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$$ | Kampong Glam |
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
Known For
- Gula Melaka scone
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
- ATD To Go Dessert Box
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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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$ | 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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$ | 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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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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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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$ | 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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$$ | Sentosa Island |
At this kid-friendly hangout, adults can unwind over pizza and watch the little ones take a dip in the shallow water or play with the restaurant's sand toys. Expect a laid-back vibe here with sunbeds and deck chairs for customers. Families will like the diaper changing stations and high chairs. For a taste of local food, order the chilli crab dip with a baguette, or sticky, finger-licking Coastes chicken wings.
50 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore, Singapore, 099000, Singapore
Known For
- Laid-back beachfront setting
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Curry laska and chicken wings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No reservations on weekends
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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
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$$ | CBD |
Reminiscent of the hip Melbourne café scene, this CBD lunch spot is a great place to grab a healthy snack. The veggies are always fresh, the meat high-quality, and there’s a great range of tasty bowls like chicken breast, quinoa, mushrooms, and cucumber pickle. Coffees and soft drinks are also available.
138 Market St., Singapore, Singapore, 048946, Singapore
Known For
- Build-your-own bowls
- Healthy salad options
- Busy at lunchtime with work crowd
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends
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$ | Sentosa Island |
This kitsch concept of combi vans and food trucks offers everything from lobster rolls to fish and chips and yakitori sticks for east grab and go eating. Located next to the Wings of Time show, spend a minimum of S$5 to enjoy the best views of Sentosa SkyJet and the Sentosa Musical Fountain performance.
Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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$$ | Joo Chiat |
Specializing in hearty, juicy Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches (come early as they sell out fast) and mackerel otah (with a mix of fish paste and flavorsome spices), this simple yet popular spot with tables spilling on the five-foot way is perfect for people-watching and a quick lunch fix.
263 Joo Chiat Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 427517, Singapore
Known For
- Reasonable prices
- Muslim-friendly
- Generous fillings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner
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$ | Marina Bay |
Located just off the boardwalk by the Esplanade–Theatres on the Bay, this outdoor, hawker-style cluster of food stands offers a delicious (albeit slightly expensive) variety of local and regional specialties. Here you'll find chili crab, grilled prawns, chicken rice, fried carrot cake, meat satay, and much more served into the wee hours of the morning.
8 Raffles Ave., Singapore, Singapore, 039802, Singapore
Known For
- Authentic hawker fare
- Wide variety of food in one spot
- Local vibes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$ | Chinatown |
Inside a historic shophouse tucked away on a quiet street, this café-by-day, bar-by-night has all the makings of a hipster hangout. Seated at a table with legs made out of old piping—amid fairy lights and exposed brickwork—you can order fresh salads, sandwiches, or platters, as well as excellent coffees and even better wine. The building was once a well-known free clinic, opened in 1951 by a group of volunteer doctors who wanted to help those who couldn’t afford medical care. Today, My Awesome Café occupies what was then the main waiting room, with the nostalgic décor a nod to that time.
202 Telok Ayer St., Singapore, Singapore, 068639, Singapore
Known For
- Hearty sandwiches by day
- Great beers by night
- Lively evening atmosphere
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$ | Orchard |
The enormous bowls of pho at this casual quick-serve noodle bar are excellent. At lunch time, you can get a bowl of chicken or beef pho, a green papaya salad, and a tea or coffee for under S$14. Though designed more as a fast-food concept (you order at the bar and wait for your number to be called before collecting), the quick stop has decor and tableware that feel very authentic, with pretty hanging lights and long wooden benches. Food is always speedy, always fresh, and always delicious.
501 Orchard Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 238880, Singapore
Known For
- Huge bowls of pho
- Great side dishes
- Beautiful tablewear
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$ | Chinatown |
“Bringing back the good old taste of Singapore traditional coffee” is the motto here, and you definitely won't be disappointed in the way that's done. Try the strong, sweet kopi ubiquitous in Singapore’s history, in an old-fashioned, bright red coffee house. Brush up on your kopi terms before visiting.
268 South Bridge Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 058817, Singapore
Known For
- Supports historic Singaporean coffee culture
- Strong coffee and milk tea
- Kaya toast sets
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$$ | Orchard |
This lovely bistro transforms from bakery and brunch hotspot by day to chic restaurant and bar by night. It specializes in European-style baked bread, which forms the basis of many of the brunch dishes (served until 3 pm) and then again as a delicious accompaniment to a selection of zesty dips and pasta in the evening. Portion sizes are very generous, with a rustic look and feel to the presentation. The bistro is tucked away behind the post office on Nassim Hill about a 10-minute walk from the top of Orchard Road.
56 Tanglin Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 247964, Singapore
Known For
- Trio dip sampler
- Crispy, freshly baked bread
- Two-for-one beers from 9 am to 9 pm
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$ | Kampong Glam |
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.
24 Kandahar St., Singapore, Singapore, 198887, Singapore
Known For
- Fresh Swiss rolls
- Old-school vibes
- Unusual local flavors
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
