So, instead of relying solely on food platform recommendations, you can explore cafes more spontaneously by knowing where they're located. Sometimes, I like to visit cafes without planning, which allows me to slow down and enjoy my food while having unexpected experiences.
If you're unsure where to start, let me show you some great places with different kinds of food spots in various areas of Singapore. Please note, this is a general guide and there may be cafes not mentioned here. These are just some popular ones you shouldn't miss.
Cafes-Hopping Spots
Haji Lane: Located in the Kampong Glam area, Haji Lane is known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, street art, and cafes. The lane is lined with colorful shophouses that house trendy cafes serving a variety of cuisines and beverages.
Arab Street: Arab Street is a bustling area in the Kampong Glam district known for its Middle Eastern culture and cuisine. The street is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shisha bars serving authentic Middle Eastern dishes and beverages.
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Ann Siang Hill: Ann Siang Hill is a charming area in the heart of Chinatown known for its historic shophouses and vibrant dining scene. The area is home to a number of cafes, bars, and restaurants offering a range of cuisines and dining experiences.
Bugis: Surrounding Bugis Junction - shopping mall, that is home to a wide range of cafes and eateries. I recommend trying Hey! Yakiniku in Bugis Junction, and for a sweeter treat and awesome aesthetic vibe, check out Smile Dessert Cafe across the street.
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Dempsey Hill: Dempsey Hill is a unique dining destination housed in a former army barracks. The area is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars set amidst lush greenery, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Tiong Bahru: Tiong Bahru is a hip and trendy neighborhood known for its mix of traditional and modern cafes. The area is home to several artisanal cafes serving specialty coffee, brunch fare, and baked goods.
Kampong Glam: Kampong Glam is a historic neighborhood known for its Malay and Arab influences. The area is home to several cafes and eateries serving a mix of local and international cuisine, as well as traditional Malay and Arab dishes.
Katong/Joo Chiat: Katong and Joo Chiat are neighboring areas known for their Peranakan heritage and colorful shophouses. The area is home to several cafes serving Peranakan-inspired dishes, as well as a variety of other cuisines.
Traditional & Culture Food
Maxwell Food Centre: Maxwell Food Centre is one of Singapore's most famous hawker centers, known for its wide variety of traditional Singaporean dishes. Visitors can enjoy dishes like chicken rice, laksa, and Hainanese curry rice.
Chinatown Complex Food Centre: Located in the heart of Chinatown, Chinatown Complex Food Centre is one of the largest hawker centers in Singapore. It offers a wide range of traditional Chinese dishes, including dim sum, roast meats, and noodles.
Tiong Bahru Market: Tiong Bahru Market is a popular hawker center located in the hip Tiong Bahru neighborhood. It offers a mix of traditional and modern dishes, including local favorites like char kway teow, fried carrot cake, and chwee kueh.
Tekka Centre: Tekka Centre is located in the vibrant Little India neighborhood and is known for its authentic Indian cuisine. Visitors can enjoy dishes like biryani, roti prata, and dosa.
Old Airport Road Food Centre: Old Airport Road Food Centre is a favorite among locals for its wide variety of traditional hawker dishes. Visitors can enjoy dishes like bak chor mee, oyster omelette, and satay.
Amoy Street Food Centre: Amoy Street Food Centre is located in the bustling Central Business District and offers a mix of traditional and modern hawker dishes. Visitors can enjoy dishes like fishball noodles, kway chap, and popiah.
Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre: Located in the heart of the Malay community in Singapore, Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre offers a wide variety of traditional Malay dishes. Visitors can enjoy dishes like nasi padang, mee soto, and lontong.
Tampines Round Market: Tampines Round Market is located in the Tampines neighborhood and is known for its traditional hawker fare. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local dishes, including chicken rice, laksa, and fried hokkien mee. Here's my video featuring food recommendations from Tampines Round Market Hawker, click to watch.
