Singapore is a multicultural melting pot offering a variety of foods from different cultures. Sandwiched between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, Singapore is a hub of multicultural diversity. With a selection of international and local cuisine, the country is bursting with flavours from all over the world that your family can taste while you explore this modern city!
Adapting to changes
Your relocation is one of the biggest challenges your family will face, and it could take a while to feel like a part of the community. Food has a huge impact on how we feel at home, so don’t hesitate to let your children try some traditional Singaporean dishes.
As parents, it can be comforting for you to cook for your children, but eating with friends and family is also an important part of settling in.
Even though moving your family to a foreign country can be challenging, there are some things you can do in advance to help your kids adjust. Exploring the country’s delectable cuisine is one of the best—and possibly most exciting—ways to help your youngster adapt to the new culture.
Give your children the chance to experience a new culture through food with these traditional and healthy Singaporean dishes for both you and your children to try, so that they can learn about the rich culture through food.
Best Foods for Kids in Singapore
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese chicken rice, which is the national cuisine of Singapore, is one food that you and your kids must eat. Hainanese chicken rice is a well-known meal made with rice and steamed chicken that is cooked in chicken stock with ginger and pandan leaves before being served with a hot chilli sauce. Who can contest the fact that to your kids, it’s merely “chicken and rice”?
Wonton Mee
This meal, like many others popular in Singapore, is made using noodles and was influenced by a wonderful mix of several cultures. In particular, this wonton noodle dish is said to have originated in Malaysia and Hong Kong but has since assimilated into Singaporean society.
The wonton mee dish popular in Singapore is normally served “dry” with dumplings, pork char siew, and a bowl of wonton soup on the side. The degree of heat will depend on your preferences; if you want it hot, chilis are typically included in the preparation. It is typically combined with tomato sauce to make it milder for your kids.
Kaya Toast
Given that breakfast is the most significant meal of the day, it only makes sense to include kaya toast, one of Singapore’s most popular breakfast dishes. Kaya toast is simply toasted bread spread with butter and kaya, a delectable jam comprised of eggs, sugar, coconut milk, and pandan leaves. Your kids will adore it, and it is typically served with soft-boiled eggs.
Fish Head Curry
Kids enjoy exploring new things, and what could be more exciting than sampling a curry that contains fish heads? Common ingredients for this dish include a variety of vegetables, eggplant, spicy red gravy, and fish heads. It is not for every child, but curious tinies might be persuaded to try it.
Nasi Lemak
While this meal has its origins in Malaysian cuisine and is still quite well-liked there, Nasi Lemak is also a popular dish there. Nasi lemak is translated from Malay as “rich rice”, not because it is a costly dish, but rather because the rice has been infused with coconut milk, giving it a rich flavour.
Aromatic rice that has been marinated in coconut milk and pandan leaves makes up the dish. Deep-fried fish or chicken wings, otah (grilled fish paste), peanuts, eggs, cucumber slices, and sambal (spicy chilli paste) are typical accompaniments. Your kids would probably like it because it is a straightforward rice-based meal, and if not, there are lots of other delectable Singaporean delicacies to explore.
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is a non-vegetarian Singaporean-Indian dish that is favoured for its delectable flavour and luscious appearance. It consists of pre-marinated, boneless chicken chunks in a butter-laced, thick curry sauce. It is frequently consumed for lunch or supper and is typically served with rice or bread.
Nasi Goreng
Nasi goreng is a Southeast Asian fried rice dish that is typically cooked with chunks of meat and vegetables. Nasi goreng stands out from other Asian fried rice dishes with its distinctive smokey aroma and caramelised flavour with savoury overtones.
Roti Prata
Roti prata is a South Indian flatbread that is soft on the inside yet crisp and flaky on the outside. It is one of Singapore’s most adored regional foods. Roti prata is created by flipping the dough and ghee (clarified butter) mixture until it forms a thin layer, which is then cooked.
You have the option of eating it simply or by adding ingredients like eggs and mushrooms. This affordable dish, which is frequently served with a side of savoury curry, is available all day long and is perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert.
Cendol
Cendol is a popular Asian dessert made mostly of coconut milk and shaved ice. It is essentially the Eastern version of sorbet, distinguished by sweet brown syrup and the brightly coloured topping of luminous green jelly worms. It is frequently served alongside additional ingredients, such as red beans.
