Fusion eats in Singapore: A taste of two worlds in one dish

Singapore isn’t just a melting pot of culture, we’ve got a melting pot of flavours. We don’t just mean local classics like chilli crab and hokkien mee (stir-fried seafood noodles), we’re talking about fusing culinary techniques from different cultures into one delightfully unexpected dish. Nestled mostly in Central Singapore where boundless activities and places await, this is for the real foodies.

Feeling adventurous? Excite your taste buds at 49 Seats

It is not uncommon to find fusion dishes mixing up Tom Yum (hot and spicy Thai soup) with Western offerings — like pasta — in Singapore. But for something more exotic, try Tom Yum sauce infused with salted egg. Served with pasta or fish & chips, 49 Seats tickles the palate with this scrumptious sauce that’s a perfect balance between the rich salted egg and slightly spicy and sour Tom Yum.

Address: #01-49 The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road, Singapore 238843

Telephone: +65 6225 4332

Email: contact@49seats.com

Operating Hours:

Mon – Thurs: 11:30am to 2:30am

Fri – Sat: 11:30am to 5:00am

Sun: 11:30am to 11:00pm

Website: www.49seats.com

Look no further than Roost for all things Chicken Rice

It takes an innovative chef to turn one of Singapore’s staples into bite-sized sushi. Retaining the fragrance of the garlic-infused rice, Roost adds a Japanese touch to the Chicken Sushi with teriyaki sauce and canola oil — emulating the Japanese sticky rice texture. It’s the perfect dish for a light bite when you get tired from shopping!

Address: #B1-17/18/19 The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road, Singapore 238843

Telephone: +65 6909 0411

Operating Hours:

Mon – Sun: 11am to 9pm

Website: www.roost.sg

For a mod-Sin take on local favourites, try The Quarters

You haven’t experienced Singapore if you haven’t had satay (meat skewers). Each bite of the succulent barbecued meat with peanut sauce will make you want to double-dip. Sounds delicious? Imagine that, sandwiched between two crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside rice burgers. This brilliantly fused invention is great for those looking for a twist.

Address: #01-09 Icon Village, 16 Enggor Street, Singapore 079717 (Next to Cold Storage)

Telephone: +65 6834 4174

Operating Hours:

Mon – Fri: 8am to 10pm

Sat: 9am to 10pm

Sun: 9am to 5pm

Website: www.thequarters.sg

Have a bowl of Ramen, Singapore-style, at The Noodle Story

Nestled in a hawker centre, The Noodle Story offers their signature Singapore Style Ramen — a delightful mix of chewy Japanese noodles with steamed wanton (meat dumplings) and char siew (pork belly) that melts in your mouth! This is one Michelin Bib Gourmand listed-stall not to be missed.

Address: #01-39 Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111

Telephone: +65 9027 6289

Operating Hours:

Mon – Fri: 11:15am to 7:30pm

Sat: 10:30am to 1:30pm

Closed on Sundays

A sweet take on Peranakan specialties at Candlenut

After all the walking, beat the heat with a sinfully good bowl of Buah Keluak ice-cream from Candlenut. Infused with fresh Buah Keluak and 80 percent Valrhona chocolate, the ice cream is served on a bed of salted caramel, chocolate-coated candy pops and — you’ll never guess — chilli flakes. One moment it’s a little spicy, the next a little sweet, then you hit the candy pops and that’s a whole new treat!

Address: 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676

Telephone: 1800 304 2288 (Local calls only)

Operating Hours:

Mon – Thurs & Sun: 12:00pm to 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Fri – Sat & Eve of PH: 12:00pm to 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 10:30pm

Website: www.comodempsey.sg/restaurant/candlenut

One last rendezvous with Colonial Club

For a fusion experience before or after your flight, Changi Airport has got you covered. Colonial Club offers Singaporean favourites with a twist. Their signature Nasi Lemak (rice dish cooked in coconut milk) is served with blue pea flower rice and short ribs instead of the conventional chicken or fish. It’s even stacked like a bun-less burger!

Address: #03-33 Changi Airport Terminal 3 Building, 65 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819663

Operating Hours:

Mon – Sun: 11:00am to 10:30pm

As novel as some of these fusion foods sound, you’ll be surprised at how well these flavours blend together. There’s no better place to get the best of so many cuisines in one dish than in multicultural Singapore. So don’t hesitate to break away from the norm and give these dishes a try!