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25 Food Party Delights for Singapore's National Day 2024

As National Day 2024 approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable! The streets of Singapore will soon be adorned with flags, and the sky will be painted with dazzling fireworks that light up the night.

What truly makes this celebration special, though, is the gathering of friends, family, and colleagues over scrumptious food. Whether you're hosting a party at home or attending one with your loved ones, the food you serve can turn a good party into an unforgettable one!

At FunCo Singapore, we believe that food is the essence of every fantastic celebration. It's a means of bringing people together, sharing happy moments, and creating cherished memories. Here, we offer a wide array of carnival food stalls and vibrant live food stations that can light up your party!

To help you create such memorable moments, here's a list of 30 local Singaporean delights and party food ideas that will elevate your National Day celebration to greater heights. 

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Savoury Singaporean Food Delights

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice 

Hainanese Chicken Rice is a beloved dish, often widely considered one of Singapore's national dishes, and has earned its place in the hearts and stomachs of locals and visitors alike!

Imagine tender, succulent poached chicken, cooked to perfection so that each bite is juicy and flavourful. The chicken is typically served either boneless or with the bone, depending on your preference, and is often garnished with fresh coriander and cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch. 

The real magic, however, lies in the fragrant rice that accompanies the chicken! Cooked with chicken broth, garlic, and ginger, the rice is imbued with a rich, savoury aroma that complements the chicken perfectly.

No serving of Hainanese Chicken Rice is complete without its trio of essential condiments.

1. Garlic-chilli sauce: Adds a zesty kick with its blend of fresh chillies, garlic, lime juice, and a hint of sugar. This sauce brings a burst of heat and tanginess that enhances the overall flavour of the dish. 
2. Dark soy sauce: Thick and slightly sweet, adding depth and a touch of umami to every bite. 
3. Freshly minced ginger sauce: Provides a warm, aromatic contrast to the other condiments.

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2. BBQ Satay 

Satay is a well-loved dish that captures the essence of Southeast Asian Street food, making it a perfect addition to any outdoor gathering or festive celebration. 

Each skewer of satay is carefully prepared, with the meat—often chicken, beef, or mutton—marinated in a rich blend of spices, including turmeric, coriander, cumin, and lemongrass. 

As the skewers grill, the fat from the meat drips onto the hot coals, creating a smoky, savoury aroma. The aroma alone is enough to make mouths water and draw everyone towards the sizzling barbecue! 

But what truly sets satay apart is the accompanying peanut sauce. This rich, creamy sauce is made from ground peanuts, coconut milk, and a medley of spices, including garlic, chilli, and tamarind. Each bite dipped generously in this luscious peanut sauce is a burst of flavour that leaves you craving more! 

Satay is also often served with a side of fresh cucumber slices, onions, and compressed rice cakes known as Ketupat. These accompaniments add a refreshing crunch and balance to the rich, smoky flavours of the meat and sauce. The combination of textures and flavours creates a delightful eating experience that is both tasty and satisfying! 

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3. Laksa 

Laksa is cherished by many for its spicy noodle soup that stands as a testament to the rich, multicultural tapestry of Singaporean cuisine. With its creamy coconut milk base and tangy shrimp paste, laksa offers a complex and delectable flavour profile that is sure to please any crowd! 

The base of the soup is made from a blend of coconut milk and a medley of spices, including lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric, which create a fragrant and mildly spicy foundation! Moreover, the addition of tangy shrimp paste adds a depth of umami that enhances the overall flavour. 

Toppings are where Laksa truly shines! Succulent prawns add colour, chewy fish cakes provide texture, and hard-boiled eggs offer a creamy contrast. Fresh bean sprouts and Vietnamese coriander add a refreshing crunch and herbal note that balances the rich broth.

Each spoonful of laksa is a harmonious blend of flavours and textures: creamy coconut milk, tangy shrimp paste, tender prawns, chewy fish cakes, and firm noodles. The heat from the spices warms you from the inside out, making it an especially comforting dish! 

