Interesting Cuisine in Singapore

Posted by Cindy on July 7, 2009

There are many activities one can find and unique places to see in Singapore, so many so, that even if this is ones tenth time to the island, there is always something new to try.  The five star hotels Singapore offers vary from the hip and trendy, to the historical, to the boutique hotels with vintage furniture and funky decor.  There are also many resorts and spas for those wanting to pamper themselves with a healthful and relaxing trip.  And for those health minded travelers, there is one restaurant that is not like any other, and that is the Imperial Herbal Restaurant.  Upon entering the restaurant, the waiter or waitress my ask to look inside your mouth, check your pulse, or give a quick painless tug on your hair.  This is one way that they determine what you need, as far as nutrition, or an adjustment to the yin or yang energy in your body at the time.  A couple of the exotic appetizers touted to set your energy right, are the deep-fried, breaded ants and scorpions.  And the servers are not quiet about what they find out about your or your health.  If you had too much to drink the night before, they will know.  And if you have gone prematurely grey and dye your hair, they will know that as well.  And they are not shy with your personal business.

Once they make a diagnosis, they will decide what choices from the menu that would best suit one on any given day.  And while all the food prepared here is delicious, is top notch Chinese cuisine, be prepared to put some things in your mouth you may never have put there without some pressure and coercing.  For in the kitchen, in jars and bottles, one will see pickled gecko lizards, deer penises, caterpillars and worms, seahorses, snakes and webbed duck feet.  Mr. Li is the resident herbalist and chef, and while all this sounds unappetizing, the goal of the restaurant is to take ones medicine with a spoonful of sugar, or sweet and sour sauce as the case may be.  The Imperial Herbal Restaurant has been in business for over twenty years, and many locals come to get nourishment before staying up all night to study for finals or to finish a work project.  Well known throughout the city of Singapore, this is one of the many restaurants that should not be overlooked when traveling throughout the island.