By Cynthia Rosenfeld
There is no standard Singaporean. The tiny island nation has been a true melting pot since ancient times, when it played a strategic role in the spice route between Asia and the Middle East. Though the island is only 247 square miles, Singapore is home to Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street, each reflecting that culture’s unique architectural, gastronomic, and religious heritage. Singaporeans move seamlessly among these traditional neighborhoods but also gravitate to the latest fusion cuisines in areas like Dempsey Hill, old British army barracks. In fact, it would be correct to describe the unifying characteristic of this diverse nation as their passion for food. Hawker centers, Singapore’s ubiquituous open air food courts, bustle with customers throughout the day and night. There is rarely a street scene without at least one food vendor, and private dining rooms are always packed with revelers who dream of marking an important occasion with something delectable involved.
