Straits Restaurant

Chili Crab

Singapore's national dish rendered in a sweet-spicy tomato-egg gravy; the mantou buns for dipping are mandatory and arguably the best part

Laksa

Coconut curry noodle soup with a rich, aromatic broth that hits the right balance of heat and creaminess

Satay

Grilled skewers served with a peanut dipping sauce that has real depth — a reliable starter for the table

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Poached chicken over fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, with ginger-scallion sauce and chili on the side — deceptively simple and well-executed

Roti Canai

Flaky, layered flatbread served with a curry dipping sauce — an excellent starter that disappears fast at the table

Beef Rendang

Slow-braised dry curry with deep caramelized spice notes — rich and warming, a good cold-weather order

Singapore Sling

The classic gin-based cocktail done properly — more complex than the tourist-trap versions and worth ordering at least once