Local Fare

I am certainly a Singaporean at heart. Nah, I am not referring to the less desirable characteristics which are often associated with Singaporeans but more of Singaporeans' hobbies. I am both as much a gastronomic as a shopping fan - both leisure activities which are ranked among the highest in the popularity list of Singaporeans. Food is the favourite past-time of many Singaporeans. Singaporeans' taste are also wide-ranged from our round-the-corner Char Kway Teow in hawker centres to the fine dining by Cordon Bleu / Michelin certified restaurants.


I am too a foodie at heart. However, being a lady, I am also very aware of the side-effects of having too many good things at a time. To prevent my calories piling and tipping the weighing scale, everything has to be taken in moderation. Singaporeans, being highly knowledgeable of the 'hazards' associated with some of our most loved food, will have to refrain from indulging in our 'food spree' too often.


Let me not digress to much from the 'star' of the day. One of my favourite food indulgences is that of barbecued seafood which can be found in almost all hawker centres. The sizzling of the onions and balachan on the stingray placed strategically on top of the banana leaf in the hot plate will whet your appetite and send anticipation to your stomach. The smooth and sweet taste of the stingray is enhanced by the spiciness of the balachan and dried shrimps. The sweetness of the fish, the onions and shallots will also aid in neutralising some of the spiciness. For those who opt for a more balanced meal, the stir-fried kailan, spicy kang kong or spicy sweet potato leaves are equally mouth-watering.



Both are excellent dishes to go with rice. Before you know it, you would already have gulped down a large bowl of rice. For those of us who may be blessed with a very high tolerance of spiciness, the scorching spiciness lingering in our mouth, the sweat and sometimes runny nose from the high spicy level may not put us off. In fact, we feel more 'shiok' from the entire experience. Moreover, spiciness is an acquired taste. The more you eat, the more addicted you are and the better will be your tolerance level.


Don't salivate yet, dinner is still a few more hours away.