Short Trips From Singapore For Foodies: Delicious Meals You Can Reach Within 2 Hours

For Singaporeans with a taste for adventure and good food, short trips from Singapore offer a world of culinary delights! Within just two hours of travel, several destinations promise mouth-watering experiences, making them ideal for food lovers. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood or hearty local dishes, here are some nearby spots that will satisfy your palate.

Also read: Top Destinations for a Memorable Short Trip From Singapore

Thailand

Hat Yai

Located near the Malaysian border, Hat Yai is a bustling city known for its rich blend of Thai and Malay flavours. It’s the perfect spot for food lovers who enjoy discovering new, bold tastes. The city’s famous night markets, like Kim Yong and Asean Night Bazaar, are packed with vendors selling everything from spicy som tam (papaya salad) to piping hot bowls of kuay teow (noodle soup).

Hat Yai is also known for its vibrant fusion of seafood dishes, thanks to its coastal proximity. For an unforgettable seafood feast, head to the floating markets where you can savour everything from grilled prawns to fragrant seafood curries. For food lovers looking for a quick getaway, Hat Yai is one of the best destinations for short trips from Singapore.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Som Tam: A spicy and tangy green papaya salad mixed with peanuts, tomatoes, and dried shrimp.
• Gaeng Som: A sour curry made with tamarind or lime, often featuring seafood or pork.
• Roti Sai Mai: Crispy fried bread filled with cotton candy and a sweet condensed milk drizzle.

Krabi

Krabi is as famous for its food as it is for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. With seafood at the heart of its cuisine, Krabi offers an array of freshly caught fish, squid, and prawns that are grilled to perfection or made into tangy Thai curries. Ao Nang’s seaside restaurants and street food stalls provide a laid-back setting in which to enjoy these fresh flavours.

If you’re craving something unique, try hor mok talay, a savoury seafood curry steamed in banana leaves, or indulge in kanom jeen, a spicy noodle dish commonly eaten for breakfast by locals.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Hor Mok Talay: A spicy seafood mousse steamed in banana leaves and seasoned with coconut milk and red curry paste.
• Kanom Jeen: Thin rice noodles served with a selection of curries and fresh vegetables.
• Grilled Prawns: Juicy prawns grilled to perfection, often served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Phuket

Phuket is a culinary melting pot, where traditional Thai dishes meet international flavours to create something truly special. The island’s bustling markets, upscale beachside restaurants, and hidden food stalls offer something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a quick bowl of pad Thai or a luxurious seafood platter.

For seafood lovers, Phuket’s coastal restaurants are a must-visit. Here, you can feast on dishes like pla kapong neung manao, a whole steamed fish drenched in a spicy lime sauce, or try Phuket’s take on Hokkien mee, a local stir-fried noodle dish influenced by the Chinese community.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Pla Kapong Neung Manao: A steamed whole sea bass in a spicy lime and garlic sauce.
• Hokkien Mee: Stir-fried yellow noodles with pork, squid, and shrimp, topped with a rich soy sauce.
• Moo Hong: A Phuket specialty of braised pork belly, slow-cooked in a savoury and slightly sweet sauce.

Indonesia

Batam

Short trips from Singapore to Batam never disappoint! A mere 45-minute ferry ride takes you to a seafood paradise where culinary adventures await. Known for its laid-back vibe and coastal views, Batam’s many kelongs (floating seafood restaurants) serve up the freshest catches straight from the sea. Whether you’re craving succulent black pepper crab or tender grilled fish, Batam’s seafood delights are sure to satisfy.

For the ultimate foodie experience, visit the waterfront restaurants where you can handpick your seafood before it’s cooked to perfection. Pair your meal with stunning sea views, and you’ve got yourself a meal to remember.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Gong Gong (sea snails): A local delicacy boiled and served with spicy dipping sauces.
• Ayam Penyet: Crispy smashed chicken served with fiery sambal.
• Ikan Bakar: Grilled fish marinated in aromatic Indonesian spices.

Bintan

Just over an hour by ferry, Bintan offers a peaceful retreat from city life with an added bonus: delicious traditional Indonesian food. Bintan’s culinary scene is a celebration of local flavours, from the rich and diverse spread of nasi padang to the aromatic and spicy pepes ikan (grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves).

For seafood lovers, Bintan’s coastal restaurants serve fresh dishes such as soto mie — a hearty noodle soup — and local desserts like pisang goreng (fried bananas). Whether you dine by the beach or in a charming local eatery, the island’s food will leave you craving more.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Soto Mie: Noodle soup with beef or chicken, typically served with crispy crackers.
• Pepes Ikan: Grilled fish cooked in banana leaves with a rich mix of spices.
• Es Cendol: A cooling dessert of coconut milk, palm sugar, and pandan jelly.

Also read: Batam vs Bintan: Which Island Near Singapore Is Better for Long Weekend Trips?

