Food is at the heart of every Singaporean home. It’s not just about eating, it’s about comfort, tradition, and care. For many families who hire a domestic helper, one of the greatest joys is having meals prepared at home. But here’s the good news: helpers don’t need to be professional chefs to make a difference in the kitchen.
At EELIT Agency, we believe every helper can learn to cook simple, everyday dishes that families love. With basic training, patience, and guidance, these meals can become part of a happy home routine.
Here are 7 simple dishes that every helper can learn to cook, meals that are tasty, practical, and well-loved by families in Singapore.
1. Steamed Fish with Ginger and Soy Sauce 🐟
A true Singaporean favorite, steamed fish is light, healthy, and delicious.
- Why it works: It’s nutritious, quick to prepare, and requires little oil.
- Key ingredients: Fresh fish, soy sauce, ginger, spring onions.
- Training tip: Show your helper how to check if the fish is cooked and how to garnish for presentation.
2. Fried Rice 🍚
The ultimate “anytime” meal that makes use of leftover rice.
- Why it works: Easy, customizable, and kids love it.
- Key ingredients: Rice, egg, vegetables, optional chicken or prawns.
- Training tip: Teach your helper the secret, always use day-old rice to keep the grains separate.
3. Chicken Porridge 🍲
Comfort food at its best, especially for kids and elderly family members.
- Why it works: Simple, filling, and gentle on the stomach.
- Key ingredients: Rice, chicken, ginger, spring onion.
- Training tip: Helpers can add variety by topping with soy sauce, fried shallots, or century egg.
4. Stir-Fried Vegetables 🥦
Quick, healthy, and goes with almost every meal.
- Why it works: Helps ensure the family gets their greens every day.
- Key ingredients: Broccoli, kailan, long beans, garlic.
- Training tip: Timing is everything. Teach your helper not to overcook, so the vegetables stay crunchy.
5. ABC Soup 🍅🥕🍖
A Singapore family staple, simple, nutritious, and easy to cook in one pot.
- Why it works: Great for busy families; nutritious for children.
- Key ingredients: Carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, pork or chicken bones.
- Training tip: Helpers can prepare this in the morning and let it simmer, the longer it cooks, the tastier it becomes.
6. Sambal Egg or Sambal Vegetables 🌶️
A simple introduction to local flavors for helpers new to Singapore.
- Why it works: Affordable ingredients with bold taste.
- Key ingredients: Eggs or long beans, sambal paste.
- Training tip: Teach helpers how to manage spice levels so it suits your family’s preference.
7. Mee Goreng (Fried Noodles) 🍜
A classic comfort dish popular with both adults and kids.
- Why it works: Flexible, can be vegetarian, seafood, or chicken.
- Key ingredients: Yellow noodles, garlic, soy sauce, vegetables, protein of choice.
- Training tip: Share your family’s preferred version, spicy, sweet, or plain.
How Employers Can Support Helpers in the Kitchen
Training a helper to cook doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are some tips:
- Start with simple recipes: Don’t overwhelm your helper with restaurant-level cooking. Begin with one or two easy dishes.
- Use photos or videos: Show them step-by-step, or use online tutorials in their language.
- Be patient: Mistakes happen. Every burnt onion is a lesson.
- Give feedback kindly: Positive encouragement builds confidence faster than criticism.
- Celebrate progress: When your helper gets a dish right, acknowledge it. It motivates them to keep improving.
Why This Matters for Families
Having a helper who can cook isn’t just about convenience. It’s about:
- Health: Home-cooked meals are healthier than eating out.
- Family bonding: Shared meals create stronger family ties.
- Cultural connection: Cooking local dishes helps helpers feel integrated into Singapore life.
How EELIT Agency Helps
At EELIT, we don’t just provide helpers, we prepare them. Many of our helpers receive basic cooking training before deployment, and we guide employers on how to continue that learning at home. Whether it’s cleaning, childcare, or simple cooking, we believe a well-trained helper makes for a happier home.
Conclusion
Great food doesn’t need to be complicated. With a little training, every helper can master simple, delicious dishes that bring comfort to the table. From steamed fish to ABC soup, these recipes are more than meals, they’re a bridge between helpers and the families they serve.
👉 Want a helper who’s trained not just to clean, but also to cook everyday dishes your family will love? Contact EELIT Agency today and let us match you with the right helper.