An island nation that is a melting pot of cultures, the culinary landscape of Singapore owes its influences to a multitude of ethnic groups. A city-state that is a true culinary gem, Singapore is known for its street food and hawker markets, apart from all the other attractions. A gastronomic paradise that is thriving with the most vibrant smells, sounds and colours, one could say that the culinary treats here are rather adventurous. A country that is known to uphold its Southeast Asian culture and traditions, Singapore keeps its heritage alive through food. A cuisine that primarily displays the blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian flavours, the street food scene in Singapore is varied and buzzing with the most delectable treats that you will get your hands on. A city dotted with hawker centres, street food stalls and local food markets, Singapore offers its visitors the best kind of culinary experience at affordable prices. A host to Asia’s tastiest flavours and local delights, here are some of the best street foods in Singapore that you must try while visiting.
Here are the popular street foods and local treats in Singapore for every street food lover
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Often considered Singapore's version of a national dish, we assure you haven't tried a chicken rice so good! A simple dish, but with the most flavourful components, the Hainanese Chicken rice consists of juicy poached chicken that is served along with an aromatic rice prepared from the chicken broth, and seasoned with soy, garlic and pandan and topped with spicy chilli sauce and cucumber royale while serving. A dish that is tender and succulent, the Hainanese Chicken Rice is devoured by locals and tourists alike.
Char Kway Teow
Among the most popular dishes in the Singapore street food markets, Char Kway Teow literally translates to fried flat rice noodles. A great street food to indulge in if you are someone who enjoys a good stir fried noodles, Char Kway Teow is sure to be a delightful treat for your taste buds. A flavour dish that is an amalgamation of the best flavours and texture, Char Kway Teow is prepared from flat rice noodles which is stir fried and cooked alongside eggs, sprouts, cockles and your choice of protein, which can be either chicken or seafood as per your preferences. Dip your noodles in soy sauce for that extra flavour and you have got yourself the best kind of noodles in Singapore.
Chili Crab
Among the best street foods in Singapore that are the perfect representation of the local flavours, chilli crab is a famous street food in Singapore that is prepared from mud crabs, which are deep fried and served with a thick, sweet and spicy flavoured tomato gravy. Considered as among the most delicious dishes in the world, chilli crab is the perfect dish for all seafood lovers.
Hokkien Mee
A street food in Singapore that owes its roots in Chinese cuisine, Hokkien Mee is a beloved dish in the regions of Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. Hokkien Mee has a number of variations as well depending upon the region. A favourite street food delight, Hokkien Mee is prepared from both rice or egg noodles as per one’s preference, which is stir-fried and cooked alongside egg, sliced pork, prawns, and squids along with a variety of vegetables and seasoned with sambal and lime for that extra zinky taste. A popular street food in Singapore which was brought to the country by Chinese soldiers, Hokkien Mee is packed with protein and delicious flavours.
Laksa
A staple street food in Singapore, Laksa is essentially a noodle soup. A favourite among the locals, Laksa is wholesome, warm and truly delicious. Having a distinct taste, Laksa is prepared from a spicy to moderate coconut curry sauce along with a variety of spices and lemongrass. You can also customise this dish by adding shrimp, fishcakes or fresh cockles for an enhanced taste. Laksa also has a number of variations that are prepared in the different regions of Singapore. The perfect street food in Singapore, Laksa is a must-try.
Nasi Lemak
A delicious rice based dish that is popularly consumed in the morning or as a snack in the Singapore street food markets, Nasi Lemak features soft and fluffy rice alongside a number of side dishes such as fried anchovies, fried eggs, roasted peanuts, cucumber and sambal. A dish that incorporates the most delicious flavours and textures, Nasi Lemak is widely available throughout Singapore and is also among the most affordable and wholesome meals for you to indulge in.
Satay
An absolute staple and the most delicious street food in Singapore, satay is perfectly seasoned meat skewers that are cooked over a charcoal fire and served alongside a spicy peanut sauce. A street food dish that is available in almost every hawker centre in Singapore, satay makes for the perfect appetiser.
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