Most Malaysians will not think twice about telling you how food in general gets worse as you travel downward from Penang, with the pinnacle of 'badness' ending at the utmost south of the peninsular, across the Causeway link – Singapore.
Now here's where my mission begins – to prove it a myth that Singapore do not serve cuisine and traditional Asian favourites as fantastic as the ones you find up north across Malaysia.
Ah, before you scream out "it's impossible", "forget it" and "don't waste your time", I'm gonna say that I'm liking what I've tried in the past weeks, and here are 3 reasons (with more to be discovered as I continuously unearth the Singaporean gems in the coming months, or possibly years) as to why you won't be overly disappointed by what is served at stalls and restaurants when you drop by for a visit.
#1: Franchise Quality.
You'll find many top international restaurant chains within the city, namely Crystal Jade Kitchen, at Suntec City Mall. And you can be sure they serve the same yummy stuff like they do in not just Malaysia, but Thailand, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, Japan, Vietnam and South Korea as well.
But the currency exchange could be a deterring factor from over-indulgence. Well, unless you earn Singapore dollars, or carry stronger currencies.
#2: Consistent Quality.
Every country will have their own specialities and favourites. When in Singapore, you do not expect the same dishes you enjoy daily in Malaysia to taste the same.
This is especially true when it comes to 'Nasi Lemak', 'Char Siew' (Barbeque Pork Strips), 'Wan Ton Mee', 'Pork Noodles' etc.
However, if you're ready for a little adventure, you can try the ever popular Caramalised Fried Carrot Cake that tastes consistently great in foodcourts across all Singaporean townships.
Most Teochew dishes like the seafood soup rice/porridge are also worth a shot, every time.
#3: Recommended Quality.
It can't be more true with the saying "When abroad, do as the locals do." Especially when you have 'local' Malaysian friends who can bring you around for an excellent meal or two.
This way, you cut down on the trial and error time, and the restaurants that you go to are 'filtered' - in quality and in price.
Thanks to my 'local' guide Adeline, my introduction to Singapore seafood dinner, which is somewhat very popular here, was at Lee Hup Lee BBQ, Changi Village.
The Sweet & Sour Crab presented a touch of nostalgia, like dinner experiences with my parents in the 70s, back in Malaysia.
3 families of 3 kids each were served a variety of authentic seafood dishes, for only S$197. This is truly reasonable by any standards.
And, I won't be surprised at all if the recipe and cooking style, relocated at some point of time not too long ago – from up north of the peninsular.
