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Welcome to Singapore, one of the world’s great food destinations, where eating—and eating well—is a time-honored national pastime.Here you can splurge on haute cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs in some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Asia, or dig into fragrant bowls oflaksa (a spicy noodle soup) and heaping plates of ch
Welcome to Singapore, one of the world’s great food destinations, where eating—and eating well—is a time-honored national pastime.Here you can splurge on haute cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs in some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Asia, or dig into fragrant
Welcome to Singapore, one of the world’s great food destinations, where eating—and eating well—is a time-honored nationa
Welcome to Singapore, one of the world’s great food destinations, where eating—and eating well—is a time-honored national pastime.
Here you can splurge on haute cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs in some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Asia, or dig into fragrant bowls oflaksa (a spicy noodle soup) and heaping plates of char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodle strips) at one of the island’s famous hawker centers. The wide range of food and restaurants is what brings many travelers to Singapore in the first place, and few leave disappointed. In most cities the plan of attack is to map out must-see sights to pack in as much as possible; in Singapore it's often more about maximizing your meals and eating until it hurts—and then trying to fit in some more.
You hardly ever have to go far to find one of Singapore’s casual eating houses and hawker centers, which are fun, budget-friendly places to taste as many local specialties as your stomach can handle. The city-state’s indomitable megamalls are loaded with mid-range restaurants, sprawling food courts, and snack stands. Many of the island’s more upscale restaurants are tucked away in posh hotels, and many of the newer and trendier places are inside restored Chinese shophouses and once-abandoned colonial buildings. Note that upscale restaurants often close in the afternoon between lunch and dinner—from 2:30 to 6:30, for instance.
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You can count on this halal bakery and café (founded by food personality Dewi Imelda Wadhwa) to turn out some of the island’s best pastries and desserts. The ATD To Go Dessert Box, an 8-piece taster of their most popular items, includes the bakery's signature gula Melaka scone and Paris brest. Save space for other delectables like the aromatic Earl Grey cake in a light vanilla buttercream, or the moreish sticky toffee pudding drenched in a homemade caramel sauce. For those more inclined to savory pursuits, dishes like a punchy coriander pesto prawn pasta and a hearty steak & hash potatoes made with grass-fed steak cubes.
34 Arab St., Singapore, Singapore, 199733, Singapore
Expect good vibes and authentic food at this hip Italian eatery, known for its pizzas baked in a signature wood-fired oven imported from Naples itself. The 10-inch Neopolitan pies are a favorite, but for a well-rounded meal, don't ignore the handmade pastas and small selection of desserts. If you're stuck on deciding what to order, consider the Mafalde, a braised lamb ragu pasta with porcini and Parmigiano, or nduja di spilinga, a traditional Napoletana pizza served with fior di latte, spicy 'nduja, and onion. Both come highly recommended.
Be warned: The line for this one-Michelin-star eatery rarely lets up, but the wait is worth it. After just one spoonful of the juicy minced meat and springy egg noodles dressed in a secret recipe of chilli and black vinegar, you’ll understand why locals have kept this no-frills eatery a well-guarded secret for years. Best of all, it's probably the cheapest Michelin-starred meal in town. Opt for the larger bowl; you won't be sorry.
A second generation business that started out as a wooden stall, this authentic nasi padang (Padang steamed rice served with various pre-cooked dishes) serves a fork-tender beef rendang (Indonesian dry beef curry) slow cooked over charcoal. Other dishes include the ayam belado hijau (chicken in a secret green chilli marinade) and the crispy tahu telur (fried tofu mixed with blanched bean sprouts, peanuts, and a dark sweet soy sauce). Be sure to order a serving of the house-made sambal balado merah (hot and spicy chilli)—it packs a punch, so go easy.
In business for more than a century, this hole-in-the-wall eatery serves what's arguably Singapore's best murtabak. Stuffed with mutton, chicken, or beef, it's a bit like a folded dough omelette with egg mixed in, roti prata (a fried flat bread), onions, and spices, all of it grilled together and served with a side of curry sauce. It's cheap, it's filling, and the sidewalk tables are great for people-watching. Curries, rice dishes, and other regional specialties are also available, but the murtabak is what keeps locals coming back.
697 North Bridge Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 198675, Singapore
Arguably one of Singapore best spots for a bowl of prawn noodles, this humble establishment draws regulars who love its slow-simmered umami broth with fresh prawns and fork-tender pork ribs. The line for a bowl can be long, so come early to avoid an unnecessary wait. For a splurge, order the jumbo option. There’s also a dry version.
Coffee chicken, butter-oat soft-shell crab, and beef green curry are among the halal Thai–Indo fusion dishes at this homey shophouse. Salads, particularly the Thai-style pomelo, are great sides, and portions are generally small, so this is an easy place to taste a number of different dishes. There's also a buffet with more than 20 meat and vegetable selections. There are a few locations but this outlet, with its antiques and Peranakan-style decor, is the prettiest.
This cute Swedish cafe's halal bakes are slightly pricey, but they're favored by local café aficionados. Stick to signature items like the strawberry cream cheese Danish and traditional semla bun, available year round. Other winning menu items include flaky croissants (in flavors like red-velvet cream cheese), kouign amann, and savory quiches for a heartier bite.
Tuck into a communal meal of nasi ambeng (a Javanese rice dish with meat and vegetables) at this popular Kampong Glam eatery. The celebratory dish, commonly served during festive occasions, can be customized to fit the size of your dining party (from one to five diners). It's served on a platter with a cone of rice and 14 different dishes like beef rendang, sambal balacan, salted fish, and tempe. For an authentic experience, opt to dine without formal utensils, just like some locals do.
Blink and you might miss this nondescript, old-school bakery famous for its pillow-soft Swiss rolls. Every morning sees eight freshly baked varieties, including mango, strawberry, and pandan cheese, but distinctive local flavors like durian and kaya (coconut jam) are the true standouts. Come early; only a limited number of rolls are baked each day.
Lending Singapore's food scene a charming dose of Southern comfort, The Beast serves staples like country fried steak, chicken and waffles, and cheesy grits in a laid-back setting of rusted oil drums and wood counter tops. If you have the stomach, try the Beast Burger, a 1.6-pound beef patty with a pound each of pulled pork and buttermilk fried chicken—it’s free if you finish it in 60 minutes. All this makes for suitable padding to do a post-dinner bourbon tasting. The extensive menu of mostly Kentucky-made bourbon includes tasting flights (from S$32).
17 Jalan Klapa, Singapore, Central Singapore, 199329, Singapore
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