Singapore recipes

Singapore Satay (1 of 2) recipe

In traditional Indian cooking, dal refers to any dried peas or beans and to the many dishes made from them. In Malaysia and Singapore, dal refers to a spicy stew made of uellow lentils that typically accompanies Indian bread. The cooking time will vary with the age of the lentil.

Considered the national dish of Malaysia, nasi lemak is a breakfast staple in Singapore hawker centres, but is also recognised as one of the least healthy breakfast options - no surprise since lemak means 'fatty' and refers to the rich white rice cooked in coconut cream. When served with fried chicken, the dish really does pack a calorific punch. However, with a few tweaks and substitutions it is possible to create a healthier version of the dish to enjoy on weekends at home with family.

Nothing is more fascinating and delicious than eating at the open- air street hawker centers in Asia, particularly in Singapore. Each stall serves a specialty, typically an honest, unpretentious, home-style dish for $1 to $3 a plate. This rice noodle dish is hawker food at its best. If done right, its fragrance will tell you how good it's going to be as soon as it arrives at your table.

Salted caramel ice-cream and desserts have become standard on many restaurant menus in Singapore – as delicious as they are, they are not always the healthiest and are usually loaded with refined sugar and questionable fats. This very easy dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth, while giving you a boost of antioxidants, and magnesium. And the best part is that it can be ready in under 45 minutes (including freezing time).