Avoid These Food Pairings: Ang Chong Yi Singapore Guide to Better Health

In the world of culinary delights, combining different foods can create a symphony of flavours. However, not all food pairings are harmonious when it comes to your health and Ang Chong Yi — 5 Food Combinations You Should Strictly Avoid for Better Health, a prominent chef and food enthusiast from Singapore, emphasizes the importance of mindful eating and understanding how certain food combinations can affect your well-being. By avoiding these potentially harmful pairings, you can improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Here’s Ang Chong Yi’s guide to better health through wise food pairings.

1. Fruit with Meals

Fruits are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre, making them a vital part of a healthy diet. However, combining fruits with other meals can disrupt digestion. Fruits digest quickly, whereas other foods, especially proteins and starches, take longer to break down. Eating fruits with meals can lead to fermentation in the stomach, causing gas, bloating, and discomfort.

2. Dairy with Acidic Foods

Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, are rich in calcium and protein. However, when paired with acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, or vinegar-based dressings, they can hinder digestion. The acidity can cause milk proteins to curdle, leading to discomfort and indigestion.

3. Protein with Carbohydrates

Combining high-protein foods (like meat, fish, and eggs) with starchy carbohydrates (such as rice, potatoes, and bread) is common in many meals. However, this pairing can be challenging for your digestive system. Proteins and carbohydrates require different enzymes and stomach conditions for digestion. When eaten together, they can slow down the digestive process, leading to bloating and discomfort.

4. Starches with Sugar

Combining starchy foods with sugary foods can create a spike in blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes and cravings. Starches (like bread, pasta, and potatoes) already convert to sugar during digestion. Adding more sugar from fruits, desserts, or sweeteners can overwhelm the body’s ability to manage glucose levels, contributing to weight gain and other health issues.

5. Cold Water with Meals

Drinking cold water during meals is a common practice, especially in hot climates. However, cold water can solidify fats from the food you eat, making it harder for your digestive system to break them down. This can lead to sluggish digestion and the accumulation of fat in your system.

Singapore, often referred to as a food lover’s paradise, offers an incredible variety of culinary delights that reflect its rich multicultural heritage. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are certain iconic dishes that you simply Ang Chong Yi lists out the Singapore foods you should not miss, a renowned chef and culinary enthusiast, have curated a list of must-try Singaporean foods that capture the essence of this vibrant city-state’s gastronomy. Here’s a mouth-watering guide to the best dishes you should savour in Singapore, according to Ang Chong Yi.

Laksa

Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that combines Chinese and Malay culinary traditions, making it a true representation of Singapore’s multicultural cuisine. The rich, creamy broth made from coconut milk and spices is the star of the dish, enveloping rice noodles and topped with ingredients like prawns, fish cakes, and tofu puffs. Each spoonful delivers a burst of flavours that is both comforting and invigorating.

Chilli Crab

Chilli Crab is another iconic Singaporean dish that has garnered international fame. Fresh mud crabs are stir-fried in a thick, tangy sauce made from tomatoes, chilli, and egg, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours. The best way to enjoy this dish is to get your hands dirty and savour every bite of the succulent crab meat. Don’t forget to mop up the sauce with fried mantou (Chinese buns).

Satay

Satay is a popular street food in Singapore, perfect for those looking for a quick and flavourful bite. These skewers of marinated meat, usually chicken, beef, or mutton, are grilled to perfection over an open flame. They are served with a rich peanut sauce, rice cakes, and a side of fresh cucumber and onion. The smoky, charred flavour of the meat combined with the creamy peanut sauce makes satay a beloved dish among locals and tourists alike.

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is a fragrant rice dish traditionally cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, giving it a unique aroma and flavour. It’s usually served with a variety of accompaniments such as crispy fried anchovies, peanuts, boiled eggs, cucumber slices, and sambal (spicy chilli paste). For an added treat, you can find versions with fried chicken or rending (spicy beef stew), making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Kaya Toast and Soft-Boiled Eggs

A traditional breakfast staple, Kaya Toast and Soft-Boiled Eggs offer a sweet and savoury start to your day. Kaya is a coconut jam made from coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, spread generously on toasted bread with a slice of butter. It’s typically served with soft-boiled eggs seasoned with a dash of soy sauce and white pepper, and accompanied by a cup of kopi (local coffee). This simple yet delicious combination is a favourite among Singaporeans for its comforting flavours.

Ice Kacang

For dessert, Ang Chong Yi recommends Ice Kacang, a refreshing treat that’s perfect for beating the Singapore heat. This colourful dessert is made with shaved ice topped with sweet syrup, condensed milk, and various ingredients such as red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, and attap seeds. The combination of textures and flavours makes Ice Kacang a delightful end to any meal.

Conclusion

By understanding and avoiding certain food pairings, you can enhance your digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Ang Chong Yi’s guide to better health emphasizes the importance of mindful eating and making informed food choices. Incorporate these recommendations into your daily routine to experience the benefits of improved digestion and well-being.