A Foodie’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving in Singapore

By Jiaqian Ji Ye, National University of Singapore, Singapore

If there’s one thing Singapore does better than anything else, it’s food. Forget the bland student meals—at NUS, your daily choices range from mouth-watering Hainanese chicken rice to spicy nasi lemak, and don’t get me started on the bubble tea addiction.

Dining in Singapore becomes a cultural experience in its own right. The hawker centres, offering delectable local cuisine at affordable costs for students, swiftly became my second home. The renowned Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown and the Adam Road Food Centre near the campus were my preferred locations. Each meal, whether char kway teow (stir-fried noodles) or kaya toast accompanied by kopi (local coffee), was an exploration.

Beyond traditional dishes, Singapore is also a paradise for international food lovers. Craving sushi? There’s a Japanese izakaya around the corner. Need a burger fix? American diners are scattered across the city. The best part is that food is affordable, making it possible to indulge in different cuisines without breaking the bank.

The campus features a variety of canteens and cafés that accommodate diverse preferences. My preferred establishment was The Deck, where one could procure an authentic local lunch for perhaps a few bucks. During late-night study sessions, establishments such as Swee Choon Dim Sum sustained me with their comfortable cuisine.

Food in Singapore is more than just sustenance—it’s a way of life. And if you’re planning to study at NUS, be prepared to embark on a gastronomic journey that will forever change your definition of good food.