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4. Kueh Pie Tee 

Kueh Pie Tee are delicious, bite-sized pastry cups that capture the essence of Peranakan cuisine in Singapore. These crispy, golden shells are filled with an appealing mixture of finely chopped turnips, carrots, and succulent prawns, creating a symphony of flavours and textures! 

Traditionally served with a dollop of tangy chilli sauce and a sprinkle of fresh coriander, Kueh Pie Tee satisfies the taste buds with its combination of sweet, savoury, and spicy notes! 

The shell is light and crispy, providing the perfect vessel for the savoury filling within. The mixture of turnips and carrots, finely julienned and lightly seasoned, offers a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy prawns.

What sets Kueh Pie Tee apart is not just its taste, but also its versatility. These bite-sized treats are ideal for mingling and snacking, making them a popular choice at social gatherings and festive occasions. Their small size allows guests to enjoy them without interrupting conversations, while their flavourful filling ensures each bite is a burst of satisfaction! 

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5. Chilli Crab

No National Day celebration in Singapore is truly complete without the iconic dish of chilli crab! Imagine a platter adorned with a large, freshly caught crab, its shell gleaming with a glossy coat of fiery red chilli sauce. The sauce itself is a work of art – a complex combination of fresh chillies, garlic, ginger, and tangy tomato paste simmered to perfection. 

The star of the dish, of course, is the crab meat itself. Succulent and tender, the crab meat absorbs the rich flavours of the sauce, offering a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. 

Chilli crab is often enjoyed with mantou, fluffy steamed buns that are perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. The contrast of textures—the soft, pillowy mantou against the tender crab meat and velvety sauce—creates a delightful interplay that enhances the overall dining experience! 

Beyond its exquisite taste, chilli crab holds a special place in Singaporean culture and history. It symbolises the nation's vibrant culinary heritage and its evolution into a global gastronomic destination. 

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6. Crispy Roti Prata 

Roti Prata, also known as roti canai, is a well-loved and versatile flatbread that holds a special place in Singapore's culinary landscape. 

Originating from South India, the popularity of this flaky and crispy bread spans across generations and is loved by both the young who delight in its crispy texture and versatility, and the old who appreciate its comforting familiarity! 

Imagine biting into a freshly cooked piece of roti prata—its thin, golden-brown layers are crispy on the outside yet delightfully soft and chewy on the inside. The dough, made from flour, water, and ghee (clarified butter), is skillfully stretched and folded to create thin layers that puff up when cooked on a hot griddle. 

One of the joys of roti prata lies in its versatility. It can be enjoyed in various ways depending on your preference and mood. For a savoury treat, dip it into a bowl of spicy curry sauce—be it chicken curry, fish curry, or dhal (lentil curry). 

On the other hand, if you have a sweet tooth, sprinkle some sugar or drizzle condensed milk over a freshly made roti prata to enjoy as a yummy dessert or a sweet snack! 

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Scrumptious Desserts 

7. Kueh Lapis 

Kueh Lapis, or layer cake, is a traditional Indonesian and Peranakan dessert that has a cherished place in Singapore's culinary culture, renowned for its intricate layers and rich, indulgent flavours. 

The art of Kueh Lapis lies in its preparation, where each layer is a testament to the patience and skill required to achieve the perfect balance of texture and flavour! The batter, made from a blend of ingredients such as flour, eggs, butter, and spices like cinnamon and cloves, is poured and baked layer by layer. As each layer cooks, it develops a unique texture and flavour, resulting in a cake that is both dense and moist yet surprisingly light! 

Each bite of Kueh Lapis offers a symphony of flavours. The top layer is often slightly caramelised, imparting a subtle sweetness that gives way to the deeper, spiced notes of the inner layers.

Beyond its exquisite taste, Kueh Lapis holds cultural significance as a symbol of celebration and prosperity. It is often served during festive occasions such as Chinese New Year and Hari Raya (Eid al-Fitr), where its layers symbolise the building of good fortune and abundance for the year ahead.

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8. Traditional Ice Chendol 

Chendol is a refreshing dessert that offers a satisfying respite from Singapore's tropical heat. This iconic sweet treat combines shaved ice, creamy coconut milk, fragrant gula melaka (palm sugar), and soft green rice flour jelly, creating a symphony of flavours and textures that captivate the senses! 

