It’s unbelievable that my exchange at NUS has already finished over a month. If there’s one thing I will always remember about my exchange in Singapore, it’s the food. I had heard that Singapore was a food lover’s paradise, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer variety and richness of flavors that awaited me.
One of the best things about living in Singapore was the affordability of food. While eating out in Auckland often meant spending a lot, in Singapore, I could enjoy a full meal at a hawker center for just a few dollars. From the famous Hainanese chicken rice to laksa and chili crab, every meal was an adventure. Even the food at my NUS dormitory canteen was cheap and delicious, making it easy to grab a quick meal between classes.
Of course, Singapore’s food scene isn’t just about budget-friendly meals. One of my personal splurges during exchange was trying out fine dining experiences. The city is home to some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, and while they were definitely pricier, they were worth every dollar. One of my most memorable meals was at a high-end rooftop restaurant with a stunning view of Marina Bay Sands—it was an experience that combined amazing flavors with breathtaking scenery.
For future exchange students, my advice is simple: try everything. Don’t just stick to familiar dishes—venture into different hawker centers, explore Little India, Chinatown, and Kampong Glam, and say yes to every new dish that comes your way. Singapore’s food culture is one of the best parts of living there, and you won’t regret diving in!