Welcome to Liang Seah Street, a vibrant culinary hotspot nestled in the heart of Singapore’s Bugis district. Known for its dazzling array of steamboat restaurants and late-night eateries, this street offers an authentic taste of the city’s diverse food culture. For any tourist looking to dive headfirst into Singapore’s gastronomic scene, a trip here is non-negotiable.
This guide is your passport to the best culinary experiences Liang Seah Street has to offer. We’ll walk you through 12 must-try dishes and the iconic establishments that serve them. From sizzling hot pots to sweet, icy desserts, you’ll discover why this street is a beloved destination for locals and a hidden gem for travelers. Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you with unforgettable memories of Singaporean cuisine.
Savor the Best of Liang Seah Street
Liang Seah Street is more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience. The air is thick with the tantalizing aromas of bubbling broths, grilled meats, and sweet desserts. Neon signs illuminate the bustling crowds, creating an electric atmosphere that’s uniquely Singaporean. Let’s explore the dishes that make this street a food lover’s paradise.
1. Classic Chicken Hot Pot at Chong Qing Grilled Fish
While the name might suggest focusing on fish, Chong Qing Grilled Fish is also famous for its incredible Chicken Hot Pot. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a communal dining experience perfect for sharing with friends and family.
A large pot of rich, simmering chicken broth is placed at the center of your table. You then add an assortment of fresh ingredients, including tender chicken pieces, crisp vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and various types of noodles. The broth, a secret recipe that has been perfected over years, is the star of the show. It’s deeply flavorful, with hints of ginger, garlic, and other aromatic spices that infuse every ingredient with a delicious taste.
The interactive nature of hot pot is part of its charm. You control the cooking process, adding items as you go and enjoying them piping hot. It’s a fantastic way to sample a wide variety of flavors in one sitting. Pair it with their signature dipping sauces to elevate the experience even further.
2. Mala Grilled Fish at Chong Qing Grilled Fish
For those who crave a fiery kick, the Mala Grilled Fish at Chong Qing Grilled Fish is an absolute must. “Mala” refers to the signature Sichuan flavor profile that is both spicy (là) and numbing (má), thanks to a combination of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns.
A whole fish, typically sea bass or grouper, is grilled to perfection until the skin is crispy and the flesh is tender. It’s then submerged in a bubbling broth brimming with dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and a medley of other spices. The dish is often loaded with additional ingredients like lotus root, potatoes, bean sprouts, and glass noodles, which soak up the intensely flavorful broth.
The experience is a multi-sensory one. The first bite delivers a powerful wave of heat, followed by the unique, tingling numbness that defines mala cuisine. It’s a bold and addictive flavor that has taken Singapore by storm, and Chong Qing Grilled Fish serves one of the most authentic versions you can find.
3. Ah Chew’s Signature Mango Sago with Pomelo
After indulging in the savory and spicy, you’ll need something to cool your palate. Head over to Ah Chew Desserts, an institution on Liang Seah Street, for their famous Mango Sago with Pomelo. This classic Hong Kong-style dessert is a refreshing and satisfying treat.
The dessert features a creamy, chilled mango purée base mixed with chewy sago pearls. It’s topped with chunks of sweet, ripe mango and juicy pomelo sacs that provide a delightful burst of citrusy bitterness. The combination of sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors creates a perfectly balanced dessert that is light yet indulgent.
Ah Chew Desserts is often packed, especially late at night, with patrons seeking a sweet end to their meal. The Mango Sago with Pomelo is their best-seller for a reason. It’s the perfect antidote to Singapore’s humid weather and a delicious way to cap off a flavorful feast.
4. Durian Sago at Ah Chew Desserts
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can’t leave Singapore without trying durian, the “King of Fruits.” Ah Chew Desserts offers a fantastic introduction with its Durian Sago. This dessert is a dream come true for durian lovers and a surprisingly pleasant experience for first-timers.
The base is similar to the mango sago, with a creamy blend of coconut milk and sago pearls. The highlight, however, is the generous dollop of pure, rich durian pulp on top. Ah Chew uses high-quality durian varieties, ensuring a creamy, custardy texture and a complex flavor that is both sweet and slightly savory.
The strong, pungent aroma of durian is unmistakable, but when combined with the cool, sweet sago, the flavor becomes more nuanced and less overwhelming. It’s a decadent and uniquely Southeast Asian dessert that offers an unforgettable taste of local culture.
5. Steamed Milk Egg with Red Bean at Ah Chew Desserts
For a more traditional and comforting dessert, try the Steamed Milk Egg with Red Bean. This dessert is a testament to the simple elegance of traditional Chinese sweets. It has a silky, custard-like texture that is incredibly smooth and delicate.
The base is made from steamed egg and milk, creating a light, wobbly pudding that melts in your mouth. It’s subtly sweet, allowing the natural flavors of the milk and egg to shine. A spoonful of sweet, earthy red bean paste is added on top, providing a lovely contrast in texture and flavor. This dessert is served warm, making it a soothing and heartwarming treat, especially on a cooler evening.
