The Ultimate Guide to Singapore Local Food

Summary

In this ultimate guide to Singapore's local food, the host takes viewers on a flavorful journey, sharing their top 28 must-try dishes from over 16 years of living in the city. From iconic dishes like Hainan Chicken Rice, Laksa, and Chili Crab to lesser-known favorites such as Frog Porridge and Tunder Tea Rice, the video highlights the rich variety of Singaporean cuisine. Each dish is explored for its unique flavors, textures, and cultural significance, ensuring that viewers are well-equipped to embark on their own Singapore food adventure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hainan Chicken Rice is a must-try dish in Singapore, known for its perfectly balanced combination of succulent chicken and flavorful rice.
• 😀 Laksa is a spicy coconut-based noodle dish with a rich, creamy flavor, and it's challenging to beat the mastery of local hawkers who’ve perfected it.
• 😀 Chili Crab is a savory-sweet and spicy dish that's messy but delicious, featuring whole crabs cooked in a tangy sauce.
• 😀 Carrot Cake in Singapore isn’t sweet but is a savory dish made from radish, rice flour, and eggs, with two versions: white (crispy) and black (sweet).
• 😀 Oyster Omelette is a savory dish with crispy, starchy omelet filled with plump oysters, best enjoyed with lime and chili.
• 😀 Hokkien Mee (Huan Mee) is a stir-fried noodle dish known for its smoky flavor, often enjoyed with prawn stock, lime, and chili.
• 😀 Char Kway Teow is a sweet, dark stir-fried rice noodle dish, commonly featuring Chinese sausage, eggs, and bean sprouts.
• 😀 Hor Fun is a stir-fried, silky rice noodle dish in a savory sauce, often served with seafood, beef, or chicken.
• 😀 Wanton Mee consists of yellow noodles served with dumplings, chashu (barbecued pork), and either in soup or tossed with sauce.
• 😀 Nasi Lemak features fragrant coconut rice with various side dishes like fried chicken, peanuts, and sambal chili, offering a satisfying balance of flavors.

Q & A

What is Hainan Chicken Rice, and why is it considered a must-try dish in Singapore?

Hainan Chicken Rice is a simple yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful rice. The chicken is cooked in its own juices, which are then infused into the rice, creating a rich and savory experience. It's a must-try because of its unique combination of taste and history, and it was famously a competition winner against Gordon Ramsay's attempt to replicate it.

What makes Laksa different from other noodle soups?

Laksa is a spicy coconut-based noodle soup that is creamy and fragrant. It is typically served with rice noodles, prawns, fish cakes, and topped with chili. The rich, creamy base and the balance of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors make it distinct from other noodle soups.

Why is Chili Crab so messy to eat, and is it worth trying?

Chili Crab is messy because the crab is served with its shells intact, and you need to crack them open to access the tender meat, which is coated in a savory-sweet, slightly spicy sauce. It’s definitely worth trying if you love seafood and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, as it offers a unique and flavorful experience.

What are the differences between the white and black versions of Carrot Cake in Singapore?

The white version of Carrot Cake is savory, crispy, and more eggy, while the black version is softer and sweeter due to the use of a sweet soy sauce. Both versions are made with radish and rice flour, but the key difference lies in the sauce and texture.

What is the appeal of the Oyster Omelette, and how should it be eaten?

The Oyster Omelette is a savory dish with plump oysters, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is best enjoyed by squeezing lime over it and dipping it in chili, creating a perfect blend of savory and spicy flavors. Even those who are not fans of oysters might enjoy this dish due to its unique texture and taste.

What is unique about the flavor of Hokkien Mee (Hwan Mee)?

Hokkien Mee features noodles stir-fried in prawn stock, which gives it a smoky flavor that comes from cooking in a well-seasoned wok. It’s unique because of the smoky 'wok hei' flavor that is integral to the dish, and it’s best enjoyed with a squeeze of lime and chili.

What does Cha Kway (Stir-fried Rice Noodles) taste like, and how is it different from other noodle dishes?

Cha Kway is a stir-fried rice noodle dish that is dark, sweet, and smoky, often cooked with eggs, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts. The main distinction is its sweetness from the soy sauce, which contrasts with the savory and smoky flavors of the noodles, making it a favorite for those who enjoy sweeter noodles.

What is Bak Kut Teh, and how should it be eaten to get the best experience?

Bak Kut Teh is a herbal soup made with pork bones and a variety of spices. The best part is the free soup refills, allowing you to sip on the rich broth while eating rice. It’s often served with deep-fried breadsticks called uto, and it’s best enjoyed by dipping the bread into the savory soup.

Why is Satay considered one of the best dishes for barbecue lovers?

Satay consists of skewered and grilled meat, typically chicken, beef, or pork, served with a rich peanut dipping sauce. The smoky grilled meat paired with the sweetness and crunch of the peanut sauce makes it a perfect dish for barbecue lovers.

What makes Prata (Roti Prata) a unique dish in Singapore, and what are some variations of it?

Prata is a type of Indian flatbread that is fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is often served with curry for dipping. Variations of prata include egg prata, cheese prata, and the more exotic versions like prata bomb (with extra ghee and condensed milk) and tissue prata (thin and crispy). Each variation offers a unique flavor and texture.