Top 12 Most Singaporean Things Ever
In a land where chewing gum is forbidden, Singapore boasts eccentricities unique to this island nation.
Whether you’re homegrown or a foreigner visiting the country for the first time, it’s time to know the unabashedly Singaporean things that have the world scratching their heads in confusion and admiration.
Reserving Tables Using Tissue Packets
— From riannqg
Where to do this: At hawker centres and other dining places that have queues or limited seating
What you need: A tissue packet, eagle eyes, lots of patience
The next time you dine out somewhere without a reservation, keep your eyes peeled for an interesting phenomenon. An unspoken ritual takes centre stage—the art of reserving tables with tissue packets.
Locals employ this quirky practice to secure their favourite dining spots. A humble tissue packet, strategically placed on a table, becomes a temporary yet respected marker of ownership.
It’s part of the “chope” way of reserving or saving a seat, usually in a public dining establishment like a hawker centre or a food court.
This cultural quirk might raise eyebrows elsewhere, but in the Lion City, it’s a charming tradition that mirrors the balance between communal dining and individual preferences.
Pro-tip: They may both be paper products, but please don’t use a toilet paper roll to reserve a table!
Walking Faster than Other Nationalities
— From sg_jb_causeway_skywalk
Where to see this: On bridges in Singapore, crosswalks, and other walking spaces
What you need: Good lung power, comfy walking shoes, awareness of surroundings
As we mentioned on our post on things that make Singapore unique, Singaporeans stand out as some of the world’s fastest walkers, weaving through the city with purpose and speed.
The average walker here clocks in at an astonishing 6.15 kilometres per hour!
Fueled by a culture that values efficiency, this brisk stride reflects the nation’s efficient mindset. While others might merely amble along, the Singaporean stride echoes the nation’s pursuit of progress.
This walking pace isn’t just about reaching destinations swiftly; it’s a testament to the island’s unwavering determination and a nod to the city’s compact design.
Pro-tip: If you want to keep up with the Singaporean stride, make sure to don your comfiest running shoes or hiking boots if kilometric paces are part of the itinerary.
Calling All Older People Auntie or Uncle
— From mhdilmar
When to do this: When addressing an elder hawker vendor or asking for info from someone more senior than you
Where to do this: Hawker centres, public transport, informal gatherings
What you need: Respect, consideration, sensitivity
In Singapore, it’s common to address older individuals with respect by using the terms “uncle” and “auntie,” even if they are not directly related to you. This practice is a sign of politeness and reflects the cultural emphasis on showing deference to elders.
It’s a way of acknowledging their seniority and maintaining a sense of community and respect.
Whether at hawker centres or on public transport, this endearing habit reflects the nation’s emphasis on harmony and courtesy, making everyone feel like part of an extended family.
Pro-tip: This practice might vary depending on the context and the individuals involved, so practice sensitivity and nuance before randomly calling older people uncle or auntie (they might be younger than you!).
Queueing up for Practically Anything
— From rinaldi_st
Where and when to do this: Food centres, shopping mall sales, transport hubs, movie houses, events and exhibitions, government offices, amusement parks
What you need: Patience, a smartphone with entertaining apps, comfortable clothing, portable fan, power bank, fan or umbrella (if the weather calls for it)
One of the most colourful facts about Singapore is that Singaporeans have transformed queuing into an art form, patiently lining up for everything from the latest food trend to limited-edition releases.
This unique phenomenon speaks to the city’s orderliness and a shared sense of fairness. And these lines aren’t just about waiting; they’re about camaraderie, as strangers swap stories and recommendations.
Whether it’s queueing for a hawker’s famous chicken rice or eagerly awaiting a new tech gadget, the act symbolises more than just patience—it’s a cultural display of discipline and consideration.
Pro-tip: Depending on the situation and current health guidelines, you might need to wear a face mask for safety while queueing up anywhere.
Eating Specific Dishes at Particular Hawker Centres
— From clark79_hyp
Where to find this: Popular hawker and food centres
What you need: Working knowledge or helpful advice from local foodies, a big appetite
Did you know that the hawker culture of Singapore has become a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? Hawker centres are integral to Singapore’s cultural fabric, offering a diverse array of affordable and delicious local food.
But with such a staggering array of hawker fare, Singaporeans still choose to savour specific dishes at particular hawker centres, turning these culinary hubs into revered shrines. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a pilgrimage for taste buds!
From Maxwell Food Centre’s heavenly Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice to Lau Pa Sat’s mouthwatering satay, each hawker centre has its culinary icon. This practice is a testament to the nation’s deep-rooted food culture, where authenticity is paramount.
Pro-tip: The best way to sample what particular hawker centres specialise in is to simply ask a local, look up Singapore food blogs, or read what our honest dining reviews recommend!
Making Airconditioning Part of Our Hierarchy of Needs
— From creationair
Where to experience this: Office spaces, cafes, bars, condos and HDBs, selected public spaces
In the humid embrace of Singapore’s tropical climate, air conditioning isn’t just a luxury; it’s woven into the very fabric of daily life. Evolving from a mere comfort to a necessity, aircon has ascended our hierarchy of needs!
It’s the shield against the relentless heat, a refuge that transforms homes, workplaces, and even public spaces into oases of cool relief. The hum of air conditioning units underscores conversations, meetings, and dreams, so get used to it here.
Pro-tip: To optimise air conditioning usage in Singapore’s climate, consider setting your aircon to around 25 to 26°C (77 to 79°F). This temperature strikes a balance between cooling and energy efficiency, keeping you comfortable without excessive energy consumption.
