Exploring the Local Cuisine of Singapore

If you’re looking for a delicious and unique culinary experience, then Singapore’s traditional cuisine is sure to satisfy. Singapore has a vibrant and varied food culture, thanks to its diverse population and colonial past. From savory dishes to sweet treats, Singapore has something to offer every palate.

Singapore’s native cuisine is a mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indian flavors. Singaporeans love to enjoy their meals with a variety of spices and flavors, often combining ingredients from different cultures to create something new and delicious.

One of the most iconic dishes in Singapore is the ubiquitous chicken rice. This dish consists of poached chicken served atop a bed of fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, with a variety of sauces to add spice and flavor. It’s a favorite with locals and visitors alike and can be found at hawker centers and restaurants throughout the city.

Another popular Singaporean dish is the laksa. This spicy noodle soup is made with a rich and flavorful coconut-based broth and is filled with seafood, tofu, and vegetables. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of day.

For dessert, Singaporeans love to indulge in the sweet treat of kueh. Kueh is a type of small cake or pastry made from rice flour or tapioca flour and filled with sweet ingredients such as shredded coconut, palm sugar, and pandan leaves. Kueh is usually served with a hot cup of tea or coffee and is a perfect way to end a meal.

Singaporean cuisine is a celebration of flavors and cultures. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full-blown feast, you’re sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds in Singapore.

Singaporean Chicken Rice Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of Chinese rice wine
• 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons of Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 2 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 cups of cooked jasmine rice
• 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds
• 4 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, and cornstarch.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
4. Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Serve the chicken over the cooked jasmine rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.

Singaporean Laksa Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced shallots
• 2 tablespoons minced lemongrass
• 2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 tablespoons chili paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2 inch pieces
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons dried shrimp
• 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 4 hard boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
• Salt, to taste
• Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallots, lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, chili paste, sugar and fish sauce and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
2. Add the onion, lemongrass, stock, coconut milk and tamarind paste and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add the dried shrimp, cooked shrimp, bean sprouts, cilantro and hard boiled eggs. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and serve with lime wedges.

Singaporean Kueh Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups glutinous rice flour

1/2 cup coconut milk

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

Food colouring (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, vegetable oil and salt. Stir until you form a thick dough.
2. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and pliable. If using food colouring, knead it in at this time.
3. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it out into a thin circle.
4. Place the thin circle onto a greased baking tray.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all the dough is used up.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow the kueh to cool before serving.