Chimbridge Singlish Dictionary

definitions

noun

1. a very small marine fish of the family Engraulidae (anchovies)
2. the same fish used as an an ingredient in cooking, usually prepared by steaming or boiling then air-drying. It may be fried and used a topping or condiment to provide a kick of umami and crunchy texture, such as in nasi lemak and bak chor mee, or used to make stock.

Researchers from the Singapore Institute of Clinical Sciences (SICS) said that whole ikan bilis found at hawker stalls, like nasi lemak vendors, are healthier than the “cleaned” anchovies ― where the head and bones are removed ― sold at supermarkets and upscale eateries.

— 2015 May 30, Kamles Kumar. Malay Mail, "Study: Ikan bilis is good for you, but don’t clean them". https://www.malaymail.com/amp/news/malaysia/2015/05/30/study-ikan-bilis-is-good-for-you-but-dont-clean-them/905995