Eating is the national pastime in Singapore and has acquired the status of a refined art. The island is a tropical paradise for epicureans of every cuisine and budget. While countries in the region brag about their national dishes, none offers such a delectably wide variety as Singapore. Singapore fish head curry may qualify as the national dish, but it’s hard to say. With 10 types of Chinese cuisines, Indian, Malaysian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Korean, French, Italian and other European, Russian, Mexican , Polynesian and Scottish foods, selecting a “national” dish is nearly impossible !
There’s a very respectable selection of Western food at the top end of the market, a few good places in the middle bracket and swelling ranks of cheaper fast food restaurants like Kentucky Fried Chicken, MacDonalds and a proliferation of pizza restaurants. For young trendy Singaporeans, coffee culture is all the rage. This digital generation, completely addicted to hand held electronic devices, likes to hang out in the sophisticated cafes to drink their coffee. (must have wifi ). Favorite spots are The Coffee Bean, Starbucks and Spinelli’s, all who provide a nice range of fresh coffee, both beans & ground. Delifrance, known for freshly baked croissants, bread and other pastries has expanded and now has restaurants and cafes all over the city.
Don’t be put off by characterless brightly lit restaurants in Singapore; the food can be excellent. Eating spots range from high rise revolving restaurants to a neon lit sidewalk seafood stand. A delicious dinner can cost as little as $3, or more than $100 and the two may be just yards away from each other. For example it’s possible to have a small beer in the bar at one of the Singapore luxury hotels for $8 or more and then across the road indulge in a huge plate of curry and rice for $3. It’s hard to say what role the design of the restaurant and its physical location have to do with the quality and price of food.
Related posts:
- The Foods of Mallorca
- A Taste of Bobotie in Cape Town
- Traditional Malay and Chinese Food of Singapore
- Things to do in Delhi
- Napa has More to Offer than Sonoma