Popular Chinese Food in Singapore
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and Chinese cuisine plays a significant role in the country’s culinary landscape. The Chinese community, which forms the majority of Singapore’s population, has brought diverse regional flavors from China, blending them with local influences to create unique and delicious dishes. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, these iconic Chinese foods are must-tries in Singapore.
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of Singapore’s national dishes. It consists of poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by chili sauce, ginger paste, and dark soy sauce. The dish originates from Hainan in southern China but has been adapted in Singapore to suit local tastes.
Where to Try: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, Wee Nam Kee, and Boon Tong Kee.
2. Chili Crab
A quintessential Singaporean dish, Chili Crab is a must-try for seafood lovers. The crabs are cooked in a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy tomato-based sauce, best enjoyed with mantou (fried or steamed buns) to soak up the flavorful gravy.
Where to Try: Jumbo Seafood, No Signboard Seafood, and Long Beach Seafood.
3. Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Teh, which means “pork bone tea,” is a peppery or herbal soup made by simmering pork ribs with garlic, pepper, and a mix of herbs. It is usually eaten with rice, youtiao (fried dough fritters), and a strong cup of Chinese tea to cut through the richness of the broth.
Where to Try: Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, Founder Bak Kut Teh, and Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh.
4. Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a beloved street food dish made from flat rice noodles stir-fried with dark soy sauce, eggs, Chinese sausage, fish cakes, bean sprouts, and sometimes cockles. It is cooked over high heat to achieve the smoky “wok hei” flavor.
Where to Try: Hill Street Char Kway Teow, Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee, and Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow.
5. Laksa
A fusion of Chinese and Malay influences, Laksa is a spicy noodle soup made with thick rice noodles, coconut milk, dried shrimp, and a variety of toppings such as prawns, fish cake, and cockles. The most famous version in Singapore is the Katong Laksa, where the noodles are cut short so they can be eaten with a spoon.
Where to Try: 328 Katong Laksa, Sungei Road Laksa, and Janggut Laksa.
6. Wanton Mee
Wanton Mee is a Cantonese dish consisting of springy egg noodles served with char siu (barbecued pork), dumplings (wanton), and leafy greens. The dish comes in a dry version tossed with dark soy sauce and chili or a soup version with clear broth.
Where to Try: Kok Kee Wanton Mee, Eng’s Wantan Noodles, and Fei Fei Wanton Mee.
7. Hokkien Mee
Singaporean Hokkien Mee is a stir-fried noodle dish made with a combination of yellow noodles and thick rice vermicelli, cooked with prawns, squid, and eggs in a rich seafood broth. It is typically served with sambal chili and a squeeze of lime.
Where to Try: Nam Sing Hokkien Mee, Geylang Lor 29 Hokkien Mee, and Tian Tian Lai (Come Daily) Fried Hokkien Mee.
8. Dim Sum
Dim Sum refers to a variety of bite-sized Cantonese dishes served in bamboo steamers or small plates. Popular items include siew mai (pork dumplings), har gow (shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (BBQ pork buns), and chee cheong fun (rice noodle rolls).
Where to Try: Swee Choon Tim Sum, Tim Ho Wan, and Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant.
9. Roast Meat (Siu Mei)
Roast meats such as Char Siu (BBQ pork), Roast Duck, and Crispy Roast Pork Belly are staples in Chinese cuisine. These meats are usually served with rice or noodles and a flavorful dipping sauce.
Where to Try: Kay Lee Roast Meat, Foong Kee Traditional Roasts, and Imperial Treasure Roast Duck.
10. Claypot Rice
Claypot Rice is a comforting dish where marinated chicken, Chinese sausage, and salted fish are cooked with rice in a claypot, giving it a smoky, crispy texture at the bottom.
Where to Try: New Lucky Claypot Rice, Geylang Claypot Rice, and Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice.
11. Oyster Omelette (Orh Luak)
This Teochew specialty consists of oysters fried with a batter made of eggs and starch, resulting in a crispy and chewy texture. It is typically served with a tangy chili sauce.
Where to Try: Simon Road Oyster Omelette, Ah Chuan Oyster Omelette, and Katong Keah Kee Fried Oyster.
12. Popiah
Popiah is a fresh spring roll filled with ingredients such as turnip, carrots, bean sprouts, egg, and prawns, wrapped in a thin wheat crepe and served with sweet sauce and chili paste.
Where to Try: Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah, Old Long House Popiah, and Qi Ji.
13. Lor Mee
Lor Mee consists of thick yellow noodles served in a rich, starchy gravy made from braised meat stock. It is topped with ingredients like braised pork belly, fish cake, and crispy fritters.
Where to Try: Tiong Bahru Lor Mee, Old Bukit Purmei Lor Mee, and Yuan Chun Famous Lor Mee.
14. Mee Pok
Mee Pok is a Teochew noodle dish made with flat egg noodles tossed in a savory and spicy sauce, often served with minced pork, fish balls, and crispy lard.
Where to Try: Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, Ah Hoe Mee Pok, and Jalan Tua Kong Mee Pok.
15. Yong Tau Foo
A Hakka dish, Yong Tau Foo consists of tofu and various vegetables stuffed with fish or meat paste, served in a clear broth or dry with sweet sauce and chili.
Where to Try: Bai Nian Niang Dou Fu, Xi Xiang Feng Yong Tau Foo, and Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen.
Conclusion
Singapore’s Chinese cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and textures influenced by different Chinese dialect groups and local adaptations. From comforting soups like Bak Kut Teh to spicy delights like Chili Crab, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring hawker centers or dining in Michelin-starred restaurants, these dishes offer a true taste of Singapore’s rich culinary heritage.