Dining
To say that Singapore has a passion for food is an understatement.
For those with an adventurous palate, this is epicurean paradise.
Everything’s on the Menu
At last count, our little island registered more than 5,200 establishments, which works out to about seven dining spots per square kilometre or 18 per square mile! And it’s no idle boast when we call ourselves the UN of Food – cuisines run the gamut from local favourites to European classics to more exotic international fare. Even cultural celebrations tend to have a culinary focus, like the Mid-Autumn Mooncake Festival, or the Dumpling Festival.
Local Tastes
To get a real local feel, start your day with breakfast at one of the kopi-tiams (coffee shops) for soft boiled eggs with kaya toast and a strong cup of local kopi. Later, venture out to the ubiquitous hawker centres or air-conditioned food courts all around the island. These house many different stalls under one roof, a diversity of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures offering a genuine taste of local favourites. The best of them include the Makansutra Glutton’s Bay, Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, and the Newton Food Centre. While the standard of cleanliness is already high, you can be further assured by the hygiene ratings plastered prominently on individual stalls, with ‘A’ being the cleanest.
At night, head out of the city to the East Coast Seafood Centre at the beach, to sample some of Singapore’s famous chilli or black pepper crabs. You’ll understand why the traffic there tails all the way back down the expressway on a weekend.
Casual Dining
Whether in the city or the suburbs, the plethora of international fare will excite you. From heritage foods to popular Thai and Japanese restaurants to European or Middle Eastern cuisines, you’ll never be bored eating in Singapore! Soak in the ambience in the different dining precincts and you’ll feel like you’re in a different country every night. Check out clusters like Dempsey Hill, Clarke Quay, and Chijmes.
Fine Dining
Neither is there a shortage of options for the discerning palate when it comes to gourmet food. Many top hotels boast excellent menus to tempt the gastronome, but distinguished independent restaurants, like those in the Peach Garden (Cantonese), Les Amis (French), Da Paolo (Italian )and Santaro (Japanese) boutique chains, and countless other solo eateries, have carved their own firm niches in Chinese, French, Italian and Japanese cuisine. We even lay claim to having a homegrown modern French fusion restaurant, Iggy’s, on the S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
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 or on board the Singapore Flyer. You can also rent a barbecue pit at one of the beaches, or join a food tour.
All-Night Dining
When burning the midnight oil, you won’t have to search far for some grub. 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 late-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 Directories, Reviews and Blogs
Do browse the internet or pick up a local food guide such as Makansutra for reviews and tips. 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!