An incredible city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is known not only for its state-of-the-art technology, but also for its unique amalgamation of Chinese, Indonesian, Malay, and South Indian flavours. Check out these must-try dishes on your next stop to the ‘Lion City’.

Chilli crab – Often dubbed as Singapore’s National Dish

Singapore Chili Crab | Image by Studio Sarah Lou via Flickr,CC BY 2.0 DEED

Your Singaporean vacation will not be complete if you have not sampled the country’s signature dish. Made of succulent mud crabs dipped in a sauce bursting with seafood flavours, Singaporean chilli crab can be described as a combination of mildly spicy, sweet and savoury. It is a favourite at most hotel restaurants in Singapore.

Ice Kachang – Iced dessert

Just as the name suggests you get a fusion of iced beans (red bean, palm seed and sweet corn) blended with jelly, sugary syrup and shaved ice! This thirst-quenching sweet treat is a perfect indulgence during warm weather and is offered at properties such as Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore.

Kaya Toast – Toasted bread with butter and kaya jam

A typical Singaporean breakfast is made up of kaya toast and kopi, the iconic coffee beverage. Kaya jam whipped out of eggs, sugar, coconut milk, and pandan leaves, is the perfect way to start an energetic day.

Nasi Lemak – Fragrant coconut rice coupled with deep-fried fish or fried chicken wings

This Malay-influenced dish is usually made of rice soaked in coconut milk and is served with either fish cooked immersed in hot oil or sizzling chicken wings. Several delicacies like sautéed anchovies, eggs and cucumber chunks accompany this dish with a variety of different sauces.

Otak-otak -Grilled or steamed fish cakes wrapped in banana leaves

A classic Nyonya favourite, otak-otak descends from Chinese settlers in Singapore and Malaysia. The name “Otak” means “brains”, referring to its consistency – the ingredients used are fish fillets blended into tapioca starch and enveloped in an aromatic banana leaf. It is enjoyed as part of the main meal, an appetiser or a snack.