Today we welcome a collaborative post from a talented contributor. Enjoy, C.
When you think of Singapore, it might because you’re stopping off on your way across the world. After all, its impressive airport is a hub for travel across the globe, and many weary travelers take time to recuperate for a few hours or a day or two on their way to and from the Southern Hemisphere. But if you have a chance, don’t just pass through this unique island state, take some time to explore this unique, quirky and of course hot city and you’ll be glad you stayed. If Singapore has anything going for it, it’s the food. This is a country that loves to eat, and you’ll find evidence of this on almost every street corner in every region from Marina Bay to Clarke Quay.
You could, of course, check out the beautiful restaurants, there for all tastes and offering all manner of cuisines from across Europe to South East Asia but if you want the best meals at the lowest prices, you need to head down to a hawker centre. Dotted around the island, this is street food brought under cover. Instead of having to queue in the frequent tropical downpours, hawker centres have brought food carts inside, and you will be spoilt for choice with the number of options for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And if you’re on a budget don’t worry, you won’t be paying any more than around $3-4 for a meal that might also include a bowl of soup. Across the island are specialist hawker centres, so if you love seafood check out the ever-popular Chomp Chomp in Serangoon Gardens or the Newton Centre, a short walk from the MRT train stop with the same name.
If a plate of perfectly prepared satay and a cold beer is more for you, then head down to Satay By The Bay for dinner and stay to watch the Super Trees show nearby. These man-made structures that resemble giant metal trees are an impressive sight at any time of the day, but at night they magically change colour thanks to a startling light and music show.
If you worry about hygiene standards at hawkers, you shouldn’t. The Singaporean government has set exceptionally high targets for all hawker owners to meet and the centres are regularly inspected for cleanliness. In fact, so impressive is hawker food that you will even find two Michelin-starred outlets on the island. If you want to combine shopping with eating and who doesn’t then you’ll see a more mall-ified version of hawker centres in almost every shopping centre. These food courts, like hawker centres, offer a vast variety of Asian fare but are generally much more expensive, especially if you opt to shop in the higher end malls such as the designer outlet at Marina Bay Sands.
If you’re looking for a treat popular with the locals, then head to fellow Michelin-starred restaurant Din Tai Fung. This restaurant chain is firmly embedded in the hearts of Singaporeans as a place to go with family or a group of friends. Watch through the glass as you wait for a table and see the talented chefs create Chinese dumplings and buns and steam them to perfection. Food arrives freshly cooked and served in round wicker baskets, ready to be shared and passed around. You’ll find Din Tai Fung restaurants across the island and in other countries around the region.
The last foodie must is the traditional Sunday buffet. The more affluent in Singapore know how to spend Sunday lunchtime, and that’s at one of the country’s popular hotels taking advantage of the sumptuous feast on offer. You’ll be able to choose from Asian style cooking, fresh seafood or a mix of Asian or European. Don’t be any rush to leave; grazing is the name of the game so be prepared to take several hours over a leisurely lunch. Most hotels offer a children’s corner where your offspring can tuck into child-friendly snacks while you tackle the Boston lobster.
You don’t have to be a foodie to make the most out of your Singapore trip, but it will definitely help. Having an open mind and trying out new and exciting dishes is just part of the fun you can have in this incredible, fascinating and exciting hub. Though small, Singapore is a huge mix of people and places, from the luxury condos of park colonial to HDB flats where you’ll find most local people, explore and eat your way around this extraordinary city.
What are your favorite places to visit in Singapore?
