Singapore is a paradise for food lovers, especially when it comes to seafood. With a fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences, the Lion City offers some of the most exciting seafood dishes in the world. If you’re planning a visit in 2024, here are the top 10 seafood dishes in Singapore you must try.
1- Chilli Crab
Chilli crab is one of Singapore’s most beloved dishes, known for its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Fresh crab is stir-fried and coated in a thick, tangy sauce with tomato paste, chili, garlic, and a hint of sugar. Despite its name, the dish isn’t overwhelmingly spicy, making it enjoyable even for those not used to heat.
The crab is traditionally served with fried or steamed mantou buns, perfect for mopping up the rich sauce. Eating chili crab can get messy, as it’s typically served whole with the shell on—but that’s part of the fun!
2- Black Pepper Crab
Black pepper crab is a must-try dish that showcases Singapore’s bold flavors and culinary heritage. This iconic seafood dish features fresh, succulent crab stir-fried with a generous amount of cracked black pepper, garlic, and aromatic spices. The result is a fiery and fragrant dish with a rich, savory sauce that clings to the tender crab meat.
Typically served with steamed rice or fried mantou (buns) to soak up the delicious sauce, black pepper crab is best enjoyed in a communal setting where friends and family can share the messy, hands-on eating experience.
3- Hokkien Mee with Prawns and Squid
Hokkien Mee is a beloved noodle dish in Singapore, celebrated for its rich flavors and satisfying texture. This dish features a mix of yellow noodles and rice vermicelli, stir-fried with prawns, squid, and pork slices, all infused with a savory broth made from seafood and pork bones. The combination of ingredients creates a hearty meal that reflects the multicultural influences of Singaporean cuisine.
The key to a great Hokkien Mee lies in its wok hei, or the “breath of the wok,” which imparts a distinct smoky flavor to the noodles. The dish is typically garnished with crispy lard bits, bean sprouts, and fresh lime, enhancing its flavor profile. A dollop of sambal chili is often served on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
4- Cereal Prawns
Cereal prawns are a delectable and uniquely Singaporean dish that has captured the hearts of seafood lovers. This dish features fresh prawns deep-fried until crispy and then tossed in a fragrant mixture of butter, curry leaves, and crispy cereal. The combination of flavors creates a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes, making every bite utterly irresistible.
Cereal prawns are often served as an appetizer or part of an enormous seafood feast, making them popular in restaurants and hawker centers. Pairing them with a squeeze of lime adds a refreshing zest that complements the rich flavors.
5- Fish Head Curry
Fish head curry is a renowned dish that perfectly embodies the fusion of Indian and Chinese culinary traditions in Singapore. This vibrant and aromatic dish features the head of a fish—often a snapper—cooked in a rich, tangy curry sauce made from a blend of coconut milk, spices, and tamarind. The result is a flavorful and fragrant broth that complements the tender fish meat.
Along with the fish head, the dish usually includes a variety of vegetables, such as okra, eggplant, and tomatoes, adding texture and nutrition.
6- Oyster Omelette
Oyster omelette, locally known as Orh Luak, is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Singapore’s vibrant hawker food culture. This savory delicacy features a unique blend of fresh oysters and eggs fried to create a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The dish is often made with starch, which adds a crispy and chewy texture, making it even more satisfying.
The oyster omelette is typically served with chili sauce, adding a spicy kick that enhances the dish’s overall flavor. Many vendors also offer a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime to add freshness.
7- Crab Bee Hoon Soup
Crab bee hoon soup is a cherished dish in Southeast Asia, celebrated for its rich, comforting flavors. It features tender crab meat in a savory broth made from simmered crab shells, garlic, and spices. The rice vermicelli (bee hoon) absorbs the delicious broth, satisfying the dish’s texture. It offers a delightful balance of flavors, often garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by vegetables.
This communal dish is a favorite for gatherings and special occasions, inviting diners to enjoy the sweet, succulent crab meat in a warm, fragrant soup. Its combination of seafood and aromatic broth makes it a genuinely comforting culinary experience.
8- Sambal Stingray
Sambal stingray is a popular dish in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore. Known for its bold flavors, this dish features grilled stingray fillets slathered in a spicy sambal sauce made from chili, garlic, shallots, and lime juice.
Often served on a banana leaf, sambal stingray is a favorite at hawker centers and seafood restaurants. It’s typically accompanied by a side of rice or fresh vegetables, making it a satisfying meal that highlights the vibrant flavors of the region.
9- Lobster Laska
Lobster laksa is a luxurious twist on the traditional Malaysian and Singaporean noodle soup known as laksa. This dish stands out with its rich, aromatic broth, a delightful blend of coconut milk, and a spicy, herbaceous curry paste. The addition of lobster elevates it to a gourmet level, providing a sweet and tender seafood experience that complements the dish’s bold flavors.
Typically garnished with bean sprouts, cilantro, and sometimes a squeeze of lime, lobster laksa is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Its vibrant colors and rich aromas invite you to dive in while the complex interplay of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors creates a memorable dining experience.
10- Seafood Platter
A seafood platter is a delightful assortment of delicacies showcasing the ocean’s bounty in one visually stunning presentation. Typically served on a large platter or tray, it features succulent shrimp, juicy crab legs, tender lobster, fresh oysters, and sometimes smoked fish or calamari.
The seafood is often accompanied by an array of dipping sauces, like tangy cocktail sauce, zesty lemon wedges, and creamy aioli, enhancing the flavors and textures of each item. Garnished with fresh herbs or seaweed, a seafood platter is as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate.
Conclusion
Singapore’s seafood scene is unmatched, offering everything from street food delights to high-end dining experiences. In 2024, indulge in these top seafood dishes and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culinary culture. Each dish promises an unforgettable taste that will leave you craving more! If you’re looking to try these dishes yourself, Mellben Signature in Tanjong Pagar is the best place to visit. You’ll find a wide variety of seafood there, so make sure to give it a try!