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Singapore is a paradise for foodies, with its vibrant and diverse range of delectable fruits. Whether searching for mouth-watering tropical fruits or just a quick snack, look no further than these 23 tropical fruits in Singapore.
From durians to dragon fruits, this article has rounded up some of the most delicious tropical fruits that will fill your fruit shopping basket in Singapore.
23 Tropical Fruits in Singapore
Jackfruit
Jackfruit, a tropical fruit native to South Asia, has found a home in Singapore.
With its sweet, tangy flavor and meaty texture, jackfruit has become a staple in many local dishes.
This is one of the fruits in Singapore that can be used in sweet and savory dishes and makes a great meat substitute in curries. The seeds are also edible.
You can find it in jackfruit curry or ice cream dishes.
Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a brightly colored fruit with a unique appearance that has become increasingly popular in Singapore.
These exotic fruits are widely available all year round and can be found in most supermarkets and wet markets across the island.
With its vibrant pink skin and white flesh filled with tiny black seeds, dragon fruit may look intimidating to some.
However, once you take a bite, you’ll discover that it has a subtle flavor that is both mildly sweet and refreshing.
Whether you enjoy eating it as a snack, adding it to your smoothies, or incorporating it into your salads, dragon fruit is a nutritious option that is low in calories and high in fiber.
Passion fruit
Passion fruit, better known as “markisa” in Singapore, has been making its way into the hearts of many fruit enthusiasts in the country.
This small yet peculiar fruit is known for its tangy, sweet, and sour taste, making it a popular choice to be eaten fresh and used in refreshing drinks, desserts, and even salads.
Passion fruit is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it not just a flavorful fruit but also a healthy one.
It is produced in various parts of the world, but in Singapore, it is widely grown in tropical climates and easily accessible.
Whether eaten raw, blended into a drink, or used as an ingredient in a dish, Passion fruit will provide a unique tropical taste experience.
Related: 17 Malaysian Fruits You Must Try
Rose Apple
Singapore is known for its diverse and eclectic cuisine, but one fruit that often goes under the radar is the rose apple, or wax apple.
This crisp and refreshing fruit, native to Southeast Asia, has a flavor that is often described as a cross between a pear and a grape.
In Singapore, rose apples can be found at local markets and street vendors throughout the city.
These particular fruits in Singapore are often eaten raw as a healthy snack or used in salads and desserts for a delicious burst of flavor.
The fruit gets its name from its rosy-pink exterior, which will catch your eye at any market.
Related: 21 Delicious Indonesian Fruits
Custard Apple
Custard apples are another of the unique fresh fruits that can be found in Singapore.
With its creamy and sweet flavor, it’s no wonder why this exotic fruit is becoming increasingly popular among locals and visitors alike.
Native to Central and South America, the custard apple is also known as the “sugar apple” and “cherimoya” in some regions.
It’s becoming a popular ingredient in smoothies and desserts in Singapore due to its distinct and pleasing taste.
It is delicious, and custard apples also have a high nutritional value, filled with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.
Related: 15 Delicious Bali Fruits
Durian
Durian, the infamous spiky fruit known for its pungent aroma, has found a beloved home in Singapore.
Locals and tourists eagerly await durian season, when the fruit peaks and fills markets and street vendors.
Despite its divisive scent, devotees of durian, often called the national fruit of Singapore, swear by its custard texture and the sweet and creamy taste of its yellow flesh.
In Singapore, the fruit is celebrated in many forms, from durian crepes and ice cream to durian puffs and hot pot.
Pomelo
Pomelo, the largest citrus fruit in the world, holds a special place in the hearts of fruit lovers in Singapore.
The green-yellow fruit with a thick spongy rind is juicy, fragrant, and packed with health-related benefits.
Locally known as “limau Bali,” pomelo is commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert, especially during Chinese New Year.
In Singapore, pomelo can be found in markets and supermarkets throughout the year, but the best time to enjoy them is between October and February when they are in season.
Related: Delicious Fruits in Cambodia
Longan
Longan, also known as “dragon eye fruit,” may not be as well-known as other fruits in Singapore, but it is worth discovering.
The sweet and juicy flesh, covered in a thin brown skin, has a delicate flavor – some say it is similar to a grape, others describe it as honey-like.
Longan is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to relieve stress and promote relaxation and is a key ingredient in some desserts, such as tong sui.
Related: Longan vs Rambutan vs Lychee
Pineapple
Pineapple in Singapore is more than just a tropical fruit. It is a cultural icon.
These fruits in Singapore have been cultivated on the island since the 1800s and have become a major regional export.
The pineapple’s sweet and tangy flavor makes it a popular ingredient in many local dishes, such as pineapple fried rice and pineapple tarts. Beyond its culinary uses, this fresh fruit also holds a special meaning in the country’s Chinese culture.
During the Chinese New Year, it is customary to present a pineapple as a gift, as it symbolizes wealth and prosperity.
Recipe: Summertime Pineapple Slushie
Mango
Mangoes are one of Singapore’s more famous tropical fruits, enjoyed as a snack and an ingredient in various dishes.
Known for their sweet and juicy flesh, mangoes can be found in local markets and supermarkets all year round, with peak season from May to September.
Singaporeans love to eat mangoes on their own and in desserts like mango pudding, ice cream, and even in savory dishes like mango salad.
Mango trees can also be found in various parts of the city, adding a touch of greenery to the urban landscape.
Mangosteen
Mangosteen are highly popular seasonal fruits that are widely enjoyed in Singapore.
Its sweet and tangy flavor has become a staple in the local cuisine and can be found at the many markets and food stalls across the city.
