A Food Connoisseur's Utopia: Singapore

The other day, my family was planning a mini vacation this summer. Daddy has shortlisted few different places, but my Brother is insisting upon Singapore. He could meet his school friend who is settled there. So piqued my curiosity, I started researching about the weather, sights to see and the uniqueness of the shortlisted places. I read about Singapore and I was tantalized with the culture and people. I read a few Singapore food, lifestyle and personal blogs and there was striking warmth about them.

I have read this a millions of time: Undoubtedly, One of the finest things about Singapore is the FOOD.

There is no denial of the above sentence, when the people eat, drink and relish multicultural cuisines with passion. Singapore is a multi-culturally diverse and rich in heritage and this is reflected on the variety of cuisines.  A Ruler of Southern Part of Chola Dynasty (India) named the city Singapura known as Lion City. It is also believed that the name was bestowed by a Buddhist Monk during the 14th Century.
The History of Singapore is certainly interesting with reference to its rich diverse culture and the variety of cuisines.
While reading about Singaporean Culinary Delights, I came across http://discover.stayfareast.com/ displaying various appealing Food Images, Outlets, Cuisines to try, Restaurant and Hawker Centres suggestions, Hotel Bookings and Hospitality.
Singaporean Cuisines is often labelled as ‘Melting Pot’ of Flavors and Foods with a reflection of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Cantonese and unique Peranakan. Singapore is also widely known for its crowded Hawkers Centers or open air Food Courts.

Singaporeans prefer Round Dinner tables and the shape forms utilitarian value and considered as an essence of their Social gatherings. The Round table according to them allows members in large numbers, also nobody would feel left out to participate in conversation. This has certainly emerged from the culture of eating together including home, dining places and food centres.

While surfing through the Discover FarEast, I learned about variety of dishes like Duck Leg Confit, Foie Gras on Creamy Lentils, Yum Woon Sen, Crab Spaghetti, Grapow Moo and Five different types of Prata served with variety of sauces, kaya (fruit curd), Sugar and ice creams. Chicken Floss Prata is delectable, scrumptious and must-have of the Singaporean Cuisines. The texture of the chicken filling in the Prata resembles to Candy Floss, very light and fluffy.

For Vegetarians, there are lots of variations like Burgers at Vegan Burg, Nasi Lemak (Fragrant Rice with Coconut Milk and Pandan leaf) , Pasta aglio olio (Garlic flavoured Spagetti), Cottage pie, Principessa Salad, Haloumi and the Mezze Platter, Spanakopita, Risotto and Vegetable Tandoori to list a few.

If I had to choose one meal which suits my preference is: Hainanese Chicken Rice.
Hainanese Chicken Rice is considered as National Dish of Singapore which is a complete meal in itself. Hainanese Chicken Rice is cooked with spices like ginger and garlic, dark soy sauce and lime juice for tanginess. Sesame oil adds a distinct flavor to it which blooms with cilantro and Jasmine rice. The aroma with all these exquisite ingredients must surely tickle the taste buds of foodies. One tantalizing ingredient that adds the zing is Sriracha Sauce which is made from Chilli peppers, garlic and Vinegar.
I would be pleased to feast upon Chilli Crab as a side dish to the Hainanese Chicken Rice with Principessa Salad on the side.
I would love to devour Roti Prata with Ice cream and Rojak, an unusual combination as a dessert.

There are so many palatable and delight to eyes varieties of food in Singapore. And the official website is of a great help in exploring the multicultural heritage through pictures. They also have the hospitality options and easy Hotel bookings and a prodigious list of food, dining options and places to visit. From what I have read and seen, I think Singapore is a magnificent coalesces of diverse race, language, religion and culture that reflects the food to a great extent. The diversity of cultures certainly brings out different flavors creating a lively scene on the culinary front. I have been browsing Discover FarEast and dreaming about the culinary scenes and the cultural heritage. And I think visiting would be a lot better...