Dining
It’s not just about filling the stomach – from humble local fare to novel dining experiences, Singapore is one big gastronomic adventure.
The Passion for Food
Food in Singapore is a festival in itself, a celebration of cultures and the nation’s unique heritage. Informally hailed as the “UN of Food”, Singapore offers the rare opportunity of sampling cuisines from Asia and all over the world.
Local Tastes
Welcome to a country with more than seven food and beverage establishments per square kilometre on average, or 18 per square mile! This is the place where people will travel from one end of the country to the other, and queue hours for the food they love.
To understand this fixation, you just have to step into one of our hawker centres or air-conditioned food courts. If this first foray leaves you marvelling at the diversity on offer, you will be bowled over by the wallet-friendly prices as well. The same goes for the humble coffeeshops, such as the Yakun and Killiney chain, or CMC in Katong, which can attain islandwide fame as long as the aromas and flavours are right.
Casual Dining
Casual dining options run the gamut from international names such as Hard Rock Cafe, to Western-style restaurant chains like Delifrance, Swensens, Pasta Fresca, and Fish & Co., to ethnic eateries like Crystal Jade, Lemongrass Thai Restaurant, and Seoul Garden.
Fast Food
Youth and fast food go hand in hand, and you will find the international names here – like McDonald’s, Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut - as well as Asian versions such as Mos Burger and Komala’s, which serve up Japanese and Indian fast food respectively.
24/7 Dining
When hunger strikes in the middle of the night, you won’t have to search far for a 24-hour outlet. Local favourites include round-the-clock prata joints, food courts, teochew porridge stalls, or even the 7-11 convenience store which serves up hot food. Several fast food chains also provide a 24-hour delivery service.
Many of these all-night eating places have large television screens coming into service during the English Premier League or World Cup soccer seasons, which sees the crowds really packing in for a great sporting atmosphere.
Dining Experiences
For something to write home about, try one of Singapore’s unique dining experiences, like a Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife, or a romantic skylight dinner gliding over the harbour in a cable car. You can also rent a barbecue pit at one of the beaches, or join a food tour.
Dining Directories, Reviews and Blogs
If after all this you’re a little confused by the wide array of food choices, just browse the internet. You’ll find thousands of epicurean blogs by food-obsessed Singaporeans. Check out www.hungrygowhere.com and http://ieatishootipost.sg to start with. You’ll be well on your way to becoming a Singapore foodie!