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.
Eat in Singapore - From Heritage to Innovation
Whether you’re craving authentic Peranakan laksa passed down through generations, perfectly executed Japanese omakase, or contemporary Italian fare with a Southeast Asian twist, our curated guides help you navigate Singapore’s culinary map with confidence.
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, Hainanese Chicken Rice
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.
From iconic Singaporean dish options like minced pork noodles (Bak Chor Mee), a beloved noodle dish, to flavorful indian food found in Little India, our guide highlights the rich diversity shaped by Chinese and Malay influences. We’ve organized our comprehensive Singapore dining guide by cuisine to make your food adventures effortless and rewarding.
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.
Find Your Perfect Match
Each cuisine guide features carefully selected establishments ranging from beloved hawker food Singapore locals queue for daily at hawker stalls and food court venues to elegant fine dining venues perfect for special occasions.
At these hawker stalls and in every bustling food court, you’ll find a wide variety of cooked dishes, from stir-fries and curries to other hot entrees that showcase the diversity of local cuisine. Our expert reviews cover everything from hidden zi char stalls serving the best Hokkien mee to specialized chicken rice stall favorites and award-winning restaurants redefining modern Asian cuisine.
Local Dish Favorites Meet Global Flavors
Discover why Singapore is considered a food paradise by exploring our extensive coverage of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan classics alongside international cuisines like Korean, Thai, French, and Mexican. Iconic dishes such as nasi lemak, chili crab, hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, bak kut teh, carrot cake, and fried kway teow are celebrated for their cultural significance and unique flavors.
Essential ingredients and accompaniments like fragrant rice, rich coconut milk, egg noodles, rice noodles, minced pork, fish cake, fried tofu, bean sprouts, pork lard, chinese sausage, dark soy sauce, spicy sauce, chili sauce, sambal chili, chicken broth, steamed rice, rice flour, and rice cakes play a key role in these beloved local dishes. For breakfast or a snack, traditional options like toasted bread and soft boiled eggs are also popular favorites.
Every recommendation in our best restaurants in Singapore collection is tested and vetted by our team of passionate food enthusiasts.
Start your culinary journey today by choosing your preferred cuisine and let us guide you to your next unforgettable meal.
Popular Cuisines to Explore:
Malay Cuisine: Rich, flavorful dishes with coconut milk, spices, and popular options like fried chicken.
Chinese Cuisine: Diverse flavors featuring noodles, rice, and stir-fries.
Indian Cuisine: Aromatic curries, naan, spice-infused specialties, and fragrant basmati rice for all.
Peranakan Cuisine: Fusion of Chinese and Malay flavors with bold spices and essential coconut cream in many recipes.
Korean Cuisine: Popular for BBQ, kimchi, and hearty stews.
Thai Cuisine: A perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
French Cuisine: Elegance in every bite with wines, cheeses, and pastries.
Mexican Cuisine: Vibrant tacos, enchiladas, and bold chili-infused flavors.
Italian Cuisine: Masterful pasta, pizzas, and authentic tomato-based dishes.
Japanese Cuisine: Fresh sushi, ramen, and precise culinary artistry.
Mediterranean Cuisine: Healthy dishes with olive oil, herbs, and fresh produce.
Vietnamese Cuisine: Light, refreshing meals with fresh herbs, broths, and staple vermicelli noodles.
American Cuisine: Iconic burgers, BBQ, and hearty comfort foods.
Spanish Cuisine: Savory paellas and tapas perfect for sharing with friends.