European food that I can find in Singapore? What, is this even real life?
Singapore is a hub of cuisines from all over the world and boy, are we blessed to be able to try international cuisines, otherwise a.k.a food we see on "buzzfeed", without having to take a 16 hour flight.
Without further ado, let’s introduce you to some European cuisine that has been brought over to our home, in no particular order of preference:
Hungary
1. Chimney Cake
First, we'll start off with a popular dessert! Also known as Kürtőskalács, chimney cake is a strip of dough that is wound and stacked to look like a chimney. You may have seen this on a couple of Facebook and YouTube videos before:
The chimney cake is then rolled around in cinnamon and sugar (much like a traditional churro). It can be eaten plain, but is usually stuffed with ice cream, Nutella and other toppings.
In Singapore:
Chimney SG Scape*, 2 Orchard Link, #02-02, Singapore 237978
2. Beef Goulash
A flavourful beef dish, this goulash is different from the Beef Guinness in Ireland because it’s more of a beef soup. The soup is light, cooked with vegetables and onions, and seasoned with paprika.
Here’s a fun fact: The paprika spice was brought to Hungary when the Turks invaded them, and they have since been using it in their food. In fact, if you do a quick read up of their history, their colonial masters come from a vast variety of backgrounds, including the Turks, Mongolians and Russians. Needless to say, you can see the influence of their history in their food.
In Singapore:
The Soup Spoon
Raffles City Shopping Centre, B1 Unit 61
Jacob's Cafe #01-2049, 5 Changi Village Road, 500005
London
3. Sunday Roast
What is Sunday Roast? Wholesome roasted beef/pork/lamb (or all), that is served only on Sundays along with Yorkshire Pudding, a side of grilled vegetables and gravy of your choice. Pudding, you say? Who eats pudding with meat? Yorkshire pudding is not actually the pudding you’re thinking about, but more of a carbohydrate with a light bread-like consistency. Sunday Roast is as British as you can get.
In Singapore:
Oxwell & Co
5 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069688
Lawry's The Prime Rib
#04-01/31 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897
Scotland
4. Haggis
Haggis, essentially a blend of minced lamb and other parts of the goat such as intestines. Apparently, it was originally prepared by gutting the sheep, then mincing everything and putting it back into the stomach to be slowly cooked. Sounds kind of gross, but it is some good tasting meat.
The one I had was slightly peppery, and did not have the gaminess that usually comes along with lamb. Haggis can also be served in many methods, and I had mine served with mashed potato and turnip, along with a whiskey, peppercorn, mustard and cream sauce.
In Singapore:
Highlander Bar
3B River Valley Road, Singapore 179021
Ireland
5. Beef Guinness Stew
If you did not already know, Guinness is an Irish stout which originated there in 1759. Every restaurant carried Guinness, and trust me when I say that the Irish are really proud of it. What other way to show your pride than to put it into your cooking?
The beef Guinness stew is thick; much darker and stronger just like the stout that was added to it. Tastes good at the few mouthfuls, but it gets slightly salty after many mouthfuls. I gave it another shot at another restaurant and it had the same salty aftertaste. Regardless, this is a good food item to check out!
In Singapore:
Molly Malone's Irish Pub
56 Circular Road, Singapore 049411
So here you go, some European foods that you can also find in Singapore. Obviously, this list is non-exhaustive. Let us know what you think, and what else we can add on to it. Till next time!
- Ian
Comments