Singapore - the Little Asia of Flavours
Cutting-edge architecture, the city of the future, the hub of South-East Asia – these are things we hear regularly about Singapore. But did you know it’s also one of the world’s food capitals? From street food to Michelin-star restaurants, the city offers up an amazing array of flavours. For us, Singapore is a really exciting place to taste pretty much every type of cuisine that Asia has to offer. The best part, it is both authentic and surprisingly affordable for such a high-end city. Let’s take a look at some tasty recommendations for authentic Asian food in Singapore.
Thailand
Sweet and spicy, Thai food has made its mark all over the world, as one of the top global cuisines. While international favourites include Pad Thai and Tom Yam, in Singapore you can try an array of other options.
While it’s hard to pick just one restaurant, Kra Pow Thai Street Food is one of our favourites. Tucked away in Far East Plaza, just steps away from the glitzy shopping centres on Orchard Road, the restaurant offers delicious and authentic Thai food, in a fantastic backstreet atmosphere.
Budget: SGD 30 for two persons
Top picks: Pad See Ew Charred Rice Noodles and Green Curry
Address: Far East Plaza, #03-26/27, 14 Scotts Road
Indonesia
Craving some Indonesian fare or just want to experience a new set of flavours? Well, Singapore’s food scene won’t disappoint here either. Typically sweet and coconut-y, Indonesia’s food is famous for Nasi Goreng fried rice and yummy street satay. Once again, Singapore will offer both – world-known favourites and some more authentic options.
Who knew so many affordable options were available around the prestigious Orchard Road? Another favourite – Jtown Café offers a good selection of mains, including spicy chicken noodles. But their true standout dish is the Martabak – a crispy and fluffy pan-fried pancake topped with mounds of sweetness.
Budget: SGD 25 for two persons
Top Picks: Martabak
Address: Midpoint Orchard, Basement 1, 220 Orchard Road
India
Ah, the flavours of India. There are so many and they are so diverse. But often, we just have access to butter chicken and some tikka masala with a mango lassi. Not in Singapore! Little India – a must-visit on anyone’s itinerary in the city – has plenty of options from every part of India. And you can pick your comfort level – from hawker stalls to mid-range Indian restaurants or high-end Indian fare in luxury.
Tekka Centre in Little India
The hawker stalls in Little India are hard to beat for flavour and variety. Housed together with a fabric and clothing market, as well as a wet market, the food centre is absolutely astonishing. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but just follow your nose and your intuition to pick a few stalls that you want to try.
Budget: SGD 20 for a lot of food
Top Picks: Thali, so you can try a few different things
Address: Tekka Centre, Bukit Timah Road (near to Little India MRT Station)
Vietnam
Fresh, fragrant and delicious are the 3 top words to describe Vietnamese food. The epic street food culture of Vietnam has brought some amazing options for you to savour in Singapore as well. Restaurants abound throughout the city, so if in doubt, just follow your nose, since it’s hard to miss the yummy anise smell of Vietnamese pho soup.
Arab Street is another must-visit, with its cool and hip boutiques, fun and quirky bars, and of course the beautiful Masjid Sultan Mosque. Here, you can try the traditional pho, but also a variety of other options, in a somewhat rustic but hip atmosphere.
Budget: SGD 20 per person
Top Picks: Pho, always pho… but don’t miss the sweet Vietnamese coffee either
Address: 349 Beach Road, Singapore 199570
Bonus Personal Favourite
When in Singapore, you must absolutely not miss the Tasuta Master buns. They are probably not in most guides and you might miss the place if you are not looking for it. And yet, they have the most delicious, fresh buns. Ever. To get here, head to Bugis MRT and walk along the underground pass between the Blue and Green lines. Likely, you’ll see a queue and sense the buttery smell of these yummy goods. But if you don’t, just look out for the sign that says Tasuta Master.
Budget: SGD 1.50 per bun (you might want a few though!)
Top Picks: Hokkaido bun
Address: Underpass at Bugis MRT
Eating in Singapore is a real treat. While these are some of our favourites, go on and explore for yourself. There are hundreds of restaurants, hawker stalls and pop-up spots around the city for you to find.
