Throwing a party in Singapore means bringing together a diverse mix of delicious foods that reflect the nation’s love for great flavours. Whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday bash, or just a casual get-together with friends, one thing is certain—party snacks are an essential part of the event! Finger foods, in particular, are popular because they’re easy to eat, allow guests to mingle, and offer a wide variety of flavors in small bites.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the most delicious finger foods that are perfect for any Singaporean party. From the wildly popular Ramly Burgers to the classic Satay and universally loved French Fries, your party menu is covered. So, let’s dive into these tasty delights that will leave your guests raving about your party food!
1. Ramly Burger – The Malaysian Street Food Favourite
No Singaporean party would be complete without the Ramly Burger. This iconic burger, which originated from Malaysia, has gained immense popularity in Singapore and is often found at pasar malams (night markets) and BBQ parties. It’s more than just a burger—it’s a street food phenomenon!
The Ramly Burger is unique because of how it’s prepared. The beef or chicken patty is wrapped in an egg, creating a juicy, flavour-packed treat. Traditionally, the burger is seasoned with sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and even a bit of spicy chili for a kick. What makes this burger perfect for parties is its adaptability; you can serve it as full-sized burgers or mini Ramly sliders, making them convenient for guests to grab and eat without the mess.
If you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or a small gathering, having a Ramly Burger stall or setting up a DIY burger bar could be a hit with your guests. Not only is the Ramly Burger filling, but it’s also full of rich, satisfying flavors that are sure to please everyone.
2. Satay – The Classic Singaporean Skewered Delight
Satay is another must-have for any party in Singapore. This deliciously marinated and grilled skewered meat is a classic finger food that’s beloved by locals and tourists alike. Whether it’s chicken, beef, mutton, or lamb, satay is an excellent choice for parties because of its bite-sized convenience and smoky, chargrilled taste.
What really elevates satay is the accompanying peanut sauce—a rich, nutty dip that complements the succulent meat perfectly. Served with a side of ketupat (compressed rice cakes), cucumber, and onions, satay is a filling yet light finger food that fits well with the tropical weather of Singapore. For an authentic experience, you could even hire a satay stall or grill them yourself at a BBQ party. The scent of satay grilling in the air is sure to tempt your guests!
In addition to its traditional forms, some modern twists on satay include pairing it with unique dips, like spicy sambal or even sweet chili sauce, adding an extra layer of flavour for your guests to enjoy.
3. French Fries – The Universal Party Snack
French Fries may be an international favourite, but they are undoubtedly a go-to finger food at Singaporean parties too. Simple, crispy, and undeniably tasty, French fries can be paired with a variety of sauces and dips, making them an easy crowd-pleaser.
For a Singaporean twist, you could offer salted egg fries, a beloved local variation that adds a creamy and savoury layer to the classic French fry. Alternatively, you can spice things up with chili crab-flavoured fries or serve them with sambal mayonnaise for a local flavour infusion.
French fries are also versatile in their presentation—you can serve them as shoestring fries, crinkle-cut, or even curly fries, depending on your party theme. Whether they’re paired with burgers or served solo in paper cones for easy handling, they’re sure to disappear quickly from the snack table!
4. Spring Rolls – Crispy and Savoury Bites
Another essential finger food for Singaporean parties is spring rolls. These crispy, golden bites are not only delicious but also easy to eat, making them ideal for guests to enjoy while mingling. The great thing about spring rolls is their variety—they can be stuffed with anything from vegetables and prawns to minced meat, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavours.
For parties, you can serve both fresh and fried spring rolls. The fresh version, often referred to as popiah, is lighter and wrapped in a soft, thin skin filled with fresh vegetables, shredded turnip, and prawns, while the fried version is crunchy and packed with savoury fillings. Both offer unique taste profiles and are perfect for different types of palates.
Spring rolls are also relatively easy to make in bulk, so you can prepare a large batch in advance and simply reheat them before your guests arrive.
5. Chicken Wings – A Finger-Licking Favourite
No Singaporean party menu is complete without chicken wings. Whether grilled or fried, chicken wings are one of the best finger foods you can serve. Not only are they flavourful, but they’re also easy to eat without the need for utensils, which is perfect for casual gatherings.
