Food lover’s guide; 10 must try dishes.

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice: The Undisputed Champion

First up, the king of comfort food: Hainanese Chicken Rice. Imagine tender, poached chicken paired with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, served with a trio of sauces - chili, garlic, and dark soy. It's deceptively simple but oh-so-satisfying. Try it at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre and prepare to be wowed.

2. Chilli Crab: A Fiery Affair

Singapore's Chilli Crab is legendary. Picture this: succulent crab swimming in a rich, spicy, and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. It's messy, it's fiery, and it's finger-licking good. Make sure to mop up the sauce with fried mantou (Chinese buns). Jumbo Seafood and Long Beach Seafood are your go-to spots for this seafood extravaganza.

3. Laksa: A Bowl of Comfort

Laksa is the ultimate comfort food. This spicy noodle soup combines the best of Chinese and Malay cuisine, featuring rice noodles in a creamy, coconut-based curry soup. It’s loaded with shrimp, fish cakes, and sometimes chicken. Head to 328 Katong Laksa for an authentic experience where you’ll slurp up noodles with a spoon – no chopsticks required!

4. Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried Perfection

Char Kway Teow is the epitome of wok hei – the breath of the wok. Flat rice noodles are stir-fried with eggs, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and prawns in a savory dark soy sauce. The smoky flavor from the high heat cooking is irresistible. Hill Street Fried Kway Teow at Bedok South Market & Food Centre is a great place to start your quest for the perfect plate.

5. Hokkien Mee: Noodles in Harmony

Hokkien Mee is a delightful mix of yellow noodles and rice noodles, stir-fried with egg, prawns, squid, and pork belly, then simmered in a flavorful prawn broth. The result? A slightly saucy, deeply satisfying dish. Geylang Lor 29 Fried Hokkien Mee is famed for this dish – try it and join the queue of loyal fans.

6. Rojak: A Medley of Flavors

Rojak is a uniquely Singaporean salad that’s a riot of flavors and textures. Fresh vegetables, fruits, dough fritters, and tofu are tossed in a pungent shrimp paste sauce, then sprinkled with ground peanuts. It’s sweet, salty, tangy, and crunchy all at once. Toa Payoh Rojak at Old Airport Road Food Centre is a must-visit for this iconic dish.

7. Bak Kut Teh: A Hearty Broth

Bak Kut Teh translates to "meat bone tea," but there's no tea involved. Instead, it’s a robust pork rib soup simmered with garlic, pepper, and spices. It’s comforting and nourishing, especially on a rainy day. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh along New Bridge Road serves a peppery Teochew version that’s a favorite among locals.

8. Satay: Skewers of Joy

Satay is skewered and grilled meat, usually chicken, beef, or mutton, served with a peanut sauce that’s to die for. The meat is marinated with a mix of turmeric, lemongrass, and other spices, giving it a unique, aromatic flavor. Lau Pa Sat's Satay Street is the perfect spot to enjoy these delicious morsels under the stars.

9. Nasi Lemak: A Coconutty Delight

Nasi Lemak is a fragrant coconut rice dish typically served with crispy fried chicken, sambal (spicy chili paste), anchovies, peanuts, and a hard-boiled egg. It’s the ultimate Malay comfort food. Head to Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak at Adam Road Food Centre for a plate that’s fit for royalty – literally, as even the Sultan of Brunei is a fan!

10. Kaya Toast: A Sweet Ending

No food lover's journey in Singapore is complete without Kaya Toast. This simple yet delightful snack features toasted bread slathered with kaya (a coconut and egg jam) and a slab of butter, often enjoyed with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of kopi (local coffee). Ya Kun Kaya Toast is a beloved institution that’s been serving this breakfast classic for decades.

Singapore’s food scene is a melting pot of flavors, influenced by its multicultural heritage. Each dish tells a story, and every bite is an experience. So, loosen your belt, bring your appetite, and dive into the culinary wonders that await you in the Lion City. Happy eating!

Whether you're a local or a tourist, these 10 dishes are a must-try. Each bite will give you a taste of Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry. So grab a friend, head to a hawker center, and let your taste buds embark on a flavor-packed adventure. Bon appétit!