Food & Drink

The many cultures that call Singapore home have influenced popular cuisine and established itself as a foodie paradise. Whether you're into Taiwanese, Malay, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, or continental delights, Singapore's got something to make your taste buds dance. 

Singaporeans love to indulge at one of hundreds of hawker centres serving authentic dishes from all over Asia. The hawker centres developed from a desire for immigrants to eat their home country dishes, with historical ties to working-class roots. The open-air food hall stalls now serve more than food; they are true social hubs for Singaporeans. Stalls have been passed down at some hawker centres for generations, with only a few traditional recipes prepared the same way. Seek out a visit, and you'll find hungry locals dining with friends in a lively environment, all at a reasonable price. The longer the queue, the more likely you've found a delicious spot!

And, you cannot pass up a chance to try out the infamous durian—a local spiky exotic fruit known for its unique (some say smelly) scent. Don't be fooled; its sweet and sour goodness is a delight. You'll be able to find it in select stores and pastries like durian cakes and puffs. Just don't eat one on the train; you may even encounter hotels that forbid the consumption of smelly fruit in their lobby!

What is Singapore's traditional cuisine?

After immigrants first arrived in Singapore, foods and spices from their home countries, including Indonesia, China and Malaysia, started to be combined. One such popular dish is ayam buah keluak, which was created by Indonesian and Chinese descendants by simmering tamarind chicken with black nuts stuffed with pork. 

A traditional hawker centre favourite, Hainanese chicken rice is a quick and fulfilling lunch. Steamed chicken served with rice cooked in flavourful chicken stock, topped with a delectable dipping sauce. The key? Quality chicken stock for the rice that's bursting with aroma. Or find a plate of char kuay teow in hawker centres and restaurants—broad white noodles fried with black soy sauce, bean sprouts, fish cake, clams, and Chinese sausage. Skilled chefs add a smoky touch by cooking the noodles at high temperatures. Chilli crab remains a Singaporean staple; the stir-fried crustacean delight is bathed in spicy, sweet, and savoury tomato sauce. It's often served with steamed mantou buns, a must-try for seafood lovers. 

With roots in India, prata is sought after and a must-try for every traveller. Prata is a crispy, shelled, soft interior flatbread served commonly with delicious curry. The bread is made of wheat flour and accompanied by a delicious beef, chicken, fish, or veggie curry bowl. Sometimes, you can even find a sweet dessert version with a chocolate or ice cream dip!

What is dining etiquette in Singapore?

If dining at a restaurant where everyone shares food, the host will likely order all the dishes for the table. Don't let the serving utensils touch your plate when serving food from the communal dishes. Practice patience and wait to start eating until the host does. Typically, a spoon and fork will be provided, but if there are chopsticks, don't stick them upright to pause eating; place them to the side. You'll likely spot locals using the spoon in the right hand and fork in the left, which pushes food onto the spoon. Once you are full, leave some food on your dish to indicate you are all done.

When dining at the hawker centre, don't be surprised if you see empty tables with items placed on the seats, such as a tissue pack, shopping bag, or umbrella. This informal system is called chope, reserving a seat while you queue for a meal. Your food will most commonly be placed on a tray to carry to your table. After you're finished eating, carry the tray to a return stand - likely two sides based on colour, one for halal and one for non-halal. Removing your tray is a public health requirement for hygiene. Just remember, don't take away any of your leftovers with the hope of finishing it on the train; eating or drinking on public transit in Singapore is prohibited!

What is drinking etiquette in Singapore?

Alcohol is widely available, with a minimum age of 18 required for consumption and purchasing. No alcohol can be purchased from stores after 10:30 PM, however, it is available at restaurants, bars and clubs. There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. When socializing in a group setting after being served your beverage, it is common for everyone to raise their glass in a toast and say cheers.

A must-try is the popular national drink, the Singapore Sling, invented in 1915 at a local hotel. The pretty pink-hued drink is gin-based, mixed with pineapple, lime, curaçao, Bénédictine, and finished with grenadine. Grab a pint of the internationally known and distributed Tiger Beer. You could even add a brewery tour stop for a behind-the-scenes peek at the unique beer born in Singapore. 

Does Singapore cater to dietary restrictions?

Singapore cuisine mainstays are often created from various types of meat, while common allergens such as eggs, dairy, fish, nuts, wheat and soy are abundantly used. Dishes that add spice mixes or sauces are especially prone to feature allergens. Overall, awareness of dietary restrictions and allergies in Singapore can be limited. However, planning and seeking out restaurants in tourist areas, including hotel restaurants, is a great way to find spots to make accommodations. Halal and vegetarian meals can be found easily, thanks to the Muslim population. Plan to travel with a translated information card indicating your dietary restrictions. Stop in at a grocery store if you are heading out for the day to buy pre-packed items that include ingredient lists as regulated by the Singapore Food Agency. 

What do meals typically cost in Singapore?

Singapore has meals and cuisines available at all price points, though food prices are higher than many other popular Asian destinations. Pricing at high-end fine dining restaurants with a multi-course meal will typically cost $300 USD per person. Mid-range restaurants in tourist-centric locations will average around $30 USD per person. Some of the most unfussy, low-priced, and delicious meal options will be found at hawker centres, especially the ones off the beaten path where the locals dine. Not only is it a money saver, it's a great way to meet and greet Singaporeans. Dishes typically run between $8-12 USD.