A love letter: 60 tastes, traits and things that make Singapore home

A slab of ice cream nestled in a slice of rainbow-coloured bread, the iconic dessert is a nostalgic treat loved by Singaporeans. Sold for about a dollar from mobile carts operated by ice cream uncles around the island, the confection is a panacea for a searing day. In recent years, it's been spotted being sold at some stalls in Vietnam.

A beloved Singaporean icon, the Milo van with its green exterior is a fixture at school events and sports days, its chilled chocolate beverage providing much thirst-quenching relief on a hot day. It's so popular that Milo Singapore launched Milo Van sachets in April, now sold by the dozen at supermarkets. Just add cold water for a taste of childhood.

The most complicated drink order at a coffee shop can be made in five words in Malay, Hokkien and English – Kopi C gau kosong peng. Thick iced coffee, with evaporated milk, no sugar. Or tea, if you swop "kopi" for "teh". Therein lies efficiency in brevity. Mastering the coffee shop lexicon is a sign that, Singaporean or not, you belong.

The quintessential local breakfast is a delight for the senses. Two pieces of thinly sliced, crisp and lightly charred toast sandwiching sweet kaya, or coconut jam, and a wedge of salty, creamy butter cold enough to be bitten into. Dipped into soft-boiled eggs – their yolks still runny – garnished with umami soya sauce and slightly spicy white pepper, it's simply delicious.

This signature, top-selling burger – containing a spiced fried chicken cutlet, lettuce and mayonnaise – was introduced to Singapore in 1999. It is also sold globally, in countries like China, Sri Lanka, Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia. In Malaysia, the burger is called the "Spicy Chicken McDeluxe", and uses a cornmeal bun instead of the toasted sesame bun that is popular here.

The probiotic cultured milk drink – sold in supermarkets in more than 30 countries and delivered by "Yakult aunties" on their bicycles in some of them – is a childhood favourite of many Singaporeans. Yakult was first manufactured in Japan in the 1930s. The Republic, however, is the only place where it is available in the flavours of apple, orange and grape.

Chilli crab was invented by local hawker Cher Yam Tian in the 1950s, when she added chilli sauce to her dish of stir-fried crabs. It caught on and spawned many versions. Now hailed as one of Singapore's national dishes, chilli crab is a mouth-watering sight, and is usually served with soft rolls to mop up the sweet and spicy gravy.

Singapore has a wide array of traditional snacks, many created or adapted by the Republic's early immigrants. They include kacang puteh – mixed nuts, beans and peas, historically peddled by Indian sellers – and various kueh such as putu piring, ondeh ondeh, soon kueh and ang ku kueh, which are commonly sold by Malay and Chinese vendors in hawker centres and foodcourts.

Calling someone “auntie” or “uncle” doesn't always mean they're your parents’ siblings. The Singapore versions of "ma'am" and "sir", these terms are used in casual communication to address someone who is older – like a taxi driver or a hawker stall owner. They also convey respect – even if not everyone would be happy to know they've graduated to auntie- or uncle-hood!

Time was, roti prata used to come two ways – plain or with egg. But some time in the 1980s, prata sellers got creative and expanded their menus, toying with textures and using ingredients from other cultures. Now, prata can be savoury or sweet – with toppings like cheese and mushroom, or served paper-thin, with jam, condensed milk, banana or chocolate sauce.

Hawker centres were originally created to get cooked-food sellers off the streets. Today, they are multi-ethnic urban food spaces that, in 2020, were added to the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. They are an integral part of many Singaporeans' daily lives, and are places where anyone can get budget-friendly meals that reflect the nation’s diversity.

A cross-cultural dish that fuses Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines, a good plate of satay beehoon is a hearty mixture of rice vermicelli, kangkung, bean sprouts, beancurd puffs, sliced pork, prawns, cuttlefish and cockles, slathered with a generous helping of satay sauce. Acknowledged as an invention by hawkers here in the mid-1950s, its popularity has sadly waned in recent years.

Hokkien mee is so deeply ingrained in the national identity that it has inspired a fervent fan community of 78,800 Hokkien mee hunters to share stall recommendations on Facebook. Malaysians might argue that their dark soya rendition is better, but Singaporeans would go all out to defend our version of silky noodles wok-fried in a rich prawn and pork gravy.

Coined in the 1980s, the colloquial term "kiasu" spawned decades of debate about the ugly Singaporean rushing to be at the head of the queue for the buffet table or for school registration. But in recent years, people have begun to embrace the label, which came into its own when it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2007.

Since no one can be in two places at the same time, someone clever came up with the idea of using a tissue packet as a proxy to stake out a hawker centre seat. "Chope" culture has become so ingrained that it's now not acceptable to remove any phone, staff pass, umbrella or tissue packet in use for the purpose.

See anything morally dubious or out of the ordinary in public? Stomp it. The online news platform Stomp, home of citizen journalism, feeds on anonymous contributions from the public submitting all things quirky, heart-warming and sometimes even rage-inducing. Launched in 2006, Stomp was a way to engage a new generation of readers by encouraging conversations and inspiring them to act.

A mash-up of English, Chinese dialects, Malay, Tamil and other local languages, colloquial Singaporean English reflects the Republic's multicultural society. Hearing it spoken overseas creates instant bonds between Singaporeans who are otherwise strangers. Despite being disapproved of for decades, Singlish is still prevalent in everyday conversations and continues to flourish and evolve, "confirm plus chop", with new words and phrases.

It's become an affectionate national trope that a young couple in Singapore will make their engagement official by applying for a Build-To-Order flat. Then comes the waiting, once they have booked a unit, for it to be built. On the happy day, collecting the keys at HDB Hub, having a pineapple ready and documenting it on Instagram is a must!

Light-ups of iconic streets take place during major celebrations like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas. The designs reflect the festivals' traditional colours in their respective locations, drawing large crowds of both Singaporeans and tourists. One of the more popular ones, the year-end Christmas light-up in gold and white, debuted in 1984 with around 30,000 people in attendance.

The custom of giving a red packet of money, or hongbao, as a gift for a wedding couple has become something of a protocol minefield, necessitating a careful calculation, depending on the wedding venue and type of banquet, if you are family or just a distant friend. For those who do not know the going rates, online guides can help.

Since June 2021, diners have been required to return their food trays after finishing their meals at hawker centres, or risk a written warning, a $300 composition fine or a court fine from the authorities. The rule was implemented after years of educational efforts and, occasionally, incentives to get diners to clear their own tables and clean up after themselves.

In a fast-paced world, Singaporeans love anything efficient, and acronyms for organisations, services and even roads have become part and parcel of our daily conversations. Think MOE, PIE, COE, HDB, BTO, CPF et cetera. Even if you think they've run amok, acronyms are an integral part of the lingo and are easily handled by local residents, but baffle anyone else.

Have an issue you want people to know about? Then you are probably no stranger to the Speakers' Corner at Hong Lim Park. Launched in 2000, it is a free-speech zone for Singaporeans to conduct lawful outdoor demonstrations and participate in events without a police permit. This space has hosted events like the Pink Dot rally and the Purple Parade.

These days, it’s common to be greeted by music blaring from a portable speaker whenever someone zips past on a personal mobility device. Love them or hate them, PMDs and loud music have become part of Singapore life. Unfortunately, they sometimes incur the wrath of others, who have taken to social media to complain, mostly fruitlessly, about the noise pollution.

In this “fine city”, it is common to see signs that start with “Do not” promising hefty fines for acts such as littering, selling chewing gum, vandalising and spitting, to keep the country, well, fine. Advocates say that the strong deterrents (littering could cost you $2,000!) promote order and cleanliness and help Singapore to maintain its clean and green reputation.

With its small population, Singapore cannot afford to have a large, standing armed force to provide for all its defence needs. Thus, every Singaporean and permanent resident male has to undergo full-time national service (NS), generally at age 18, for two years. Over one million national servicemen have been through NS, introduced in 1967 to build a reliable defence force.

Xinyao is Singapore's home-grown Mandarin folk music – the soundtrack of a generation’s hopes, relationships and values. Coined as a term in 1982, xinyao, which means "Singapore ballads", are heartfelt tunes by young Singaporeans that often refer to the young nation's milestone events and its people's shared memories. Although xinyao peaked in the 1980s, it continues to inspire new voices today.

Chasing the five Cs of cash, car, credit card, condominium and country club membership used to be the Singaporean dream. Defined as the metrics of success, they captured the essence of people’s material aspirations in the 1990s and 2000s. But lifestyles and mindsets have evolved with time, and Singaporeans are redefining their own Cs and what success means to them.

It has been called a tool for harmony, but also critiqued as an overly simplistic and rigid method of categorising Singaporeans. Nevertheless, the Chinese-Malay-Indian-Others model – which can be traced to racial categorisation by the British during colonial rule – continues to stand. The Government says the model is still relevant, for instance, by ensuring enclaves do not form in housing estates.

Historically associated with the Hungry Ghost Festival, getai performances are now commonplace across the island, especially at grassroots events. Getai, translated literally as “song stage”, features songs mostly in Chinese dialects, performed under bright lights and in glittering costumes. Judging by the number of online clips, Singapore’s politicians – even the non-Chinese ones – cannot resist taking the stage themselves on occasion.

