Singapore is a vibrant and multicultural city-state that offers an incredible variety of food options. For those in search of the best halal food in Singapore, the city is a paradise. Halal food is food that is permissible under Islamic law, and it has become increasingly popular in Singapore. From traditional Malay and Indonesian cuisine to modern fusion dishes, Singapore is a food lover’s dream destination.
A Brief History of Halal Food in Singapore
Halal food has a long history in Singapore that dates back to the early days of the Malay and Indonesian communities. These communities brought their unique food traditions to Singapore and influenced the development of the local cuisine. The establishment of the Halal Certification Scheme in 1978 helped to standardize halal food practices in Singapore. Today, halal food is an essential part of the multicultural food scene in Singapore.
The Influence of Malay and Indonesian Cuisine
Malay and Indonesian cuisine have had a significant influence on the development of halal food in Singapore. Malay cooking is known for its bold flavours, and the use of herbs and spices. Satay, a grilled meat dish, is a popular Malay dish that can be found in many halal restaurants in Singapore. Indonesian cuisine, on the other hand, is known for its diverse range of dishes. One must-try Indonesian dish is Murtabak, a stuffed pancake that is usually filled with minced beef or lamb, onions, and eggs.
The Growth of the Halal Food Industry in Singapore
The halal food industry has grown rapidly in Singapore, with more and more restaurants and cafes offering halal options. In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of halal-certified establishments, and there are now over 1,200 halal-certified outlets in Singapore. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for halal food among the Muslim community and non-Muslims alike.
Top Halal Restaurants and Cafes in Singapore
Hajah Maimunah
Another great option is Hajah Maimunah, a traditional Malay restaurant that serves authentic Malay dishes in a cosy setting.
Banana Leaf Apolo
If you’re after a more casual dining experience, there are plenty of options to choose from. The Banana Leaf Apolo is a popular Indian restaurant that serves halal food. The restaurant is known for its signature dish, fish head curry, which is a must-try.
Bismillah Biryani
Another popular casual eatery is Bismillah Biryani, which serves delicious biryani that is cooked in a clay pot.
The Working Title
For those in search of a coffee fix or a sweet treat, Singapore has some great halal cafes and bakeries. The Working Title is a trendy cafe that serves excellent coffee and delicious food. The cafe also offers a range of gluten-free and vegan options.
Fluff Bakery
If you have a sweet tooth, head over to Fluff Bakery, which is known for its fluffy cupcakes and creative flavour combinations. They’re one of the favourite patisseries in Singapore backed up by many as well.
Must-Try Halal Dishes in Singapore
Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is a classic Malaysian dish that is popular in Singapore. It is a fragrant rice dish that is cooked in coconut milk and served with fried chicken, sambal, and other accompaniments. You can find Nasi Lemak in many hawker centres and restaurants in Singapore.
Murtabak
Murtabak is a stuffed pancake that is popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The pancake is usually filled with minced beef or lamb, onions, and eggs. It is then fried until crispy and served with a side of curry sauce.
Satay
Satay is a popular Malay dish that is made up of small pieces of meat that are skewered and grilled over charcoal. The meat is usually marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, which gives it a unique flavour. Satay is typically served with a side of peanut sauce and some ketupat (compressed rice).
Roti Prata
Roti Prata is a popular Indian flatbread that is commonly found in Singapore. It is a flaky, crispy bread that is usually served with a side of curry. You can find Roti Prata in many hawker centres and Indian restaurants in Singapore.
Biryani
Biryani is a rice dish that is popular in South Asia and the Middle East. It is made up of fragrant rice that is cooked with meat or vegetables and a blend of spices. Biryani is usually served with a side of raita (yoghurt), and it is one of the most popular dishes in Singapore.
Halal Street Food and Hawker Centres
Exploring the Famous Geylang Serai Market
The Geylang Serai Market is one of the must-visit places for halal street food in Singapore. The market is known for its diverse range of food stalls, which offer everything from nasi lemak to satay and other traditional Malay dishes. The market is busiest during the Ramadan period when it transforms into a bustling food paradise that is packed with people.
Must-Visit Hawker Centres for Halal Food
There are many hawker centres in Singapore that offer halal food. The Adam Road Food Centre is a popular hawker centre that serves halal food. The centre is known for its Nasi Lemak and Mee Siam dishes. The Old Airport Road Food Centre is another popular spot that serves a wide range of halal food options.
Iconic Halal Street Food Stalls
Singapore is known for its iconic street food stalls, and many of them offer halal options. One of the most famous is the Haji Lane food stall, which serves delicious kebabs. Another popular street food stall is the Tiong Bahru Food Centre, which offers a range of halal dishes, including the famous Tiong Bahru Chwee Kueh (steamed rice cakes).
Conclusion
If you’re in search of the best halal food in the world, then look no further than Singapore. The city-state offers an incredible range of halal options, from fine dining to street food. Whether you’re after traditional Malay and Indonesian cuisine or modern fusion dishes, Singapore has something to offer. So pack your appetite and get ready to discover the best halal food in Singapore.
