The Food Directory
Kampong Gelam, and our wider neighbourhood, is a veritable smorgasbord of good eats. As delicious as the choices are diverse, we’ve organised our ultimate food directory first by cuisine, then by price point.
Legend:
$ Less than SGD 20.00 per person
$$ Less than SGD 60.00 per person
$$$ More than SGD 60.00 per person
^ Michelin recognised (Bib Gourmand, Guide, etc.)
* Michelin starred (1, 2 & 3-starred eateries)
SOUTH EAST ASIAN
South East Asian cuisine, of which Singapore’s is proudly a part of, is characterised by its diversity, bold punchy flavours, an affinity for spices, and the inventive pursuit of balances that can be struck between the sweet, the sour and the savoury.
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Blanco Court Fried Fish Noodles (325 Beach Rd, Singapore 199566)
Blanco Court Prawn Mee & Ngor Hiang (243 Beach Rd, Singapore 189754)
Golden Mile Food Centre (505 Beach Rd, Singapore 199583) If you can only hit one spot in this section you could do worse than Golden Mile Food Centre. The sheer diversity and selection of stalls here makes it a good choice for those who suffer from FOMO
Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle^ (466 Crawford Ln, #01-12, Singapore 190466)
HJH Maimunah^ (11 Jln Pisang, Singapore 199078)
Warong Nasi Pariaman (738 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198706)
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Bumbu (44 Kandahar St, Singapore 198897)
Fatt Choy Eating House (10 Haji Ln, Singapore 189203)
Nan Hwa Chong (Ah Chew) Fish Head Steamboat (812 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198779) Perfect for rainy days or when you’re in group, get fired up for Nan Hwa Chong’s charcoal-fire Fish Head Steamboat that’s equal parts spectacle, feast and reunion.
The Coconut Club^ (269 Beach Rd, Singapore 199546)
The White Label (101 Jalan Sultan, #01-02, Singapore 199002) Our on-site restaurant’s delicious Malayan-French creations combine bright Asian flavours with French technique. Do not miss out on standout dishes like Salmon Assam Nonya, and their version of Squid Ink Spaghetti with Sotong Masak Hitam sauce. Sedap!
Yhingthai Palace^ (36 Purvis Street, #01-04, Singapore 188613)
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Belimbing^ (269A Beach Rd, Level 2, Singapore 199546) Pro tip, try out Belimbing’s new-gen Singaporean cuisine from just $58++ during lunch
Seroja* (7 Fraser St, #01-30/31/32/33 Duo Galleria, Singapore 189356)
“WESTERN”
Singapore’s cosmopolitan character, discerning diners and serious passion for food has drawn some of the best chefs, cooks and brands from the west to our shores. Discover some of the best homegrown brands, big name imports, and everything in between, in our neighbourhood below.
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Afterwit (778 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198746) Simple Mexican fare in a pared down hole in the wall, with set lunches starting from $10.00++.
The White Label (101 Jalan Sultan, #01-02, Singapore 199002) The White Label’s Set Lunch is our go-to for wallet-friendly refined dining in the neighbourhood. Choose from steaks, pastas, seafood and more starting from just S$15.00++.
Tipo (28 Aliwal St, #01-07, Singapore 199918) Hand-made pastas in an open, convivial setting with lunch options starting from $9.90++.
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Beyond The Dough (150 Arab St, Singapore 199832)
Casa Vostra (252 North Bridge Rd, #01-49/ 50/ 51, Singapore 179103)
Cicheti (52 Kandahar St, Singapore 198901) Our favourite Italian spot for date night in the neighbourhood. You can’t go wrong with their wood fired Neapolitan pizzas and handmade pastas.
Huevos (803 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198771)
MoVida (252 North Bridge Rd, #03-43, Singapore 179103)
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Butcher’s Block^ (328 North Bridge Rd, #02-02, Singapore 188719)
Garibaldi^ (36 Purvis Street, #01-02, 188613) One of the most well-known and longevous Italian institutions in Singapore, you’ll be spoilt for choice with their extensive food and wine menus. To stretch your dollar, we recommend checking out their lunch set menu which starts from S$48.00++.
Gunther’s^ (36 Purvis Street, #01-03, Singapore 188613) Serving sumptuous French plates since 2005 (no small feat in fickle Singapore), Gunther’s is known, amongst other things, for their Cold Angel Hair with with a 6g quenelle of Oscietra caviar. Set lunches are available from S$58.00++.
