8 dishes Singaporeans should avoid to get out of their comfort zones

How much of a real foodie are you?

Jonathan Lim| August 04, 05:03 PM

Singapore is a food paradise and many of us are proud of this fact.

But how adventurous are we, really?

If you have ordered at least 5 of the listed dishes the last time you went to these types of restaurants, you are not really an adventurous foodie and should adjust your comfort zone:

 

1. Korean - Bulgogi or other grilled meats

It's pretty hard to order anything else when it comes to perfectly grilled and charred meats. You'll be forgiven if you actually mop up the various Korean side dishes (called Banchan) like Kimchi (preserved cabbage) or Kangnamul Muchim (bean sprouts).

Other unadventurous dishes we are guilty of falling back on: Tteokbokki (spicy Korean rice cakes) or Samgyetang (Ginseng chicken soup)

For the adventurous types: Gaebul (live Spoon Worms), Sannakji (live Octopus), or Sundae (no not the ice cream, but boiled intestine sausages)

Now that's a food adventure worth Instagramming.

 

2. Italian - Carbonara

Laden with cream and bacon, many people love the Carbonara we commonly find in restaurant chains in Singapore.

Except you'll rarely find this version of the dish served in proper Italian restaurants elsewhere.

Authentic Carbonara has no cream in it. It uses raw egg yolks and pecorino romano cheese for the sauce, and uses pancetta bacon (not the regular danish back bacon commonly used in Singapore).

Other unadventurous dishes we are guilty of falling back on: Pizza (at least attempt to try those handmade ones cooked in a wood-fired oven) or Crabmeat Linguine

For the adventurous types: Cacio e Pepe (Spaghetti with just cheese, butter, pepper), Salumi board with Stracchino (a platter of cured hams with a soft cheese dip), or Parmesan Cheese with Balsamic Vinegar

You must be pretty adventurous to pay for something with such basic ingredients.

 

3. German - All sorts of wurts

Smokey goodness and full of flavour, it is no wonder we love all manner of wursts - Bratwurst, Rohwurst, Kochwurst.

Other unadventurous dishes we are guilty of falling back on: Schnitzel (boneless pieces of breaded meat), German beers especially the Weissbier (white beers), or Schweinshaxe (Pork knuckle)

For the adventurous types: Dunkel Bier (dark beers) or Weizenbier (wheat beers), Rostbrätel (pork neck), or Black pudding (sausage made of cooked blood)

No, this is not Blackforest cake.

 

4. Indian - Curry

Whether we're in a north or south Indian restaurant, we'll definitely try to order some sort of curry just to make sure we have something to fill our stomachs.

Other unadventurous dishes we are guilty of falling back on: Tandoori Chicken, Naan, or Briyani

For the adventurous types: Idli (steamed batter consisting of ground rice and lentils, looks a little like Kueh Tutu), Gulab Jamun (small balls of dried milk cooked in sugar syrup), or Gaaja Halwa (cooked grated carrots mixed with milk, sugar and dried fruits)

Those are some really sweet balls.

 

5. Indonesian - Tahu Telur

Sweet and savoury with the right amount of crispiness and smoothness from the beancurd, Tahu Telur is definitely one of the first dishes ordered when visiting Indonesian restaurants.

Other unadventurous dishes we are guilty of falling back on: Ayam Penyet, Indonesian Satay, Indomie (Gasp!)

For the adventurous types: Gudeg (Jackfruit stew boiled in coconut milk and palm sugar), Daun pepaya (Sauteed papaya leaves), or Asinan Sayur (pickled vegetable salad drizzled with peanut and palm sugar sauce)

Jackfruit in its stewed form. Yummeh.

 

6. Japanese - Salmon sushi

Just like how weed is known as a gateway drug to the more hardcore stuff, salmon sushi is probably the unadventurous equivalent to the wonderful world of Japanese cuisine.

Other unadventurous dishes we are guilty of falling back on: Ramen, Japanese Curry, Tempura

For the adventurous types: Shirako (the opposite of caviar, this is fish sperm), Fugu (puffer fish and the risk of death), Horse Meat Sashimi

So many types of fish we can eat. We choose to eat one of the most poisonous ones.

 

7. Vietnamese - Phở

 What can we say? We feel comforted by a hearty bowl of noodles with fresh slices of meat.

Other unadventurous dishes we are guilty of falling back on: Gỏi cuốn (spring rolls), or Cháo (porridge)

For the adventurous types: Răng mực (Octopus or Squid teeth), or Phá lấu (pig and cow innards either served by the plate, in sandwiches or stews)

Someone's missing their teeth. 

 

8. Thai - Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum is a broth that cuts right through your soul with its spices. Savoury seafood awesomeness in a pot is one reason why this dish is probably the most ordered dish at any Thai restaurants.

Other unadventurous dishes we are guilty of falling back on: Pad Thai, Thai Green Curry, Spicy Mango Salad

For the adventurous types: Goong Chae Nam Pla (raw shrimp salad), or Larb Leuat Neua (raw beef salad)

Now this is hardcore.

 

Now go forth and leave your food comfort zones and be a true blue foodie!

 

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