Food is a National Identity

Food is a basic need for all living things. We have read and seen countries which are suffering from lack of food. Starvation has created much chaos in the lives of many people. 

However, in Singapore it is a totally different ball game. We take food seriously and a lack of food is something that will not happen as we live in a very stable environment.

For Singaporeans, food is not only a basic need but it is viewed as a national identity and also highlights the unifying cultural thread that binds us together. A common pass time or hobby for Singaporeans is eating. No, this is not a mocking fact but the truth in lighthearted terms. Food is usually a common topic amongst many food lovers, that it is safe to call it a National obsession. 

Do you know that the Singapore Tourism Board, uses the Singapore cuisine to promote Singapore as an attraction for tourists. The Singapore Food Festival which is organised by the government is solely to celebrate the Singapore cuisine. 

Not only do we have a multi-ethinicty infused cuisine but also readily available food at any time of the day to suit all palettes including international cuisine that is catered to fit all budgets definitely makes Singapore a South East Asian food paradise. 

Chicken rice, Indian rojak, Mee bakso, ramen, pasta, pizza, chilli crab, carrot cake and chicken curry are just a few in the list of diverse options that our nation has to offer. 

Yes, we could be just a little red dot with scarce resources. But we have a lot to be proud of such as national security, harmony amongst different ethnicities, good relationships with neighbours, healthy trading and of course our food which has been affected by globalisation and proven to be a cultural attraction.