Picture a bowl filled with finely shaved ice, glistening under the warm Singaporean sun. On top, a generous drizzle of rich coconut milk cascades down, infusing the ice with its creamy sweetness. The star of the show, however, is the gula melaka—a caramel-like palm sugar that adds a deep, complex sweetness to the dessert.

The shaved ice provides a refreshing chill, while the coconut milk and gula melaka impart a creamy, indulgent sweetness that coats the palate. It's a popular choice at hawker centres and dessert stalls across the island, where locals and tourists alike seek relief from the heat while indulging in a taste of Singaporean heritage.

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9. Ondeh Ondeh

Ondeh Ondeh is a delightful bite-sized dessert that embodies the essence of sweetness and chewiness in every bite. These soft and chewy rice cakes are filled with melted palm sugar, known as gula melaka, and coated generously in freshly grated coconut, making them a true indulgence and a favourite treat among Singaporeans! 

Envision biting into an Ondeh Ondeh—the outer layer is soft and slightly sticky, made from glutinous rice flour dough that encases a molten core of gula melaka. As you chew, the sweetness of the melted palm sugar oozes out, creating a burst of caramel-like flavour that is both rich and satisfying! 

Beyond each bite-sized piece of Ondeh Ondeh, it holds cultural significance as a symbol of celebration and joy. It is often enjoyed during festive occasions such as Hari Raya (Eid al-Fitr) and Chinese New Year, where its round shape and sweet filling symbolise unity, prosperity, and the sweetness of life! 

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10. Pulut Hitam 

Pulut Hitam is a comforting and nourishing dessert that holds a special place in Singaporean cuisine. This sweet black glutinous rice porridge is known for its rich, velvety texture and deep, earthy sweetness, making it an enjoyable treat, especially during cooler weather or as a comforting end to a meal! 

Its base is a thick, porridge-like consistency, made from black glutinous rice that has been simmered slowly until tender and creamy. The rice grains, once cooked, turn a deep, dark purple-black colour, giving the porridge its distinctive appearance and name.

Each spoonful of Pulut Hitam is a comforting embrace—a warm hug in a bowl that soothes the soul and satisfies the sweet tooth. The texture is both comforting and luxurious, with the chewiness of the glutinous rice grains contrasting beautifully with the velvety coconut milk! 

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11. Tutu Kueh

Tutu Kueh is a charming and nostalgic Singaporean snack that has captivated generations with its delightful taste and traditional craftsmanship. These bite-sized steamed rice cakes are filled with a variety of sweet fillings, making them a favourite street food enjoyed by locals and visitors! 

The process of making Tutu Kueh is a labour of love and skill. Each cake is carefully crafted by hand, starting with a soft and pillowy rice flour dough that is shaped into a small cup. The dough cups are then filled with a sweet mixture, traditionally made from grated coconut and either ground peanuts or palm sugar. 

One of the joys of Tutu Kueh lies in its versatility and variety of fillings. In addition to coconut and peanuts, modern variations may include chocolate, red bean paste, or even durian, catering to different tastes and preferences. Each filling adds its own unique flavour profile, ensuring that every piece of Tutu Kueh offers a heavenly surprise! 

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12. Tau Suan

Tau Suan is a traditional Singaporean dessert that combines the earthy sweetness of mung beans with a hint of aromatic pandan flavour, creating a unique and comforting culinary experience. This beloved dessert is cherished for its contrasting textures and balanced flavours! 

A bowl of Tau Suan, where the base is a thick and velvety mung bean soup is infused with the natural sweetness of boiled mung beans and the subtle fragrance of pandan leaves! The pandan adds a delicate floral note that complements the nutty flavour of the mung beans, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. 

One of the highlights of Tau Suan is its texture. The mung beans are cooked until they are soft and tender, yet still retain a slight bite, providing a comforting consistency that warms the palate with each spoonful. 

To contrast the smoothness of the mung bean soup, Tau Suan is traditionally served with crispy you tiao, or dough fritters. These deep-fried strips of dough add a satisfying crunch and a savoury note that complements the sweetness of the dessert! 

