Given that the Singaporean cuisine is a blend of multicultural influences, it’s natural to see how the local palette would be just as diverse. In time for National Day, we asked 7 Singaporeans living overseas to recommend one must-try dish from their current cities for any visiting Singaporean — and exactly where to find it. These are dishes recommended by Singaporeans, for Singaporeans.
Spicy Chicken Stew (Dakdoritang), Seoul
Sweet, spicy and savoury all at once, this braised spicy chicken stew is perfect during the winter. The hearty one-pot wonder comes packed with potatoes, onions and carrots as well, and you’ll definitely want a steaming bowl of rice alongside to soak up every delicious drop of the broth. I love going to Gogaemaru, near to Gangnam station in Seoul, for this dish. The restaurant is located within a landed house, so you have to take off your shoes when you enter. Everyone is seated cross-legged in either the living room or some of the other ‘bedrooms’ on the first floor, so you feel as though you’re at a friend’s house for a big house party.
Address: Seoul Gangnam-gu Yeoksam-dong 725-12 (Naver map link)
- Jocelyn Tan, based in South Korea since February 2023
Truffle Mushroom Sanga, Melbourne
Sanga, meaning sandwich in Australian slang, is a staple here. This version comes with roasted portobello mushroom, black truffle paste, chipotle, tallegio, cheese, American mustard, and koji chimichurri on toasted sourdough. The bread was perfectly toasted and was just the right level of crunchy and chewy. Australian dairy is always amazing, and the cheese is rich and delicious. Mix that with the aroma and taste of truffle and it’s hard not to take another bite. I made love to this sandwich.
Address: Nico’s Sandwich Deli, 2 Piera St, Brunswick East VIC 3057, Australia
- Danial Hadi, based in Melbourne since 2022
Scrambled Eggs Pineapple Butter Bun, Hong Kong
Perfectly baked pineapple bun crust, slapped with a generous slab of butter & creamy scrambled eggs. Quintessential HK!
Address: 順興茶餐廳, 5 Ormsby St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
- Qian Hui, based in Hong Kong for close to 3 years
Bitterballen, Netherlands
Bitterballen, a beloved Dutch snack, are deep-fried balls of creamy, savoury goodness. These bite-sized delights are filled with a rich, meat-based ragout, typically made from beef or veal with a crispy breadcrumb coating that provides a satisfying crunch, contrasting perfectly with the smooth, flavourful interior. Often enjoyed with mustard for dipping, bitterballen evoke warm memories of cozy Dutch restaurants and gezellig gatherings, making them a quintessential comfort food in the Netherlands. Singaporeans will love this dish for its delectable combination of textures and flavours, reminiscent of the rich, savoury snacks enjoyed locally.
Address: De Ballenbar (Foodhallen Hannie Dankbaarpassage 16, Stand 8, 1053 RT Amsterdam, Netherlands)
- Vanessa Chong, based in Netherlands since May 2024
Sunday Roast, UK
Honestly, nothing else screams ‘British’ like the Sunday roast does. Imagine this: crispy Yorkshire pudding, slow-roasted beef, fluffy roasted potatoes and vegetables bound together by lashings of gravy, in a pub, on a Sunday afternoon - this is the quintessential British experience. Besides the usual suspects like fish and chips and Shepherd’s pie, the Sunday roast is not only a good introduction to British cuisine, but also a must-try. The combination of all the accouterments on the plate makes for a comforting, hearty and, most importantly, flavourful bite; undoubtedly the king of British dinners…
Address: 10 Tib Lane, Manchester M2 4J
- Chloe Tay, based in the UK for around 5 years
Iced and Hot Tangyuan, Taipei
Photo: Instagram @yupinyuan_tw
I was brought here to try this dish by the local Taiwanese people, and while it does share similarities with desserts that Singaporeans are accustomed to, the preparation is what makes it stand out. The fillings in the Tangyuan are warm while served in a bowl of flavoured ice. It creates quite a unique experience and given Singapore’s tropical climate; the dish would be super refreshing on the typical hot day. Personally, though I might be influenced by nostalgia, whenever I have it, I think of the adventures and friends I made when I first came over to Taiwan. It invokes a strong of exploration and adventure, that is sorely lacking in the safe and consistent lives we tend to lead in Singapore.
Address: Yu Pin Yuan Iced and Hot Tangyuan (御品元冰火湯圓), No. 142, Raohe Street, Songshan District, Taipei City.
- Clarence Ong, based in Taipei for the last 6 months
Dim Sum, Toronto
Photo: Instagram @casaimperialfinechinese
Toronto’s dim sum scene boasts top-tier chefs who have relocated from Hong Kong in the great Asian migration, bringing their authentic culinary skills and expertise. Many people born and bred in Hong Kong have confirmed that Toronto’s dim sum not only matches but often surpasses the quality and taste found in Hong Kong.
Address: Casa-Imperial Fine Chinese Cuisine, 4125 Steeles Avenue East, Scarborough, Ontario M1W 3T4, Canada
- Joleena Teo, based in Toronto for 17 years
