The Blue Ginger Restaurant, Singapore
The famous durian chendol
One of the many known facts about Singapore is it has a rich and unique cuisine, with varied influences from Chinese, Malay, Indian and other neighboring countries. As a traveler and a blogger, and just like any other tourist who’s exploring a new place or country for the first time, I always make sure I find that original, authentic taste of the food unique to that place.
“What food is this place known for?”
“What do you recommend for us to eat?”
“What’s their national food?”
“Any exotic dish?”
Each country is unique. Each cuisine has its own unique story you can only find out by immersing your taste buds to it. Let me take you on a culinary tour to one of Singapore’s famous restaurants, The Blue Ginger Restaurant.
With Singapore foodtrip buddies, Meg, Khai and sister, and Melai.
The name Blue Ginger was derived from a key ingredient in Peranakan (Straits-Chinese) cooking known as Nam Kiong in Cantonese, or Galangal in Malay. Peranakan is a culture which evolved through the intermarriage between early Chinese settlers and the indigenious Malays in the areas surrounding Singapore in the 1800s. As a result of this union, a whole new culinary flavor took form.
Kueh Pie Tee
Kueh Pie Tee is a thin and crispy pastry tart shell filled with a spicy, sweet mixture of thinly sliced vegetables and prawns. It is a popular Peranakan dish. The main filling is shredded Chinese turnips and carrots.
Beef Rendang
My favorite! Beef Rendang - tender beef cubes prepared in rich coconut milk spiced with ginger, lemongrass, lime leaves and a dash of curry powder. I've had my share of beef rendang from different Asian restaurants but this from Blue Ginger is probably one of the best.
Sotong Kunyit
Sotong Kunyit - fresh squid stir-fried with turmeric powder, flavoured with tamarind.
Ngo Heong
Ngo Heong - deep-fried spring rolls with minced pork, shrimp and water chestnuts served with sweet soy dip.
Udang Lada
Udang Goreng Tauyu Lada - sauteed prawns with pepper in sweet dark soya sauce.
Juhu Kangkong
Juhu Kangkong - Stir-fried kangkong with cuttlefish and sambal
Seabass Gulai
Seabass Gulai - fresh seabass simmered in spicy tamarind gravy flavoured with lemongrass.
Ayam Panggang
Ayam Panggang - deboned chicken thigh and drumstick flavoured with coconut milk rich in exotic spices and grilled to perfection.
Ayam Limau Purut
Ayam Limau Purut - chicken simmered in a spice ladened tamarind mix.
Blue Ginger is definitely a must-try when in Singapore! Great food, great service; just perfect for first time tourists. If you want to have a taste of Singapore, Blue Ginger can sum it up for you on your table! I'd give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars! :)
The Blue Ginger Restaurant is located at Tanjong Pagar Road. It's a 3-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT station.
Dish description courtesy of Blue Ginger.