Introduction: 

Pickles, or “achar” as they’re locally known, are a big part of Singapore’s culinary heritage. Found in hawker centres, restaurants, and even homemade kitchens, pickles add that tangy, spicy, and refreshing kick to meals. From Chinese-style pickles to Indian and Peranakan versions, Singapore has a wide variety of recipes that reflect its multicultural flavors. 

1. Nonya Achar (Peranakan Pickles) 

A traditional Peranakan favorite, Nonya Achar combines cucumbers, carrots, and cabbage with turmeric, ground peanuts, and a rich, tangy-spicy paste. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, sour, and spicy — the perfect side dish to rice or fried noodles. 

Key Ingredients: 

Cucumber, carrots, cabbage 

Turmeric, ginger, garlic 

Dried chilies, vinegar, roasted peanuts 

2. Chinese Pickled Vegetables (Zha Cai / 酸菜) 

Chinese-style pickles are commonly found in soups, porridge, or stir-fries in Singapore. These are often fermented mustard greens or radish with a salty-sour flavor. Many locals enjoy them as a comfort food side dish. 

Key Ingredients: 

Mustard greens (or radish) 

Salt and rice wine 

Chili for extra spice (optional) 

3. Indian Mango Pickle 

Indian cuisine in Singapore isn’t complete without a jar of spicy mango pickle. This fiery side dish pairs perfectly with biryani, roti prata, or plain rice. The mango is cut into chunks, mixed with chili powder, mustard seeds, fenugreek, and preserved in oil for that deep flavor. 

Key Ingredients: 

Raw green mangoes 

Red chili powder, turmeric 

Mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds 

Sesame or mustard oil 

4. Malay Sambal Belacan Pickle 

For spice lovers, the Malay-inspired sambal belacan pickled vegetables bring the heat! Fresh cucumbers, pineapples, or green mango are mixed with sambal belacan (a chili and shrimp paste blend). This gives a bold, umami-packed flavor that pairs well with nasi lemak or fried fish. 

Key Ingredients: 

Cucumber, pineapple, or mango 

Sambal belacan (chili, shrimp paste, lime) 

Sugar and vinegar 

Conclusion:  

Pickles in Singapore aren’t just condiments — they’re an essential part of the meal. Whether you prefer the tangy crunch of Nonya achar, the fiery kick of Indian mango pickle, or the refreshing taste of Japanese cucumber pickles, there’s something for everyone. 

Try these famous pickle recipes at home or explore them at local eateries in Singapore for an authentic taste of tradition! 

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