Chinese Food
Chinatown Singapore is a food lover's paradise. Chinese food is known for its variety and deliciousness, and Chinatown offers some of the best Chinese cuisines in the city. From street-side stalls, hawker centres, shopping mall food courts to restaurants, this vibrant neighbourhood is a foodie's paradise for Chinese food lovers. There are many restaurants to try out, but one of the highlights is the hotpot. Hotpot is a Chinese dish that involves cooking meats and vegetables in a broth. The broth is usually very flavorful, and the hotpot can be customised to include your favourite ingredients and soup base. Hotpot is a great way to try different Chinese dishes, and it's a perfect meal for sharing with friends or family. Chinatown Singapore is the place to be if you want an authentic Chinese dining experience.Xiao Long Kan Hotpot 小龙坎老火锅
Xiao Long Kan Hot Pot's menu features a variety of delicious traditional Chinese hot pot dishes from Chengdu. Every dish on the menu uses only the freshest ingredients to create a truly delicious dish, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Those looking for a delightful meal, friendly service, and a relaxing atmosphere will find it at this Chinatown hotpot spot. It's ideal after exploring the vicinity and filling your appetite before heading out to see more sights and attractions.
Xiao Long Kan Hotpot, image credit: facebook.com/xiaolongkanhotpot
Birds of a Feather
Birds of a Feather is a Chinese and Western fusion restaurant in Chinatown, Singapore's heart. It offers a unique experience where guests can enjoy delicious Contemporary Western cuisine with a pronounced Sichuan influence. Some favourites include Yu Xiang eggplant, Birds Skewer and Birds Mapo Tofu. Housing two conservation shophouses in the heart of Chinatown Singapore, Birds of a Feather takes inspiration from the idea of people gathering together as birds do. Its décor is a sophisticated combination of nature and high style, creating a space of calm and conviviality for people to relax and 'roost'.
Birds of a Feather, image credit: birdsofafeather.com.sg
Chinatown Seafood Restaurant
With a rating of 4.0 with over 1,100 reviews on TripAdvisor, this Chinese Seafood Restaurant enchants diners with good seafood dishes. Many commented on their favourites, such as Yangzhou fried rice, sweet and sour pork, BBQ pork buns, and many more. They also serve the cocktail Singapore Sling which is a must-try if you're a tourist. To make things even better, the restaurant sits in the heart of Chinatown, just off Pagoda Street. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Their hours are 11 am - 11 pm.
Chinatown Seafood Restaurant, image credit: facebook.com/ChinatownSeafoodRestaurant
Peranakan Food
Peranakan food is a blend of Chinese and Malay influences and is known for its vibrant colours and bold flavours. The Peranakan community originally hails from Malacca, Malaysia but has a long history in Singapore. And Peranakan food is an essential part of their culture. Those looking for authentic Peranakan food will enjoy the traditional recipes and exciting menu flavours. Whether you're looking for an authentic Peranakan dining experience or something with a modern twist, you're sure to find something to your taste in the few Peranakan restaurants in Chinatown Singapore.The Blue Ginger Restaurant
The Blue Ginger Restaurant offers authentic Peranakan cuisine. Their menu consists of dishes inspired by the rich history of Peranakan cuisine, which blends influences from China, Malaysia and Indonesia. The restaurant serves delicious meals using only fresh ingredients and organic products whenever possible. Their signature dish is Babi Pong Tay, made of stewed pork shoulder with preserved beans. Another must-try is Ayam Buah Keluak, braised chicken flavoured with spices and herbs. Other dishes include Ikan Masak Assam Gulai, a mackerel fillet simmered in spicy Tamarind gravy, and Nonya Fish head Curry, red snapper with lady's fingers and eggplant cooked with a traditional home-style curry.
The Blue Ginger - Babi Pong Tay, image credit: theblueginger.oddle.me
Indonesian Food
Indonesian food is some of the most delicious food in the world. There's a reason why Indonesian food is so prevalent in Singapore— it's simply amazing. If you're looking for a new culinary adventure, We highly recommend checking out some of our Indonesian food establishments below. You can't go wrong with some of the favourites, such as Nasi Padang, Batagor, Ayam Bakar Betutu, Dendeng Sambal Bali, Ikan Bakar Bumbu Bali, Nasi Goreng Kambing, Soto Betawi and many more. Trust me; you won't be disappointed. So what are you waiting for? Come to Chinatown Singapore and enjoy the best Indonesian food in town!Cumi Bali Indonesian Restaurant
Cumi Bali was established in 1986 and is a great place to eat authentic Indonesian food. The menu offers many traditional Indonesian dishes, including Ayam Sate Madura, Tauhu Tempe, Ikan Belado, Udang Serai and more. The restaurant serves tasty meals in a casual atmosphere. Indonesian dishes are different from Malaysian Malay food, which tends to be heavy-handed on a couple of spices, whilst Indonesian cuisine uses spice blends or "Bumbu" to create the different lingering tastes of each dish. Try out the Indonesian cuisine at Cumi Bali to know if it's true.
