Deliciously rich, dishes that are made with coconut are some of the most satisfying meals for any time of the day
By Carol Kraal
1
LAKSA
Singapore Laksa has significant Peranakan influences. This is a dish of rice noodles, beancurd puff, prawns, fish cake, cockles, beansprouts and a garnish of minced polygonum leaves. The coconut milk gravy that is poured over has a rempah (base spice mix) of herbs and spices including lemongrass, chilli, galangal, turmeric and (belacan) shrimp paste.
Where to eat
Sungei Road Laksa
27 Jalan Berseh #01-100, Singapore 200027
Janggut Laksa
1 Queensway, Queensway Shopping Centre, Singapore 149053
328 Katong Laksa
216 East Coast Road, Singapore 428914
2
NASI LEMAK
Lemak means ‘rich’ in Malay. And that is exactly what the rice is all about as it is cooked with coconut milk. Accompanying the coconutty, pandan-infused rice are omellete of fried egg, fried fish, cucumber and a tangy sweet sambal chilli paste. This is the very basic nasi lemak. More elaborate versions include countless items such as fried chicken, fried vegetable, otak otak, squid sambal and such, Nasi lemak is classically served wrapped in banana leaf.
Where to eat
Mizzy’s Corner
2 Changi Village Road #01-26, Singapore 500002
Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak
2 Adam Road, #01-02 Food Centre, Singapore 289876
Mount Faber Nasi Lemak
47 Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 089006
3
COCONUT WATER
The hawker will take a coconut laid out at his stall, lop the top off with a whack of the parang, stick a straw into it and serve it to you. Cooling, sweet and refreshing, coconut water is the antidote to hangovers, heat and tiredness. It also is the cooling agent to heaty foods such as durian. Most coconuts sold at hawker centres come from Malaysia or Thailand. The Thai version is much more expensive but is sweeter.
Where to drink
You will find coconut water at most hawker centres, but it is extra special enjoyed near the sea or water body.
Changi Village Hawker Centre
2 Changi Village Road, Singapore 500002
50A Marine Terrace Market
Singapore 441050
West Coast Food Centre
726 Clementi West Street 2, Singapore 120726
4
CENDOL
To get this dessert right, the ingredients have to be exceptional. Cendol is simplicity at its best – a bowl of shaved ice, coconut cream, gula melaka and pea flour strands. All have to come together in a balanced, wonderful way. The star of the show is the gula melaka (caramelised palm flower nectar sugar), the best of which come from Melaka and Penang in Malaysia.
Where to eat
Nonya Cendol
51 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #02-147, Singapore 588215
Four Seasons Cendol
210 #01-07 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310210
Old Amoy Cendol
335 Smith Street, Chinatown Point Food Centre #02-008, Singapore 050335
5
KAYA TOAST WITH EGGS
Kaya is a sweet coconut curd infused with pandan. Spread this over charcoal-grilled toast with slabs of ice cold butter, with a kopi at hand and your day just got brighter. Boiled eggs cracked in a bowl with a drizzle of dark soy sauce and dash of pepper adds more substance to the meal.
Where to eat
Heap Seng Leong
Blk 10 NorthBridge Road #01-5109, Singapore 190010
Tong Ah Eating House
35 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089142
The Sixth (formerly Good Good Eating House)
24 Sixth Avenue, Singapore 276481