We have been around the globe and uncovered some pretty weird and creative snacks from all around the world. So, what about our very own country? Singapore is known to be a foodie paradise which is why there is no lack of good snacks too! These 10 snacks are long known to be tasty and locals still devour them regularly. Tourists should definitely try them if they are in Singapore as they are not found elsewhere:
Source: Jackytanbp
1. Tutu Kueh
Tutu kueh is a true local delight because they contain local flavours that we love such as peanut or coconut fillings. The coconut fillings are roasted with gula melaka to give it the sweet and fragrant taste, while the peanut fillings are grated every day to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Where to get them: Tan's Tu Tu Coconut Cake
2. Ang Ku Kueh / Nonya Kueh
Source: Gunawan Kartapranata
Locals do love our peranakan food and also the colourful snacks. It's terribly difficult to find a good piece of ang ku kueh, also called red tortoise cake. They are shaped like tortoise and with a layer of glutinuous rice skin to encase the peanut, mung or red bean filling. Usually the Chinese have them for longevity and prosperity, particularly during baby's first month, birthdays, and also as ritual offerings. The factory made ones have tougher skin and the fillings do not taste so fresh and tasty. The modern ones even have interesting flavours like yam and durian, and the skin just melts in your mouth!
Where to get them: Ji Xiang confectionary
Source: Andrea Nguyen
3. Pandan Cake
Pandan cake made the news because some celebrities love to buy them in bulk and ship them home. CNN even list it as one of their favourite cakes in the world! No surprise due to the light, fluffy texture with a fragrant aroma from pandan leaves that are sure to delight both children and adults! Most local bakeries have them but they don't taste so moist, yet they are more pocket-friendly at $4 to $5. Bengawan Solo's version is the most famous and also thrice the normal price at $15. It is moist and delectable but try them and find out if they are worth the high price!
Where to get them: Bengawan Solo
4. Goreng Pisang (Fried banana fritters)
The stalls that sell goreng pisang are usually found in hawker centres and they also sell other fried snacks like deep fried sesame balls. Usually you will find lots of dangling bananas at the stall and most of the skin are blackish as they want them to be ripe but not too ripe before frying them. The best goreng pisang are crispy and do not taste oily, and without a hard, overbearing crust.
Where to get them: Geylang Lor 20 Banana Fritters
Source: Alpha
5. Curry Puff
From potato, to sardine, nonya, durian, rendang and even nasi lemak, curry puffs come in all sorts of explosive flavours. The flaky, buttery pastry on its outside is a good match to the savoury inner fillings and make for a good quick tasty snack. Do take note that they are quite filling with eggs and potatoes in a traditional curry puff and you might be too full to eat anything right after!
Where to get them: Old Chang Kee
Source: Sjschen
6. Popiah
Hand rolled popiah is different from the fried ones as they are made on-the-spot for you. The thin popiah skins mostly come from our very own Popiah King, who manufactures the most popiah skins in the world. The fillings are pretty unique, with turnips, lettuce, bean sprouts, eggs and peanuts added onto the popiah skins before you roll them up. Many families like to have a popiah feast at home, with everyone rolling them up to a feast!
Where to get them: Kim Keat Palm Market & Food Centre
7. Satay
In 2011, CNN listed satay as one of the world's 50 best foods and locals will agree wholeheartedly. Meat is prepared on a satay stick like skewers before being barbecued to a nice, charred taste, nothing can beat that when you top it with sweet and savoury peanut sauce. It's truly a class of it's own!
Where to get them: Haron Satay
Source: Sasha Farina
8. BBQ Chicken wings
Never bring your first date to eat chicken wings! It's a messy affairs and you will spoil your image when you lick your fingers. However, a true blue heartlander will love a good plate of wings barbecued into crispy skin and yet, retain its succulent meat and texture! Don't forget the chilli dip that is also slightly sourish to increase the acidity and shiok factor, down them with a glass of sugar cane and all is well!
Where to get them: Chong Pang Huat BBQ Chicken Wings
9. Mi Jiang Kueh (Chinese Pancake)
We love everything that has peanuts and this pancake is also a hot favourite! Cooked as a large and thick pancake and sandwiched in between is red bean, coconut or peanut fillings, they are a mess to eat but very fulfilling indeed! They are the best when eaten on the spot as they taste chewy, flavourful and piping hot!
Where to get them: Tanglin Halt Original Peanut Pancake
Source: Glass and Mirror
10. Otah
Handmade food are still the best and you can taste the difference in quality in otah, which is grilled fish cake mixed with starch and spices and wrapped in banana leaves. Commonly found in Nasi Lemak, the spiciness should not be too overwhelming and best is if you can taste the lemongrass and enjoy the fine fish texture!
Where to get them: Lee Wee & Bro
After trying all these, only then you can say you have tried Singapore snacks!
