Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Moving to Singapore
There are the colourful and chaotic aspects of Singapore that attract many Europeans to the island. For many Europeans, the first few weeks in Singapore can be an adjustment period in terms of food. The Singaporean breakfast is quite different, and the Singaporean food is spicy, bold, and problematic. The surprise and the appreciation can be quite memorable.
Moving to Singapore is different due to the sunshine, the new opportunities, and the expected career growth. However, even before an expat prepares the work permit, a change in the expectation of one’s taste buds is absolutely necessary.
One of the many things to keep in mind when moving to a new country is to ensure that practical essentials like long-stay travel insurance are in place. It covers problems that can arise, like a food allergy or a stomach bug, during the first hawker adventure. It allows one to focus on local life.
Hawker Centres: The Culinary Maze
Hawker centres are the first food stop for most newcomers.
Picture a maze where you can smell the sizzling woks and spicy food while watching the best stalls, which have long lines. It almost feels like a party – a fun party. In Singapore, food is a mixture of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western cuisines. It is a blend that creates amazing diversity in the Singapore dining experience.
You can have chicken rice, laksa, and roti prata for a meal, and you will be fully satisfied. It is also social. In Europe, you have coffee alone in a café; here, you can have a coffee with a stranger and talk to them or share a meal with them at a table.
Moving from Bread and Cheese to Rice and Noodles
For Europe, breakfast is simple and sweet. In Singapore, breakfast can be anything from kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs to nasi lemak. Lunch and Dinner also have rice or noodles in some way, and sometimes you will have both.
Most expats find comfort in the simplicity and variety. A plate of char kway teow or a bowl of wanton mee makes a lovely meal, the same way as a plate of brie and a baguette.
The Spice and Heat Factor
European travelers are often taken aback by the heat. And no, it’s not only the climate. Singapore’s food culture includes a generous amount of chili, and the sambals, curries, and peppery soups may surprise even the most daring eater.
This is how most people adjust to the heat:
- Begin with milder food and slowly increase the spice.
- Drink something, like iced barley or lime juice, which is a better aid than water.
- Accept the challenge, as your heat tolerance will increase more than you expect.
After a few weeks, most Europeans will admit that eating a meal without the heat is unimaginable.
Eating Habits and Social Traditions
In Europe, meals can be quiet and private. You might be surprised by the level of noise and commotion in Singapore; eating is a communal activity. People share the same tables, and different food is meant for the group.
This idea may seem unusual; however, it can quickly become one of the best aspects of your new life. Be ready to share, taste, and enjoy the laughter.
Tasting a Little Bit of Home
Everybody misses a taste of home every once in a while. Luckily, most of Europe’s cuisine is imported into Singapore’s supermarkets and specialty stores, such as French cheeses, Italian Pastas, and German breads.
Sourdough and wine are also frequent topics in most expat communities. It is not uncommon to see fusion cooking nights that focus on dishes and flavors with European influences and blended Singaporean spices. Examples include sambal carbonara and Asian spicy Paella.
Appreciation Grows Over Time
In time, things that felt strange became a part of everyday life. The variety of smells, sounds, and dishes in hawker centers becomes comforting. For many, hawker center food is a replacement for dishes like lasagna.
This is the most beautiful thing about cultural exchange. You are, at first, surprised, and then, changed in a graceful way. It is said that food is a way of embracing people, and in Singapore, people and food are abundant.
With a prudent and adventurous spirit, adapting to Singapore’s food culture can be a delightful part of the journey.
And if you love your home cooking, lots of recipes on this site to whet your appetite! Just head on over to the Recipes Page for ideas. You’ll be spoilt for choice!
Lin xx