Food Served in Singapore During World War II

Wartime Diet in Singapore (WWII)

Rice

Staple food, imported from Burma (Myanmar) and Thailand.

Vegetables

Kangkong (water spinach), bayam (spinach), kacang panjang (long beans) commonly consumed.

Fish and Seafood

Important protein sources: ikan bilis (anchovies), ikan kembung (mackerel), udang (prawns), often cooked with vegetables and rice.

Meat

Scarce; chicken and pork most common, also beef, mutton, wild game (deer, rabbit).

Fruit

Bananas, pineapples, mangoes consumed.

Spices and Herbs

Chili, garlic, ginger, turmeric, lemongrass used for flavoring; often grown in backyard gardens.