>Enjoy the best of Singapore’s food and drink pairing
Singapore is a food haven with many world-famous dishes. We go one step further by bringing to you not just the must-try dishes for all overseas visitors, but the best accompanying beverage, for you to achieve the most memorable dining experience.
Before we begin, it is important to remember the golden rule: eat and drink everything in moderation! According to the Health Promotion Board’s dietary guidelines, do not exceed daily salt intake of 5g and added sugar intake of 40g or eight teaspoons of sugar. (source). For your benefit, we have also indicated the estimated sodium and sugar levels in our recommended dishes
Combination 1: Bak Kut Teh + Grass Jelly Drink
Per serving: 1.5g sodium from Bak Kut Teh, 12g sugar from grass jelly drink (source)
Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Teh (pronounced bark-koot-teh) is one of the oldest dishes in Singapore but still remains a popular choice among locals and visitors.
A pork-based soup flavored with spices and herbs, it is usually accompanied with a bowl of rice or mee sua – thin wheat flour noodles. Opt for lean pork ribs for a healthier alternative where possible.
Grass Jelly Drink
Pair Bak Kut Teh with a glass of refreshing grass jelly drink that is also a great source of beneficial nutrients and good for lowering blood pressure and weight maintenance.
Combination 2: Chilli Crabs + Tiger Beer
Per serving: 255mg sodium from chilli crab (one pincer and two legs) (source), 0g sugar (but note it carries 132 calories) from 330ml Tiger beer (source)
Chilli Crabs
Singapore chilli crabs are a must-try for any overseas visitors! The style of cooking is unique, involving a two-step process of first steaming the crabs before frying them in a delectable and appetizing sweet and spicy sauce.
Remember to ask for steamed buns instead of the fried version so that you can have more calorie bandwidth for the delicious dipping gravy!
Photo Credit: Tim Parkinson (Source)
Tiger Beer
To quench your thirst and balance out the flavors while savoring this high-calorie dish, go for a Tiger beer, a multiple awards-winning local beer.
Combination 3: Laksa + Soya Milk
Per serving: 7.9g sodium from Laksa (source), 4.1g sugar from soya milk (ask for less sweet option)
Note: as the sodium content is high in Laksa, you may want to share with a friend!
Photo Credit: Alpha (Source)
Laksa
Most Singaporeans love spicy food. Another hot favorite is Laksa, a gravy-based Peranakan dish. The broth is made from coconut milk, shrimp, and fish slices. The bean curd puffs and vermicelli soak up the rich gravy.
It is usually eaten as an individual dish as it has a fair combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Rock sugar is also added into Laksa.
Soya Milk
Soya milk is a good choice when you eat Laksa, as besides being delicious, it helps to cool the flames on your tongue
Combination 4: Chicken Rice + Kopi Siu Dai (Coffee, Less Sweet)
Per serving: 1.3g sodium from chicken rice, 13g sugar from coffee
Chicken Rice
Those who prefer non-spicy food, fret not! There is always chicken rice, one of the most delicious, affordable, easiest, and fuss-free favorites. It’s a simple dish comprising slightly oily ginger rice and steamed chicken, yet bursting with flavor and fragrance.
The chicken is tender and juicy, and the rice complements it perfectly. Spice-lovers have the option of adding the chilli sauce with garlic.
Photo Credit: Scott Dexter (Source)
Kopi Siu Dai (Coffee, Less Sweet)
Do what the locals do and go for a cup of kopi siu dai (coffee, less sweet) for the authentic Singaporean experience.
Remember – enjoy your food but don’t over-indulge. Lower or controlled salt intake will help decrease blood pressure levels (source), and reducing sugar will definitely lessen your risk for diabetes.
Stick close to the recommended dietary guidelines without missing out on the good food!