Speaking in Singlish So Much That It’s Become the Unofficial Language
— From singlishwords
When and where to hear this: Public transport, markets, hawker stalls, local neighbourhoods, social media, workplaces, social and family gatherings
What you need: A good ear, curiosity, conversation skills, willingness to learn new languages
Singaporeans have embraced Singlish, a unique linguistic blend of English, Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and other local dialects, to the point that it has become the unofficial language of the island.
And it’s everywhere! Commuters on buses, trains, and transit stations might use Singlish to chat with fellow passengers or transportation staff.
Singlish is also frequently used in family settings, bridging generational and linguistic gaps.
While Singlish may confound outsiders, it unites locals in a language that’s both playful and deeply familiar. More than just casual words, it’s a cultural code that fosters camaraderie and breaks down barriers.
Pro-tip: When giving speeches, presentations, or addressing large audiences, using standard English enhances clarity and credibility. And if you’re addressing people who might not be familiar with Singlish, it’s best to stick to standard English for effective communication.
Never Experiencing the Joy of Chewing Gum
— From travelsecretsmagazine
What you need: To be mindful and follow local laws
For almost all Singaporeans, bubble-popping and gum-chewing are distant dreams. The government’s prohibition on gum sale and consumption has left the populace unfamiliar with the simple joy of chewing.
The result is a city-state with clean streets and modes of transport, sans sticky mess. While this ban reflects the nation’s commitment to cleanliness, it also cultivates an exceptional cultural quirk.
However, there are a few specific instances when chewing gum is allowed in Singapore. Chewing gum with therapeutic benefits, such as dental or nicotine gum prescribed by a doctor, is permitted—as long as it comes with a prescription.
Pro-tip: The ban on chewing gum is more directed at the sale and importation of gum rather than its consumption. But we suggest avoiding anything to do with it altogether while in Singapore to avoid penalties.
Asking and Answering Questions With “Can”
— From thisonecanlah
When and where to hear this: During casual conversations, while asking for permission or offering assistance, during social interaction and negotiations
There are plenty of instances when Singaporean slang can help you sound like a local. An example: Singaporeans have sculpted an intriguing language quirk—forming questions and statements with a simple “can.”
This versatile word transforms into a question tag, seeking affirmation or agreement. Whether asking “Can borrow your pen?” or affirming “Can lah,” it’s a hallmark of casual communication.
This linguistic phenomenon distils the nation’s easygoing spirit, blurring lines between questions and statements. The magic of “can” lies in its ability to convey context and emotion, a linguistic shortcut that keeps conversations dynamic and relatable.
Pro-tip: Use it with a friendly tone to maintain a casual vibe. To avoid misunderstandings, ensure the context is clear, especially when using “can” as a question.
Speaking Several Languages in One Go
— From harmonycirclesg
When and where to hear this: In everyday conversations, on street signs and announcements, public transport, classrooms, cultural celebrations, etc.
Singaporeans are linguistic virtuosos, seamlessly switching between English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, and more—all in a single sentence. This multilingual dance reflects the nation’s rich diversity and cultural fusion.
It’s not uncommon to hear someone order “kopi peng” (Malay, iced coffee) while discussing “makan” (Malay, food) options with “uncle” (English, term of respect).
And during festivals like Chinese New Year or Hari Raya, you’ll witness Singaporeans using specific greetings and phrases in their respective languages.
Singapore has a harmonious coexistence of languages, where conversations elegantly blend cultures and forge connections.
Pro-tip: Don’t hesitate to use basic greetings like “hello” in different languages. When in doubt, English is widely understood, but attempting a few words in local languages like Malay, Mandarin, or Tamil can go a long way in building connections.
Dousing Almost Every Meal with Chili
— From theforkplay
When and where to see this: Buffet places in Singapore, hawker centres, private kitchens and dining rooms
What you need: Love for spicy things, adventurous palate, a big appetite
Singaporeans elevate their culinary adventures by embracing a fiery tradition—dousing nearly every dish with chilli! From hawker delights to gourmet creations, this red-hot ritual adds a sizzling kick to every bite.
It’s more than just heat; it’s a cultural rite of passage. The iconic sambal transforms mere sustenance into a symphony of flavours, a testament to Singapore’s love affair with spices.
So what do Singaporeans eat for dinner, you ask? Anything and everything as long as it’s anywhere where chilli is not just a condiment but a culinary declaration.
Pro-tip: Be it in chicken rice, noodles, or even pizza, the chilli infusion transcends borders, uniting taste buds in a harmonious dance of sweet, savoury, and spicy. There’s even chilli crab ice cream here if you’re feeling extra daring!
Complaining About Big and Small Things
— From sg_complain
When and where to hear this: When it’s hot, humid, or wet; during traffic; upon checking price tags or utility bills; when the pungent scent of durian wafts in the air
What you need: Patience, patience, and more patience
Singaporeans have mastered the art of complaint, venting about big issues like the weather and public transport as well as small inconveniences like a missing tissue in their hawker meal.
Think of it as a national sport, a way of bonding through shared frustrations.
This venting isn’t just negativity; it’s a form of catharsis, a release valve for the stresses of urban life. Complaints weave through conversations like a familiar thread, providing a quirky lens into Singapore’s daily rhythm.
Amidst the grumbles lies a strong sense of community. Those gripes often morph into lighthearted laughter, connecting people over the shared absurdities of existence in this bustling city.
Pro-tip: It’s important to note that these complaints are often made in a light-hearted manner and are part of Singaporean culture. They serve as icebreakers and conversation starters, contributing to the sense of community among locals.