It’s no secret that Singaporeans are foodies. Our palate, nurtured by Singapore’s multi-ethnic heritage, allows us to enjoy a myriad of mouth-watering local dishes, each with its own unique flavour. Better still, they’re all not too far from your doorstep!
Enjoying wholesome heritage foods such as kaya toast and fried beehoon couldn’t be easier at home. With just four ingredient swaps, you’ll be on your way to whip up healthier heritage foods in the month of our nation’s 55th birthday and beyond!
1. Fried bee hoon
Try: FairPrice Rice Vermicelli
– Red Cargo
What better way to start off this list than with a dish that represents us globally? It’s known as “Singapore noodles” overseas, but we affectionately call it the fried beehoon. While white vermicelli is usually used, try stir-frying FairPrice Rice Vermicelli – Red Cargo instead! It’s higher in anthocyanins, an antioxidant, and has a lower glycemic index (GI) — a form of slow-digesting carbohydrate. Compared to white vermicelli, FairPrice Rice Vermicelli – Red Cargo won’t cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetics!
2. Rendang
Try: Low-fat plain yoghurt
Rendang is arguably one of the most delicious Malay heritage foods in Singapore. However, it tends to be higher in calories due to the use of heavy ingredients in the concoction of the creamy sauce. Cut the fat but not the flavour by stirring in some low-fat plain yoghurt — it’ll still taste deliciously creamy as ever!
3. Mutton
Try: FairPrice Extra Light Olive Oil
Vegetable oils are at the heart of many well-loved Indian heritage dishes in Singapore. While the likes of canola and sunflower are still popular deep-frying oils, you can switch to olive oil when pan-frying for its lower smoke point. Olive oil is a great option for cooking as it’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol-free and packed with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids in every drop! Just make sure to go for the extra light olive oils when cooking Indian food so that it doesn’t interfere with the intoxicating blend of spices and rich flavours.
4. Kaya toast
Try: FairPrice Wholemeal Bread
This is a classic hit among Singaporeans and tourists alike! It’s the ultimate breakfast food that’s also perfect for snacking throughout the day too. Try wholemeal instead of the usual white bread. It’ll not only boost fibre intake, but also your daily requirement of crucial vitamins and trace minerals.
Complete your toast with some kaya. Spread some authentic FairPrice Nonya Kaya, a great option that’s free from trans-fats and preservatives!