Beyond its delicious taste and comforting texture, Tau Suan holds cultural significance as a symbol of traditional Singaporean desserts. It is often enjoyed during festive occasions, family gatherings, and as a comforting treat on rainy days. 

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13. Ice Kachang 

Ice Kachang is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that captures the essence of Singapore's tropical climate in a bowl. This colourful mound of finely shaved ice is generously topped with a variety of sweet toppings, creating a visual and sensory delight that is as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat!  

It is a bowl filled with finely shaved ice, piled high like a snowy mountain. Atop this mound of ice are colourful toppings that create a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. You'll find red beans, which add a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness, sweet corn kernels that burst with juiciness, and attap seeds that provide a pleasant chewiness! 

What makes ice kachang truly special is the assortment of syrups that are generously drizzled over the ice. Traditionally, you'll find red rose syrup, green pandan syrup, and yellow sweet corn syrup, each adding its own distinct flavour and colour to the dessert. The syrups cascade down the ice, creating a mosaic of vibrant hues that beckon you to dig in! 

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All Time Favourite Delightful Snacks

14. Curry Puff

Curry puffs are a quintessential Singaporean snack that marries flaky pastry with a savoury filling of spicy potatoes and chicken, making it a handheld delight suitable for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.

When you bite into a freshly baked curry puff, the first sensation is the delicate shattering crispiness of the pastry! Inside, a delightful blend of diced potatoes and tender chicken, simmered in a fragrant curry sauce, awaits your taste buds. This filling is seasoned with a medley of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, infusing the potatoes and chicken with a robust, aromatic flavour.

The pastry itself is meticulously crafted to be light and flaky, yet sturdy enough to contain the generous filling without crumbling. Its golden-brown exterior yields layers of buttery goodness, creating a satisfying contrast to the spicy and savoury filling within.

Beyond their delicious taste, curry puffs embody Singapore's diverse culinary influences. Inspired by Indian and Malay cuisines, they harmoniously blend traditional flavours with local ingredients, resulting in a snack that is uniquely Singaporean!

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15. Otah 

Otah, also known as otak-otak, reflects Singapore's diverse culinary heritage, drawing inspiration from Malay and Peranakan cuisines! It showcases a harmonious blend of spices and fresh ingredients wrapped in fragrant banana leaves and grilled to perfection. This savoury snack is loved for its aromatic flavour and delightful texture, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike! 

Unwrapping a parcel of otah, the banana leaf reveals a tender and fragrant fish paste, infused with a medley of spices that tantalise the senses. The paste is typically made from a mixture of fresh fish (often mackerel or threadfin), coconut milk, aromatic herbs like lemongrass, and a blend of chillies and spices such as turmeric and galangal. This combination not only imparts a rich, spicy flavour but also gives Otah its distinctive orange hue! 

Once wrapped, the otah is grilled over an open flame or steamed, allowing the flavours to meld together while imparting a smoky aroma from the banana leaves. This cooking method enhances the dish's complexity, creating a tender and moist texture that contrasts beautifully with the slightly charred edges!

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16. Keropok Lekor 

Keropok Lekor is a delightful Malaysian and Singaporean snack crafted from a blend of fish paste and sago flour, expertly deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a satisfyingly chewy interior.

Each piece of Keropok Lekor is meticulously shaped into elongated sticks or bite-sized nuggets, showcasing a golden-brown crust that promises a crunchy texture with every bite. Inside, the dense and chewy texture harmonises with a subtle hint of fishiness, creating a balanced and flavoursome profile.

To prepare Keropok Lekor, fish paste—typically sourced from species like mackerel or tenggiri (Spanish mackerel)—is blended with sago flour and a blend of seasonings. This mixture is kneaded until achieving a firm consistency, then shaped into its distinctive forms before undergoing the frying process, ensuring each piece is fried to perfection.

This snack is enjoyed widely, either on its own as a satisfying snack or as part of a larger meal. It is frequently accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce, such as sambal belacan or sweet chilli sauce, which intensifies its savoury notes and provides a delightful kick of heat with every bite! 