Jaan by Kirk Westaway* (2 Stamford Road, Level 70, Singapore 178882) Expect delicate, refined and inventive contemporary British cuisine at this beautiful, 2-Michelin starred restaurant perched on the 70th floor of the Swissotel with incredible views of Marina Bay and the downtown Singapore.
CAFES, CAFFEINE & BAKES
Kampong Gelam is such a popular destination for both tourists and locals in no small part due to the number of brunch, coffee and pastry spots that keep us well-fed and caffeinated. An unmissable part of any trip to Kampong Gelam, we highly recommend popping in to some of our neighbours below while you’re meandering through our streets and alleyways.
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% Arabica (56 Arab St, Singapore 199753)
2050 Coffee (267 Beach Rd, #01-01, Singapore 199545)
Konditori (33 Bussorah St, Singapore 199451)
Mother Dough (3 Jln Kledek, Singapore 199259) Our favourite bakery in town for both savoury and sweet baked delights.
Open Secret (60 Arab St, Singapore 199757) Beverages and toasties, enter from the alley
Rumifolks (28 Bali Ln, Singapore 189864)
Ya Kun Kaya Toast (345 Beach Rd, Singapore 199568) Get your local cuppa at this Singapore mainstay that’s been supplying kopis and tehs to the nation since 1944. It goes without saying that you must get their signature kaya and butter toast.
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All Things Delicious (34 Arab St, Singapore 199733)
Penny University (17 Jln Klapa, Singapore 199329)
Symmetry (9 Jln Kubor, Singapore 199206) Symmetry is best known for being a cafe because of their well-loved brunch offerings, but this restaurant actually boast a full menu of French-styled sharing plates and global mains as well. We love this cozy Kampong Gelam spot for their all-day dining options, happy hour and coffee.
Wakey Wakey (302 Beach Rd, #01-04/ 5, Singapore 199600)
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LET’S GET MEZZE
We may be biased (but we’re not wrong) when we say that there are few Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dining experiences in Singapore as lively and immersive as under the moonlight, in the breeze, and against the glistening Masjid Sultan on Bussorah St. From bright mezzes to sizzling meats, let’s dive in!
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Pita Bakery (29 Bali Lane, Singapore 189865) Pita Bakery serves 100% vegan, halal and kosher Mediterranean cuisine that is made fresh from scratch daily. A supplier of choice to many high-end eateries around the island, drop by for their delicious, fluffy pitas (plain and flavoured), moist falafels and vibrant dips.
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Alaturka Mediterranean & Turkish Restaurant (15 Bussorah St, Singapore 199436)
Beirut Grill (72 Bussorah St, Singapore 199485) Beirut Grill has been serving the neighbourhood since 2009. Their focused menu of Lebanese and Middle Eastern fare, and selection of fantastic Lebanese wines makes this an easy choice to be in the heart of the action on Bussorah Street.
Cappadocia (67 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199482)
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SOUTH ASIAN
Being located walking distance to Little India means we have no lack of delicious, varied and satisfying South Asia dining options. Perfect for those that love their spices, those with dietary restrictions (particularly those on a vegetarian or vegan diet) or, if we can be plain, those with good taste; many picks on this list are also very democratically priced to boot.
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Ananda Bhavan (95 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207671)
Delhi Lahori^ (665 Buffalo Road, #01-266, 210665 Singapore) Hidden in Tekka Centre, this hawker stall is anchored by a roaring charcoal tandoor. The naan here is its claim to fame, hand-stretched and slapped onto the tandoor’s hot walls by a skilled chef, the results is a moreish crisp-meets-chewy texture well worth the wait.
Everest Kitchen (55 Chander Rd, Singapore 219550) Look past the bare-bones, divey atmosphere for authentic, heart-felt Nepalese offerings.
Komala Vilas (76 - 78 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217981) Back in 2015, Singapore’s then-Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, took Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to Komala Vilas for Idli, Vadai and the restaurant's famous Thosai.
MTR Singapore (438 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218133) Frequently sporting long queues during lunch time, MTR presents a focused vegetarian menu of authentic South Indian fare from Bangalore. Visit for their crispy Masala Dosa, soft Pudi Idly, savoury Uddina Vada, and sweet Kesari Bhath.
