Beyond Laksa & Chilli Crab: Discover Local Hidden Gems and Go-To Spots

Singapore is renowned for its iconic dishes like Laksa and Chilli Crab, but there’s so much more to explore in the city’s culinary scene. From lesser-known food spots to hidden gems that locals love, there’s a whole world of flavors waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a foodie looking for something beyond the famous dishes or a traveler eager to experience authentic local culture, these hidden gems are sure to surprise and delight.

Teochew Porridge: A Traditional Comfort Food with a Rich History

Teochew porridge is a beloved traditional dish that has a strong influence on Singapore’s culinary culture. It’s a comforting and versatile dish that offers a simple yet satisfying meal, especially when paired with a variety of savory accompaniments. Often enjoyed during breakfast or dinner, Teochew porridge is known for its light, watery texture, making it an ideal dish for those looking for a lighter, comforting meal.

Recommend: Four Points Eatery @ Sheraton – Teochew Porridge Buffet

Four Points Eatery offers all-day dining with a variety of signature à la carte dishes for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Guests can enjoy a cozy indoor setting or dine alfresco with views of the river, kept comfortable by overhead fans.

Popular menu items include:

• Slow Cooked BBQ Ribs
• Classic Caesar Salad
• Seafood Linguine
• Grilled Angus Beef Burger

Other Recommended Dishes: Grilled Sirloin Steak, Pan-Fried Salmon, Grilled Prime Pork Chop, Fish & Chips.

Make a reservation with Eatigo and enjoy up to 50% off on your meal at Four Points Eatery’s Teochew porridge buffet.

Authentic Cantonese Cuisine: A Taste of Tradition

Cantonese cuisine, renowned for its delicate flavors, fresh ingredients, and emphasis on natural tastes, Cantonese food is often considered the epitome of refined Chinese cooking.

Key Features of Cantonese Cuisine:

1. Fresh Ingredients: Cantonese cooking places a strong emphasis on the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Vegetables, seafood, and meats are prepared to retain their natural flavors, making the dishes light, healthy, and flavorful.
2. Mild Flavors: Unlike other regional Chinese cuisines, Cantonese food is not overly spicy or pungent. The focus is on balancing the natural taste of ingredients, with mild seasonings such as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and spring onions.
3. Dim Sum: Perhaps the most iconic aspect of Cantonese cuisine, dim sum refers to a variety of small, bite-sized dishes served in steamer baskets or on small plates. Popular dim sum options include dumplings, buns, spring rolls, and rice rolls, often served alongside tea.

Recommend: Peach Garden – Multiple Outlets

Peach Garden is a well-known dining destination in Singapore, recognized for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and elegant atmosphere. The menu features a diverse range of traditional Cantonese dishes, such as dim sum, fresh seafood, and skillfully roasted meats, making it a popular choice among discerning food lovers.

Whether you’re hosting an event at our venue or elsewhere, Peach Garden is committed to providing an exceptional buffet experience with consistent quality.

The restaurant has recently undergone a stunning makeover, enhancing its charm. Located on the 33rd floor of the iconic OCBC Centre, Peach Garden offers spectacular panoramic views through its glass walls, showcasing the Singapore River, Esplanade, and the Singapore Flyer, creating a captivating backdrop of the city skyline.

Make a reservation with Eatigo and enjoy up to 50% off on your meal at Peach Garden @ OCBC Centre

Traditional Peranakan Cuisine: A Unique Blend of Cultures

Peranakan cuisine, also known as Nyonya cuisine, is a unique and flavorful blend of Chinese and Malay culinary traditions, developed by the descendants of early Chinese immigrants to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Singapore. 

Key Features of Peranakan Cuisine:

1. Cultural Fusion: Peranakan cuisine is a vibrant mix of Chinese and Malay influences, with Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients combined with Malay spices, herbs, and flavors. This fusion results in dishes that are rich, aromatic, and packed with layers of flavor.
2. Bold Flavors: One of the defining characteristics of Peranakan food is its bold use of spices and herbs. Ingredients like turmeric, lemongrass, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies are commonly used to create dishes that are aromatic, savory, and often quite spicy.
3. Unique Ingredients: Peranakan dishes often incorporate a variety of unique ingredients such as belacan (fermented shrimp paste), sambal (spicy chili paste), and coconut milk, which add depth and richness to the food.

Recommend: Whampoa Room @ One Farrer – Peranakan

Experience a blend of heritage and sophistication at the newly renovated Whampoa Room on Level 6. Available on weekends, the Peranakan lunch and dinner buffet, crafted by Executive Chef Marcus Tan, offers a carefully curated selection of classic dishes. For dinner, guests can indulge in an enhanced dining experience with an array of premium seafood offerings.

Make a reservation with Eatigo and enjoy up to 50% off on your meal at Whampoa Room @ One Farrer Hotel

Recommend: Verandah@Rael’s – 111 Somerset

Step back in time to the colonial era, where diverse cultural influences came together to create the rich and distinctive flavors of Peranakan and Indonesian cuisine. Savor the sophisticated tastes of our cherished heirloom recipes with every bite. Each dish is a labor of love — thoughtfully crafted with great care, expert techniques, and the finest ingredients. Our approach to Peranakan and Indonesian cuisine honors our heritage by preserving its bold flavors and traditional charm. Enjoy a delightful array of flavors from these beloved cuisines, carefully curated to bring you the warmth of togetherness and the comforting taste of home.

Make a reservation with Eatigo and enjoy up to 50% off on your meal at Verandah@Rael’s – 111 Somerset

Traditional Noodles: A Delicious Journey Through Cultures

Noodles are an essential part of many global cuisines, with each culture offering its unique take on this versatile food. Whether served in soups, stir-fried, or boiled, traditional noodles can be found in countless variations across different regions, each reflecting the history, techniques, and ingredients of its culture.

Key Types of Traditional Noodles: Chinese Noodles

• Wonton Noodles: A popular Cantonese dish, consisting of delicate wontons filled with shrimp or pork, served with thin egg noodles in a savory broth.
• Lo Mein: Stir-fried wheat noodles served with a variety of meats, vegetables, and soy-based sauce.
• Chow Mein: A Chinese stir-fried noodle dish, typically made with crispy fried noodles, meat, and vegetables.
• Beef Chow Fun: Stir-fried flat rice noodles with tender slices of beef, bean sprouts, and green onions, all tossed in a flavorful soy-based sauce.

Recommend: Wen Zhang Lao Mian 文章捞面 @ Waterway Point

Wen Zhang Lao Mian is a renowned establishment specializing in the art of noodle-making and soup creation, founded in China in 2017. The brand has gained significant recognition and respect in the culinary world for its dedication to crafting authentic and high-quality noodle dishes. Wen Zhang Lao Mian is particularly famous for its mastery in creating a wide variety of noodles, each served in a broth of your choice.

The brand has focused its efforts on perfecting the balance of flavors in both the noodles and broths, allowing customers to enjoy an individualized dining experience. Over the years, it has built a loyal following, with its reputation growing steadily as a go-to destination for noodle enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a rich, savory soup or a light, delicate broth, Wen Zhang Lao Mian offers a versatile selection that satisfies all tastes, making it a prominent name in the noodle industry.Make a reservation with Eatigo and enjoy up to 50% off on your meal at Wen Zhang Lao Mian 文章捞面 @ Waterway Point