9 Things to Eat and Drink in Singapore

Having spent 5 years growing up in Singapore then returning as an adult to work for 6 months, I have a soft spot for the country and it's glorious food. A list of my favourites below:

By the way, if you're looking for somewhere to stay in Singapore check out my review of Marriott hotels in Singapore here

1. Fruit

Singapore's tropical fruit is unique, tasty and often divisive. My favourites are:

• Dragonfruit: Watch out for the pink version which will stain your teeth - start with the white flesh

• Raw mango: A Thai snack available at supermarkets when in season, and often served with chilli and salt

• Papaya: Also available with chilli and salt

• Durian: It’s as smelly as it is tasty, and I think worth trying. Be warned: people seem to either love it or hate it, with no in between

• Longan: Similar to a lychee but crispier and more acidic

From L to R: My mum lovingly peeling longans, White flesh dragonfruit, Durian (as served in hawker centres) and Raw mango with chilli & salt

2. Crab

There are two main flavours- chilli and black pepper. Singapore chilli crab is the most well known. It has a thick, sweet, spicy tomato and chilli sauce. I personally prefer black pepper crab which isn’t cooked in sauce therefore is more dry and tastes (unsurprisingly) of pepper. One crab per two/three people is sufficient.

Two versions of black pepper crab

3. Chicken rice

It’s simple but amazing. A hearty plate of boiled chicken and rice served with a variety of condiments, such as chilli, ginger, garlic, and other goodies, depending on the restaurant. I recommend Hawker Chan, a Michelin starred chicken rice outlet in chinatown which sells a plate for about $4

The famous Hawker Chan chicken rice and one from my SQ flight home

4. Roti prata

An Indian/Malaysian disk of roti and either plain or chicken curry. This is traditionally a breakfast food but is usually available all day

Typical food court roti pratas, with and without chicken

5. South Indian Idli and Dosa

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and South Indians have a long history in the nation state. A dosa is a thin flatbread and idlis are is a rice cake both are traditionally served with chutney and sambar. In India they are a breakfast or brunch food but can be had at any time of day.

Food court dosa

6. Carrot cake

This is nothing like western carrot cake and actually made with eggs and radish. It’s interesting and very traditionally Singaporean

7. Laksa

Laksa is native to Southeast Asia so if you come to Singapore you should have laksa. Laksa is a fragrant, spicy noodle soup as messy to eat as it is satisfying. There are a number of different varieties but the most prominent are curry laksa and ayam laksa. Laksa was such a staple part of my diet that I forgot to take a photo of it...

8. Ais Kacang/ABC

A typically Singaporean dessert: shaved ice packed into a mountain-like shape topped with red beans, cream corn dessert, roasted peanuts and a range of other goodies. It's perfectly suited for the Singaporean heat.

9. Fresh lime juice

Something you find at most markets and street corners; another tasty, practical way to cool off in the Singapore heat