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17. Rojak 

Rojak is a vibrant salad originating from Singapore and Malaysia, renowned for its diverse mix of fruits and vegetables tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce and generously topped with crushed peanuts. 

Picture a bowl of rojak—a colourful array of ingredients such as cucumber, pineapple, jicama (yam bean), and sometimes even green mango, all cut into bite-sized pieces. These fresh fruits and vegetables are combined with ingredients like bean sprouts and fried tofu, creating a medley of textures and tastes! 

What truly sets rojak apart is its dressing, which balances sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness in perfect harmony! The sauce is typically made from a mixture of ingredients like tamarind paste, shrimp paste (belacan), sugar, lime juice, and chilli, creating a flavourful and aromatic blend that coats each ingredient.

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18. Gem Biscuit 

Gem biscuits, also known as gem cookies or gem biscuits, hold a special place in the hearts of many in Singapore and Malaysia. These colourful and charming treats are cherished by both children and adults alike, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch with every bite!

Gem biscuits are petite round cookies adorned with vibrant, crunchy sugar sprinkles that sparkle like tiny gems. The biscuit itself is light and crumbly, boasting a buttery flavour that melts in your mouth. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the sugar sprinkles, enhancing the delicate biscuit base with bursts of sweetness.

Beyond their delightful taste, gem biscuits evoke nostalgic memories of childhood and simple pleasures. They are often shared among loved ones during gatherings or given as thoughtful gifts during festive seasons. Their cheerful appearance and sweet flavour bring joy and comfort, making them a beloved classic in Southeast Asian snack culture.

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19. Kacang Puteh

Kacang Puteh is a traditional Singaporean snack that has been enjoyed for generations, known for its crunchy and flavourful assortment of roasted nuts and seeds. 

Imagine walking along the bustling streets of Singapore and coming across a Kacang Puteh vendor—a sight and aroma that evoke memories of simpler times! The snack typically consists of a variety of nuts and seeds, such as peanuts, chickpeas, green peas, and broad beans, each roasted to perfection to enhance their natural flavours and textures.

Kacang Puteh holds cultural significance as a staple snack in Singapore's diverse culinary landscape. It is often sold by street vendors in colourful paper cones or packets, making it convenient to enjoy on the go or during social gatherings. The snack's simple yet robust flavours reflect Singapore's multicultural heritage, where diverse influences converge to create unique culinary experiences! 

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20. Muah Chee

Muah Chee is a delectable Singaporean snack that combines chewy glutinous rice balls coated in a sweet peanut and sugar mixture, offering a unique and comforting treat loved by locals and visitors alike!

Each piece of Muah Chee features a soft and chewy glutinous rice ball, generously coated with finely ground peanuts and sugar. With every bite, you experience a delightful chewiness and a burst of sweet, nutty flavour that delights the palate!

This snack is often enjoyed on its own or as a dessert during festivals and special occasions. It’s simple yet comforting flavours evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, making it a popular choice among those seeking a taste of traditional Singaporean street food.

Muah Chee also holds cultural significance as a snack that reflects Singapore's multicultural heritage. Found commonly at local markets and hawker centres, vendors skillfully prepare and serve it fresh to eager customers, preserving its authentic taste and cultural charm.

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Refreshing Beverages

21. Bandung 

Bandung is a tasty pink drink originating from Malaysia and Singapore, renowned for its refreshing and visually appealing combination of rose syrup and milk. This sweet and fragrant beverage is beloved for its ability to quench thirst and satisfy the senses! 

A mesmerising pink hue that immediately catches the eye, the drink is made by blending rose syrup with chilled milk, creating a creamy yet light texture that is both soothing and indulgent. Each sip offers a harmonious balance of floral sweetness from the rose syrup and the creamy richness of milk! 

Bandung is often enjoyed on hot days or as a cooling beverage during meals. Its refreshing qualities make it a popular choice at hawker centres, where it complements spicy dishes and adds a touch of sweetness to the palate.

