Singapore is called “Street Food Mecca” for its wide variety of tasty and affordable local food. Food culture here is similar to India, where greeting often means “Have you eaten?” Even though Singapore is small in size, it has big appetite influenced by many cultures. If you are travelling to Singapore and need small Singapore food guide, this article is for you. It covers Singaporean food culture with options for vegetarian and non-vegetarian followed by popular Indian eateries and average food cost in Singapore.
Singapore food culture: A blend of flavors and traditions
Singapore is island country, so seafood like crab, prawns and fish is very common. Crab is even considered national dish. Despite being one of world’s wealthiest economies, Singapore has affordable and authentic street food. Migrant workers from across globe add to city’s rich food culture.
Food in Singapore is influenced by Asian, Chinese, and Eurasian flavors. You can enjoy chicken biryani or fish curry with local twist. Best food are found at hawker centres or Cze Chas. You could spend whole lifetime enjoying stir fried noodles with egg and coffee, which is common daily meal. Spices, fruits and beverages are some other things you should explore in Singapore famous food.
Singapore street food:Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, Satay
When in Singapore, don’t miss out on Singapore street food. You can check out the enclosed Hawker Centres, Cze Chas (eating houses), Kopitiams (Coffee houses) for street food. These are the lifeblood of Singaporean food scene.
Some street foods you must try out while in Singapore are:-
Hainanese Chicken Rice
This iconic dish has tender boiled chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken gravy. It’s often accompanied by chili sauce and ginger soy sauce. You need around ₹250 – ₹400.
Laksa
It is a spicy noodle soup with a rich coconut milk soup. It typically includes noodles, prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, and tofu puffs. Cost of Laksa is around ₹300 – ₹450
Satay
It is a small skewer which has Grilled chicken meat served with peanut sauce and cucumber slices. It’s a quintessential Singaporean street food experience. It costs around ₹350 – ₹500
Char Kway Teow
This stir-fried flat rice noodles dish is full of flavours. It includes ingredients like prawns, Chinese sausage, egg, and bean sprouts. It costs around ₹250 – ₹400.
Roti Prata
A crispy and flaky Indian-origin flatbread, Roti Prata is a popular breakfast or snack option. It’s often served with curry or dhal. It costs around ₹100 – ₹200
Top vegetarian dishes you must try in Singapore
Some vegetarian Indian-origin foods you must not miss while in Singapore are:-
Vegetarian Laksa
- Location: VeganBurg
- This creamy noodle soup is Singapore’s plant-based laksa. It comes with tofu, mushrooms, and toppings like cucumber, pineapple, and mint. You can enjoy it for about SGD 9 – 12.
Rojak
- Location: Geylang Serai Market
- A spicy and tangy salad featuring a mix of fruits and vegetables, coated in spicy, peanut-based sauce. Costs around SGD 4-6.
Dosa
- Location: Muthu’s Curry
- Description: Who doesn’t know about Dosa? South-Indian dish served with various chutneys and sambar. It costs around SGD 8-12
Gado-gado
- Location: The Soup Spoon and Indo Chilli
- This is traditional Indonesian salad with boiled or steamed vegetables like potatoes, green beans, cabbage, carrots, and tofu. It costs around 8–15.
Mee Goreng/Nasi Goreng
- Location: Swan Street Eating House
- Indonesian noodle dish with vegetables and tofu, usually served with fried shallots and lime. It costs around SGD 5-8.
Non-vegetarian food of Singapore
Meat eaters should make mental note of following authentic non-vegetarian dishes:
Chili Crab:
- Locations: Jumbo Seafood, No Signboard Seafood
- It is a spicy, sweet, and savoury dish is best enjoyed with fresh, crusty bread. It costs around SGD 50-70 for a medium crab.
Kaya Toast:
- Locations: Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Kopitiams
- A breakfast staple featuring toasted bread with coconut jam and half-boiled eggs. It costs around SGD 3.
Hokkien Mee
- Location: Hokkien Mee
- A Stir-fried noodle dish with seafood, including prawns and squid, cooked in a savory soup with a hint of charred aroma. It costs around SGD 5-8.
Seafood Fried Rice
- Location: Dian Xiao Er
- Fried rice with a lot of seafood such as prawns, squid, and fish, often seasoned with soy sauce and other spices. It costs around SGD 10-15.
Jain food in Singapore
Singapore has wide variety of food, with options for Jain cuisine. While there might not be dedicated Jain restaurants, many Indian vegetarian restaurants cater to Jain dietary restrictions like Komala Vilas, MTR or Annalakshmi.
You may go to Hawker centres or Little India, the hub for Indian Culture for Jain food. You may find following items in Jain thali: Dal, Sabji, Roti, Rice, Paneer
Please check ingredients used or inform about your Jain dietary requirements before you order food.
Best restaruants for Indian cuisine in Singapore
Some popular authentic Indian restaurants in Singapore are:
Shahi Maharaja
Shahi Maharaja offers unique blend of Northern Indian and Mexican cuisines, catering to a diverse palate. In Northern Indian cuisine, you can enjoy rich curries, kebabs, and biryanis, while Mexican food offers tacos and quesadillas.
- Notable Dishes: Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka, Mexican Tacos.
Curry Village
- Curry Village is known for its authentic Northern Indian dishes, offering a variety of curries, tandoori items, and Biryanis.
- Notable Dishes: Chicken Tikka Masala, Rogan Josh, Garlic Naan
Spice Junction
- Spice Junction offers a wide menu covering a range of Indian dishes, including both North and South Indian specialties.
- Notable Dishes: Hyderabadi Biryani, Masala Dosa, Palak Paneer
Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant
- Restaurant provides authentic taste of South India.
- Notable Dishes: Chettinad Chicken Curry, Mutton Sukka, Appam.
TANI Bistro & Bar
- TANI Bistro & Bar is famous for its myriad range of thalis and Indian street food.
- Notable Dishes: Tandoori Platter, Chole Bhature, Pani Puri
Average food cost in Singapore
2-day trip where you aim to try variety of popular Asian food, including local Singaporean, Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisines, you can expect to spend approximately ₹10,400 – ₹15,600.
On average, you can expect to spend SGD 30-50 per person per day on food. This estimate covers a mix of meals from hawker centres, food courts, and casual restaurants.
Food in Singapore is not just about taste, it is full experience. When you visit, you must try famous street food and local dishes. Here is quick video showing some of best foods you should not miss.
FAQs
What is the most famous food in Singapore?
Most famous food in Singapore is Hainanese Chicken Rice, often considered the national dish. Other popular dishes are Chili Crab, Laksa, and Satay.
Can vegetarians find food easily in Singapore?
Yes, Singapore has many vegetarian food options, from Vegetarian Laksa and Rojak to international vegan restaurants like VeganBurg.
Where can I find authentic Singapore street food?
The best places to try authentic street food are at hawker centres like Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Chinatown Food Street.
Which dessert is famous in Singapore?
Ice Kachang, Kaya Toast, and Pandan Cake are some of the most famous local desserts in Singapore.
How much does food cost in Singapore?
Street food meals start from SGD 4–7, while restaurant dining is more expensive.
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