Singapore Hotels

  Singapore is an ethnic culinary adventure of unbelievable variety. Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian, Peranakan, Western and other exotic foods are all available, making this tiny country a heaven for any food lover. Chinese dishes include Char Kuey Teow (fried noodles), Popiah (fresh spring rolls) and Chicken Rice while Malay dishes include Nasi Lemak (fragrant rice in coconut milk) and Satay (skewered meat broiled over red-hot coals and dipped in peanut sauce).

  But these are just the tip of what one can find in the food paradise. Even though you'll be tempted by the wonderful international food selection, don't leave without trying local favorites that have evolved from Singapore's unique multicultural mix. So to truly sample the local cuisine, head for the hawker centers which offer an authentic range of local food and sample some local favorites.

10 Local Favorites You Should Try

Roti Prata and Teh Tarik
Another popular breakfast item. Roti Prata is a flaky Indian bread made with or without eggs and served with a thick vegetable-based lentil curry. Teh Tarik is a tea that is mixed with carnation milk and 'pulled' from one mug to another to create froth when served.

Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling was created at Raffles Hotel in 1915 by Hainanese-Chinese bartender, Mr. Ngiam Tong Boon. Originally, the Singapore Sling was meant as a woman's drink, hence the attractive pink color. Today it is very definitely a drink enjoyed by all, without which any visit to Singapore is incomplete.

Singapore Laksa (Coconut Curry Noodles)
A local classic that combines Chinese, Malay and Indian spices to produce full-bodied coconut curry noodles with shrimp, egg and chicken as garnish.

Hainanese Chicken Rice
Considered the national dish, Chicken Rice is authentic Singapore cuisine that can be found at hawker centers as well as fine dining establishments. Although the name suggests that its origins are from China, it actually originated from the Hainanese (Hainan is a province of China) immigrants in Singapore. Locals can talk for hours about the fine points of this simple combination of flavored rice and boiled or roasted chicken served with chilli, minced garlic and dark soy sauce. Savor the taste of this wonderful dish at the 24-hour Chatterbox restaurant at the Singapore Mandarin Hotel on Orchard Road.

Malay Satay
A simple Malay classic which has become the most loved dish from this region. Essentially, 3 inches of meat on a wooden skewer is barbecued over charcoal and served with delectable peanut gravy, sliced cucumbers, onions and Ketupat (glutinous rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves). Try the Satay Club located at Clarke Quay.

Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is a hearty meal comprising coconut rice, a slice of omelette, anchovies, a slice of cucumber and some chilli paste, uniquely packed in brown paper or banana leaf.

Char Kway Teow
Broad white noodles fried with black soy sauce, bean sprouts, fish cake, clams and Chinese sausage.

Chilli Crabs & Black Pepper Crabs
You may have heard about Singapore's Chilli Crabs and our black pepper Sri Lankan crabs are another thing to write home about. You can find both of these famous dishes at the East Coast Seafood Centre - home to more than a dozen seafood restaurants where you can roll up your sleeves, join the locals and dig into the delicious servings.

Kaya Toast with a Cup of Local Coffee
Usually a breakfast treat. Kaya is a sweet coconut egg jam spread generously over toasted bread. Eat the toast with half-boiled eggs and add a dash of black soy sauce for extra taste! Try it at the Killiney Kopitiam, 67 Killiney Road.

Fish Head Curry
Sampling this dish is a must when in Singapore. Ingredients that go into a Fish Head Curry are chillies (red and green), curry seeds, curry powder, ginger, garlic, coconut milk, tamarind, tomatoes, lady's fingers, curry leaves and fish head. The fish is stewed in curry sauce until soft and eaten with rice. A rather exotic dish and certainly one to write home about.