Singapore is a such a multiracial society. The diversity of the different cultures can be observed in every corner of the city. Since food is such an essential part of our lives, and the culture influences can be prominently seen (and tasted) in our traditional dishes, our very own Singapore cuisine is definitely a special one.
You can find just about everything in the dishes that Singapore has to offer. From fresh seafood, wholesome rice and noodle dishes – we have everything. Every inch of this food-obsessed island is packed full of famous traditional eateries. We know finding a nice restaurant with super good locally inspired dishes can be nerve-wrecking. That’s also one of the reasons why we got this article ready for you. Definitely check these places out if you’re planning to travel to Singapore or is just simply craving a good ol’ traditional feast.
National Kitchen By Violet Oon
Whether it’s a luxurious meal or a romantic date with that special someone, National Kitchen by Violet Oon serves up some hearty Peranakan dishes that is sure going to make your next meal a memorable one. Peranakan cuisine draws influences from Eurasian, Chinese and sometimes even the Indian cultures. The use of spices and traditional cooking methods in Peranakan dishes are what makes them so unique.
Violet Oon is a Peranakan expert. Her recipes include homemade upscale delicacies. Expect traditional Peranakan dishes like dry laksa, sweet, spicy kueh pie ti (pastry cups stuffed with prawns and julienned turnips). Also, look out for the rich, hearty traditional beef rendang and ayam buah keluak which is a casserole made with chicken, candlenuts and a variety of spices.
National Kitchen by Violet Oon
1 St Andrew’s Rd
#02–01 National Gallery
Singapore 178957
The Quarters
The Quarters wants to celebrate the old and modern Singapore culture and heritage through the dishes they serve at their restaurant – they call it the ModSin (Modern Singapore) Cuisine.
They are home to Singapore’s first ever Satay Burger so this dish is definitely a must-try! This rice burger is sandwiched together with a spiced chicken and drizzled with fragrant peanut sauce. If it’s your first time in Singapore, you definitely have give it a try! It’s nothing like your usual burger. Want something a little more luxurious? Get the Wagyu Beef Buah Keluak Pasta. Fresh Buah Keluak is combined with cream and made into a pasta sauce. This is a dish so special, you can only get it at The Quarters.
End the meal with a rich and creamy Durian Creme Brulee. Relish in the satisfying and aromatic tastes that will surely elevate your dining experience!
The Quarters
16 Enggor St
#01-09 Icon Village
Singapore 079717
Quentin’s Singapore
You can find lots of European and Asian cooking elements in Eurasian cuisines. Quentin’s is an exclusive restaurant with some stunning decors and furnishings. Aside from their yummy dishes, the old-school ambience and great music are also the reasons why people keep going back for more.
Get their Oxtail Stew ($25) – a rich and thick stew simmered with potatoes, carrots and oxtail. If you are curious about how the Eurasian version of Nonya Chap Chye (Mixed Vegetable Stew) tastes like, give the Creamy Mixed Vegetables ($9.80) at Quentin’s a go. It is a mix of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and cabbage in a creamy garlic cream sauce. They tickle your taste buds with the awesome blends and combination of spices and flavours and are great with a hot, piping bowl of white rice!
Quentin’s Singapore
139 Ceylon Rd
Level 1 Eurasian Community House
Singapore 429744
Straits Kitchen
StraitesKitchen is located within the Lobby at Grand Hyatt Singapore. They are bringing out the best of traditional Singapore’s multicultural cuisines by showcasing all our favourites in their buffet setting in open kitchens where you can see how the food are prepared. It’s definitely Singapore dining at it’s best!
If you’re at a loss because there are just too many choices, start with satay! Satay is probably Singapore’s very own version of kebabs or yakitori. If you don’t know what a satay is, let us explain! It is essentially a kebab with fresh, tender meat marinated with South East Asian style spices. These perfect kebabs will then sit on top of a bed of hot, blazing charcoal before they are finally grilled to perfection. Devour the kebabs with a side of warm and fragrant peanut sauce. It’s definitely a rich and pleasant combination of flavours! You get to taste other famous local delights like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Otak-Otak and Popiah among other very exciting dishes too!
Straits Kitchen
10 Scotts Road Grand Hyatt
Singapore 228211
Labyrinth
This Michelin One Star restaurant is the baby of founder, Chef LG Han. From what we can see, this restaurant is combining both traditional and contemporary dining concepts. They do so by exploring traditional recipes, and expressing them in their own unique ways. The pairing of different flavours does wonders by redefining Singapore’s traditional cuisines. Chef Han has the abilities to bring you back down memory lane through the different profiles of the dishes he created.
Diners can expect to see a heavy focus on local dishes, reinterpreted the Labyrinth way. Their Claypot “Ang Moh” Chicken Rice is a fragrant pot of rice cooked with in a traditional claypot. The addition of marinated Kampong Chicken, Local Mushrooms and homemade Grandma’s Chilli Sauce gives the whole dish a unique combination of flavours. For desserts, if you’ve never tasted Kaya Ice Cream, try the Cristal De Chine Caviar. This is a delicate dish of kaya ice cream combined with a traditional toast from Sing Hong Loong Bakery – a dessert made modern but still full of local flavours.
Labyrinth
8 Raffles Ave, 02-23
Singapore 039802
Looking for more food guides? Here’s an article we think you might like: Islandwide Delivery Series: Best Indian Restaurants in Singapore
Cover Photo by Lily Banse on Unsplash
