When most travellers think about Singapore, the usual things that come to mind are the city-state’s high-end retail stores, stunning skyline, and mythical Merlion statue. Although these things do give people a good idea of what they can expect when they visit the island, they aren’t enough to capture Singapore’s true essence.

This small country in Southeast Asia boasts a rich and diverse culture that can be explored through different off-the-beaten-track means. One of the best ways to experience this is by savouring the flavours of Singapore’s cuisine, which has been influenced by the city’s Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, and Peranakan roots.

But that’s the essence of food tourism, it’s all about discovering a destination through its flavours, stories, and people. Food represents so much for every country and every culture out there, and resources like Original Travel explore how food can be a gateway to cultural understanding, turning simple meals into memorable travel moments. Besides, Singapore’s hawker centres and bustling food stalls show exactly how cuisine and identity come together in the most delicious way possible, amazing, right?

Singapore’s food scene is vibrant, and its options range from traditional favourites to reinvented classics. However, if you want to know the local’s go-to places, then your culinary adventure should focus on the city-state’s street food. The city’s street food has tons of variety, catering to the dietary needs of every foodie. Plus, they’re delicious and affordable, which means you can satisfy your hunger while staying within your budget. The challenge is figuring out what to eat and where to find them.

Fortunately, if you visit the city-state regularly and subscribe to the cheapest data plan Singapore has to offer, you can access the internet anytime, anywhere, and not have any problem searching for the best places to have a plate (or bowl) of Singapore street foods. Here is a short list of just some of the most popular street cuisine you have to sample while visiting the country.

Kaya Toast

Kaya toast is a classic Singaporean breakfast that’s often served with soft-boiled eggs and coffee or tea. It consists of toasted bread that’s been generously slathered with kaya, a sweet and creamy jam made from coconut milk, sugar, and eggs.

Goreng Pisang

Also known as banana fritters, goreng pisang is a deep-fried treat that showcases the irresistible combination of ripe bananas coated in a crispy batter. This sweet and crispy delight offers a quick pick-me-up and a taste of nostalgia for the locals.

Orh Luak (Oyster Omelette)

Orh luak is a savoury delight made from a mixture of eggs, starch, and fresh oysters. This mixture is then deep fried until it becomes crispy and golden brown and the umami flavour of the oysters shines through. Add a few splashes of sambal—a red chilli paste—to give the dish a spicy kick.

Popiah

Popiah is a fresh spring roll filled with a medley of julienned vegetables all wrapped in a soft crepe-like skin. The filling may also contain tofu, chopped peanuts, and protein like shrimp or pork. It is then dipped in a sweet hoisin sauce that adds a layer of savouriness to the dish. Popiah offers a healthy and flavourful alternative for those seeking a light and fresh street food option.

Laksa

Laksa is a spicy noodle soup made of a creamy coconut base, rice noodles, and a symphony of spices. It is often topped with tofu puffs, prawns, and fishcakes, but chicken and eggs are also great options. Its explosion of flavours tantalises the taste buds while showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Singapore. Thus, it’s a popular street food for both locals and tourists alike.

Bak Chor Mee

Bak chor mee is a noodle dish featuring minced pork, mushrooms, and noodles. It’s often served in a savoury and tangy vinegar-based sauce, which gives the dish its unique blend of flavours and keeps locals coming back for more.

Wanton Mee

Wanton mee is a straightforward dish featuring egg noodles served with wantons (dumplings) and a rich broth or sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that offers comfort and familiarity to many Singaporeans.

Char Kway Teow

Char kway teow is a stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, prawns, Chinese sausage, eggs, and bean sprouts. It’s cooked in a flavourful soy sauce, which is then enhanced by the wok hei flavour that’s developed in the cooking process.

Nasi Lemak

Nasi lemak is a fragrant coconut milk rice dish that’s served with condiments like sambal, fried crispy anchovies, peanuts, and hard-boiled or fried eggs. The aromatic rice and rich condiments make it a beloved dish that best represents Singapore’s Malay heritage.

Chwee Kueh

Chwee kueh is steamed rice cake topped with a mixture of diced preserved radish and soy sauce.

Its unique steamed texture and savoury flavour profile give it a comforting and distinctive taste.

Bak Kut Teh

Bak kut teh is a pork rib soup simmered with various herbs and spices. It’s known for its aromatic and herbal flavours that warm both the heart and stomach.

Satay

Satay consists of skewered and grilled meat, often chicken, beef, or mutton. It’s usually served with a delectable peanut sauce, but some food stalls also offer sweet soy, savoury, and spicy sauces that go great with the skewered meat.

Not a lot of travellers think about going on a gastronomic journey when they visit Singapore. But if you happen to be in the city-state, then this list of culinary delights is a sign telling you to take the chance. Exploring Singapore’s street food scene is a fun way to not only taste the flavours of the island but also experience its culture with every bite.

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