One of the most effective ways of getting to know a country is by immersing yourself into their cuisine. Singaporean food is a wonderful combination of Malaysian, Western and Indonesian traditions. There are a great many influences on the dishes, creating a fascinating array of taste sensations. This list is a compilation of five of the most popular dishes, but it is by no means exhaustive.
The first of these is the well-known Char Kway Teow. It is made up of flat rice noodles, cockles, Chinese sausage and many other ingredients. Although it is high in fat, it is also delicious and an ideal dish to savour on special occasions or to ease stress.
Stingray might not be to everyone's taste but is a common favourite in Singapore. Sambal stingray is wrapped in banana leaves and grilled. This is really one for those with a more complex palate, but certainly worth a try.
Along this seafood theme is the oyster omelette. This is also one for a treat due to the high fat content, but new restaurants are making low fat versions to allow you to enjoy it guilt-free.
For those looking for a healthy diet Yong tau foo is very popular. Based around fresh vegetables it comes in many different variations for diverse tastes. You can choose anything from tofu to crab sticks in this dish.
Finally, on a sweet note you can't forget Kaya toast. This is a toast sandwich smothered in coconut custard jam. It is often enjoyed as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
There are numerous other dishes just waiting to be tried and tested. Don't assume that the best flavours will be the most expensive. Many people find that delicious food can come at any price in Singapore. As there are so many influences on Singapore cuisine there are naturally many dishes to try, so if you are looking for somewhere to start then try the above.