What to Eat for Dinner in Singapore
Singapore is a culinary paradise. With its diverse population and influences from across Asia, there is something to suit every taste. From hawker stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, Singapore has it all.
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Singaporean experience, head to a hawker center. These open-air food courts are home to a huge variety of stalls selling everything from noodles to satay to rice dishes. Be sure to try some of the local favorites, such as chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab.
Hawker Center Highlights
- Lau Pa Sat: Located in the heart of the Central Business District, Lau Pa Sat is one of the most popular hawker centers in Singapore. It’s home to over 100 stalls selling a wide variety of dishes.
- Maxwell Food Centre: Another popular hawker center, Maxwell Food Centre is located in Chinatown. It’s known for its delicious street food, including some of the best chicken rice in Singapore.
- Tiong Bahru Market: Located in the Tiong Bahru neighborhood, Tiong Bahru Market is a newer hawker center that’s home to a number of up-and-coming chefs. It’s a great place to try some of the latest trends in Singaporean cuisine.
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Singapore has plenty of options to choose from. There are numerous Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore, offering everything from modern European to traditional Chinese cuisine. For a truly special occasion, you can dine at one of Singapore’s rooftop restaurants, which offer stunning views of the city skyline.
Fine Dining Highlights
- Restaurant André: Led by chef André Chiang, Restaurant André is one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Singapore. It has been awarded two Michelin stars and is known for its innovative and modern cuisine.
- Odette: Another two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Odette is helmed by chef Julien Royer. It offers a contemporary French menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
- CUT by Wolfgang Puck: For a taste of American fine dining, head to CUT by Wolfgang Puck. This steakhouse is known for its high-quality meats and innovative dishes.
No matter what your budget or taste, you’re sure to find something to your liking in Singapore. Here are a few of the most popular dishes to try:
- Chicken rice: This is Singapore’s national dish, and it’s easy to see why. It’s made with tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a flavorful dipping sauce.
- Laksa: This spicy noodle soup is a must-try for any visitor to Singapore. It’s made with a rich coconut broth, noodles, and a variety of toppings, such as shrimp, chicken, and tofu.
- Chili crab: This is another iconic Singaporean dish. It’s made with fresh crab cooked in a sweet and spicy chili sauce.
- Satay: These grilled meat skewers are a popular street food in Singapore. They’re usually served with a peanut sauce and cucumber relish.
- Hainanese chicken rice: This is a variation on chicken rice that’s made with steamed chicken and a flavorful rice cooked in chicken broth.
In addition to the dishes listed above, there are many other delicious options to choose from in Singapore. Be sure to experiment and try something new!
Tips for Dining in Singapore
- Be adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Singapore is a great place to experiment with different flavors and cuisines.
- Go local: For a truly authentic experience, head to a hawker center. These open-air food courts are home to a huge variety of stalls selling everything from noodles to satay to rice dishes.
- Be prepared to queue: Queues are common at popular restaurants in Singapore. Be patient and don’t be afraid to wait for a table.
- Share your dishes: Singaporean dishes are typically served in large portions. Don’t be afraid to share your dishes with your fellow diners.
- Enjoy the atmosphere: Dining in Singapore is a social experience. Take your time and enjoy the atmosphere.
Why Singapore Is a Culinary Paradise
There are many reasons why Singapore is a culinary paradise. Here are just a few:
- Diversity: Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its cuisine. There are influences from all over Asia, as well as from Europe and the Middle East.
- Quality: Singapore has a high standard of living, and this is reflected in the quality of its food. The ingredients are fresh and the dishes are prepared with care.
- Variety: There is something for everyone in Singapore, from street food to fine dining. You can find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to hawker centers selling delicious and affordable dishes.
- Affordability: Singapore is a relatively affordable city, and this is also reflected in the cost of food. You can get a great meal for a reasonable price.
Benefits of Dining in Singapore
There are many benefits to dining in Singapore. Here are just a few:
- You’ll experience a diverse range of cuisines.
- You’ll enjoy high-quality food.
- You’ll find something to suit your budget.
- You’ll have a memorable dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dining in Singapore
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when dining in Singapore:
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re not sure what to order, don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations.
- Don’t over-order. Singaporean dishes are typically served in large portions. Don’t be afraid to share your dishes with your fellow diners.
- Don’t be in a hurry. Dining in Singapore is a social experience. Take your time and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things. Singapore is a great place to experiment with different flavors and cuisines.
Conclusion
Singapore is a culinary paradise with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a fine dining experience, you’re sure to find something to your liking. So come hungry and be prepared to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Singapore!
Tables
| Dish | Description | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken rice | Singapore’s national dish, made with tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a flavorful dipping sauce | $3-$5 | Hawker centers, restaurants |
| Laksa | A spicy noodle soup made with a rich coconut broth, noodles, and a variety of toppings | $5-$10 | Hawker centers, restaurants |
| Chili crab | A popular Singaporean dish made with fresh crab cooked in a sweet and spicy chili sauce | $20-$30 | Restaurants |
| Satay | Grilled meat skewers served with a peanut sauce and cucumber relish | $5-$10 | Hawker centers, street stalls |
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Michelin stars | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant André | Modern European | 2 | $200-$300 | 41 Bukit Pasoh Road |
| Odette | Contemporary French | 2 | $150-$200 | 1 St Andrew’s Road |
| CUT by Wolfgang Puck | American | 1 | $100-$150 | 2 Bayfront Avenue |
| Burnt Ends | Modern Australian | 1 | $80-$120 | 20 Teck Lim Road |
| Hawker Center | Location | Number of stalls | Popular dishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lau Pa Sat | Central Business District | 100+ | Chicken rice, laksa, chili crab |
| Maxwell Food Centre | Chinatown | 100+ | Chicken rice, satay, oyster omelet |
| Tiong Bahru Market | Tiong Bahru | 80+ | Chicken rice, wonton noodles, hokkien mee |
| Chomp Chomp Food Centre | Serangoon Garden | 50+ | Satay, grilled seafood, rojak |
| Dining Experience | Description | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual | Hawker center or street stall | $5-$10 | All over Singapore |
| Mid-range | Restaurant | $20-$50 | All over Singapore |
| Fine dining | Michelin-starred restaurant | $100-$300 | Central Business District, Sentosa Island |
| Rooftop dining | Restaurant with views of the city skyline | $50-$100 | Central Business District, Marina Bay |