Zam Zam Restaurant (697-699 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198675) If we’re talking Murtabak in Kampong Gelam, Zam Zam, alongside their neighbours, Victory (701 N Bridge Rd) and Al-Tasneem (709 N Bridge Rd), will often be brought up alongside each other. This fierce food rivalry, on top of precipitating an amusing “drive-through” atmosphere from employees touting for customers right onto the main street, has also drawn sharp comparisons between the three’s offerings. According to some sources (Google), this is their concensus: Zam Zam’s Murtabak is praised for its flavour and texture, Victory for richer fillings, and Al-Tasneem for a thick, oniony juiciness. Bring company and get ready for debate and a hearty, good time.
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Lagnaa^ (6 Upper Dickson Road, Singapore 207466)
Mustard^ (32 Race Course Road, Singapore 218552) Mustard is a cozy little spot on this Indian food lovers’ street that has found many fans of its Bengali and Punjabi cuisine. Their extensive menu with everything from Kathi Rolls to Tikkas to Biryanis, Kababs and sweet desserts is sure to please with options for vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike.
Muthu’s Curry^ (138 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218591)
Podi & Poriyal^ (486 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218151)
The Banana Leaf Apolo (54 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218564)
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NORTH ASIAN
Singaporeans absolutely love their Chinese, Japanese and Korean food and it shows in how many specialty, regional and big name franchise eateries from the region have laid down roots here. From piquant sze chuan cuisine, to social yakitoris and buzzy korean BBQ, here are some of our top picks!
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Hanasen (371 Beach Rd, #B1-02, Singapore 199597) A no-fuss eatery with an approachable menu for lunch, families and happy hour.
Izakaya Hikari (190 Middle Rd, #03-01, Singapore 188979)
Kiiro-San (190 Middle Rd, #02-12, Singapore 188979)
Kimchi Mama (201 Victoria Street, #04-11, Singapore 188067)
Nunsaram Korean Dessert Cafe (200 Victoria St, #01-70, Singapore 188021) Accessible cafe at Bugis Junction known for their bingsu, gimbap, and tteokbokki.
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BOMUL Samgyetang (30 Victoria St, #01-11/12, Singapore 187996) A dedicated Korean ginseng chicken soup spot in the historic CHIJMES complex
Liang Seah Street This lively street opposite Bugis Junction has in recent years transformed into a Mainland Chinese food mecca; chock full of imported Chinese brands each touting their regional cuisines, specialty restaurants focusing on everything from hotpot to fried chicken to grilled fish, and some great local dessert shops to end off your meal on a sweet note. Some restaurants that draw long queues including Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine, Xun Wei Hotpot, and Ah Chew Desserts. Best for big, casual group dining.
Sa Tae Bak (31 Bali Ln, Singapore 189867) Casual yakitori eatery with retro vibes.
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Sushi Endo (371 Beach Rd, #02-54, Singapore 199597)
Sushi Masaaki (26 Beach Road, Beach Avenue, #B1-17 South, 189768) There is no shortage of high-end Japanese omakase experiences in Singapore, but Sushi Masaaki, helmed by chef-owner Masaaki Sakashita, distinguishes itself with its exceptionally natural and distinct flavours, reflecting the grand ethos of Japanese culinary principles. Yet, each course–from a seemingly simple bowl of hamaguri soup to a deftly shaped piece of sushi–features subtle inflections that reveal Masaaki’s inventive and intuitive cooking style
COMFORT/ “FAST” FOOD
Sometimes you just need something quick, familiar and comforting, especially when you’re short on time or have a packed itinerary. Here are some dependable spots we head to in the neighbourhood for a casual meal in a jiffy or a sweet treat.
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Birds Of Paradise Gelato (263 Beach Rd, Singapore 199542) Fantastic inventive gelatos made with real, natural botanical ingredients, and free from gluten, eggs, artificial flavouring and colouring. Pair with their freshly-made, thyme-infused waffle cones for a light but delectable icy treat.
Rich & Good Cake Shop (24 Kandahar St, Singapore 198887)
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Burgs (16 Bussorah St, Singapore 199437) This local burger joint, started by a trio of young local chefs with fine dining chops, serves quality gourmet-style burgers out of their nostalgic American diner-style space.
Chix Hot Chicken (1 Jln Pisang, Singapore 199069)
Mahmud’s Tandoor (20 Kandahar St, Singapore 198885) Try their Crispydoori burger, you won’t regret it.
Overrice (41 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198489) Overrice brings the New York street cart dining experience to Singapore with their all-in-one bowls, pitas and tacos.
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All locations mentioned in this Food Guide are marked out on this handy Google map. Plan your very own itinerary with our recommendations and check out unique local experiences offered by select Experience Partners to create your very own perfect The Sultan getaway.