It is often consumed on its own or mixed with other fruits to make refreshing juices or smoothies. I
n addition to its delicious taste, mangosteen has also been touted for its numerous health benefits, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lychee
Lychee is one of the most sought-after fruits in Singapore, both because of its unique taste and health benefits.
This small, oval-shaped fruit has a rough, reddish-brown exterior that belies the delicate, juicy, sweet flesh.
Besides being a tasty snack, lychee is also believed to have numerous health benefits, such as aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and reducing blood pressure.
In Singapore, lychee, one of the famous Asian fruits, is often used in desserts, such as ice cream, cake, and jelly, as well as in cocktails and fruit juices.
Related: 17 Unique Malay Drinks to Quench Your Thirst
Asian Pear
Asian pears are becoming increasingly popular in Singapore due to their unique texture and sweet taste.
Unlike traditional pears, Asian pears have a crunchy texture similar to an apple and are often enjoyed sliced as a snack or used in salads.
In addition to their delicious taste, they are packed with nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
Guava
Singapore is famous for its diverse and colorful food scene, with one of its most popular fruits being guava.
Known for its sweet and tangy flavor, this tropical fruit is a favorite among locals and tourists.
Its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties have also earned it a reputation as a healthy snack option.
Guava can be found in various dishes in Singapore, from traditional desserts like guava pastries to modern dishes like guava smoothie bowls.
Lotus Fruit
Lotus fruit, also known as lotus pods or lotus seed pods, is a unique and interesting delicacy in Singapore.
While lotus flowers are typically associated with their beauty and symbolism in Asian cultures, the fruit of the lotus plant is a lesser-known ingredient commonly used in soups and desserts.
The fruit pods, about the size of a golf ball, are typically boiled to soften their shell and reveal the seeds inside.
The seeds have a nutty flavor and are often used in sweet desserts such as tong sui or mooncakes.
Chinese Bayberry or Waxberry
Chinese Bayberry or Waxberry, or ‘Yang Mei’, is a delicacy many Singaporeans cherish.
It is a small, round fruit with a bright red color and a tart, juicy flavor that packs a punch.
The fruit is commonly found in many local markets and hawker centers during its peak season, usually from June to August.
Its unique taste and texture make it popular for desserts, jams, or a refreshing hot day snack.
Starfruit
Starfruit, also known as carambola, is a tropical fruit that has become popular in Singapore.
This bright yellow fruit is often consumed raw and boasts a juicy, sweet flavor with a tangy aftertaste.
In addition, its unique star-shaped appearance makes it a fascinating addition to any plate.
Not only does it taste great on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with other fruits in a salad.
Starfruit is also a rich source of Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, making it a healthy choice for snack time.
Kumquat
Kumquat, the tiny yet zesty fruit, has become a popular addition to the food scene in Singapore.
Originating from China, the kumquat is a bite-sized fruit with a tangy, citrusy flavor that packs a punch.
While traditionally eaten during the Chinese New Year as a symbol of good luck and fortune, kumquats are now used creatively in Singaporean cuisine.
From freshly squeezed kumquat juice to tangy kumquat sorbet, this fruit is a versatile culinary ingredient in savory and sweet dishes.
Breadfruit
Breadfruit, a tropical fruit with a starchy texture, has recently gained popularity in Singapore.
This nutritious fruit is a rich dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals source.
Breadfruit is commonly used in various dishes, from traditional curries to modern creations by local chefs.
It is also a versatile ingredient, providing a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour in baked goods.
Santol
Santol, a native fruit of Southeast Asia, has found a special place in Singaporean cuisine.
Known as the “wild mangosteen,” this fruit boasts a unique tangy and sour flavor profile, making it a favorite in many dishes – from salads to preserves to spicy dips.
Santol is high in vitamins C and B6, making it a great addition to any well-rounded diet.
Langsat
Singapore is known for its diverse range of exotic fruits, and langsat is no exception.
This small, round fruit with a thin outer shell and juicy, tangy flesh has a unique flavor, making it a popular snack among locals and tourists.
The langsat tree can be found in many parts of Singapore, including parks and nature reserves, and its fruit is easily recognizable by its yellowish skin and soft, translucent pulp.
Snake fruit
If you are ever walking around the markets in Singapore, you may come across a fruit that looks like a large brown ball covered in scales.
This fruit is known as snake fruit or salak, a popular tropical delicacy in Southeast Asia.
Its name comes from the skin’s unique texture, similar to a snake’s scales.
When you peel away the outer layer, you are left with a sweet, tangy fruit with a flavor profile similar to a mix between a pineapple and an apple.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a summer staple and a refreshing treat, especially in Singapore’s tropical climate.
The juicy, sweet fruit makes it one of the popular fruits in Singapore among locals and visitors, often sold by street vendors or in markets.
It’s easy to see why – watermelons are deliciously hydrating, with a high water content and plenty of vitamins and minerals.
In addition to being a tasty snack, watermelons are also used in beverages and desserts, such as juice and shaved ice treats.
Summary of Fruits in Singapore
If you enjoyed this look at Singapore’s huge range of fruits, you might be interested in one of these other fruit-related posts:
- Thai Fruits: Unearthing The Richness of Fruit in Thailand
- Lychee Martini Recipe
- Yellow Fruits – Nature’s Golden Treats
- 13 Delicious Types of Papaya
- Top 20 Fruits in Zanzibar
- 19 African Fruits You Need to Try
- African Pear: The Unique African Fruit
- 19 Delicious Chilean Fruits: Taste The Exotic
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Singapore National Fruit?
The national fruit of Singapore is durian. Durian, known as the king of fruits, is a large tropical fruit with a thick spiky rind and creamy custard-like flesh. It has a distinctive, pungent odor that some find pleasant and others incredibly off-putting. Despite its smell, durians are enjoyed for their sweet and rich flavor.
