The Singaporeans love to makan (eat, as they call it), and can swear by their food when it comes to diversity of flavours. This island country where distinct cultures flourish under the same sky, gastronomy options are bound to be sundry. The inhabitants which include the Malay, Chinese, Indians, Peranakan and other ethnic groups have enriched the culture and contributed to the rich buffet of epicurean delights that captivate tourists from all around the globe. Singapore may score high on its geographical attractions, but it will not be wrong to say that food earns a major credit for its flourishing tourism. Irrespective of the ethnic group or religion, vacationers never miss a chance to sample the aromatic flavours Singapore lay out for them. Though the list of delicacies on display is endless, some dishes such as Laksa, Nasi Lemak, and the Hainanese chicken rice top the list of favourites.
Chinese
The Chinese have made a considerable contribution in making Singapore a Mecca for food lovers. The food is not just spicy, but symbolic too. Noodles are associated with long age, oysters with luck and fish with prosperity. Travellers can try all sorts of Chinese food here, right from delectable dim sum, roasted meats, Char kway teow to the most famous ones such as Bak chor mee, noodles with minced pork, Chwee cheong fun, and Hainanese chicken rice. While you experiment all these, don't forget to try the Chinese favourites such as the bak kut the, fish head curry or rojak and chilli crab.
Malay
The Malays are not many in comparison to the Chinese, but they were once the original inhabitants. Their cuisine can be easily differentiated from the large quantities of spices they use in their culinary dishes. They are also known for using herbs such as ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, curry leaves, shrimp paste and chillies. You will find hard-boiled egg, lime and slightly spicy and sweet gravy in Mee rebus. The Mee soto is a chicken soup which constitutes chicken breast and egg noodles. Malay breakfast is the Nasi Lemak. Its simplest forms include cooked rice in light coconut milk, peanuts, cucumber and a dash of chilli.
The Peranakan food also consists of aromatic herbs and spices such as chillies, lemongrass, shrimp and tamarind paste. Use of coconut milk is also common with them. Their style is basically a blend of the Malay and the Chinese. If you feel like trying something of the Peranakan, do not forget to try the Laksa or laksa lemak, the most notable Singaporean dish. Others include Chilli crab, Kaya, made from egg and coconut, Popiah, and Mee siam, noodles made of rice flour served in a sweet-sour soup.
Indian
If you go as per the percentage of population, Indians cover the smallest portion. However, that does not limit the food options. In fact, you will be spoilt for the variety of Indian delicacies you get there - both north and south Indian food is found in abundance. Little India is a great location to approach for authentic and delicious Indian food. You will get everything here - dosa, idli, lentil-rice cakes, sambar, naan, tandoori chicken, and several curries.
The hawker centres or open-air restaurants brim with a range of cuisine cooked in varied ways to satisfy the biggest gourmet lovers. They are a great and affordable way to cater to Indian, Chinese, Malay or any other dishes in demand. And if you wish to sample some exotic delights then food festivals such as the World Gourmet Summit in April and Singapore Food Festival in July every year is what you should be heading for.
With so much variety of food, Singaporean food is definitely a delight for the locals and travellers in terms of almost everything - quality, variety and price. So if you are planning a trip to Singapore, be ready for a culinary ride.
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