71 Best Restaurants in Singapore

Tucked behind an imposing IKEA building, one of the island's oldest food centers is particularly popular with locals in the Alexandra area; expect lines on weekend mornings to snake across the hall. But the wait is worth it, as you’ll find some of Singapore’s best hawkers here. Some of the longest lines will probably be at Bao Zai, where buns are filled with their legendary chae siew (barbecue pork), or Jin Jin Dessert, an ABC institution serving signature chendol (coconut milk and rice flour dessert) and ice kachang (shaved ice with sweet beans). If you’re feeling a little homesick, indulge in western dishes with a local twist (and huge portions) at Wow Wow West.

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.

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.

Cool down with some gelato at at this shop where the flavors are unique and the portions enormous. The makers incorporate culinary influences of southeast Asia when creating their gelato, using natural and botanical local ingredients like basil and blue ginger.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This south Indian restaurant is king of the prata (an Indian flatbread made by frying stretched dough flavored with ghee), and it is the centerpiece of their menu. The owners are especially proud of the "Big One," a Sicilian prata stuffed with pesto chicken, mozzarella cheese, shitake mushrooms, pineapples, and more. For something a little more traditional, they also serve delicious all-day Indian breakfasts, including dosas (a kind of savory pancake) stuffed with a variety of treats, as well as classic Indian curries like butter chicken and channa masala. The restaurant, with cozy bench-style seating, is tucked inside 321 Clementi Mall.

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.

An extensive menu of prata (Indian flatbread), murtabak (thick, stuffed pancakes) and thosai (thin, crepe-like pancakes) make this an island favorite. This branch in The Rail Mall is the perfect place to grab lunch or a snack at the end of a hike on the Rail Corridor, which tracks north to south just past the mall. Service is quick, the place has a canteen-like no-thrills feel, and the list of coffees, teas, iced juices, and lassis are a refreshing partner to the rich curries.

Sandwiches, freshly baked breads, quiches, and a variety of sweet and savory pastries make up the menu at this popular café, the perfect spot to grab a quick bite and caffeinate while shopping the area's boutiques. The lighting mounted in wooden boards suspended from the ceiling by rope, the exposed brick and white-washed walls, and the soft, down-tempo beats all make for a relaxing interior. There are also a few shaded tables outside. As the name would suggest, Tiong Bahru Bakery started in this area, but there are now multiple branches across Singapore.

This large, airy upstairs hawker center is busy from morning to night. Highlights include Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice (#02–67/68, look for the snaking queue), which serves pork, chicken, prawns, and chap chye (cabbage) smothered in traditional Hainanese curry sauce. Jian Bo Shui Kueh (#02–05) is another local favorite, serving chwee kueh (steamed rice cake topped with preserved radish) to especially long lines at the weekend. There’s also a popular wet market downstairs, with stalls selling meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, and fresh flowers.

Tucked away in a quiet residential block in Queenstown, this small space is the gold standard of coffee roasting on the island. Initially started as a bean and machine wholesaler, the regular stream of coffee aficionados visiting for a drink soon convinced the owners to turn this space into a working café. You’ll find single-origin beans from across Asia, Africa, and South and Central America, delicious filter blends, and a selection of cakes and pastries. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a great brew and experience a slice of Singaporean life.

This hole-in-the-wall bakery serves some of the best baked goods in Singapore. Despite the name, it’s not quite as out in the sticks as Woodlands, but you’ll need to go a little farther north than usual to reach these goodies. Bakes change depending on the season, but not much beats a cup of their filter coffee and a fudgy, rich brownie. It’s the perfect place to load up on picnic treats for a hike around MacRitchie Reservoir.

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.

Standing on the Singapore River with waterside views, this breezy food center is well-known for the quality of its hawker stalls. Famous stalls include No. 18 Zion Road Fried Kway Teow (#01–17), serving smoky noodles with cockles, fish cake, and Chinese sausage; and Michelin-rated Zion Road Big Prawn Noodle (#01–17), serving spicy noodles with large prawns, pork rib, and fried onions. As always there’s a huge range of choices, with everything from xiao long bao (steamed Chinese dumplings) to cheng tng (a "healthy" sweet soup dessert with dried fruit, nuts, and mushrooms). Evenings and weekends are the busiest times, so come early to get one of the tables facing the river.

Located opposite the historic Bukit Timah Railway Station—and named after the year in which it was built—this bright, open café was once the railway staff quarters. It's a great spot to stop for a quick coffee or ice cream from the all-day menu, particularly if you’re planning on walking another section of the Rail Corridor. The inside dining area uses antique furniture to reflect what life may have looked like then, but the outside, set among lush greenery, is equally as charming. 

A bustling, palm-lined hawker center on the edge of the Botanic Gardens, Adam Food Center has a high hit rate of great stalls to choose from. Highlights include Warong Pak Sapari (stand 9) for fragrant mee soto (Indonesian noodles in chicken broth); and Noo Cheng Adam Road Big Prawn Noodles (stand 27) for juicy prawns served with pork ribs and noodles. There’s everything from rich mutton curry to refreshing ice kacang (shaved ice with sweet topping), so "chope" your table and get ordering.

This true Tiong Bahru classic has been serving neighborhood residents since the 1970s. The porridge served here is a savory Cantonese-style congee, usually with slices of pork or fish added. For those feeling brave, the mixed pork congee includes offal. Ah Chiang’s secret is that the creamy porridge is cooked over charcoal, imparting a subtle flavor. Note that at lunchtime the shop can be busy, and there may be an additional wait as the congee cooks over coals.

This hugely popular Muslim eatery serves a dizzying array of dishes and cuisines, including Thai, Indian, Malay, Western, and Mediterranean. Despite the ambitious menu, the quality is unmatched for a place this size, with quick, friendly service and a great selection of (non-alcoholic) drinks.

For a quick coffee on the go, Alchemist at International Plaza is a small, hole-in-the-wall joint that nevertheless deserves all the attention it gets. Aside from espresso, latte, and iced options, the rotating filter coffee is a great value, and the hot chocolate is rich and addictive.

This bustling food center is a true local's haunt, with more than 80 hawker stalls selling everything from succulent Hainanese chicken rice to tangy satay. When it comes to picking where to eat, use the golden rule of every hawker center in Singapore: choose the stalls with the longest lines. Leng Kee Fish Soup (#02–192) is always popular for its light broth and large portions, as is Terry Katong Laksa (#02–194) for its warming coconut flavors. For a stall that is rather unique, visit Go Pasta (#02–199)—it's rare to find (fairly) authentic Italian dishes at a local hawker center.

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.