatic ginger. Pair it with their signature garlic chili sauce and dark soy sauce for a mouth-watering experience.
Hainanese chicken rice is often hailed as Singapore's national dish, and Tian Tian is the gold standard. The chicken is poached to perfection, ensuring it remains tender and juicy. The rice, infused with the essence of chicken and ginger, is a masterpiece on its own. Each bite is a delicate balance of flavors, enhanced by the trio of accompanying sauces: chili, ginger, and dark soy. This dish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking.
3. Zam Zam Restaurant
Must-Try: Murtabak
Zam Zam Restaurant is an institution when it comes to Indian-Muslim cuisine in Singapore. Their murtabak, a stuffed flatbread with minced meat (choose from chicken, mutton, or beef), onions, and egg, is a crowd favorite. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, it's served with a side of rich curry.
Located near the historic Sultan Mosque, Zam Zam has been serving up delicious murtabak for over a century. The dish is a perfect example of Indian-Muslim fusion cuisine, combining the textures of a well-made flatbread with the savory, spiced filling of minced meat and onions. The curry served on the side is rich and flavorful, complementing the murtabak beautifully. Eating at Zam Zam is not just about the food; it's about immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kampong Glam, one of Singapore's most historic districts.
4. Beach Road Scissor Cut Curry Rice
Must-Try: Scissor Cut Curry Rice
For a hearty and comforting meal, head to Beach Road Scissor Cut Curry Rice. This humble hawker stall serves a unique version of curry rice where ingredients like braised pork belly, fried egg, and crispy pork chop are "scissor-cut" into bite-sized pieces, then drenched in a luscious, slightly sweet curry sauce.
The term "scissor cut" refers to the method of preparation where ingredients are cut into bite-sized pieces using scissors before being drenched in curry. This practice ensures that every mouthful is a mix of flavors and textures. The curry itself is a standout, with a perfect balance of sweetness, spiciness, and richness. It's a no-frills, hearty meal that offers comfort in every bite, embodying the essence of Singaporean hawker culture.
5. Lau Pa Sat
Must-Try: Satay
Lau Pa Sat, a historic food market, transforms into a bustling satay street by night. Stalls line up grilling skewers of satay (marinated meat), served with a spicy peanut sauce, ketupat (rice cakes), onions, and cucumber. The smoky aroma and vibrant atmosphere make it an essential stop for any food lover.
Satay at Lau Pa Sat is an experience for all the senses. As you walk down the street, the smell of grilling meat is intoxicating. The skewers of chicken, beef, and mutton are marinated in a mix of spices, then grilled over an open flame to perfection. The peanut sauce is rich and slightly sweet, pairing perfectly with the charred meat. Lau Pa Sat itself, with its Victorian architecture, adds a historical charm to this culinary experience, making it a must-visit spot in Singapore.
6. Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant
Must-Try: Dim Sum
Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant is the go-to spot for late-night dim sum cravings. This perennial favorite offers a wide range of dim sum delicacies, from classic siew mai and har gow to innovative creations like salted egg yolk custard buns. The crispy mee suah kueh (fried vermicelli cake) is a must-try!
Swee Choon has been serving up dim sum delights for decades, attracting both locals and tourists. The variety on offer is staggering, from steamed buns and dumplings to fried treats and desserts. The salted egg yolk custard buns, with their creamy, molten center, are a particular highlight. The atmosphere is lively, with tables filled with people enjoying the communal experience of sharing dim sum. It's a place where you can taste the diversity of Chinese cuisine in one sitting.
7. Liao Fan Hawker Chan
Must-Try: Soya Sauce Chicken Rice
Liao Fan Hawker Chan, the world’s first Michelin-starred hawker stall, is famous for its soya sauce chicken rice. The tender, juicy chicken is marinated in a blend of Chinese herbs and soy sauce, then served over fragrant rice. The savory and sweet flavors will leave you craving for more.
Liao Fan Hawker Chan's soya sauce chicken rice is a dish that has gained global recognition. The chicken is cooked to perfection, with the soy sauce marinade seeping into every bite, making it incredibly flavorful and moist. The rice is equally impressive, cooked in chicken stock and infused with the aroma of garlic and ginger. The stall's success story, from a humble hawker to a Michelin-starred establishment, adds to the allure, making it a must-try for any visitor to Singapore.
8. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
Must-Try: Bak Kut Teh
Bak kut teh, or pork rib soup, is a beloved local dish, and Song Fa Bak Kut Teh does it exceptionally well. The peppery broth, infused with garlic and a mix of herbs and spices, perfectly complements the tender pork ribs. Enjoy it with a side of you tiao (fried dough sticks) and a cup of Chinese tea.
Song Fa's version of bak kut teh is a peppery delight that warms the soul. The soup, simmered for hours, is robust and full of flavor, with the pepper and garlic creating a perfect balance. The pork ribs are tender and succulent, falling off the bone with ease. This dish is traditionally eaten with you tiao, which you can dip into the broth, and a hot cup of Chinese tea to cleanse the palate. It's a comforting meal that showcases the depth of Singaporean culinary traditions.
9. Tiong Bahru Bakery
Must-Try: Croissants
Tiong Bahru Bakery is a chic café known for its artisanal pastries. Their buttery, flaky croissants are the star of the show, often touted as the best in Singapore. Pair one with a cup of their freshly brewed coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
Tiong Bahru Bakery brings a slice of Paris to Singapore with its perfectly crafted pastries. The croissants, with their golden, flaky exterior and soft, buttery interior, are a true delight. The bakery also offers a variety of other treats, from pain au chocolat to almond croissants, all made with the same attention to detail and quality. The café's ambiance, nestled in the charming Tiong Bahru neighborhood, adds to the experience, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast or coffee break.
10. Ah Chew Desserts
Must-Try: Mango Sago
End your culinary journey on a sweet note at Ah Chew Desserts. This popular dessert spot offers a wide array of traditional Chinese sweets. The mango sago, featuring fresh mango chunks, chewy tapioca pearls, and a creamy coconut milk base, is a refreshing and satisfying treat perfect for Singapore's tropical climate.
Ah Chew Desserts is the go-to place for anyone with a sweet tooth. The mango sago is a standout, with its combination of fresh, juicy mango, chewy sago pearls, and a rich coconut milk base. The dessert is both refreshing and indulgent, making it a perfect way to end a meal. The menu also features a variety of other traditional Chinese desserts, each offering a unique taste of Singapore's rich culinary heritage.
Singapore's food scene is a treasure trove of flavors, traditions, and culinary delights. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, these ten food spots offer an unforgettable taste of the city's vibrant culture. Happy eating!
Check Out These Singapore Itineraries for Your Perfect Trip:
A Journey Through Time: My Unforgettable 2 Days Itinerary Experience In Singapore
Singapore: The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary For An Unforgettable Experience
The Ultimate 4-Day Adventure In Singapore
Don't Miss These Blog Articles for More Food Inspiration: