Types of Seafood in Singapore: A Guide to the Best Catch

If you're a seafood lover visiting Singapore, you're in for a treat. Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in the variety of seafood available. From local seafood delicacies to international seafood dishes, Singapore has it all. In this article, we'll explore the different types of seafood you can find in Singapore and where to find them.

Singapore is known for its seafood, and some of the most popular seafood varieties include chilli crab, black pepper crab, and salted egg yolk crab. These dishes are a must-try for anyone visiting Singapore. Other popular seafood dishes include sambal stingray, butter prawns, and cereal prawns. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try dishes like abalone, sea cucumber, and geoduck.

When it comes to seafood dining experiences, Singapore has something for everyone. You can find high-end seafood restaurants that serve fresh seafood caught daily, or you can opt for a more casual dining experience at a hawker centre or zi char stall. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Singapore include Jumbo Seafood, Long Beach Seafood, and No Signboard Seafood. If you're on a budget, you can also find delicious seafood dishes at hawker centres like Newton Food Centre and East Coast Lagoon Food Village.

Key Takeaways

• Singapore is a seafood lover's paradise, with a variety of local and international seafood dishes available.
• Popular seafood varieties in Singapore include chilli crab, black pepper crab, and salted egg yolk crab, as well as sambal stingray and butter prawns.
• Singapore has a range of seafood dining experiences, from high-end restaurants to casual hawker centres and zi char stalls.

Popular Seafood Varieties in Singapore

If you're a seafood lover, you'll be in heaven when you visit Singapore. The country is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, which is available in a wide variety of dishes. Here are some of the most popular seafood varieties in Singapore that you should definitely try:

Crabs

Crabs are a staple in Singaporean cuisine and are available in a variety of dishes. One of the most popular dishes is chilli crab, which is made with a sweet and spicy sauce. Another popular dish is black pepper crab, which is made with a peppery sauce. Other crab dishes include salted egg yolk crab, butter crab, and curry crab.

Prawns

Prawns are another popular seafood variety in Singapore and are used in a variety of dishes. One of the most popular dishes is prawn mee, which is a noodle soup made with prawns and pork ribs. Another popular dish is har cheong gai, which is deep-fried prawn paste chicken. Other prawn dishes include prawn paste chicken wings, prawn paste squid, and prawn paste fish.

Fish

Fish is a staple in Singaporean cuisine and is available in a variety of dishes. One of the most popular dishes is fish head curry, which is made with a curry sauce and a fish head. Another popular dish is fish soup, which is a clear broth made with fish and vegetables. Other fish dishes include sambal fish, assam fish, and steamed fish.

In Singapore, you'll find a wide variety of seafood dishes to suit your taste buds. Whether you prefer crabs, prawns, or fish, you're sure to find a dish that you'll love. So, get ready to indulge in some of the best seafood in the world!

Seafood Dining Experiences

When it comes to seafood dining experiences in Singapore, you have a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you prefer a casual hawker centre or a fine dining restaurant, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the best seafood dining experiences in Singapore:

Hawker Centres

Hawker centres are a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. These open-air food courts offer a wide variety of affordable seafood dishes, from chilli crab to black pepper crab, sambal stingray to BBQ squid. Some of the best hawker centres for seafood include Newton Food Centre, East Coast Lagoon Food Village, and Chomp Chomp Food Centre.

Seafood Restaurants

If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, Singapore has plenty of seafood restaurants to choose from. Many of these restaurants offer live seafood tanks where you can choose your own fish or shellfish. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Singapore include Jumbo Seafood, Long Beach Seafood, and Palm Beach Seafood.

Beachside Eateries

For a more laid-back dining experience, head to one of Singapore's beachside eateries. These casual restaurants offer stunning views of the sea and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beachside eateries for seafood include Coastes, Sand Bar, and Smith Marine Floating Restaurant.

No matter which type of seafood dining experience you choose, you're sure to enjoy some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in Singapore.

Sustainable Seafood Practices

When it comes to seafood, sustainability is a crucial factor to consider. Here are some sustainable seafood practices to keep in mind when selecting seafood in Singapore.

Certification and Labelling

One way to ensure that the seafood you are consuming is sustainable is to look for certification and labelling. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) are two of the most widely recognised certification programmes for sustainable seafood. Products that bear the MSC or ASC label have been certified as sustainable by third-party organisations.

In addition to certification programmes, there are also various seafood labelling schemes in Singapore. For example, the WWF Singapore Seafood Guide categorises seafood species into three categories: seafood that is recommended for frequent consumption, occasional consumption, and seafood that should be avoided. By referring to these guides, you can make informed decisions about the seafood you purchase and consume.

Aquaculture Innovations

Another sustainable seafood practice is the use of aquaculture innovations. Aquaculture is the practice of cultivating fish and other seafood in controlled environments. By using innovative techniques and technologies, aquaculture can be made more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

One example of an aquaculture innovation is recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). RAS are closed-loop systems that recycle water, allowing for the cultivation of fish and other seafood in a controlled and sustainable manner. Another example is integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), which involves the cultivation of multiple species in a single system. This practice can help to reduce waste and improve overall sustainability.

By considering certification and labelling, as well as innovative aquaculture practices, you can make more sustainable choices when it comes to seafood consumption in Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most popular fish to chow down on in Singapore?

The most popular fish in Singapore is undoubtedly the Seabass. It's a versatile fish that can be cooked in many different ways, such as steamed, fried, or grilled. Its flesh is firm, white, and mild in flavour, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Are Batang fish and mackerel the same kettles of fish?

No, they are not the same fish. Batang fish, also known as Spanish Mackerel, is a popular fish in Singapore. It has a firm texture and a rich flavour that makes it perfect for grilling or frying. On the other hand, mackerel is a different species of fish that is also commonly found in Singapore waters.

Can you tell me which fish from Singapore waters are a catch?

Singapore waters are home to a wide variety of fish, including groupers, snappers, pomfrets, and barramundi. These fish are caught by local fishermen and sold at wet markets and seafood restaurants.

What's the English name for Xi Dao fish?

Xi Dao fish is also known as the Chinese Silver Pomfret. It's a popular fish in Singapore, known for its delicate flavour and tender flesh. It's often steamed with ginger and soy sauce and served with rice.

Is tucking into Batang fish a healthy choice?

Yes, Batang fish is a healthy choice. It's a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining good health. However, like all fish, it should be consumed in moderation as it may contain traces of mercury.

What fish can you typically find at a Singapore wet market?

At a Singapore wet market, you can find a wide variety of fish, including pomfrets, groupers, snappers, sea bass, and mackerel. The fish are usually sold whole, and you can ask the fishmonger to clean and fillet them for you.