Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by elevated uric acid. Rich gravies, organ meats, shellfish, and sugary drinks can push levels higher, precipitating flares. By identifying the most problematic hawker dishes, you can still enjoy local cuisine without sidelining mobility.
Day-to-day habits that protect joints
- Drink at least 2 litres of water daily to flush uric acid.
- Maintain a balanced weight; even a 5% loss reduces flare frequency.
- Limit alcohol—especially beer and spirits—that raise uric acid.
- Space out seafood servings to 2 times per week or less.
- Review medications such as diuretics with your doctor if flares persist.
10 local foods that commonly trigger gout
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Organ meats (pig liver, kidney)
Often served in porridge or soup, organ meats contain some of the highest purine levels. Swap for lean chicken breast or tofu.
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Seafood-rich steamboat buffets
Multiple servings of prawns, mussels, and squid in one sitting overload purines. Limit to smaller portions and add more vegetables.
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Shellfish-heavy Hokkien Mee
The combination of prawns, squid, and pork lard can trigger flares. Request less seafood, include more bean sprouts, and share a portion.
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Bak Kut Teh with bone marrow
Bone marrow and fatty pork ribs release purines into the broth. Choose lean cuts, skip the marrow, and load up on vegetables.
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Satay (beef or mutton)
Red meats are purine-dense, and sugary marinades add fructose. Opt for chicken satay and moderate the peanut sauce.
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Beer with bar bites
Beer contains guanosine, a purine precursor, and is often paired with fried seafood. Switch to sparkling water or light wine, and choose edamame or salad sides.
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Mutton soup (Sup Kambing)
Goat meat plus rich broth concentrate purines. Enjoy occasionally with smaller cuts and plenty of vegetables.
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Dark gravies and sauces
Oyster sauce, fermented bean pastes, and meat reductions are purine-rich. Request lighter seasoning and rely on herbs, lime, or chilli for flavour.
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Sugary desserts and sweetened drinks
Fructose increases uric acid production. Replace with fresh fruit or unsweetened kopi/teh kosong.
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Instant noodles with seasoning packets
Dehydrated meat powders spike sodium and purines. Use half the packet, add fresh vegetables, and include an egg for balance.
Build a gout-friendly hawker meal
Prioritise low-purine proteins such as tofu, eggs, or white fish. Combine with wholegrains (brown rice, wholemeal noodles) and generous vegetables. Finish meals with cherries or berries, which evidence suggests may reduce flare risk.
When to consult a doctor
Seek medical advice if you experience frequent flares (two or more yearly), persistent joint swelling, or tophi. Our doctors can arrange serum uric acid tests, prescribe urate-lowering therapy, and coordinate lifestyle coaching to keep symptoms under control.
