In our recent article looking at the Hawker centres of Singapore, we outlined a few of the places to get some of the best and cheapest food in the city. But to eat some of the best food in the city, you may have to venture away from these areas… still, none of the items on this list will cost you an arm nor a leg if you know where to look. It’s all about eating with the locals…
1. Singapore Chilli and/or White Pepper Crab
A massive crab, sitting in some of the best chili sauce you’ll ever taste – this is without question the must have meal when you’re in Singapore. But you didn’t need a list like this to tell you that. So the real question is – where’s the best place to eat it? We recommend No Signboard, who are perhaps more famous for “inventing” the White Pepper Crab. With a big enough group, why not try both crabs? We sure did.
The restaurant is in several locations, though we recommend its older Geylang home, which puts your group around a massive table outside. It’s no frills, and with affordable beers and a great selection of dishes to accompany your crab (or whatever else you might choose), it’s something you must experience.
Where? No Signboard, Multiple Locations. We recommend the one in Geylang.
More Details: http://www.nosignboardseafood.com/
2. Sambal Stingray
Also known as the as Spicy Banana Leaf Stingray or by its Malay name Ikan Bakar, the Sambal Stingray has become a more popular dish for tourists in recent years, though it’s been a favourite among locals for a long time. Put simply, it’s a barbecued stingray, usually served atop a banana leaf, and covered in beautiful sambal paste. It’s a heavy fish, kind of like eating swordfish, though its texture is ultimately unique – and that’s what really makes this dish worth trying. You’re just not going to get it anywhere else. But it really is delicious.
Where? Almost anywhere that serves seafood will serve Sambal Stingray, and you’ll even find it amongst hawker centres. Try the Chomp Chomp Food Centre in Serangoon Gardens as one of the more recommended spots… or Makansutra Gluttons Bay, Esplanade Mall.
3. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Known affectionately, and simply, as Chicken Rice, this dish is considered a national dish of Singapore. You can get this just about anywhere, with it rarely costing more than SG$5, and you really can’t go wrong – and it’s almost always going to be served the same way. The chicken – often boneless – is served in a light soy sauce with some cucumbers, sitting alongside a healthy serving of rice that has been boiled in chicken stock – usually the same as the chicken itself. This is served alongside the all important red chilli and garlic sauce, some dark soy sauce and a bowl of soup. It’s a bit of a feast, and a popular (and affordable) lunch option. But it’s also delicious.
Where? Anywhere and everywhere.
4. Carrot Cake (Chai tow kway)
There’s no actual carrot, and this is not a cake. It’s essentially stir fried radish with eggs, served white (traditional) or black (“char kway”, mixed with a thick dark and sweet sauce). I personally perfer the latter, though we would recommend giving both a try. If you’re looking for another variation of the egg based hawker dish, you can also try an Oyster Omlette, which is exactly what it sounds like – unlike the popular colloquial of the Chai tow kway.
Where? Like the past dish, it’s an easy one to find in Singapore, especially in Hawker centres. I recommend the Old Airport Rd Food Centre for this one.
5. Kaya (Coconut Jam) Toast
Kaya Toast is another simple dish that is a mainstay of Singapore culture. Tasty bread, toasted to perfection and served with a healthy portion of Kaya – Coconut Jam – a favourite of the region, usually as a sandwich. Often served with soft boiled eggs, it’s particularly popular during breakfast time and most coffee shops serve it.
Where? We recommend Ya Kun Kaya Toast, with 40+ locations in Singapore.
Photos for Header, 3, 4 and 5 by Johnny Au. 1 by Larry Heath. The photo of the Sambal Stingray from Hungry GoWhere Singapore.
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