For a local twist, consider serving sambal chicken wings or honey-glazed wings. The sambal adds a spicy kick that Singaporeans love, while the honey glaze provides a sweet contrast to the savory meat. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as garlic chili or creamy blue cheese, to add some variety to this classic party snack.
Chicken wings are great because they can be prepped in advance and served hot or cold, making them convenient and flexible for any party setting.
6. Curry Puffs – The Flaky Local Favourite
Curry puffs are a staple at Singaporean parties. These pastry-filled delights are stuffed with curried potatoes, chicken, or even sardines, and they offer a perfect blend of spices and textures that guests simply love.
Curry puffs are versatile—they can be served warm or at room temperature, and they’re easy to eat with one hand while holding a drink with the other. They come in different sizes, making them perfect for large parties or small gatherings. From classic curry chicken puffs to modern twists like sardine puffs or even chili crab puffs, this snack brings a bit of Singaporean heritage to any party spread.
7. Otah – The Flavourful Grilled Snack
For a uniquely Singaporean finger food, look no further than Otah. This grilled fish cake, typically wrapped in banana leaves, is a fragrant, spicy, and smoky addition to any party. Otah is made from ground fish mixed with coconut milk and a blend of spices, resulting in a flavourful snack with a nice kick.
You can serve otah on its own, or as part of a finger food platter with satay and other grilled delights. It’s an excellent option for BBQ parties, where the aroma of the grilled banana leaves will tantalise your guests.
8. Mini Popiah – A Healthier Party Snack Option
For those who are health-conscious, mini popiah offers a lighter alternative. Made with fresh ingredients like lettuce, shredded turnip, carrots, prawns, and eggs, these bite-sized rolls are a refreshing snack that adds a healthy balance to your party spread.
Mini popiah can be served fresh or lightly fried for extra crunch. Either way, they’re a great option for guests looking for something lighter and less greasy, but still packed with flavour.
9. Fish Balls – The Timeless Skewer Delight
Fish balls are another classic finger food that’s often found at Singaporean gatherings. Whether they’re grilled, boiled, or fried, fish balls are easy to eat and full of umami flavour. Typically served on skewers, they’re an ideal choice for BBQs and buffets alike.
Fish balls are often paired with sauces like sweet chili, soy sauce, or sambal to add an extra burst of flavour. You can even serve them alongside other skewered items like sotong (squid) balls or meatballs for a well-rounded snack selection.
10. Cheese Tarts – The Sweet Finishing Touch
Finally, no party would be complete without a sweet treat, and cheese tarts have become a trendy dessert option in Singapore. These creamy, buttery tarts have a rich cheese filling that melts in your mouth, making them a perfect finger food to round off any meal.
Cheese tarts are easy to serve and require no utensils, making them ideal for guests to enjoy while socializing. Whether you serve them in their classic form or offer flavoured varieties like matcha or chocolate, these tarts are sure to be a hit with your guests.
FAQs
What is the best finger food for a party in Singapore?
Some of the best finger foods include Ramly burgers, satay, and curry puffs, as they are delicious, easy to eat, and reflect the local flavours Singaporeans love.
Can I serve vegetarian finger foods at a party?
Absolutely! Options like fresh spring rolls (popiah), mini popiah, or vegetarian curry puffs are great choices that cater to vegetarian guests.
How can I serve Ramly burgers at a party?
You can serve them as full-sized burgers or mini sliders. Offering a DIY burger bar where guests can customize their toppings is also a fun idea.
What’s a good sweet finger food for a Singaporean party?
Cheese tarts are a trendy and delicious option. Their creamy texture and easy-to-eat size make them perfect for parties.
Can I prepare these finger foods in advance?
Yes, many finger foods like spring rolls, curry puffs, and chicken wings can be prepared in advance and reheated just before serving.
What drinks pair well with these finger foods?
For a refreshing match, pair these finger foods with local drinks like iced lemon tea, bandung, or even traditional kopi.
Conclusion
Hosting a party in Singapore is always made better with a selection of mouth-watering finger foods. Whether you’re serving up Ramly burgers, satay, or French fries, there’s something for everyone on this list. These finger foods not only taste great but also represent the diverse and rich food culture of Singapore. So, next time you’re planning a party, consider adding some of these favourites to your menu—they’re guaranteed to be a hit with your guests!
