Which you can easily cook here in the UK!

Singapore’s cuisine is a vibrant mix of flavours and cultures, combining Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences. While it may seem difficult to recreate these delicious dishes in the UK, many classic Singaporean recipes can be made with easily available ingredients. Here are three simple, student-friendly Singaporean recipes that you can try right from your UK kitchen.

1. Singapore Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes. It’s a simple yet flavourful meal, consisting of poached chicken, fragrant rice, and a savoury dipping sauce. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (or chicken breasts for ease)
• 4-5 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 slices ginger
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 3 cups jasmine rice
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Salt

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1-2 red chillies, finely chopped (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)

Method

1. Fill a large pot with water and add the garlic, ginger, and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Add the chicken and poach for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove and let it rest.
2. Meanwhile, wash the rice and drain. Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan, then add some finely chopped garlic and ginger. Fry for a minute, then add the rice and stir well.
3. Use some of the chicken poaching liquid to cook the rice (about 3 cups of liquid for 3 cups of rice). Cover and cook the rice until done.
4. For the sauce, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chillies. You can add lime juice for extra zest.
5. Slice the chicken and drizzle with a bit of sesame oil. Serve with the fragrant rice, sliced cucumber, and dipping sauce.

2. Singapore Laksa

Laksa is a spicy coconut noodle soup, beloved across Singapore. With its rich broth, tender chicken or prawns, and a burst of aromatic herbs, it’s a comforting dish perfect for cold UK evenings. Here’s a simplified version you can make:

Ingredients

• 200g rice noodles
• 300g chicken breast or prawns (or tofu)
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 400ml coconut milk
• 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 tbsp red curry paste
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 boiled eggs, halved
• Fresh coriander and lime wedges for garnish

Method

1. Cook the rice noodles according to the packet instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat a large pan and add the curry powder and curry paste. Fry for a minute to release the flavours.
3. Add the stock and coconut milk, then bring to a simmer. Add the chicken or prawns and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. Stir in the fish sauce and remove from the heat.
5. Divide the cooked noodles into bowls, pour over the laksa broth, and top with boiled eggs, fresh coriander, and lime wedges for garnish.

3. Singapore Chilli Crab (Simplified)

Singapore Chilli Crab is a popular seafood dish, known for its sweet, savoury, and slightly spicy sauce. While the traditional recipe uses whole crabs, you can simplify it with crab meat or prawns to make it more student-friendly.

Ingredients

• 300g crab meat (or prawns)
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tbsp chilli sauce (adjust to your spice level)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)

Method

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the tomato ketchup, chilli sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the crab meat or prawns and stir them into the sauce, cooking for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
4. Slowly pour in the beaten eggs, stirring gently to create egg ribbons in the sauce.
5. Serve with steamed rice or toasted bread, and garnish with chopped spring onions.

Recreating Singaporean dishes at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With simple, accessible ingredients, you can bring the flavours of Singapore to your UK kitchen and impress your flatmates with these delicious meals. Whether you’re indulging in fragrant chicken rice, a comforting bowl of laksa, or a spicy chilli crab, these recipes are perfect for students who want a taste of Singapore while studying in the UK. Enjoy!