Singapore, often dubbed the “Food Paradise,” is a melting pot of flavours, where diverse culinary traditions come together to create a vibrant food culture. From hawker centres to fine dining, the Lion City offers a gastronomic adventure that caters to all tastes. Whether you’re a foodie on a mission or just looking to sample the local fare, here are some must-try dishes that encapsulate the essence of Singaporean cuisine.

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Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice is Singapore’s unofficial national dish, beloved by locals and tourists alike. This simple yet flavorful meal consists of poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by a trio of sauces: chilli, ginger, and dark soy. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the rice is aromatic and packed with flavour. A must-try, this dish can be found in almost every hawker centre and food court across the city.

Chilli Crab
A true icon of Singaporean cuisine, Chilli Crab is a messy but utterly delicious affair. The dish features mud crabs stir-fried in a tangy, sweet, and spicy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is the star of the show, perfect for mopping up with steamed buns (mantou). Chilli Crab is best enjoyed with friends and family, as it’s a communal dish that embodies the spirit of togetherness and you can find

Laksa
Laksa is a rich and aromatic noodle soup that showcases the blend of Malay and Chinese culinary influences. This spicy coconut curry soup is filled with rice noodles, shrimp, fish cakes, and bean sprouts, topped with a generous amount of fresh herbs. The broth is creamy and spicy, offering a comforting and satisfying meal. Variations of Laksa can be found, with the Katong Laksa being particularly famous in Singapore.

Hokkien Mee
Hokkien Mee is a beloved Singaporean stir-fry noodle dish made with a mix of egg noodles and rice noodles that can easily be found at the best restaurants in Singapore. These are stir-fried with egg, prawns, squid, and bean sprouts, then simmered in a flavorful seafood broth. The dish is typically garnished with sambal chilli and a squeeze of lime, adding a tangy and spicy kick. The combination of textures and flavours makes Hokkien Mee a perennial favourite among locals.

Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a hearty and smoky noodle dish that will tantalize your taste buds. Flat rice noodles are stir-fried with soy sauce, eggs, prawns, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and chives in a blazing hot wok, giving the dish its signature charred flavour. The addition of cockles and lard crisps adds a rich and unique taste, making Char Kway Teow a must-try for anyone visiting Singapore. You can try gourmet variations of this as well as other great sophisticated items at luxury restaurants such as Entrepôt.