Singapore is known to be a melting pot of different cultures, races, people and of course, cuisines from all over the world.

You can probably find food from most places here in Singapore, but we also have some dishes that we like to think of as our national dish - okay, google says there isn't an officially declared national dish, but Chicken Rice is one of those that's often mentioned.

Yes, we all love Chicken Rice, but it isn't really unique to Singapore....

Nasi Lemak is another hot favourite that you can find around Southeast Asia...

Yes, Chicken Rice is one of the most popular dish for most Singaporeans, but it really isn't that unique to us. I mean, you can head to Malaysia and still find Chicken Rice everywhere.

You can really find all sorts of food in Singapore, but is there really no dish that's unique to us?

And then there are the other popular choices that tend to start an online argument every single time someone tries to recommend it as a Singaporean dish: Nasi Lemak, Wanton Mee, Laksa... you know the drill... Those that challenge it aren't wrong either - not only can these dishes be found in our neighbouring countries, many of them are even nicer there as well!

So, one day I was eating one of my favourite foods - Bak Chor Mee. And that was when I realised that this is a dish that's truly unique to Singapore. I'm not just talking about minced meat noodles, too; many countries have their own variation of it.

YES, there is! Bak Chor Mee (Minced Meat Noodle) is something that you can only find in Singapore! I've made the effort to Google and check with my Malaysian friends!

But the Singapore style Bak Chor Mee with vinegar, chilli, and mushrooms - that unique burst of savoury, spicy, sour, (and tinge of sweetness if you add some ketchup to the mix) - is something that's only found here! I mean, it's no hard confirmation, but I've asked around and checked with friends from Malaysia, and I don't think they have the same thing there. 

So you know, instead of fighting till your face turns blue about where Nasi Lemak, Laksa, Wanton Mee or Chicken Rice originated, we should totally embrace and introduce more people to Bak Chor Mee! 

If your foreign friends visit Singapore, I would say, Bak Chor Mee is what you should introduce them to try! 

Okay, there is one slight problem though: Bak Chor Mee is traditionally made with pork, so it isn't halal, and our Muslim friends would not be able to eat it. BUT, I'm pretty certain that someone could make a halal version with chicken or another meat and get it close to the original taste (I know it won't be the same), but hey, I would really love it for more people to enjoy this truly Singapore dish.

Do you agree with me? Or do you have another dish that you think is more uniquely Singaporean than the humble Bak Chor Mee?

- Zhi Xuan