The toot of a rag-and-bone man’s horn is a familiar but disappearing sound. So is the sight of one walking down housing block corridors and signalling his presence with his colloquial call – "karung guni!" – while pushing his two-wheeled dolly. His place has largely been taken by blue recycling bins, where old newspapers and other recyclables go to await their future.

If an alien were to walk around a mall, an MRT station or Orchard Road, he would spot, with no trouble at all, Singaporeans' footwear of choice. We love our flip-flops, and will wear them anywhere we can get away with the beach look. But given the tropical nation’s hot and humid weather, perhaps they are the only practical choice.

The one piece of clothing all Singaporean men will don at least once in their lives. Most put it on at 18. But for some men – and women – the olive-green, worn-to-death T-shirt is a staple, useful for errands like buying chicken rice from the coffee shop downstairs. You could say it's a symbol of Singapore pride. And boy, it's comfy.

A major, if hated, milestone for every 12-year-old in Singapore, the PSLE is a stressful bookend to primary school that's remembered for life. It turns parents into full-time tutors and children into mini exam warriors. But the grades and late-night revisions have become a shared rite of passage that builds resilience and prepares children for the challenges ahead in learning.

Total Defence Day and Racial Harmony Day are not just fun events in school. Total Defence teaches the young that keeping Singapore safe is everyone’s responsibility, and that it's not just the job of the Singapore Armed Forces. Racial Harmony Day reminds them how lucky they are to live peacefully in a diverse society. Together, these celebrations make Singaporeans proud.

We, the citizens of Singapore. The five words that all students start their day with. Some say them with their heads held high; others mumble under their breath, barely paying attention to the familiar words. But on at least one day every year, Aug 9, all Singaporeans young and old come together to speak aloud the nation's pledge, with pride.

Any Singaporean who grew up in recent decades will remember the white rectangular erasers with countries' flags on them. These treasures were almost never used as intended, but were instead collected, traded or slammed against a rival's erasers in fierce duels to knock them off the table. These childhood trophies spark sweet nostalgia and memories of simple, carefree playground days.

A rite of passage for almost every student, Outward Bound Singapore, or OBS, meant days of muddy shoes, mosquito bites and sleeping on hard floors. Students got to try their hand at kayaking, high-rope challenges and being pushed out of their comfort zones. And through the sweat, tears and toil, deep friendships were forged over the first taste of adventure.

The first Housing Board flats were built in the early 1960s, offering kampung residents basic but life-changing amenities like solid roofs and running water. This marked a new chapter in Singapore’s housing story. Today, eight in 10 people live in public housing flats, which now have sky gardens, playgrounds and smart technology, a reflection of how far Singapore has come.

Void decks are the heart of every HDB block – familiar, timeless spaces where neighbours gather, children play and events are held. For the little ones, a playground; for elders, a spot to meet and exercise; for teens, a hangout spot. Over the years, void decks have been revitalised with murals, mini-libraries and active ageing centres, breathing fresh life into them.

Rain or shine, Singapore’s covered walkways keep pedestrians protected. In 2013, the Land Transport Authority launched a $300 million programme to link train stations to residences and amenities like schools and healthcare facilities within a 400m radius via covered walkways. Bus interchanges, Light Rail Transit stations and some bus stops within a 200m radius are also connected by covered walkways.

Sky gardens in Singapore’s public housing take greenery to new heights. These communal spaces offer residents fresh air, scenic views and places to relax, while improving ventilation and reducing heat. In 2013, the Housing Board introduced the Biophilic Town Framework to enhance neighbourhood landscapes. First applied in Punggol Northshore in 2015, it has been used in housing projects since 2018.

The certificate of entitlement (COE) system controls vehicle numbers on the roads. Introduced in 1990 under the vehicle quota system, it regulates annual vehicle growth. With limited space and rising affluence, the country has to manage car ownership relative to its road capacity. To own a car, one has to bid for a COE, which is valid for 10 years.

Keeping roads clear and flowing is an issue that many cities have to deal with. Singapore’s answer? Road congestion pricing. The country was the first to successfully implement such a scheme in the 1970s; today, we know it as the automated Electronic Road Pricing system. Places such as London and Stockholm now also charge drivers to enter the city area.

Tiring trip? Thankfully, about 10 seconds is all it takes to clear immigration at Changi Airport. Passport-free clearance using facial biometrics was rolled out in August 2024 for Singapore residents and is available at all the terminals now. By mid-October 2024, nearly 1.5 million travellers had used the automated lanes, making Singapore the first country to implement this at scale.

The Singapore Girl in her uniform, the Pierre Balmain-designed sarong kebaya, is an instantly recognisable brand, synonymous with great service. Singapore Airlines began operations in 1972 following the dissolution of Malaysia-Singapore Airlines. Living up to its slogan, A Great Way To Fly, the Republic’s national carrier, also known as SIA or SQ, is consistently ranked among the world’s best airlines.

