Otak is a fish paste found in Singapore restaurants, in particular Peranakan ones. The word means “brains” in Malay and Indonesian.

Are we really eating brains on our food tour?

I had a chance to hear from Edmund about the history of otah. Edmund owns and runs the famous Peranakan catering company Kim Choo. We visit his Peranakan museum and shop house on our food tour. Here we try the Otak along with other Peranakan treats and snacks. . While I was visiting Kim Choo, I managed to find out a bit more about the delicacy we know as Otah or Otak. According to Edmund, there was a time that cannibalism was a thing. He mentioned that the word comes from the idea that the dish somewhat resembles brains. These days, otak or otah are orange in colour as in Singapore we use turmeric as a colouring in the dish. But back in those days, otah or otak comes from the fresh catch of fish, which give a whitish grey colour. The colour, even more, resembles the brains, as the texture was soft and almost squishy.
Otak or otah is a grilled fish cake made of ground fish meat or paste mixed with tapioca starch and spices.  Often wrapped in a banana leaf and cooked on open fire. Today, this dish is found in most parts of Southeast Asia. It can take on many variations in colour to the type of fish and ingredients used.

Meeting the Hawkers and Chefs on our Corporate food tour.

On our Artisan Experience food tour we visit Otak Otak in Geylang Serai food centre. This hawker stall is run by one of Singapore’s up and coming hawkers. Norman is a friendly face on our corporate tours. He is always willing to show guests how to wrap and grill the perfect Otah. This stall only serves Otah and as a result they are famous across Singapore. Don’t miss out to taste this unique brain while you are here in Singapore! Join our food tour in the Peranakan enclave of Katong to meet Edmund. We’ll find out more about Peranakan culture and the food it celebrates. Or book our Artisan Experience and meet Norman at his hawker stall.
Our corporate food tours involve Otah wrapping experiences. To find out more go to www.singabites.com