It’s no secret that Singapore is widely known for its delicious and colourful cuisine. Since the city-state is strategically located in the middle of bustling economies in Asia, it has become a melting pot for different cultures, lifestyles, and businesses. You can see the blend of different cultures through one common denominator: street food and fast food.
People from all walks of life converge in Singapore’s food districts to have a unique experience with masterfully-crafted street foods. You can never be too busy to check out the different types of dishes that Singapore’s food stalls have to offer. Whether you’re into steaming hickory barbecued chicken or hearty ramen served in a bowl, it’s guaranteed to be a good time.
When you’re in the Lion city, be sure to leave some space in your stomach for more food because you won’t taste everything in only a few days.
The Food Districts
If you haven’t been to Singapore yet, know that the food districts have their own unique culture and personality that hybridize together with the local cuisine. So which areas can give a taste of the city’s melting pot culture?
Arab Street
You won’t have to fly thousands of miles to the Middle-East to try authentic Middle-Eastern food as it’s only minutes away in Singapore’s Arab Street. Featuring several local cuisines and Middle-Eastern dishes alike, you’ll have an appreciation for this kind of food right after you leave. With all the light displays in the area, it’s a great place to go for a hearty dinner at night. If you’re looking for halal food, the Arab street is the place that you can go to.
Little India
Nobody can deny that Indian food has to be the most colourful and spiciest in the market. Indian food isn’t about the taste but is a wholly unique experience in itself. Every time you place food in your mouth, many authentic spices are going off all at once. If you haven’t tried out their iconic roti pratha, biryani rice, and all the spice-filled dishes from the establishments in this district, you’re missing out.
Not only that, but particular establishments in Little India also serve Indonesian food, such as Mee Goreng and Nasi Goreng.
Redhill
Any food trip wouldn’t be complete without desserts. Redhill has your back with relatively inexpensive carrot cakes. If you’re looking for a caffeine fix, this peaceful neighbourhood also features some classy local coffee shops that will help you get ready for your daily programming.
Central Business District
While not necessarily being a food district that’s tailored to avid foodies, the fast-paced life of the Central Business District has evolved to have a food culture of its own. Since people are zooming in and out of offices, it’s only practical to carry your food with you while you’re on the go. This district usually features cost-effective finger foods.
I’m sure that the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear “fast food” is a neatly-packaged hearty meal composed of a burger, some fries, and some soda. But think of it this way: what’s something that this meal can’t go without? If your answer is a mouth-watering burger, then you’re correct! It is an iconic piece of fast food that almost any meal must have a burger in it. You can find it in nearly every fast food joint in the country and your homely street food stalls across the different food districts.
One of the shining features of burgers is that you can do whatever you want with it. Most burger joints will give you the freedom to choose what you want to place on it. Do you want to slap some tofu, mushrooms, and pickled cucumber on it? You got it! Nobody can tell you what you want to do with your burger. It’s a blank canvas that you can experiment and get creative with.
Since Singapore is a city-state that takes pride in its diverse population, it had been crowned for having a wide variety of cuisines that you can choose from. The same can be said with all the food from their food districts; you’re experiencing different cultures through your palate with every single bite that you take. Whether it’s a hearty wanton mee that will bring you back to your childhood or old-fashioned burgers from the Central Business District as you go back to your office, every dish that these districts produce is expertly-crafted edible artworks.
If you’re a sucker for cost-effective but masterfully-crafted food or someone who wants to get through the day in the Lion City, street foods in these districts are accessible and can be taken on-the-go. From hot steaming biryani rice to classy dim sum sets, Singapore has a fantastic plethora of food that anybody can sink their teeth into.