You might also want to read "15 MUST-Visit Hawker Centres in Singapore" for more information about Hawkers and what makes each one special.
Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Artemis Grill: Located at CapitaGreen, Artemis Grill offers a stunning rooftop view of the Marina Bay area. The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine made from organic and sustainable ingredients.
Lantern at The Fullerton Bay Hotel: Overlooking Marina Bay, Lantern offers an elegant rooftop setting with panoramic views. The menu features Asian-inspired dishes and a wide selection of cocktails.
Spago by Wolfgang Puck: Situated on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, Spago offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. The restaurant serves modern Californian cuisine with Asian influences.
LeVel33: As the world's highest urban microbrewery, LeVel33 offers stunning views of Marina Bay and the city skyline. The restaurant specializes in modern European cuisine paired with craft beers brewed on-site.
Stellar at 1-Altitude: Situated on the 62nd floor of One Raffles Place, Stellar offers sweeping views of the city. The restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients.
Tamarind Hill: Nestled in the lush greenery of Labrador Nature Reserve, Tamarind Hill offers a serene dining experience. The restaurant serves Thai and Burmese cuisine in a beautifully restored colonial bungalow.
The Cliff: Located at Sentosa's southernmost point, The Cliff offers panoramic views of the South China Sea. The restaurant specializes in contemporary Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood.
Empress: Situated along the Singapore River, Empress offers stunning views of the waterfront and city skyline. The restaurant serves modern Chinese cuisine in a chic and stylish setting.
Added to Michelin Guide Recently
Araya: Chilean chefs Araya and Guerrero blend Chilean and Japanese ingredients with a South Pacific flair. They create dishes like kinki and cod milt with aji amarillo and merkén from Chile, alongside French pigeon and caviar. They also make their own cacao for sauces.
Delhi Lahori: Known for his expertise with the tandoor oven, the chef at Delhi Lahori serves fluffy naans, grilled seekh kebab, and chicken tikka masala, all in generous portions.
Fico: This Pugliese chef brings authentic cuisine from Puglia to Singapore, with highlights like San Marzano tomato focaccina with mozzarella. The restaurant's setting in East Coast Park offers a soothing vibe with ocean views.
Han Kee: This stall is famous for its umami-laden mackerel soup, perfect on its own or with porridge or bee hoon. Arrive early to avoid the crowd.
Imbue: Imbue offers European dishes with Asian twists. Try the Shaoxing-infused abalone from Jeju island, wrapped in kelp and ginger, or the Malai bread with ginseng honey butter.
Início: Início offers modern European cuisine with Asian influences. Their seven-course tasting menu changes monthly. Try the mackerel pickled in-house with nori pistachio butter.
Margaret Drive Sin Kee Chicken Rice: This stall has been serving its signature chicken rice for years, with juicy meat and aromatic rice. I just realized that I wrote about Sin Kee Chicken Rice on my first blog post here.
Podi & Poriyal: This vegetarian joint specializes in podi (spicy ground lentil condiment) and poriyal (sautéed vegetables). Try the "Which Podi? Idli" or the podi dosai with poriyal filling.
Zhup Zhup: Formerly known as One Prawn & Co, Zhup Zhup is famous for its prawn noodles. The signature dish comes with rich prawn soup in a claypot, best enjoyed with classic yellow noodles and thin bee hoon.As you embark on your culinary journey through Singapore, may this guide serve as your passport to the vibrant and diverse world of flavors that the city has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just beginning to explore the gastronomic delights of Singapore, there's something for everyone to enjoy. From the bustling hawker centers to the elegant fine dining restaurants, Singapore's food scene is a testament to its rich cultural heritage and vibrant culinary landscape.
So, go ahead, indulge your taste buds, and savor every moment. After all, in Singapore, the next delicious discovery is always just around the corner. Bon appétit!
And if you're still full of energy, check out my Telegram channel for all the latest Food & Lifestyle recommendations I have for you.
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