Chris AshtonIt’s no secret that Singapore holds a special place in my heart. Home to an eclectic mix of cultures, from Chinese to Indian and Malay, Singapore is like visiting multiple countries in one day – and its food scene is a big reason for my enduring love (and growing waistline).
Australian chef, author and television presenter Adam Liaw recently returned from a visit to the Lion City, and, reading the ‘day-in-the-life’ Singapore food guide he’s created below, I think it’s fair to say he too shares my passion for the city’s mouth-watering food scene.
“When you’re approaching food in Singapore it can be easy to have six or seven meals in one day so definitely pace yourself,” says Liaw. “Even if you love it, don’t fill yourself up because odds are, you’re going to come across something later in the day that you might like even more.”
If you love food and flavour, these places definitely need to be on your hit-list:
BREAKFAST
Kaya Toast, Tong Ah on Keong Saik Road
“There’s no point in going all the way to Singapore and then ordering the same old skinny latte you’d order back home. Hainanese coffee shops are an institution in Singapore and their history dates back to the times when they’d roast their own coffee with butter and sugar in a frying pan on the stove. Kaya Toast is the ultimate comfort food and a quintessential Singaporean breakfast consisting of toasted bread, butter and a generous spread of kaya, a traditional jam made from coconut and eggs. Hands down, Kaya Toast and a cup of Hainanese coffee is a perfect breakfast for me.”
SNACK
328 Katong Laksa, Katong
“You’ve got to head to the beautiful, historic neighborhood of Katong to try a uniquely Singaporean take on laksa, a spicy coconut milk-based noodle soup. Have it with a side of otak-otak and enjoy the rich flavour that locals love.”
LUNCH
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, Maxwell Food Centre
“It’s no secret that Singaporeans love their food, at Maxwell Food Centre you’ll find local foods including the celebrated Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice. Aussie travellers must be prepared to brave a long queue for a plate of this local iconic dish but it’s well worth the wait. Whenever I have visitors come to Singapore, I make sure they try a national dish. For me, I can never choose my favourite between two national dishes. Firstly, you’ve got Hainanese chicken rice, which is a dish that I’ve grown up with my entire life. Then you’ve also got the chilli crab, which for any visitor coming to Singapore, is the one dish that they know they should try, for a juicy, tender meal”
DINNER
Candlenut, Dempsey Hill
“Candlenut is the must-visit Singapore restaurant for me. In a world where fine-dining can seem a little same-same wherever you go, Malcolm Lee’s serving cutting-edge Peranakan food with soul, and you won’t find cuisine like it anywhere else in the world.”
NIGHTCAP
Blujaz Café, Kampong Glam
“Sitting outdoors with a big plate of satay, a cold beer and a good conversation are all you need for a perfect Singapore evening. Blujaz is great for live music!”
For more information on Singapore, visit visitsingapore.com
All images credit Singapore Tourism Board
