Changi Airport: Eating Out and Eating In

Changi Airport is not just for travelers anymore. What is evident today at Changi is that it has become a primary hub for Singaporeans and foreigners alike to spend a good portion of their day shopping, dining or watch the airlines at the viewing gallery. BeWicked was invited on a tasting tour of the best of Changi's delights, both on the travelers side as well as the viewers side. It was an absolute feast galore, to enjoy the different types of international cuisine available. From Terminal 1 to 3, different restaurants of varying food nature await the avid traveler, looking to whet taste buds in a cultural pool. Admittedly, Changi Airport has managed to capture Singapore's multi cultural identity via food, a form of identification for most Singaporeans. As a gateway to the country, foreigners get a real taste of Singapore even before exploring our country. It's not world class for nothing, of course.

Chinta Manis

Translated to mean "Sweet Love" in Malay, Chinta Manis is available both at the Terminal 2 Arrival Hall and the Departure Transit Mall. Passengers and public alike can get a little sweet love themselves with a wide variety of traditional Peranakan Kuehs, all handmade and served fresh daily. Some popular pickings include Pulut Seri Kaya, Chendol Agar Agar and Ondeh Ondeh. These traditional snacks are perfect for those looking for a quick nibble while at the airport. Chinta Manis is also a cafe, serving up dishes such as Mee Siam and Nasi Peranakan.

A sweet selection of sweets at Chinta Manis

 Peach Garden Noodle House

Located at the Departure Transit Mall and the Mezzanine Level 3, the Peach Gardens was a restaurant that transformed the visit into a cherished experience. The interior was exquisite, and dining facing the airline berths is a true treat, especially for those who love the enigmatic feeling that comes with visiting Changi Airport. Peach Gardens offers a wide selection of deluctable Chinese dishes. However, with this restaurants, it would do well to trust the staff's opinion on specials. The famed Fried Prawn with Wasabi Salad Cream was the highlight of the spread. Stinging with acrid spiciness, and yet sweet with the tenderness for the fried prawns, this is one dish that everyone should try at least once. This is only second to the dessert, a fresh coconut serving of ice cream and cream. It will not be an exaggeration when one describes this heaven in a coconut.

Yang Zhou Fried Rice with BBQ Pork Char Siew and Shrimp

Mirchi's Taste of India

A North Indian Fine Dining Restaurant for the daring at heart, this popular Indian Restaurant can be found in the heart of Singapore, as well as at the Departure Transit Mall and Mezzanine Level 3. Tandoori, a traditional cooking method used by North Indians, is a word attached to many dishes here. And diners can be garaunteed to get what they are paying for, with large portions of delicious Indian Food. A dish to watch out for would be the Tandoori (Surprise!) Kebabs Platter. Although the restaurant may have designed this dish to give diners an idea of Tandoori cooked meat, we recommend this not just for a sampler, but as a main to accompany their freshly baked Tandoori Breads (including Naan, Roti, and Kulchas). The Butter Chicken is another divine dish, which inspires the diner to feel almost akin to the many Indians who have perfected the delicate art of Tandoori cooking. The cuisine here is a plain spicy party on your palate.

Mirchi's Kebab Factory

Prima Taste

Prima Taste has to be the most popular of all that has been mentioned so far, due to their readily available packet mixes and sauces. A truly Asian experience can be garnered from the food at Prima Taste, expecially with the Laksa and Chicken Rice. Considered to be traditionally Chinese and Malay respectively, these dishes are prepared with tender love and care, just like how to would be in a typical Singaporean household. Served in modest portions, the signature Hainanese Chicken Rice is made with simply fresh ingredients, with the Chicken and Rice cooked just the perfect amount. A true treat.

Prima Taste's Hainanese Chicken Rice