There is nothing more patriotic than celebrating the birthday of your nation with local dishes. A country’s spirit is united through its people when food is brought on the table. With Singapore and Malaysia celebrating their birthdays in August, and since they are right next to each other geographically, so you can expect some of the local dishes to be similar. Local delights do not have to be all about oil and cholesterol, it can be healthy too. The best way to stay healthy is to eat in moderation and not overdo it just because it’s a day of celebration.
Celebrating Singapore
On this national day, there are several local dishes that help make Singapore’s birthday special. No one is spared from the national day’s spirit in Singapore. From McDonald’s to Ya Kun Kaya Toast to Pezzo, every food outlet in Singapore is celebrating National Day by implementing some famous local dishes on their menu. What better way to start Singapore’s National Day celebrations with local food? Here are some of the local cuisine that is loved and enjoyed in Singapore.
Favourite Local Dishes in Singapore
- Chilli Crab Pasta
- Dim Sum
- Anything with Chili Crab
- Chicken Rice
- Laksa
- Kueh Pie Tee
- Kaya Toast
- Ondeh Ondeh Cake
- Carrot Cake
- Pandan Cake
Make your own Chilli Crab Pasta in less than 15 mins
Chilli Crab Pasta Recipe (2 – 3 persons)
Ingredients:
Enough pasta for 2 – 3 persons
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
Half a can of Crab Meat (or more if you like)
2 cups of water
1 pack of Chilli Crab Paste
1 tbsp Dried Basil
2 tbsp Dried Oregano
Olive Oil
Method:
- Place the pasta in a pan together with the garlic and herbs. Add 1 and a half cups of water in the pan. Add a little bit of olive oil. Cover it to let the water and pasta absorb the smell of the garlic and herbs.
- After 2 minutes, add in the crab meat and after 1 minute, add the chilli crab paste. Mix everything in the pan well.
- Keep the stove on until the pasta is cooked. Bon Appetit!
Celebrating Malaysia
In Malaysia, there are no shortages of places to eat. Eating out is not an alien concept in Malaysia. Local food is everywhere as well as fast food or western food. Fast food outlets in Malaysia also update their menu in conjunction of the National Day Celebrations. Food is commonly the way that Malaysians like to celebrate their nation’s birthday. Getting together with a group of friends and heading down to the nearest food stall or restaurant is one of the ways the spirit of being patriotic is on display in Malaysia. What better way to celebrate Merdeka than with good food and drinks? Here are some of the local delights that are famous in Malaysia.
Favourite Local Dishes in Malaysia
- Teh Tarik
- Sup Kamping
- Ayam Masak Madu
- Wok-fried prawns
- Varuval Curries
- Ayam Percik
- Satay
- Assam Pedas
- Ikan Pekasam
- Nasi Kerabu
Make your own The Tarik in less than 10 minutes
Teh Tarik Recipe (2 persons)
Ingredients:
2 ½ tbsp Tea Dust
2 cups Hot Water
4 tbsp Low fat condensed milk
Tools you need:
Big Steel Cup
Mug with a handle
Coffee Filter
Method:
- Put the powdered tea and then, add hot water in the steel cup. Cover it and leave it for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea through the coffee filter into the mug with a handle.
- Add condensed milk.
- Stir well.
If you want to do the Tarik-part, just like in food stalls:
Just hold the tea in the steel cup in one hand while holding the mug in another hand. Pour the tea from the steel cup to the mug. Keep doing this step until the tea becomes just like you get in food stalls, frothy. Remember, the higher you pull the frothier the tea will be.
To make this drink a little healthier, substitute the condensed milk with quarter cup of fresh milk and your desired sugar alternative.
Local Food Favourites of Malaysia and Singapore
The cuisine of both Malaysia and Singapore is a mix of its cultures. Since these two nations are neighbours, there are many similarities when it comes to its cuisines. Both of its people enjoy similar food and coincidentally, both of its citizens have great love and respect for their local food. After all, food is a great way to connect people and their nations. Here are some of the favourite local dishes of both Singapore and Malaysia.
- Nasi Lemak
- Cendol
- Bandung
- Anything with Durian
- Rendang
- Anything with Gula Melaka
- Chicken Rice
- Sambal Belacan
- Salted Egg Yolk
- Roti Canai
Photo Credit: BBC Good Food, Pinterest, Pixabay and Unsplash