6. Golden Fried Rice at King of Fried Rice
Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. King of Fried Rice has elevated the humble fried rice to an art form. Their Golden Fried Rice is a masterclass in achieving “wok hei,” the elusive, smoky aroma that comes from cooking in a seasoned wok over incredibly high heat.
The rice is tossed with egg, creating a beautiful golden hue. You can choose from various toppings, but the classic pork chop or shrimp versions are highly recommended. The pork chop is marinated and fried until it’s tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. The shrimp are plump and juicy, adding a sweet, oceanic flavor. Each grain of rice is perfectly cooked and infused with the smoky essence of the wok, making it a simple yet profoundly delicious meal.
7. Black Pepper Beef Skewers at Liu Da Ma BBQ
Liang Seah Street truly comes alive at night, and the aroma of grilled meats from the various BBQ stalls is irresistible. Liu Da Ma BBQ is a popular spot for skewers, and their Black Pepper Beef Skewers are a standout.
Tender cubes of beef are marinated in a robust black pepper sauce and then threaded onto skewers. They are grilled over charcoal, which imparts a wonderful smoky flavor. The result is juicy, flavorful beef with a peppery kick that isn’t overpowering. It’s the perfect street food snack to enjoy while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the street. You can also order a variety of other skewers, including chicken, lamb, and assorted vegetables, to create your own custom BBQ platter.
8. Grilled Oysters with Garlic at An La Ghien
For seafood lovers, An La Ghien offers a taste of Vietnamese-style barbecue. Their Grilled Oysters with Garlic are a must-try. Fresh, plump oysters are shucked and then grilled on the half shell. They are topped with a generous amount of minced garlic, scallions, and a savory sauce.
The grilling process cooks the oysters just enough to warm them through while retaining their natural briny flavor. The garlic becomes fragrant and slightly sweet, complementing the saltiness of the oyster perfectly. A squeeze of lime at the end adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that highlights the freshness of the seafood.
9. Salt-Baked Crabs at The Famous Kitchen
While it requires a short walk from the main stretch, The Famous Kitchen is worth the detour for its incredible Salt-Baked Crabs. This dish is a true celebration of crab, prepared in a way that enhances its natural sweetness.
Large, meaty crabs are encased in a thick crust of salt and then baked. This method of cooking steams the crab in its own juices, resulting in incredibly moist and tender meat. The salt crust seasons the crab perfectly without making it overly salty. Cracking open the shell to reveal the succulent, sweet flesh is a satisfying experience. It’s a messy, hands-on meal that is best enjoyed with a group.
10. Crystal Hor Fun with Clams at The Famous Kitchen
Another standout dish at The Famous Kitchen is the Crystal Hor Fun with Clams. Hor fun are wide, flat rice noodles, and this version is unique for its translucent, almost jelly-like texture.
The noodles are stir-fried with fresh clams in a savory, garlicky sauce. The clams release their sweet, briny juices during cooking, creating a light yet flavorful broth that coats the noodles. The dish is often garnished with fresh herbs and a hint of chili, adding layers of flavor. The slippery, smooth texture of the noodles combined with the chewy clams makes for a delightful and comforting meal.
11. Korean Fried Chicken at Chicken Up
Korean fried chicken has a massive following in Singapore, and Chicken Up is one of the best places to get your fix. They offer a variety of flavors, but their Ganjang (soy garlic) and Yangnyum (sweet and spicy) are the most popular.
The chicken is double-fried, which results in an incredibly crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender. The Ganjang wings are coated in a savory, garlicky soy glaze that is utterly addictive. The Yangnyum wings are tossed in a sweet and spicy gochujang-based sauce that provides a perfect balance of flavors. Served with a side of pickled radish to cleanse the palate, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
12. Bingsu at Nunsaram Korean Dessert Cafe
To round off your culinary tour, head to Nunsaram for a bowl of Bingsu, a popular Korean shaved ice dessert. Unlike traditional shaved ice, Bingsu is made from frozen milk, which is shaved into fine, fluffy, snow-like flakes that melt in your mouth.
Nunsaram offers a wide range of toppings, but the Injeolmi Bingsu is a traditional favorite. It’s topped with chewy rice cakes (injeolmi), roasted soybean powder, and sliced almonds. The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of the soybean powder pairs beautifully with the creamy milk ice. Other popular options include the Mango Bingsu and the Oreo Bingsu. It’s a refreshing, visually appealing, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
Your Culinary Adventure Awaits
Liang Seah Street is a microcosm of Singapore’s dynamic food scene, offering an incredible variety of flavors in one convenient location. From the fiery heat of Sichuan cuisine to the comforting sweetness of traditional desserts, there is something here to delight every palate. This street is not just about food; it’s about the experience of sharing a meal, exploring new tastes, and immersing yourself in the local culture.
So, the next time you find yourself in Singapore, make sure to set aside an evening to explore this culinary haven. Use this guide as your starting point, but don’t be afraid to wander and discover your own favorites. Happy eating!
