This is a rough guide to the dizzying array of hawker food that is available in Singapore. Indeed, some believe it is perhaps Singapore's greatest attraction. Not only is (most of) it delicious, it is (generally) very affordable. We are sure this list will grow very quickly...
Just some general notes:
- this list is NOT meant to be a ranking
- this list does not seek to "promote" or "endorese" a particular vendor (although recommendations are welcome)
Let's go "makan" -- which is a local Malay word for "eat"
(Hainanese) Chicken Rice
This is officially known as Singapore's most beloved hawker dish. Originally, it consisted of 3 main components:
- Rice cooked in chicken oil and stock
- Steamed oily chicken meat
- Chilli (secret recipe) often mixed with crushed ginger
In recent times, it has undergone some variation, including "Malay" style Chicken Rice (fried chicken), roast chicken and other parts of chicken (incl feet, liver, gizzard etc.).
At hawker centers, it often is served together on one flat plate. It might look something like this...
In 2006, this would set you back between S$2-$4, depending on location, at a food court or hawker center, or similar.
Chicken rice can also be ordered as a "set" with soup and vegetables. Something like this (below) will set you back S$5 upwards...
Why should think tourists try this dish?
Most uncomplicated and simple introduction to Singapore's food. Not spicy, not expensive, filling, and (usually) tasty.
Recipe
http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish...
Ice Kacang
This is a desert available in most desert stores ranging from cooked food center(a place where many locals like me go to for food when we does not want to cook) to hotels restaurants. It is basically a pile of shredded ice with toppings. Normal toppings are red beans, jelly, sweet corns and attap seed(a kind of local fruit)(shown below beside chocate ice kacang). The normal ice kacang looks like this:
There are a lot of variants of ice kacang and the most common types are adding chocolate, durian or strawberry sauces like the one portrayed at the photo. (a chocolate ice kacang)
The prices ranges from $1-$10 depending where to buy it.
Believe me and try it, you would want a second bowl.
(more to come soon...including...)
Nasi Lemak
Hokkien Mee
Satay
Roti Prata
Wan Tan Mee
Yong Tau Hoo / Niang Doufu