Opened in 1981, Changi Airport is consistently lauded for its world-class facilities and its efficient processes, recently winning the World’s Best Airport 2025 title at the World Airport Awards in April. Its four terminals and retail complex, Jewel Changi Airport, will be joined by a fifth terminal in the mid-2030s that will be as large as the other four combined.

The world’s first night zoo, the Night Safari was opened in 1994 as a nocturnal neighbour to the Singapore Zoo, letting visitors view animal species that are active at night. Spanning 35ha of secondary forest next to the Upper Seletar Reservoir, the park is home to more than 1,000 animals across 120 species, from Asian small-clawed otters to yellow-wattled lapwings.

Though not the mythical animal spotted by Palembang prince Sang Nila Utama in the 13th century, the Merlion combines "mer", for "sea", with the name he gave the island – Singapura, the Lion City. Created in 1964 as the logo for the then Singapore Tourism Promotion Board, the half-lion, half-fish creature is today well known as the official mascot of Singapore.

The Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, originally named Vanda Miss Joaquim, was recognised in 1981 as Singapore’s national flower. The hybrid of Vanda hookeriana and Vanda teres is named for Agnes Joaquim, a horticulturist of Armenian descent who first bred it here in 1893. As Singapore’s first orchid hybrid and the world’s first Vanda hybrid, it is symbolic of Singapore’s multicultural heritage.

This humble red passport is a golden ticket. Ranked the world’s most powerful, it allows Singaporeans visa-free entry to 195 places. Introduced in 1966 as a replacement for the Singapore Provisional Passport, it reflects the Republic's global standing and trustworthiness. This document makes international travel a breeze – just be sure to renew it before you go on business or vacation.

The offshore islands are often overlooked, but they are worth discovering. If you have a day to spare, you can island-hop from St John’s Island to Sisters’ Islands – secluded places once used as quarantine zones, prison sites and pirate hideouts. Today, they offer quiet beaches, wildlife and rustic charm. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sense of adventure. Leave only memories.

The key to your entire Singaporean existence, no exaggeration. Launched in 2003 as Singapore Personal Access, a login for e-government transactions, Singpass today is a digital identity which lets you use 2,700 services across 800 government agencies and businesses, including CPF, HDB and Iras, authorise transactions and pre-fill forms with MyInfo. Because in Singapore, efficiency isn’t just valued – it’s expected.

Formed by a confluence of four rivers, Marina Bay was part of Singapore’s working waterfront, where ships docked to transfer goods. Now, it's a vibrant waterfront fringed by an iconic skyline. Opened in 2010, Marina Bay Sands crowned the city with a surfboard in the sky, complete with an infinity pool and luxury mall – both must-gos for every visiting influencer.

Before influencers, Singapore had mascots: Singa the Lion preached kindness and Sharity the pink elephant spoke up for charities. These 1980s icons lived in school posters and TV jingles. In 2014, The Thoughtful Bunch joined the mix – including Hush-Hush Hannah, who reminds public transport passengers to keep it down. Messages, it seems, are more easily imbibed coming from cute characters.

The shrill “uwu” call of the Asian koel in the early morning, otters scuttling across parks and monkey business in residential estates are perennial reminders that wildlife in Singapore is never far away. Our land scarcity means homes, offices and schools are built near green spaces, bringing animals and humans into closer contact – sometimes, a little too close for comfort.

From “Garden City” to “City in a Garden” to “City in Nature”, Singapore’s reputation for greenery has its roots in founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew’s 1967 vision of a clean and green country. Today, more than 40 per cent of Singapore is covered by greenery, with 7,800ha of green spaces like parks, gardens and nature reserves across the island.

These extensive green corridors were conceptualised in 1990 to link green spaces here and bring Singaporeans closer to nature. Teeming with joggers, cyclists and park-goers, the more than 390km of park connectors that have been built so far hug roads, rivers and canals. There are more to come, with plans to develop more than 50km of park connectors by 2030.

A cornerstone of Singapore’s labour relations, tripartism refers to the three-way relationship between employers, unions and the Government that emerged as the People's Action Party’s answer to labour disputes in the 1950s and 1960s. Tripartism stresses long-term interests and win-win outcomes, and promotes dialogue and negotiation instead of confrontation. The Government has said this approach maintains a stable business environment.

In moments of crisis, there is one thing Singapore can be counted on to convene – a task force. All varieties of task forces have been created to steer Singapore through difficult times, like the multi-ministry task force that tackled Covid-19, and most recently, the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, which was announced in April to address the impact of US tariffs.