Living in Singapore: Food, culture and everyday life

By Luna Tejada, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Living in Singapore feels like being at the crossroads of the world, a place where cultures blend seamlessly, and every street corner has something new to offer.

One of the biggest highlights of everyday life here is, without a doubt, the food. Singapore is a food-lover’s paradise, and I quickly developed a routine of visiting different hawker centres. These open-air food courts are everywhere, and you can get delicious meals for just a few dollars. From laksa to satay to roti prata, every meal was a chance to try something new. The diversity in cuisine mirrors the cultural mix in the country: Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences all coexist beautifully.

My daily routine usually started with a quick breakfast — often kaya toast and kopi (a very strong local coffee) — before heading to seminars. The weather stays hot and humid year-round, so I always carried water, sunscreen, and an umbrella (for surprise downpours). At first, the climate was a challenge, but I grew to appreciate how it shaped the relaxed but efficient pace of life.

Singapore is extremely safe, clean, and efficient. Public transport, especially the MRT, is affordable, reliable, and makes it easy to explore the entire island. Even late at night, I always felt safe getting around.

In between classes, I would sometimes head to nearby parks or malls. Singapore is full of green spaces, the Botanic Gardens and MacRitchie Reservoir were my favourites when I needed a break from campus. On weekends, my friends and I would venture out to areas like Little India, Chinatown, or East Coast Park for a mix of sightseeing, food-hopping, and just soaking in the city’s character.

The cultural festivals were also a big part of my time here. I experienced Chinese New Year and Deepavali each one bringing vibrant decorations, special foods, and a sense of community celebration. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the diversity and respect that underpins Singaporean society.

Everyday life here taught me the beauty of living in a multicultural, fast-paced, yet highly livable city. Singapore became more than a host country, it started to feel like home.