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$ | Little India |
Of the Tekka Market's many tantalizing eateries, this spot, in business since the 1950s, comes highly recommended—as evidenced by lines that are particularly long at lunchtime. It's worth the wait, though, to enjoy a comfort meal of aromatic biryani rice combined with fork-tender chicken or mutton chunks, and all the orders come with a side of vegetable dhal and pickled vegetables.
666 Buffalo Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 210665, Singapore
Known For
- Mutton biryani
- Fluffy rice
- Affordable local favorite
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$ | Orchard |
The historic Moroccan coffee brand has a beautiful café/dining room on ION Orchard’s first floor. No visit is a quick one though: you may come for a coffee and pastry, but you’ll soon find yourself whiling away the time exploring the vast array of 100% arabica coffee beans housed in large sunset orange tins.
2 Orchard Turn, Singapore, Singapore, 238801, Singapore
Known For
- Arabica coffee from around the world
- Traditional café interior
- Excellent pastries and cakes
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$ | Chinatown |
A stretch of Smith Street that is closed to traffic, this outdoor eating area packed with stalls is the only place you'll find real "street food" in Singapore. Though it isn’t totally open-air (there is a high-ceiling glass canopy in case of rain), it makes a welcome change from the often hot and sweaty hawker centers. You would imagine a spot like this would be a big tourist trap, but it manages to deliver good food in a novel setting, albeit at slightly higher prices. Stroll up and down before making a choice of where to eat—Tiong Bahru Meng Kee Roast Duck is a good bet, as are the Sultan of Satay skewers. You can sit where you like, regardless of which stall you purchase from. Occasionally, there will be beer table service; they don’t take a commission so feel free to order your beer through them.
41 Smith St., Singapore, Singapore, 058953, Singapore
Known For
- Street food in a novel setting
- Open rain or shine
- Cold beer and chicken satay
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$ | Chinatown |
Head to level 2 of the Amoy Street food center for a cup of traditionally-brewed local kopi with a twist; the menu includes a dizzying array of latte flavors, including black sesame, hazelnut, and butter pecan. For a quick bite, pair it with their equally-eclectic toast flavors, like earl grey creme or matcha coconut.
7 Maxwell Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 069111, Singapore
Known For
- Unique kopi and toast breakfast
- Traditional sock-brewed coffee
- Popular with the Telok Ayer work crowd
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sat. and Sun.
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$ | Orchard |
Despite being hidden away on Level 5 of the Far East Plaza mall, Hainanese Delicacy always has a long line outside at lunchtime. It's renowned among locals as serving one of the best Hainanese chicken rice dishes on Orchard Road. Loved for its simplicity and flavor, this meal, an easy plate of poached chicken and white rice; the grains cooked with the leftover chicken stock, is a staple in the Singaporean diet. From the outside, the restaurant looks tired, with plastic chairs and tables crammed into every available space but this is part of the charm, and worth embracing to try a true Hainanese delicacy.
14 Scotts Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 228213, Singapore
Known For
- The best chicken rice around
- Braised eggs as a side dish
- Local flavors at low prices
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | CBD |
Grab a quick coffee at this hole-in-the-wall joint, one of the few independent coffee shops in the CBD. The space is definitely small—so you’ll want to take your perfectly-roasted flat white to go—but don’t forget to check out the pastry and waffle options.
137 Amoy St., Singapore, Singapore, 049965, Singapore
Known For
- Cute hole-in-the-wall spot
- Iced lattes as well as hot coffee
- Tasty pastries and waffles
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$ | Kampong Glam |
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.
466 Crawford La., Singapore, Singapore, 190466, Singapore
Known For
- Well-regarded eatery
- Long lines, but it's cheap
- Heritage hawker
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$ | Little India |
The trademark shortbread-like crust, which has a light almond flavor, puts this bakery's pastries in a class above those made elsewhere; it's also why the take-out shop's buttery, golf ball–sized pineapple tarts and silky smooth bean curd tarts are often sold out. Luckily, Le Café sells a bunch of other goodies, including traditional moon-pie pastries filled with lotus-seed paste, prawn-roll snacks, and mao shan wang–filled durian puffs that are downright addictive. Pretty gift boxes are available if you're planning on bringing home food gifts. Order ahead from the website to avoid being disappointed as things can get busy, especially during the Chinese New Year period.
