Singaporean cuisine is a melting pot of flavors, blending Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences into dishes that are downright irresistible.
If you’re a foodie looking to spice up your kitchen game, you’ve hit the jackpot.
These recipes are packed with bold flavors, unique textures, and a whole lot of soul.
Whether you’re craving something savory, spicy, or sweet, this list has got you covered.
Ready to take your taste buds on a trip to Singapore? From the iconic Hainanese Chicken Rice to the lesser-known but equally delicious Kaya Toast, these recipes are must-tries.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, sliced
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Chili sauce and ginger paste for serving
How to Make It:
Start by poaching the chicken in a pot of boiling water with ginger and garlic until cooked through.
Remove the chicken and let it cool. Use the broth to cook the jasmine rice, infusing it with flavor.
Slice the chicken and serve it over the fragrant rice with cucumber slices and cilantro. Don’t forget the chili sauce and ginger paste on the side!
Why We Chose It:
Hainanese Chicken Rice is Singapore’s national dish for a reason.
It’s simple yet packed with flavor, and the tender chicken paired with aromatic rice is pure comfort food.
This dish is a must-try for anyone exploring Singaporean cuisine.
2. Laksa
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp laksa paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
How to Make It:
Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. In a pot, sauté the laksa paste until fragrant, then add coconut milk, chicken broth, fish sauce, and sugar.
Simmer for 10 minutes. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Serve the noodles in bowls, topped with the shrimp, broth, bean sprouts, eggs, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Laksa is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, spicy, and loaded with textures. It’s a bowl of pure happiness that’ll have you coming back for more.
3. Chili Crab
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs crab, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 2 red chilies, chopped
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 4 tbsp water
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make It:
Sauté garlic, ginger, and chilies until fragrant. Add crab pieces and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
Mix in ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce, then drizzle in the beaten egg. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Why We Selected It:
Chili Crab is messy, saucy, and absolutely delicious. It’s a Singaporean classic that’s perfect for a fun, hands-on meal.
4. Kaya Toast
Ingredients:
- 4 slices white bread
- 4 tbsp kaya (coconut jam)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 soft-boiled eggs
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- White pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Toast the bread until golden. Spread kaya on one slice and butter on the other, then sandwich them together.
For the eggs, crack them into a bowl, add soy sauce and pepper, and mix. Dip the toast into the egg mixture and enjoy!
Why We Chose It:
Kaya Toast is a breakfast staple in Singapore. The combination of sweet kaya, creamy butter, and savory eggs is simply divine.
5. Char Kway Teow
Ingredients:
- 8 oz flat rice noodles
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 Chinese sausages, sliced
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 2 green onions, chopped
How to Make It:
Stir-fry garlic until fragrant, then add shrimp and Chinese sausages. Push them to the side and scramble the eggs.
Add noodles, soy sauce, fish sauce, and chili paste. Toss everything together, then stir in bean sprouts and green onions. Serve hot.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Char Kway Teow is a smoky, savory noodle dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s a street food favorite you’ll want to recreate at home.
6. Satay
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken or beef, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water
How to Make It:
Marinate the meat in soy sauce, turmeric, and cumin for at least an hour. Thread onto skewers and grill until cooked.
For the sauce, mix peanut butter, honey, and lime juice. Serve the skewers with the sauce on the side.
Why We Chose It:
Satay is a crowd-pleaser—juicy, flavorful, and perfect for parties. The peanut sauce is the real star here.
7. Roti Prata
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- Curry sauce for dipping
How to Make It:
Mix flour, water, milk, and salt to form a dough. Knead until smooth, then divide into balls.
Flatten each ball, brush with butter, and fold repeatedly. Cook on a hot griddle until golden and crispy. Serve with curry sauce.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Roti Prata is flaky, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s a versatile dish that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
8. Hokkien Mee
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 8 oz yellow noodles
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup squid, sliced
- 2 eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
How to Make It:
Stir-fry garlic, shrimp, and squid until cooked. Add noodles, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Push everything to the side and scramble the eggs.
Toss together, then stir in bean sprouts and green onions. Serve hot.
Why We Selected It:
Hokkien Mee is a hearty, flavorful noodle dish that’s a staple in Singapore. It’s a must-try for noodle lovers.
9. Popiah
Ingredients:
- 8 popiah wrappers
- 1 cup jicama, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup tofu, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp peanut powder
- Fresh lettuce leaves
How to Make It:
Sauté garlic, jicama, carrots, and tofu with soy sauce. Spread hoisin sauce on a wrapper, add lettuce, the sautéed mixture, and sprinkle with peanut powder. Roll tightly and serve.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Popiah is a fresh, crunchy spring roll that’s light yet satisfying. It’s perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer.
10. Oyster Omelette
Ingredients:
- 6 oysters, shucked
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sweet potato starch
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste
How to Make It:
Mix sweet potato starch and water to form a batter. Cook oysters in a pan, then pour the batter over them.
Crack eggs on top and scramble. Add garlic, green onions, soy sauce, and chili paste. Cook until crispy and serve hot.
Why We Chose It:
Oyster Omelette is a unique dish that’s crispy, savory, and packed with umami. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers.
11. Ice Kachang
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shaved ice
- 1/2 cup red beans
- 1/2 cup sweet corn
- 1/4 cup grass jelly
- 1/4 cup palm seeds
- 2 tbsp condensed milk
- 2 tbsp rose syrup
How to Make It:
Layer shaved ice with red beans, corn, grass jelly, and palm seeds. Drizzle with condensed milk and rose syrup. Serve immediately.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Ice Kachang is a refreshing, colorful dessert that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Conclusion
There you have it—11 Singaporean recipes that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the bustling hawker centers of Singapore.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, these dishes are totally doable and absolutely delicious.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick a recipe, grab your apron, and start cooking.