The Most Essential Local Delicacies in Singapore
The entire continent is known for flavorful, unique cuisines, and Singapore holds its own against the best of them. Here are some of our favorites!
Picture this: it’s a warm day in April, and you’re well into your exploration of the wonders of Asia. You’ve left, say, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore is your next destination. And one of the best ways to get there is to take Kuala Lumpur to Singapore train.
You’ve heard endless stories from your friends that I’ve been there before, and there was one thing they all seemed to mention: the food. Coming in all shapes, sizes & flavors, they refused to stop talking it, and you can’t do anything but think about it as you approach your destination.
The doors open, and you’re off to the races just as quickly. Your mind floods with possibilities, and you even start to feel overwhelmed. You eventually calm down, though, as you remember a simple rule: start with the specialties.
Thankfully, you’ll be able to find them cheap here. You can bite into some street food for as little as $4 per meal, and you’ll have a wealth of delectable local favorites to choose from. There are dozens at arm’s reach, but these are some we believe to be absolute essentials.
Char Kway Teow
As with many other regions of the continent, noodles are part of the lifeblood of Singapore’s cuisine, and Char Kway Teow is a favorite amongst residents. Wide noodles are stir-fried with chilis, egg, spices & dark soy sauce in a wok, along with pork lard or cockles in some cases.
It was traditionally served as a cheap source of energy for laborers, but today it’s beloved by folks from all walks of life, whether they need something filling after a long day, or just want to try the iconic flavors of the city.
Laksa
Laksa is a fine demonstration of the way cultures blend together in this fascinating place, and some of the most famous establishments in Singapore are solely dedicated to the dish.
To be specific, Malay & Chinese flavors come together for this creation, and there are a wealth of varieties to keep people searching for their favorite.
The difference is usually made in regards to the thickness of the broth (whether it mainly consists of coconut milk or water), along with the noodles & the type of fish that join the party.
The traditional variety, according to Sethlui.com, includes “…vermicelli, coconut milk, tau pok (beancurd puffs), fish slices, shrimp, and hum (cockles).” Katong Laksa, a type exclusive to Singapore, sees the vermicelli cut up & eaten with a spoon, rather than a fork.
Oyster Omelette
As you might have noticed by now, seafood is a regular guest in Singapore’s cuisine, given the location. Whether it be cockles, shrimp, or larger fish, you’re almost always tasting the ocean, and it’s no different with one of the most famous dishes, known simply as the oyster omelet.
If you guessed that eggs are involved, great job! It starts like most other, with eggs being prepared as a light, fluffy base for some delicious toppings. Bean sprouts are cooked in with the eggs, and mostly raw oysters act as the pivotal finishing touch.
Avoid making this your regular breakfast unless you’re running a couple of dozen miles to start off the day. However, if you really want to celebrate an occasion or life in general, a warm oyster omelet will never do you wrong.
