Discover Cuisines in Singapore

Explore Singapore's Diverse Local Food Landscape

Singapore’s food scene is a melting pot of flavors, with Singaporean food and Singaporean cuisine reflecting our multicultural heritage and diverse influences. Singaporean food culture is deeply rooted in the fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan traditions, where local food and local dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice and Chili Crab play a vital role in expressing our unique identity.

Our Discover by Cuisine section is your gateway to exploring the incredible diversity of cuisines in Singapore, from time-honored local traditions to exciting international offerings that have made our island home.

Breakfast Favourites: Kaya Toast, Carrot Cake

Singapore mornings often begin with the comfort of kaya toast — crisp bread with coconut jam and butter — or the savoury “carrot cake” (chai tow kway), a wok-fried radish cake that’s anything but sweet. Both are beloved staples that define the city’s breakfast culture.

Hawker Classics: Bak Chor Mee & Char Kway Teow

From the umami-rich noodles of bak chor mee to the smoky wok hei of char kway teow, hawker fare captures Singapore’s culinary soul. No list is complete without Hainanese chicken rice, often hailed as the nation’s unofficial dish for its comforting simplicity and flavour.

Signature Specialties: Chilli Crab, Bak Kut Teh

Singapore’s chilli crab is world-famous, with its fiery, tangy sauce perfect for mopping up with mantou buns. Bak kut teh, on the other hand, offers a peppery herbal broth with tender pork ribs, reflecting the city’s Teochew heritage and love for soulful soups.

Popular Cuisines to Explore

Discover the most popular cuisines that capture the diverse flavors of Singapore. From local favorites to international dishes, there’s something delicious waiting for every craving.

American Cuisine Singapore – best American cuisine in Singapore with authentic recipes at a American restaurant in Singapore

American Cuisine

Chinese Cuisine Singapore – best Chinese cuisine in Singapore with authentic recipes at a Chinese restaurant in Singapore.

Chinese Cuisine

French Cuisine Singapore – best French cuisine in Singapore with authentic recipes at a French restaurant in Singapore

French Cuisine

An abundant spread of Indian curries—chicken, paneer, and mixed vegetables—served in traditional metal bowls and garnished with fresh cilantro, alongside turmeric-infused yellow rice, naan bread, and a crisp cucumber-onion salad. The rich colors and layered textures evoke the sensory complexity of regional Indian cuisine, celebrating spice, warmth, and hospitality. This image anchors the editorial’s exploration of culinary diversity in Singapore’s 2025 Indian food scene, highlighting communal abundance and cultural depth.

Indian Cuisine

Italian Cuisine

Japanese Cuisine Singapore – best Japanese cuisine in Singapore with authentic recipes at a Japanese restaurant in Singapore

Japanese Cuisine

A vibrant spread of Korean cuisine in Singapore at a cozy Korean restaurant, featuring colorful k bbq la carte dishes such as bibimbap, japchae, fresh lettuce wraps, assorted side dishes, and banchan. Perfect for sharing dishes and comforting Korean dishes, this table showcases the essence of Korean food and Korean cooking with options found in popular Korean restaurants in Singapore like Charim Korean BBQ, Wang Dae Bak, and Hanjip Korean Grill House. Ideal for special occasions or casual dining, the menu could include pork belly, USDA prime beef, beef brisket, marinated chicken, seafood pancake, kimchi stew, kimchi fried rice, steamed dumplings, chewy rice cakes in spicy tteokbokki sauce, and premium meat cuts from Korean BBQ and Korean charcoal BBQ spots. A feast that excites the taste buds, blending comfort food with premium cuts and grilled meats from bbq sets, ala carte items, and set menus at the best Korean dining destinations in Clarke Quay, Jalan Jurong Kechil, or Rochester Chingu

Korean Cuisine

An artfully plated modern Malay dish on a white pedestal plate, featuring a wreath of golden crisps adorned with white edible flowers, vibrant green vegetables dusted with spice, and a creamy herb-infused center—showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and visual poetry of contemporary Malay gastronomy.

Malay Cuisine

Mediterranean Cuisine Singapore – best Mediterranean cuisine in Singapore with authentic recipes at a Mediterranean restaurant in Singapore

Mediterranean Cuisine

Colorful spread of Mexican culinary traditions showcasing Mexican food, Mexican street food, and Mexican cuisine with street food favorites like shrimp tacos, tacos, chicken enchiladas, tortilla soup, quesadillas, sopa azteca, fried corn tortillas, and Mexican pizza, prepared as authentic Mexican food rich in authentic Mexican flavours. The rustic table features corn tortillas, large tortillas, tortilla chips with salsa verde, refried beans, black beans, hot sauce, creamy sauce, lime juice, all the toppings, various fillings, other fillings, vegan options, fresh fruit, salad, soup, vegetables, cheese, meat, chicken, and other ingredients made from fresh ingredients and Mexican staples like corn, corn husks, maguey plant, annatto seed, and banana leaves. Highlights carne asada, al pastor, mole poblano, cochinita pibil, Tex Mex favorites from Guzman y Gomez, and best Mexican foods commonly served in Mexican restaurants in Mexico City and beyond. The drinks menu includes Mexican hot chocolate, hot chocolate, hot drink traditions, alcoholic beverages, non alcoholic beverage options, refreshing beverage choices, naturally sweet juices, and bitter drink specialties, evoking the lively atmosphere of visiting Mexico. This main meal and small portion mix delivers bold flavours, exciting flavours, nutritional value, and even an acquired taste, celebrating authentic Mexican food, meal, and cuisine in every dish served in a restaurant setting.

Mexican Cuisine

Peranakan Restaurant in SG : Michelin-starred dining to hidden homestyle gems

Peranakan Cuisine

A vibrant seafood paella — the national dish of Spain and one of the most famous Spanish dishes — served hot in a black pan, brimming with golden rice cooked in olive oil, plump shrimp, mussels, green peppers, and garlic, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. This famous Spanish dish, a jewel of Spanish cuisine and Spanish food, represents traditional Spanish dishes and traditional Spanish recipes from the Iberian Peninsula, beloved in Spanish cooking and celebrated as the ultimate Spanish comfort food. Around the pan, fresh bread and crusty bread evoke popular tapa culture, alongside ingredients like tomato sauce, chorizo, meat, chicken, pork fat, ground beef, blood sausage, black pudding, and cured ham — staples of traditional dishes and Spanish classics such as Spanish omelette, patatas bravas, rabo de toro, braised oxtail, pimientos de padrón, and mojo picón from the Canary Islands and Canarian cuisine. This dish reflects flavors from Basque Country, La Rioja, and El Celler de traditions, perfect for a dinner party with loved ones or to eat at a restaurant when you visit Spain. It shares the table with popular desserts like chocolate and dessert pastries, deep fried treats, and dairy products, showing the diversity of cuisine from white rice rice dishes to potatoes, tapas, and other ingredients that define traditional Spanish and popular dishes. A feast of rich flavor, delicious textures, and authentic taste, this food celebrates the artistry of Spanish gastronomy and the joy of a shared meal.

Spanish Cuisine

Thai Cuisine in Singapore : Aromatic tom yum soup highlighting fresh seafood ingredients

Thai Cuisine

Fresh Vietnamese shrimp spring rolls on a bamboo tray in Singapore, filled with vermicelli noodles and herbs, served with peanut dipping sauce, mint leaves, and red chili for a vibrant street food presentation.

Vietnamese Cuisine