5 Foods you have to try when you reach Singapore!

By Felecia Ogunnuga, National University of Singapore, Singapore

One of the best things about living in Singapore is the endless variety of incredible food. From authentic local dishes at hawker centres to international cuisines at trendy restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every craving. As someone who loves exploring new places to eat, I’ve discovered some absolute gems during my time here. Whether you’re a fan of Italian comfort food, healthy acai bowls, or affordable canteen meals, this list has something for everyone. So, if you’re new to Singapore or just looking for some foodie inspiration, here are my favourite places to eat that you simply must try!

Amazing must try food/food spots in Singapore!

Casa Vostra Pizza

Settling into a new home in Singapore? One of the first things I recommend is treating yourself to a meal at Casa Vostra. I stumbled upon this gem after seeing it featured on a TikTok listing the top five pizza places in Singapore. As a self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur, I couldn’t resist starting my mission to find the best pizza here—and I’m so glad I did!

Casa Vostra serves some of the best pizza I’ve ever had. I’ve taken several friends there, and they all agree—it’s simply unforgettable. My personal favourite is the Pancetta e Funghi, which features house-cured pancetta, mushrooms, San Marzano tomatoes, fiordilatte, and Parmigiano. If you’re a mushroom fan, this is a must-try! At around $22, it’s definitely worth every penny.

Fair warning, though—the queues can get long (I think up to a 1-hour wait on average), and they don’t take reservations. So, don’t show up too hungry. But trust me, the wait is 100% worth it. The sides are excellent, the service is quick, and while it’s pricier compared to hawker fare, it’s still cheaper than some of the top pizza joints in the UK.

Tipo Pasta Bar

Next on the list is Tipo Pasta Bar, an absolute dream for pasta lovers. Here, you can create your own bowl by customizing everything—pasta type, sauce, meats, cheeses, and add-ons. It’s a build-your-own-pasta experience, and I can confidently say it’s the best pasta I’ve had in Singapore so far.

My go-to is the Absolute Alfredo ($18.90), which comes with Swiss brown mushrooms, smoked chicken, and parsley in a creamy Alfredo sauce. I highly recommend adding truffle paste and Parmigiano for an extra flavour boost. Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but the quality makes it well worth the splurge.

ImAcai

For something lighter (but no less satisfying), check out Imacai. It’s perfect for snacks, breakfast, lunch, or even dessert. The bowls are packed with superfoods like chia seeds, granola, and fresh fruits, making them a somewhat healthy indulgence. Customization is key here—you can pick your base, yogurt, fruits, sauce, and toppings to suit your taste.

My favourite is the Choc-oat-Late Acai Bowl, which has a chocolate base with oats, granola, acai, mango, dragon fruit, blueberries, chia seeds, and strawberries (and yes, I always add Nutella drizzle). Prices are reasonable, with a small bowl at $5, medium at $10.50, and large at $15. Pro tip: they even have a loyalty card to help ease the guilt of frequent visits!

Bulgogi Chicken and Rice

For an affordable and flavourful meal, head to NUS Frontier (the science canteen). The Bulgogi Chicken Rice Set is hands down my top pick. Before trying this, I’d never had Korean food, but now it’s one of my favourite cuisines. The dish is priced at just $5 and comes with seaweed soup and a side of kimchi—making it a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Premium Waffles

Last but definitely not least: Premium Waffles. These are found in most malls, at Kent Ridge MRT Station, and in the Subway at U-Town. These waffles are the best I’ve had in ages, with endless customisation options. Whether you’re craving something sweet like Oreo Cream Cheese or fruity jam flavours, or even something savoury like Ham and Cheese, there’s something for everyone.

My ultimate favourite is the Peanut Butter and Chocolate Waffle, which tastes just like a Reese’s cupcake! At just $2.30 for one flavour or $2.80 for two, it’s a perfect dessert or mid-day pick-me-up between classes.

Singapore has so many amazing food options, but these spots are definitely at the top of my list. Whether you’re craving pizza, pasta, or something sweet, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds here!