YourSingapore.com - Rojak

YourSingapore.com - Rojak

One rojak variation is adapted from Malay and Chinese cuisines, which is a veritable toss of beansprouts, greens, tau pok (or deep-fried soybean cake), yu tiao (a crispy long strip of fried flour) pineapple, cucumber, and a generous sprinkle of finely chopped roasted peanuts well-tossed (which gives it ample texture and a lovely crunchy bite) with a spicy fermented prawn paste sauce.

The other is the Indian version, which is also tossed in peanut sauce, although this version has an added red flavouring and colour for that tinge of spiciness. The Indian rojak can be personalised to one’s specific tastebuds as most stall vendors allow their patrons to choose the ingredients that they want – which includes baked potatoes, steamed fishcakes, prawn fritters, octopus, a mix of fried greens and many more.

Yet again, this is a popular dish in Singapore, so finding a rojak stall near you won’t be too much of a hassle. While the best rojak stalls are found outside the city (like in neighbourhoods like Bukit Merah and Katong) there are still reasonably good places within the CBD or in the Orchard Road area where you can find them. The Food Republic food courts in Wisma Atria and 313@Somerset are easy enough to find; but also do check out Straits Kitchen at the Hyatt Regency hotel along Scotts Road for a sampling of this true-blue Singapore dish in a stylish, sleek setting.

Singapore's Sensous Signature

There are two versions of this classic; the Malay (original) version has a straightforward offering of ikan bilis (fried anchovies) and nuts, fried fish, cucumber and sometimes an egg; whereas the Chinese version, like Chong Pang Nasi Lemak and the Changi Village Nasi Lemak (take the Bus No.2 to the Changi Village market to sample this unforgettable version) have a whole bunch of things like deep fried drumstick, chicken franks, fish cake, curried vegetables and luncheon meat (Asian Spam) in it.
Like the chicken rice, the accompanying chilli condiment can make all the difference; sometimes the chilli and plain lemak rice is enough for a satisfying meal.
Nasi lemak is always enjoyable whether at breakfast or any other time of day, and some stalls still retain the tradition of wrapping the rice in a banana leaf to enhance its flavour. It is commonly found at food centres in Singapore, with the more famous nasi lemak stalls being the ones at the Adam Road Food Centre.

The most famous laksa lemak recipe can be found in an area in Singapore called Katong, where the noodles are cut up such that that they can be slurped directly from a soup spoon, without the need for chopsticks. Princess Terrace Café also boasts a mean laksa that packs a punch, so while you’re in Singapore, don’t forget make a visit to sample this ever-popular dish.

Thailand: Halal Food Options

Thailand is popular with visitors from nearby Muslim countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia as well as countries from the Middle East. Although Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country there is a significant Muslim population particularly in the southern region and places such as Krabi and Phuket.

Even in Bangkok you will find halal food and Muslim restaurants along Silom Road and a wider selection on Sukhumvit Soi 3 (also known as Nana Nua). In shopping malls such as MBK you will find food courts that will have a halal vendor, usually they would be Indian restaurants and its worthwhile asking as not all places will have a halal certificate. This does mean you are reliant on verbal assurances.

Some of the KFC branches in Bangkok claim to be halal. Even near the prestige hotels such as the Shangri La, you will find a halal restaurant such as Little India which is near the small mosque in the vicinity of the hotel.

In Krabi and Phuket halal food is plentiful. In Phuket itself you will have a wider choice of restaurants in Patong and Phuket town. Note that in Phuket the KFC will carry a Halal certificate. Again most halal restaurants in Patong tend to be Indian restaurants near the vicinity of the Jungceylon mall. In Karon beach you will find several Kashmiri restaurants, but again more often that not you are reliant on verbal assurances.