Top 20 Must-Try Local Dishes in Singapore
- Singapore Expats Association
- Aug 12
- 4 min read
If Singapore is renowned for one thing, it's undoubtedly the food. While it might not top global lists for shopping or sightseeing, this city-state has earned a solid reputation as a food paradise. In fact, many tourists travel here with one goal in mind—to eat. If you're wondering what local fare to sample and where to find it, this guide highlights some of the must-try dishes in Singapore.
Chicken Rice
Singapore is perhaps best known for its Hainanese chicken rice. Though found in other countries like Thailand and Malaysia, Singapore’s version stands out. The dish is typically served in two styles: steamed (also called “white” chicken) and roasted (“black” chicken).
What sets chicken rice apart is the rice itself—cooked in chicken stock and infused with aromatic oils and garlic, making it rich and flavorful. Be warned: that great taste comes with a calorie cost, as it’s often prepared with fatty ingredients and seasonings.
A typical plate includes dark soy sauce and fiery chilli on the side. For locals, the spicier the chilli, the better—it completes the dish.
Where to try it:
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice – 443 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427656
Boon Tong Kee – 199 East Coast Road
Wee Nam Kee – 275 Thomson Road, #01-05 Novena Ville
Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Teh, which translates to “Pork Bone Tea,” is a much-loved local soup dish. There are two main types: the peppery, garlicky broth preferred in Singapore, and a more herbal variety found mostly in Malaysia.
Served hot with steamed rice, the dish is often accompanied by you char kway (fried dough sticks), which are delicious when dipped into the soup. A pot of Chinese tea is also a traditional pairing, though less common now.
Popular additions include pig trotters and tofu skin.
Where to find it:
Tiong Bee Bah Kut Teh – 588F Jalan Datoh, Off Balestier Road
Old Tiong Bahru Bak Kut Teh – Blk 58, Seng Poh Road, #01-31
Sin Heng Bak Koot Teh – 439 Joo Chiat Road
Bak Chor Mee
While not always featured in top food lists, Bak Chor Mee (minced pork noodles) is undeniably a Singapore-born favorite. A humble bowl usually comes with noodles, minced meat, mushrooms, liver, and sliced pork. Some variations also include prawns, fishcake, or meatballs.
You can enjoy it "dry" (tossed in a tangy mix of vinegar, soy, and chilli) or in soup. Despite its simplicity, this dish is fiercely competitive among hawkers vying for the title of “Best Bak Chor Mee.”
Recommended stalls:
Curry Fish Head
Singaporeans are spice lovers, so curry dishes are a staple, none more iconic than Curry Fish Head. Although curries like chicken and mutton are also popular, fish head curry is considered uniquely Singaporean.
This dish combines coconut milk, tamarind, and a complex spice blend. A great version is rich but not cloying, spicy with just the right hint of sourness. It’s usually served with vegetables like okra, eggplant, onions, and tomatoes, and goes best with plain rice.
Places to try:
Soon Heng Restaurant – 39 Kinta Road
Hooked on Heads – Sin Ming Plaza, Tower 2, #01-01/02
Hokkien Mee
If you're after a plate of rich, flavorful noodles, look no further than Hokkien Mee. Made with yellow noodles and bee hoon, this dish is stir-fried in prawn and pork stock with squid and prawns, then finished with lime and sambal chilli.
It’s known for being oily and indulgent—definitely not for the health-conscious—but that’s part of the appeal.
Try it at:
Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow features flat rice noodles and yellow noodles stir-fried in a sweet soy sauce with ingredients like eggs, cockles, bean sprouts, and Chinese sausage. A properly prepared version will have that desirable “wok hei” or smoky aroma from high-heat stir-frying.
This is another indulgent treat—sweet, savory, and full of oil. But one bite and you’ll understand its lasting popularity.
Where to get it:
Durian
Technically not a dish, but no list of iconic Singaporean foods is complete without the King of Fruits. Durian is infamous for its pungent smell and creamy, custard-like texture. It’s either adored or avoided, especially by first-time visitors.
If you're feeling adventurous, try the fruit first before exploring durian-flavored desserts like puffs, pies, and ice cream.
Where to buy durians:
Ah Loon and Ah Teck Durian – 231 East Coast Road
Time to fill your tummy!
Singapore’s food scene is more than just a national pride—it's a way of life. With influences from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cultures, the variety and depth of flavors you'll experience are truly unmatched. Whether you’re slurping a comforting bowl of Bak Kut Teh, braving the bold taste of durian, or indulging in a sinful plate of Char Kway Teow, each dish tells a story of heritage, community, and passion.
So if you’re visiting Singapore, don’t just sightsee, eat your way through the island. These must-try local foods are more than meals; they're a delicious introduction to the heart of Singapore.
Ready to get involved? Email us today at members@expatassociation.com or join us now at https://www.expatassociation.com/join-us and be part of something meaningful.
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