Tanjung Pinang

The capital of the Riau Islands, Tanjung Pinang is a cultural hub where Malay, Chinese, and Javanese influences come together, creating a rich and diverse food scene. A quick ferry ride from Singapore, this laid-back town offers a unique blend of traditional Indonesian dishes and fresh seafood, perfect for any food enthusiast.

The town’s bustling markets and quaint eateries are the best places to sample local favourites like otak-otak and lontong, while seafood lovers can indulge in an array of freshly caught fish and shellfish cooked with bold Indonesian spices. For a more scenic dining experience, visit the coastal restaurants where you can enjoy your meal with serene views of the South China Sea.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Otak-Otak: A grilled fish cake made from ground fish, coconut milk, and spices, wrapped in banana leaves.
• Lontong: Compressed rice cakes served with a spicy coconut-based curry and various accompaniments like boiled eggs and tempeh.
• Mie Tarempa: A speciality noodle dish from the Riau Islands, featuring stir-fried thick noodles with a mix of seafood or chicken in a spicy, savoury sauce.

Malaysia

Johor Bahru

Just a quick drive across the Causeway, Johor Bahru (JB) is almost synonymous with short trips from Singapore. Known for its affordable and diverse food scene, JB offers everything from sizzling satay to crispy roti canai, all served at bustling night markets and humble eateries. Pasar Karat and Taman Sri Tebrau Hawker Centre are two must-visit spots for those wanting to experience the city’s street food culture firsthand.

JB’s hipster cafés and trendy bistros also offer modern twists on local classics. JB is home to kacang pool, a uniquely Johor dish with Middle Eastern roots, featuring fava beans and minced meat.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Kacang Pool: A hearty, flavourful dish of fava beans, minced meat, and spices served with bread.
• Mee Rebus: Egg noodles in a thick, spicy gravy topped with hard-boiled eggs and fried tofu.
• Roti Canai: A flaky, crispy Malaysian flatbread, often served with dhal or curry.

Malacca

Famous for its rich Peranakan heritage, Malacca is a treasure trove of culinary delights just one hour by plane from Singapore. The city is the birthplace of Nyonya cuisine, a unique fusion of Chinese and Malay flavours that has been perfected over generations. Wander down Jonker Street, the heart of Malacca’s food scene, and you’ll be greeted with the aroma of local favourites like chicken rice balls and Nyonya laksa.

Malacca is also home to an array of irresistible street food stalls, where you can indulge in desserts like kuih seri muka, a delightful two-layered treat of glutinous rice and pandan custard.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Chicken Rice Balls: Bite-sized balls of fragrant rice served with tender poached chicken.
• Nyonya Chicken Curry: A fragrant and spicy coconut curry made with tender chicken and a blend of aromatic spices, often served with rice.
• Coconut Shake: A refreshing blend of fresh coconut water, creamy coconut flesh, and ice cream, topped with whipped cream.

Kuching

Kuching, the capital of Sarawak in Borneo, offers a unique twist on Malaysian cuisine. Sarawak is home to dishes you won’t find anywhere else in the country, with ingredients and recipes influenced by the region’s indigenous tribes. A highlight of Sarawak’s food scene is Sarawak laksa, a spicier and richer version of its Penang counterpart.

For something more adventurous, try manok pansoh, chicken cooked in bamboo, or kolo mee, a simple yet flavourful noodle dish. The riverside restaurants and bustling markets make for an ideal setting to enjoy the city’s culinary treasures.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Sarawak Laksa: A flavourful noodle soup with a base of sambal belacan, tamarind, coconut milk, and a medley of prawns and chicken.
• Kolo Mee: Springy egg noodles tossed with light soy sauce, topped with minced pork and crispy shallots.
• Manok Pansoh: Chicken cooked in bamboo with aromatic herbs, a traditional Iban dish.

Penang

Penang is a culinary haven known for its vibrant street food scene and rich multicultural heritage. A mere hour’s flight from Singapore, this island state offers a delicious blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. 

George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is packed with food stalls and hawker centres where you can indulge in iconic dishes such as char kway teow and Penang laksa. Strolling through the bustling streets, you’ll be tempted by the aroma of freshly made food, making it an essential stop for any food lover.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried flat rice noodles tossed with prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts in a rich soy sauce.
• Penang Laksa: A spicy and sour fish-based noodle soup, garnished with mint, cucumber, and pineapple, served with thick rice noodles.
• Nasi Kandar: Steamed rice served with an assortment of curries and side dishes, showcasing the flavours of Indian-Muslim cuisine.

Also read: 12 Museums to Visit in Penang, From Traditional to Quirky Ones!

With just a short journey, these nearby destinations offer a vibrant array of flavours that celebrate local cultures and traditions. Whether you’re savouring the spicy delights of Thailand, the seafood feasts of Indonesia, or the rich heritage of Malaysian cuisine, each of these short trips from Singapore promises a unique gastronomic adventure. So grab your passport, pack your appetite, and discover the hidden food gems waiting just beyond Singapore’s shores!