Singapore: Andrew Zhang (Food in Singapore)
Something that has recently just become an everyday activity for me is breakfast. Asian cultures put heavy emphasis on having a good breakfast, with the belief that it should be a substantial meal to provide enough energy for the rest of the day. I went from not eating breakfast in the States to it becoming the meal I was looking forward to the most.
The breakfast selection in Singapore is extensive, ranging from options on the lighter side such as rice porridge with pickled vegetables to something very heavy like chicken curry laksa. Singapore, being an extremely diverse country with heavy influences from multiple countries, offers traditional and authentic breakfast options from all over Asia: roti prata from India, nasi lemak from Malaysia, lor mee from China… The country’s food scene, as demonstrated by their breakfast, is a melting pot of culinary influences from neighboring countries, showcasing the rich diversity that defines Singapore’s cultural landscape.
My personal favorite is kaya butter toast with soft-boiled eggs. Kaya is a traditional Malaysian coconut jam. The combination of the sweet, creamy kaya and the richness of the butter on crisp toast, paired with soft-boiled eggs that you mix and dip your toast in, creates a comforting and satisfying breakfast that I’ve come to love. It’s a simple yet delightful meal that reflects the unique blend of flavors and culinary traditions that make Singapore such an incredible place to explore and experience.
Andrew Zhang
Hometown: Beijing, China
Major: Computer Sciences; Data Science; Mathematics
Program: National University of Singapore SERIUS Engineering Exchange
I chose this program because it aligns closely with my passion for artificial intelligence. I’m working on a research project that I find incredibly engaging and promising. This project not only fuels my intellectual curiosity but also has the potential to make a significant positive impact on numerous lives across the globe. The opportunity to delve deeper into my research within this program’s innovative environment is something I find deeply motivating.
What I’m most looking forward to about the program city is the opportunity to immerse myself in the local educational culture by experiencing what it’s like to attend a local school in Asia. Although I grew up in Asia, my experience in an international school was quite sheltered from the local context. I’m eager to engage with the community, understand the contrast in educational experiences, and meet people with different life stories from my own.