A glimpse of the Singaporean culture

Singapore is one of the most exciting countries to visit in the south-east Asian region. The country is a melting pot of different cultures made up of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian groups. This means that there is a vibrant mix of different cultures all of which are exemplified in everyday life. From the food and language, to various traditions and festivals, there’s all manner of harmonious multicultural things to experience. Let’s take a look.

Getting some food

One of the most notable areas where the different cultures have fused is the food. There are many culinary treats to be found here, and a wealth of different flavors to enjoy. From China, you can find a vibrant China Town in the city. The area is full of delicious stir fries. These compete with coconut-infused dishes from Malaysia resulting in intense aromas and taste bud-bursting flavors to try.

Firmly part and parcel of the foodie scene in Singapore are the hawker centers. These are open-air food courts where all the vendors convene. Each one offers something different, so you can find all kinds of classics from satay, to char kway teow without having to travel the continent. Of course, there is a fine-dining scene too, and this is where there are many more innovative fusions and takes on traditional dishes. What’s always great to see is that all the food is offered and highlights the true cultural diversity of this country.

Entertainment and shopping

There is a huge shopping culture in Singapore. This means that there are tons of places in which to enjoy shopping. Better still, these experiences encompass all manner of experience and budget. For instance, there are major shopping malls packed with luxury high-end goods and products. Some of the premier malls are located on Orchard Road and include Ngee Ann City, Paragon, and ION Orchard. If your budget is somewhat lower, then there are plenty of street markets packed with local crafts and treasures. Head to the Haji Lane areas in Kampong Glam or Arab Street to find independent boutiques, vintage stores and handmade craft shops. Crafts is of extra special importance in the country too. There is a strong craftsmanship tradition in Singapore’s history. You can find Perenakan pottery, batiks from Malaysia and Chinese calligraphy in these artisanal markets and fairs.

While Singaporeans love shopping, there are other options for entertainment. These days, there is a growing tend for online gaming and casinos. More casinos are available in this region, accepting a wide range of players from all countries including Singapore. Gem Bet, for instance, accepts Singaporeans and offers a welcome bonus for both the casino and sportsbook sections of the site.

Getting festive

Singaporeans, as touched on earlier, also like to celebrate a wide array of events and festivals. And with so many cultures all living beside one another, it’s no surprise to find that the yearly calendar is typically full. Some of the top events include the Chinese New Year, which is marked by huge parades, light displays and lion dances. Chinatown is the hub to be, with red lanterns everywhere and delicious food markets popping up on every corner.

An array of other ethnic traditions and festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Ramadan is widely celebrated as are the festivals such as Hari Raya Puasa to symbolize the end of this fasting period. Other major festival highlights include The Festival of Lights or Deepavali when Little India becomes packed with colorful displays and dances. The Mid-Autumn Festival follows on its heels with lanterns lighting up Chinatown and Gardens by the Bay. Finally, there are non-religious major events such as the Singaporean Grand Prix which closes parts of the city for a weekend, the Singapore International Film Festival and the Food Festival. All of these draw visitors from around the world.

Singapore is also known for its large selection of religious temples from many different religions. As the variety of festivals already shows, you can find Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Tao, and Hindu beliefs comfortably rubbing shoulders with each other. The architecture of the different churches, mosques and temples, make a delightful architectural tapestry as you wander the streets of Singapore.