Healthy Foods for Kids in Singapore
Laksa
Laksa is a delicious fusion of Chinese and Malay cuisine. It comes in two primary varieties: curry laksa and asam laksa. The first is significantly more common in Singapore, whilst the second is more frequently encountered in Malaysia. Even though this delectable dish has numerous variations, the classic Singaporean curry laksa uses vermicelli noodles, coconut milk, tau pok (beancurd puffs), fish pieces, prawns, and hummus (cockles).
If your kids don’t like seafood, it’s simple to discover vegetable-only options. Katong laksa is another variation of laksa that is popular in Singaporean cuisine. The difference with this dish is that the vermicelli is cut into shorter pieces and typically consumed with a spoon. This dish is a family favourite in addition to being well-liked by Singaporeans.
Rojak
Introduce your kids to rojak, a classic and healthy Singaporean meal, to help them meet their five-a-day requirement. Rojak is a well-known salad dish made with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, covered with a mouthwatering sweet and sour sauce.
Must-Try Singaporean Fruits
One of the nicest things to do in Singapore with kids is to visit a neighbourhood fruit stand and try some of the exotic fruits you wouldn’t typically see in your hometown.
Rambutan
The fruit rambutan is a pungent, hairy red colour. The white meat inside is delicious and luscious. It is very refreshing!
Mangosteen
Mangosteen is a delectable Singaporean fruit. Its meat is white and delicious, with rich purple skin. But be careful; the purple juice might leave stains on your hands and clothing.
Lychee
In Singapore, lychees are frequently offered at buffets and restaurants, either fresh or from a can. There is one seed inside the transparent, delicious pulp.
Star Fruit
The youngsters will enjoy star fruit. The side bears a star-like form when cut horizontally. The fruit has a mildly acidic flavour and is quite refreshing.
Best Hawker Foods for Kids in Singapore
When visiting Singapore with kids, you must visit some of the best hawker centres. This is a fantastic way to sample several delectable Singaporean dishes on a budget!
Satay
Depending on where you’re from, you might be familiar with the dish satay. Satay is a simple skewered meat (chicken, beef, mutton, or pork) that has been marinated with turmeric and then cooked over an open flame. This dish, which is originally from Indonesia, is now widely available among Singapore’s hawkers (food stalls). Common accompaniments for satay include ketupat, onions, cucumbers, and a delicious peanut dip.
Popiah
Popiah is a thin crepe wrapper that resembles paper. It is filled with a mixture of cooked meats and veggies. The crispy roll is most widely known as a spring roll when deep-fried, but if the wrapper is left undone, it is called a popiah. Most Singapore hawker centres have a popiah hawker stall. Basically, this is the amazing burrito of Singapore!
Singapore Fried Rice
Singapore fried rice is a Chinese takeaway classic. It is a delectable combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and hot roasted red chilli paste, with a hint of Russian sauce (mayo and ketchup) for a burst of flavour! It is what many people would describe as the pinnacle of Chinese takeaway comfort cuisine. A very hearty one-plate-meal on its own!
Yong Tau Foo
One of the most well-known Hakka Chinese dishes is Yong Tau Foo, which is made by stuffing meat or fish paste in tofu and vegetables such as bitter gourd, okra (lady’s fingers), peppers, eggplants, mushrooms, etc. It can be served dry with a sweet bean sauce or in a soup.
Fishball Noodles
Fishball noodles are a breakfast or lunch staple for Singaporeans. In essence, it consists of springy noodles with fishcakes and fishballs mixed in the sauce. Some have vinegar, chilli, or both. You can have it with ketchup and soy sauce if you don’t want chilli.
Ice Kachang
Give the youngsters something sweet; this ice kachang is shaved ice served with sweetened red beans, syrup, fruit, jelly, and other ingredients, perfect for hot afternoons!
Fried Noodles
Singapore Noodles are made with thin rice noodles, prawns or shrimp, Chinese BBQ Pork, eggs, and red capsicum or bell peppers and have a distinctive curry flavour and yellow colour.
Feel at home through the Singaporean foods
There are many healthy foreign selections to pick from, including Chinese, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Mexican, and more, in addition to great Singaporean cuisine. However, it is best to taste the regional and national food in order to fully appreciate the nation’s culture and blend with the local population.
These delicious meals will not only keep your kids healthy while they are visiting Singapore, but they will also help them fit in with the vibrant local culture and help them feel at home.
Looking for a night out without the kids? Check out our list of the seven best fine dining restaurants in Singapore.
