Christmas is a time for family, food, and festive cheer, and in Singapore, we love adding our unique local flair to traditional holiday dishes. Whether you’re planning a cosy family gathering or a festive party with friends, these 12 Christmas recipes bring a touch of Singapore’s culinary creativity to your holiday spread. Let’s dive into some delicious, crowd-pleasing options that everyone can enjoy!
1. Hainanese Roasted Chicken
A festive take on the iconic Hainanese chicken rice, this dish features perfectly roasted chicken with crispy skin and is served with fragrant rice and tangy chilli sauce.
- What you’ll need: Whole chicken, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice.
- Tip: Marinate the chicken overnight for extra flavour and tenderness.
2. Chilli Crab
Chilli crab is a Singaporean favourite, perfect for adding spice and flavour to your holiday table. The rich, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce is a crowd favourite.
- What you’ll need: Crab, garlic, ginger, chilli paste, tomato ketchup, and egg.
- Tip: Serve with crispy buns to soak up the delicious sauce.
3. Steamed Fish with Ginger and Soy Sauce
A healthy and delicious dish, this steamed fish with ginger and soy sauce brings out the natural sweetness of the fish, making it perfect for the festive season.
- What you’ll need: Whole fish (like snapper), ginger, soy sauce, garlic, and spring onions.
- Tip: Choose a fresh fish to get the best flavour.
4. Laksa
This rich and creamy noodle soup, with its spicy coconut broth, is a beloved local dish. Make it special by adding shrimp, chicken, or even festive fishcakes.
- What you’ll need: Laksa noodles, shrimp, chicken, tofu puffs, coconut milk, laksa paste, and sambal.
- Tip: Garnish with hard-boiled eggs and fresh herbs for extra colour.
5. Pineapple Tarts
No Singaporean Christmas is complete without these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pineapple tarts. A perfect balance of sweet and savoury!
- What you’ll need: Butter, flour, egg yolks, and pineapple jam.
- Tip: Use homemade pineapple jam for the freshest flavour.
6. Curry Puff
Curry puffs are perfect as a snack or appetiser for your holiday party. These flaky pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes and chicken are sure to please.
- What you’ll need: Puff pastry, potatoes, chicken, curry powder, and boiled eggs.
- Tip: Bake instead of fry for a lighter version.
7. Christmas-Style Satay
Satay is a favourite in Singapore, and you can give it a festive twist with a Christmas marinade. Serve with a sweet peanut sauce for dipping.
- What you’ll need: Chicken or beef, lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, and coconut milk.
- Tip: Grill the satay over charcoal for a smoky flavour.
8. Durian Log Cake
For a bold twist on the traditional Yule log, try making a durian log cake! This unique dessert brings together the festive charm of a log cake with the rich, creamy flavour of durian.
- What you’ll need: Durian puree, sponge cake, cream, and sugar.
- Tip: Use fresh durian if you can find it for the best flavour.
9. Kueh Lapis
A traditional layered cake that is rich, fragrant, and delicious. This cake, made with butter and eggs, is perfect for celebrating the festive season with a local touch.
- What you’ll need: Butter, eggs, sugar, flour, and spices.
- Tip: Bake the layers slowly for that perfectly dense texture.
10. Christmas Pandan Cake
Pandan cake is light, airy, and fragrant, making it a delightful dessert option. Adding a touch of Christmas spice with cinnamon and nutmeg makes it festive!
- What you’ll need: Pandan extract, eggs, flour, sugar, and coconut milk.
- Tip: Garnish with powdered sugar and holly leaves for a festive touch.
11. Teochew-style Orh Nee
This smooth yam dessert is a favourite in Teochew cuisine and makes a wonderful end to a holiday meal. Serve with a sprinkle of gingko nuts for extra crunch.
- What you’ll need: Yam, sugar, coconut milk, and gingko nuts.
- Tip: Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.
12. Singapore Sling Punch
For a unique holiday cocktail, serve up a Singapore Sling-inspired punch! A refreshing mix of tropical fruits and a dash of alcohol makes it a hit for festive gatherings.
- What you’ll need: Gin, cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine.
- Tip: Serve in a large bowl with ice and fruit slices for a party-ready punch.
Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply looking to add some local flair to your holiday celebrations, these 12 Singaporean Christmas recipes will bring everyone together around the table. From spicy chilli crab to sweet pineapple tarts, there’s something for every palate. This holiday season, blend the joy of Christmas with the delicious tastes of Singapore for a truly memorable celebration.
