The history of Singapore stands testimony to the fact that this city is truly a ‘melting pot’ of various cultures from all over the world. Some of the earliest people to invade this city were the Cholas from South India in the 11th century. It therefore follows that the invaders would have surely brought with them their culinary habits involving spicy sauces to the city. Over the course of the 15th and 16th centuries, travelers, explorers and invaders from European nations such as Portugal and Netherlands made this city their home and therefore the European influences on the uniquely Singaporean cuisine would have probably developed in this era.
However, it was the arrival of the British in the first few years of the 19th century and their subsequent occupation which forever changed the face of Singapore. The population of the place itself exploded from around 1000 people to more than 80,000 people and rubber plantations were very prevalent in Singapore under the British occupation. Considering that most of the population consisted of Chinese migrants from the mainland, it goes without saying that Singaporean cuisine was introduced to Chinese culinary influences in every way possible. And this unique combination of South Indian, European and Chinese cuisines is what makes Singaporean cuisine unique and truly one of a kind in the world today. In fact the current government of Singapore touts its culinary diversity as one of the main reasons to visit this country today.
Along with the North Indian and South Indian thalis which are very popular here today due to the large Indian immigrant population, Chinese cuisine remains the mainstay of Singaporean cuisine today. Known for its varied street-food culture, dim-sums, roasted meats and various soups make up for regular day to day dishes that the locals consume. The wonderful dosas served in street corners with an assortment of chutneys and spicy sauces are worth dying for. And the best part is that fusion cuisine involving a combination of Indian and Malay ingredients, Chinese and Thai ingredients and various other eclectic combinations truly make Singapore a gastronome’s delight.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try a Singapore meal. As the picture below reads you will surely have the whole world on your plate!!!
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This post has been written for Takeaway Level: Singapore, the Far East Hospitality blogging contest in association with Indiblogger, India’s largest association of bloggers.
