Singapore’s local food is something that will always makes us uniquely Singapore. So much so that we hear foreigners and tourists frequently raving about our culturally diverse local food and its no secret that we are known for our Chilli Crab (even though we know we are definitely more than that 😉 ). And somehow, we always manage to copy food from all over the world, and adapt it to suit our unforgiving Singaporean tastebuds.
Growing up in Singapore, local food has been an integral part of many of our lives. But for some of us, our immeasurable love for local food haunts us constantly especially when we are overseas. If you are one of those that die die also must have local food, you might find these familiar.
1. You have long mastered the art of ordering Coffee and Tea at the Hawker Centres
“Uncle, one Teh-C siew dai peng dapao!”
You don’t understand how anyone will get confused or won’t know how to order what they want. Aiyo how can? There’s simply no excuse for that!
But you are always eager to help and educate any confused angmoh or foreigner.
2. And of course the art of ordering noodles
You will actually hunt down Chinese Singaporeans who are clueless over this and give them an hour long lecture.
3. Whenever you are overseas, you only crave for Singaporean food
That moment when you’ve landed in Europe after a 12 long flight and all you ever want to eat is some Chicken rice, Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Mee Goreng, Prata, Kway Chap… Jialat sia.
And then you remember this is only the start of the torture of not having local food for the next few days…or weeks…or months.
Oh the horror.
4. Forever comparing other countries’ local food with Singaporean local food when you are overseas
Maybe it’s just your undying love for our local food or some psychological belief, but you can’t understand how other countries’ local food can even hold a candle to ours. And you refuse to believe in a difference between Ice Kacang and Bingsu because Bingsu is just the ‘ripoff, act atas’ version of Ice Kacang.
5. You are willing to work for your food
You are willing to travel all the way from the West to Bedok 85 for Bar Chor Mee and BBQ Chicken Wings. And you are a strong believer that queues are telltale signs of good food.
The longer the queue, the better.
You won’t hesitate to queue 45mins for the famous Char Kway Teow. But you never understand people who queue 30mins for Llao Llao.
6. You are like a GPS for good local food
You literally have a mental map of places of good local food all over Singapore.
7. Hawker centres bring out the indecisiveness inside you
You want to order everything!
8. You contemplate quitting your job or school to become the first ever Singapore Hawker Food Blogger
I mean why not? Local hawker food can also be Instagram-worthy okay!
But then again, ain’t nobody got time for that. Just get in my stomach already!
9. You know exact the right type of Chilli and sauces for every local food
This has to be the most important sign!
I don’t think we can certify you as a True Blue Singapore Local Food Lover if you don’t know the right chilli and sauces for each dish!
10. After all, you know the best food is always found at the Hawker Centres
Never at some Michelin Star fine dining restaurant.
Or hipster cafe.
And most definitely not at some 5 Star Hotel with a 10-course, $128 per pax meal.
And also, try to say no to this.
Did we miss out anything? Let us know your favourite hawker dish in the comments! 🙂
