Ranking $34 million dollars on its opening weekend, Crazy Rich Asians struck box office gold. A romantic comedy starring Constance Wu and Henry Golding, it had the synopsis of Rachel, an economics professor, meeting her boyfriend Nick's crazy rich Asian family in Singapore. With food being a central part in the culture of most Asian countries, it was unsurprising that Singaporean cuisine was such an important theme in the book and movie.
Fortunately, you definitely do not have to be a "Crazy Rich Asian" to be able to enjoy the scrumptious dishes shown in the movie! In fact, a lot of the dishes are very cheap and affordable around hawker centers (local food courts) in Singapore.
Here are the five top local dishes to try while in Singapore!
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Considered one of the top national dishes of Singapore, Hainanese Chicken Rice is a dish you must not chicken out from trying! Originating from the Hainan province of southern China, this dish was adapted by early Chinese immigrants in Southeast Asia and is so popular that it is just about served everywhere. A simple but mouth-watering dish, Chicken Rice consists of poached chicken, flavored oily rice and is most of the time served with a chicken broth.
2. Laksa
An example of Singapore's cultural fusion, Laksa is the combination of Chinese and Malay cuisine resulting in a unique and delightful dish. The Singaporean version of Laksa is believed to have been created after cultural exchanges between local Singaporeans and the Peranakans. Laksa consists of rice noodles, with the addition of gravy or curry, herbs, vegetables, and either seafood or meat.
3. Kaya Toast, Boiled Egg, and Coffee
A very traditional Singaporean breakfast, Kaya Toast, Coffee, and Soft Boiled Egg is another example of the cultural exchanges of Malay and Chinese cuisines. With Singapore having a strong traditional Kopitiam, open-air coffee shop, culture, this breakfast set would be something to munch on while chatting to friends or family. The kaya is a jam made from sugar, coconut cream and flavored with pandan leaves, and is served with coffee and soft, almost barely boiled, eggs.
4. Dim Sum
Originally from Hong Kong, Dim Sum has evolved to become a well-loved local dish at hawker centers around the country. Dim sum usually consists of small, bite-sized portions and is served in small steamer baskets. There are various options to dim sums spanning from savory pork dumplings to sweet egg tarts.
5. Ice Kacang
With weather being so hot and humid in Singapore, it is no surprise that ice kacang is so popular. A shaved ice dessert, it consists of various jellies and red beans at the bottom of the bowl, followed by a layer of shaved ice, and topped with multicolored syrups, condensed milk, and sweet cream corn.
