Eating is a national pastime – and it has strong government support.
Singaporeans are very passionate about their food. So passionate that it has become a point of contention with Malaysians over the origin of their food. Did rojak, cendol, nasi lemak, bak kut teh, etc, originate in Singapore or Malaysia? The point is Singapore and Malaysia have a shared history up to 1965 when Singapore became independent. Hence, there has been a lot of shared cultural heritage including when it comes to food.
Pick a ny Singaporea n food – most would pick Hokkien mee, chili cra bs, Fish Head Curry, Bak Kut Teh, Char Kway Teow, Singaporean Kopi + Kaya Toast – these are popular Singaporean food – and surprise, you can find exactly the same food in Malaysia – at a much cheaper price (owing to the stronger Sing currency), and much tastier too (99% of Malaysians will tell you).
It is also reliably known that many of the F & B service staff in Singapore – including cooks and chefs come from Malaysia – perhaps something to ponder upon when it comes to food origins.
That aside, food tastes are so subjective. If you are from any country other than Malaysia, you would be inclined to think Singapore has the best and most diverse Asian food variety in the world.
