2022-06-03
A quick guide to understanding the food culture in Singapore
Foods
Singapore is a diverse nation whose food culture is a melting pot of flavors and aromas. The island nation is famous for its simple yet tasty street food, including Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, and Indonesian cuisines. But what are some examples of the best food in Singapore? Let’s take a look!
Renowned for their seafood, Singaporeans love coconut-infused and sambal-garnished meals that draw inspiration from other cultures but find their own identity as being uniquely Singaporean. The humble chicken rice is another example of a popular food that has its own identity and even reverence - and can be found in popular restaurants like the Cali restaurant in Singapore as well as hawker stalls in the streets. Whether you prefer haute cuisine or ethnic food, Singapore has a variety of dishes on offer that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Affordable communal eating
If you are traveling in Singapore, the best place to experience the unique food culture is visiting a hawker center, Singapore's answer to food courts. Several local Singaporeans from all walks of life visit these centers to indulge in affordable yet exquisite local dishes. Some of the best food in Singapore includes satay, laksa, chicken rice, chili crab, and more at these hawker centers. The multi-cultural blend of flavor and cuisines makes hawker centers a one-stop hub to experience a full spectrum of cuisines and dishes that never seem to run out. While food courts usually have a reputation for serving cheap and bland food, Singapore's hawker centers are truly a culinary delight. They frequently draw in several food connoisseurs who relish the opportunity to indulge in their favorite meals. Once you've experienced the hawker center’s sights, aromas, and delicious food, it is hard to stay away.
Options to eat out
Unlike other cultures, Singaporeans do not generally cook at home. Surveys have shown that as little as 22% of Singaporeans cook at home daily, which is less than half compared to cities like London or Shanghai. Home cooking in Singapore is usually reserved for special occasions or celebrations. Part of the reason home cooking is not as popular is that healthy and nutritious food is easy to find and affordable. For Singaporeans, cooking at home could be more expensive for a family than visiting a local hawker center. It also saves time so locals can go about their busy days to experience the best food in Singapore and be assured of a cheap, healthy, and delicious meal without making it themselves.
Importance of family
Singaporeans lead busy lives with an average of 43 hours spent at work per week. With so many hours spent working, they don't find it easy to coordinate schedules and plan family meals, but Singaporeans still recognize the value of a family meal. Singapore is one of the few places in the world that blend private and public space in a hawker center. Families can sit together and enjoy a meal in the presence of other families, which further fosters a sense of community. The Singapore government also recognizes the value of a family eating together and has declared May 25th as "Eat with Your Family Day."
Singaporean food culture celebrates diversity and affordability and offers healthy and nutritious meals that are also incredibly tasty. The island nation has evolved into a food paradise due to the vibrant food culture and food availability that makes the hawker centers in Singapore a must-visit destination for food lovers. And if you’re looking for an all-day dining experience at a restaurant, you will always feel welcome at the Cali restaurants in Singapore.
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