Blk 637 Veerasamy Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 200637, Singapore
Known For
- Arguably the best pineapple tarts in Singapore
- Traditional moon pies
- Silky smooth bean-curd tarts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$ | Sentosa Island |
Who wins the great debate over which country has the best hawker food, Singapore or Malaysia? Judge for yourself without crossing the causeway at this cluster of hawker stalls (thankfully air-conditioned), which has all the signature Malaysian hawker noshes in one spot. The variety (and aromas) can prove overwhelming, so your best (and safest) bet is opting for the places with the longest lines. Prices are higher than at a standard hawker center, but a little extra can be justified at standouts like the KL Jalan Alor Hokkien mee heun (stir fried noodles), famous for its secret dark sauce and 30-year-old recipe, the wok hei-filled kee claypot chicken rice cooked over charcoal, and the famous Penang Lim Brothers' char koay teow (stir-fried rice cake strips).
8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Known For
- Authentic Malaysian hawker food such as clay pot chicken rice
- Affordable prices
- Wide variety
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$ | Kampong Glam |
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.
18 & 18A Kandahar St., Singapore, Singapore, 198884, Singapore
Known For
- Its status as a Kampong Glam institution
- Traditional West Sumatra recipes
- Famous beef rendang cooked over charcoal
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$ | Kampong Glam |
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
Known For
- Singapore's best murtabak
- Casual and cheap local street food
- Late-night eatery
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$ | Kampong Glam |
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.
243 Beach Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 189754, Singapore
Known For
- Prawn noodles in a hearty broth
- Jumbo option
- Flavorful chilli
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
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$ | Kampong Glam |
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.
44 Kandahar St., Singapore, Singapore, 198897, Singapore
Known For
- Pretty Peranakan decor
- Affordable buffet
- Butter-oat soft-shell crab
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$ | Pulau Ubin |
Simple and unassuming, this spot close to the jetty and near the bicycle rental shops is a good place to have a cold drink after exploring the island. You can't go wrong with any of the wok-fried dishes or the chilli crab.
20 Pulau Ubin, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Known For
- Affordable food
- Cash only
- Chilli crab
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$ | |
The Peranakan-style cuisine here is delicious and fiery, so be sure to specify exactly how tongue tingling you'd like your order to be. Signature dishes include bakwan kepiting (minced crab and pork soup), assam fish head (in spicy gravy), ayam sio (chicken with coriander), and udang masak nenas (prawns cooked with tamarind and pineapple). Save room for dessert.
11 Joo Chiat Pl., South East, 427744, Singapore
Known For
- Peranakan cuisine
- Homey setting
- Catering
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$ | CBD |
The lines outside this small noodle shop on a weekday at lunchtime speak for themselves. Owned by a Malaysian restaurant group, Restoran Super Kitchen, with locations also found in Kuala Lumpur, the simply-fitted, compact restaurant is often crowded, but turnover is quick. Try the dry chilli pan mee (noodles with egg, minced pork, dried anchovies, and spring onion) and adjust the spice levels to your palate. There’s a range of add-on extras, including rice dishes, soft drinks, and tea and coffee to complete your meal.
22 China St., Singapore, Singapore, 049564, Singapore
Known For
- Spicy Malaysian noodles
- Well-known brand from Kuala Lumpur
- Long lines at lunchtime
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$ | Little India |
Singapore’s vibrant third-wave coffee scene owes a lot to to Chye Seng Huat Hardware, one of the first specialty coffee spots in the area. The former hardware store turned hip coffee space is rarely empty, and regulars swear by both the brews and the robust brunch menu. Inside, the two-story complex includes a coffee school, retail space stocked with coffee gadgets and gear, and a roastery.
150 Tyrwhitt Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 207563, Singapore
Known For
- Flat white
- Lively weekend brunch crowd
- Ethically sourced coffee beans
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$ | Orchard |
Celebrating Singaporean heritage dishes across 27 different vendors, this basement food court's stalls sell everything from crispy fried carrot cake to spicy prawn noodles and rich chicken satay. The food court takes its design inspiration from the British colonial decor of the early 1890s, with a light blue, ivory, and copper-gold palette, and lush green plants.
2 Orchard Turn, Singapore, Singapore, 238801, Singapore
Known For
- Old-school design
- Singaporean heritage dishes
- Friendly vendors
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$ | Orchard |
In the basement of Shaw House, this vibrant food court has more than 20 colorful stalls selling everything from Thai curries to duck wonton. It's always busy at lunch and dinner, so do as the locals do, and chope (reserve) a space by leaving a packet of tissues or a personal item at the table before you order.
350 Orchard Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 238868, Singapore
Known For
- Lots of local dishes
- Contemporary design
- Great juices
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$ | Orchard |
For a serious cup of coffee near Somerset, drop by this pristine-white café that is usually full of coffee aficionados sipping on in-house roasted brews. You can also pick up fresh beans and coffee-making accoutrements to take home.
111 Somerset Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 238164, Singapore
Known For
- Well-roasted coffee
- Cool, modern space
- Coffee-making supplies