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22. Sugarcane Juice 

Sugarcane juice, freshly pressed and lightly infused with lime, is a refreshing and healthy beverage choice. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day, it offers a satisfying combination of sweetness and citrus tang! 

Savouring a glass of sugarcane juice, it’s a translucent liquid with a natural sweetness that comes from the pressed sugarcane stalks. The addition of a hint of lime enhances its refreshing quality, creating a balanced and invigorating drink!

This beverage is not only enjoyed for its taste but also for its health benefits. Sugarcane juice is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it a rejuvenating choice to quench thirst and replenish energy levels! 

In Southeast Asia, including Singapore and Malaysia, sugarcane juice is a popular street food drink found at hawker centres and stalls. It is often served chilled or over ice, making it a go-to option for locals seeking a respite from the tropical heat! 

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23. Grass Jelly Drink

Grass jelly drink, crafted with cooling grass jelly and sweet syrup, is a light and refreshing beverage cherished for its ability to cool and satisfy, especially in hot weather! 

Imagine enjoying a glass of grass jelly drink—a translucent liquid filled with cubes of grass jelly, known for its cooling properties and subtle herbal taste. The drink is sweetened with a syrup that complements the jelly's mild flavour, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and herbal freshness! 

This beverage is a favourite choice for beating the heat in Southeast Asia, including Singapore and Malaysia. Its soothing qualities make it a popular refreshment at hawker centres and food stalls, where it provides relief from the tropical climate.

Beyond its refreshing taste, grass jelly drink is also valued for its potential health benefits. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it’s believed to have cooling properties, making it a natural choice for maintaining balance in the body's internal heat! 

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24. Milo Dinosaur 

Milo Dinosaur is an exhilarating twist on the classic Milo drink, distinguished by a lavish topping of undissolved Milo powder. This beverage is adored by both children and adults for its irresistible allure! 

Indulging in a glass of Milo Dinosaur, it’s a rich, chocolatey drink that boasts a velvety texture and a robust flavour. The drink starts with a base of cold Milo, a malted chocolate powder mixed with milk or water. What sets Milo Dinosaur apart is its decadent finish: a generous mound of undissolved Milo powder crowns the drink, offering an extra burst of Milo goodness with every sip! 

This beverage is a favourite across Singapore and Malaysia, enjoyed at cafes, hawker centres, and homes alike. Its combination of cold Milo with a decadent Milo topping ensures every sip is a moment of pure chocolatey bliss! 

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25. Kopi & Teh Terik 

No Singaporean party is complete without Kopi (coffee) and Teh Tarik (pulled tea). These beloved traditional drinks are sure to keep the conversation flowing! 

Kopi, a staple in Singaporean culture, is a strong and aromatic coffee brewed from finely ground coffee beans, often served with condensed milk or evaporated milk, and sugar. Its bold flavour and energising qualities make it a popular choice for kickstarting the day or as a social drink during gatherings! 

Teh Tarik, on the other hand, is a uniquely Malaysian and Singaporean drink that translates to "pulled tea." It involves pouring brewed black tea back and forth between two containers from a height, creating a frothy layer and cooling the tea to optimal drinking temperature. Sweetened condensed milk is then added to enhance its creamy texture and sweet flavour! 

Both Kopi and Teh Tarik are commonly enjoyed at breakfast stalls, coffee shops, and hawker centres, where skilled baristas and tea masters showcase their expertise in preparing these beloved drinks!

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Celebrating National Day with FunCo Singapore

As you prepare for your National Day celebration, reflect on what makes these dishes special to you. Perhaps it's the memories of sharing a plate of satay with friends at a hawker centre, or the comforting joy of slurping a bowl of laksa on a rainy day.

The beauty of food lies not just in its taste but in its ability to bring people together! 

At FunCo Singapore, we are dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences. From vibrant carnival food stalls to interactive live food stations, our offerings are crafted to spark joy and foster connections among your guests.

Looking for a dedicated event planner to help you plan your party? Contact us today to turn your National Day celebration into an extraordinary event that everyone will remember. 

Happy National Day, Singapore! Let's celebrate with love, laughter, and, of course, great food!