Reflecting on the past year, Singapore’s discerning dining scene proved more vibrant than ever, marked by fervent exploration, supporting local entrepreneurs, and discovering hidden culinary gems. From beloved hawker classics to innovative modern Singaporean cuisine, the pursuit of exceptional flavour led our team across the island. After countless bowls of noodles, flaky pastries, and new restaurant experiences, five standout dishes ultimately captivated our editors and writers, securing their place as the most memorable plates of the year. Here is where to find these essential eats across Singapore.
The Most Unforgettable Bites of the Year
The shortlist showcases the city-state’s diverse gastronomic landscape, celebrating both masterful heritage recipes and inventive new concepts.
1. Fennel and Sage Sausage Roll at Wheathead
Despite its unconventional location, non-existent seating, high price points, and lack of standard coffee service, Wheathead has cemented itself as a powerhouse among Singapore’s bakeries. While their banana cream pie garners significant praise, it is the savoury Fennel and Sage Sausage Roll that truly steals the show.
Cheryl Sekkappan, Editor for Singapore and Asia, describes the experience: “This dish was a complete surprise. I expected a standard sausage roll, but the filling was incredibly juicy and aromatic with fresh herbs, encased in the most perfectly buttery, flaky crust imaginable. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, the size is substantial, and the quality makes it worth every cent. It’s the pastry I seek out every time I visit.”
2. Signature Mee Pok (with Prawn Paste) from Fan Ji Speciality Noodle
Even two years after its original discovery, the standard set by Fan Ji’s bak chor mee remains unmatched. Tucked away in a Clementi residential estate, this humble kopitiam stall is now run by a younger chef who apprenticed under the original owner. The core appeal of their mee pok (available from $7) lies in its unusually dense, chewy noodles and the precisely calibrated sauce blend.
Senior Food & Drink Writer Adira Chow notes the dedication required for a taste: “The queue often averages an hour, deep within Clementi, but this is genuinely the best bak chor mee I have ever encountered. The noodles are firm and bouncy, the seasoning delivers a punch, and the addition of a sweet cabbage soup and house-made prawn paste elevates the entire experience, justifying the long wait and journey.”
3. Clam Custard at Belimbing
Opened above The Coconut Club on Beach Road, Belimbing is challenging palates with its ‘new-gen’ Singaporean cuisine. The kitchen avoids typical local dish upgrades, instead focusing on unexpected combinations, obscure ingredients, and profound creativity. Among the notable dishes—including fragrant nasi ulam and firefly squid—the Clam Custard stands out.
Nicole-Marie Ng, Regional Content Director, APAC, was so impressed she ordered the dish twice: “The clam custard is phenomenal: silky egg custard matched with tangy assam pedas and a white pepper sauce that ties it all together perfectly. Belimbing, which champions local ingredients presented by a young, talented team at reasonable prices, is my clear favourite new restaurant opening of the year.”
4. Lamb Shawarma from Damascus Delights
Located conveniently near Tampines MRT Station, Damascus Delights offers a taste of authentic Levantine street food. Run by Abdulhadi Al Saadi, a Syrian chef who eventually settled in Singapore after fleeing civil conflict, the takeaway kiosk specializes in shawarma, falafel, and hummus. Our editors highlight the tender Lamb Shawarma ($10.50).
Branded Content Editor Cam Khalid discovered the stall via social media: “As Singapore’s first Syrian food stall, I had to investigate. Chef Hadi’s lamb shawarma is beautifully marinated—succulent and entirely devoid of any gamey taste. The chilli sauce perfectly hits that spicy, tangy, and sweet trifecta, complemented by beautifully smooth tahini.”
5. Yellow Crab Curry at Jungle
Jungle, found among the late-night venues on Ann Siang Hill, offers refined Thai cuisine in a vibrant setting. With a concise, no-fuss menu, the focus is squarely on execution. Their signature Yellow Crab Curry ($32) remains a menu mainstay, offering deep flavour and satisfying heat.
Campaign Manager Farah Adilah calls Jungle one of her favourite restaurants in the city: “The setting is lovely, and the Thai food is refined. While choosing a single standout dish is difficult, this crab curry likely tops the list. The spice level is manageable yet deeply satisfying, and a small portion goes far, especially drizzled generously over steaming white rice.”
These five dishes encapsulate the depth and quality of Singapore’s dining landscape, demonstrating that excellent food can be found everywhere, from a simple kopitiam stall to the newest high-concept restaurant. Food lovers are encouraged to seek out these definitive tastes of the year.