We are taking advantage of our quiet time for tours to try and spread the word about our friendly vendors who we visit on our food tours here in Singapore. If you can show them any support during this difficult time, it all helps.

Otak or Otah is a popular fish cake or paste that is common in Singapore’s local dishes. You will often see Otak served alongside Malay and Peranakan dishes such as Laksa.

Otak is a paste made from fish, normally mackerel, coconut, starches and spices.  The fish paste is packed into banana leaf and grilled. This gives it its smoky flavour. It always goes down well on our food tours.

Here in Singapore, there are many shops and hawkers that exclusively sell this one dish. Of course there are different recipes. Some are extra spicy, some concentrate more on the coconut. One hawker we visit on the tours is Otak Otak.

At Otak Otak Norman has created a specific recipe that he thinks is the perfect combination of spice. As well as using a higher standard of fish, he is meticulous in his grill timings. This all comes together to create, what we think is, the best Otak in Singapore.

The hawkerpreneur hero.

Norman and his wife Sab are what we like to call hawkerpreneurs. Young, enthusiastic hawkers who work every hour of the day perfecting their art to feed us.

Only 2 years ago Norman purchased the business from the ex owner who was retiring. The old owner had noone in his family who was keen to take over. If it wasn’t for Norman the recipe and the product would be no more. Norman and his wife dived head first into the project. They learnt the ropes of the business, and how to manage the demanding hours of hawker life.

Now Norman is expanding. They run a very popular catering arm and are an ever present at Malay weddings and events. Added to this they are always looking for opportunities to spread their love for Singapore’s heritage food scene.

On our corporate and team building food tours we visit Norman and Sab. They give us a demonstration of how to make the perfect Otak. Everybody gets to have a go and they are always so welcoming and friendly.

How to find them

If you’re in the Geylang Serai area please go and say hello to them and try their amazing Otak.

You can find them at the Geylang Serai hawker market, above the wet market. 1 Geylang Serai, #02-165.

Why not support our local food heroes with your next team event. To find out more about Singabites corporate team food tours send an email to info@singabites.com