Kaya Toast, Halang-halang Chicken, and the $8 Feast: Finding the Best Meal of Your Life in Southeast Asia

My 15-day journey across Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines was not just an itinerary of towers and lagoons; it was a quest for culinary gold. The most memorable travel moments often happen around a plate of food, and Southeast Asia delivered intense flavors and surprising value, from bustling street markets in Kuala Lumpur to remote beachfront hostels in Palawan.

1. Singapore’s Culinary Surprises: The $8 Feast and Iconic Toast

Singapore (August 20th to 23rd), known for its gleaming cityscape and hyper-efficiency, also proved to be a destination for incredible culinary finds. Two meals here defined my experience:

The Little India $8 Comfort Feast

During a midday break in Little India, I discovered what I considered the best meal or package of my entire tour. For just eight dollars, I received a hearty North Indian dish that was genuinely good. It featured basmati rice, a huge fried egg (about the size of my hand), vegetable gravy, and a substantial piece of chicken curry. The robust and comforting flavors, complemented by an iced Milo, were a welcome start to my Singapore culinary exploration.

The Delight of Kaya Toast

Later in the day, a faculty member introduced me to the local icon: Kaya Toast. I had this famous breakfast item at Toast Box in City Square Mall. Served with kaya jam and two soft-boiled eggs, this delightful local breakfast lived up to its reputation and was so “very, very tasty” that I ate “up to my throat”.

For more on adapting to Singapore’s advanced infrastructure and food scene, read my guide:

2. The Taste of the Archipelago: Halang-halang Chicken Discovery

In the Philippines (August 23rd to 30th), my quest for authentic regional flavors led me to Palawan, where I encountered a dish that redefined local comfort food: Halang-halang chicken.

While staying at Mad Monkey Hostel near Nacpan Beach, I initially hesitated to order the local chicken adobo (as a previous attempt at adobo hadn’t impressed me). The staff suggested I try the regional Halang-halang chicken instead. This dish was a hot chicken soup made deliciously rich with coconut milk and topped with fried onions.

Served with a small portion of rice and a naan bread-like item (which resembled papadum), this dish was a “very wonderful, very good” meal. I poured the rice into the soup bowl and ate it, feeling immense satisfaction from this surprisingly tasty local discovery.

To follow my adventures through Palawan’s island wonders and find the best local tips, read:

3. From Street Delights to Dining Dilemmas

The culinary journey was rounded out by vibrant street markets and cautionary tales, proving that preparedness is essential for food enthusiasts in Asia:

  • Malaysian Street Food Success: In Kuala Lumpur, the legendary Jalan Alor street food market was a nightly highlight. I indulged in chicken and mutton satay, a massive grilled fish, and the local favorite, durian ice cream, all contributing to the festive atmosphere. For the full experience, see: KL Day 1: Immigration to Jalan Alor.
  • Manila’s Food Traps: Vigilance is necessary in Manila, where a small lapse in communication led to an order of old, watery lasagna and a grossly overpriced imported Coke, costing 200 pesos for a single can.
  • Island Feasts: During the El Nido island hopping tour, lunch was served buffet-style on Payam Payam Beach, featuring local Filipino cuisine including pork, chicken, fruits, and vegetable rice.

Whether you seek the simple pleasure of an eight-dollar meal that hits the spot or the sophisticated flavors of a specialty regional dish, Southeast Asia offers a rewarding culinary adventure for every solo traveler.

Dive deeper into the complete travel archive here: 3 Countries, 15 Days: Unfiltered Stories from Malaysia, Singapore & Philippines.