Cumi Bali Restaurant - Charcoal Grilled Squid, image credit: cumibali.com
Indo Sumatera
Located in Singapore's Chinatown on Trengganu Street, Indo Sumatera is a hidden gem for lovers of Indonesian cuisine. One of their standout offerings is the famous Putu Bambu, an Indonesian Bamboo Cake. Unlike other versions that may disappoint, Indo Sumatera's Putu Bambu is a revelation. Made to order, the rice cake is moist, soft, and delicately sweet. The filling of caramelized palm sugar from Java is moist, smooth, and aromatic, perfectly complementing the rice cake. The grated coconut topping adds a pleasant crunch and a hint of savory sweetness. Indo Sumatera also offers a variety of other Indonesian cakes, all freshly made at the stall using natural ingredients and 30% less sugar than traditional recipes. With its loyal following and 15 years of operation, Indo Sumatera has become a must-visit spot for those seeking the best Putu Bambu and Indonesian kueh in Singapore's Chinatown.
Indo Sumatera
Indian Food
Indian food is always brimming with exotic tastes, flavours and aromas that make anyone's mouth water. The Indian food in Chinatown Singapore is no exception. Indian food is packed with flavour and spice, and the Indian food in Chinatown Singapore is no different. The roti prata is crispy and flaky, and the vindaloo curry is fiery and flavorful. The biryani is rich and fragrant. Indian food is truly a feast for the senses, and the Indian food in Chinatown Singapore is a must-try for any foodie.Taj Authentic Indian Cuisine
If you're looking for authentic Indian cuisine, you'll want to head down to Taj Authentic Indian Cousin Restaurant. Their biryani is delicious and not too spicy, and the rice is light, fluffy, and delightful. The chicken biryani comes with a whole, tender, flavorful thigh. You won't find any greasy spoons here. Instead, you'll find a warm welcome and excellent service.
Taj Authentic Indian Cuisine, image credit: threebestrated.sg
Kamal Restaurant
Kamal Restaurant serves Indian, Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines. They are famous for their Fried Chicken Briyani. They also accept food delivery orders.
Kamal Restaurant, image credit: threebestrated.sg
Western Food
Western food has always been a staple in Chinatown Singapore. From the earliest days of settlement, Westerners have been coming to Chinatown to enjoy the great food and atmosphere. Chinatown is still the best place to go for Western food in Singapore. The restaurants here offer a wide variety of Western dishes, from traditional favourites like steak and potatoes to more exotic items like lobster and crab. There is something for everyone in Chinatown, and the prices are very reasonable. So if you're looking for a great place to eat Western food, check out Chinatown Singapore. You won't be disappointed.Rhubarb
A small contemporary French restaurant nestles in the tranquil Duxton hill. Opened in 2014, Rhubarb has retained its 1-star rating in the inaugural Singapore Michelin Guide every year since 2016. Rhubarbs' chef Paul Longworth brings his experience working under Alain Ducasse and Guy Savoy to the table. His menu changes seasonally, but he keeps true to his roots with dishes like duck confit, steak tartare and lobster ravioli. Situated on charming Duxton hill, Rhubarb offers a comfortable atmosphere where diners can enjoy a meal without feeling rushed. The intimate dining room seats just seven people, making it feel like a private dinner party. Guests are treated to special attention from the staff and served complimentary fresh bread. Chef Paul shares his unique approach to french gastronomy with his young team. He sources the finest ingredients and uses traditional techniques to prepare simple, elegant dishes. Rhubarb offers a wine menu based around french regions and, in addition, a small collection of fine digestifs.
Rhubarb Le Restaurant - Pigeon Dish, image credit: lifestyleasia.com
Cure
A visit to Cure is an excellent opportunity to experience authentic Irish cuisine. Their menu is set meals for lunch and dinner with options for seasonal menu items. The Cure restaurant is also among the many restaurants awarded the Michelin Star in the Chinatown food scene.
Cure, image credit: curesingapore.com
Alati
Alati is a casual and comfortable restaurant serving Greek cuisine. It serves fresh fish caught by the hands of the fisherman in the Aegean sea. ALATI, or salt, takes great pride in offering only the freshest produce, wild-caught by fishermen. Their menu items also cater to vegans, vegetarians, dairy products, seafood, meats, eggs, lecithin, nut and seed free, and gluten-free.
Alati - Mikonos Pasta, image credit: alati.sg
Dessert
Dessert is often an afterthought, but in Chinatown Singapore, it's the star of the show. The variety of desserts is staggering, and the quality is impeccable. For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to try the egg tarts, which are flaky and delicate, the shaved ice creams, which are crispy and golden, and waffles and cakes, which are Instagram-worthy and delicious.Mei Heong Yuen Dessert 味香园甜品
Mei Heong Yuen's dessert is a must-visit if you're ever in Chinatown. It's got a wide variety of yummy desserts that are delicious and affordable. You'll find yourself coming here multiple times throughout your trip. Mei Heong Yuen Dessert specialises in different types of pastes and steaming egg puddings. Their peanut paste is fragrant, smooth and sweet enough to round up a satisfying meal. Another favourite on the menu is their walnut paste, which is a creamy delight. This Chinatown dessert shop is located in Kreta Ayer Conservation Area along Temple Street.Plain Vanilla
Plain Vanilla is a food and lifestyle brand that offers hearty food offerings, comforting baked goods, carefully curated serveware, heartfelt service, and attention to detail. Their mission is to bring back the simplicity of life through food and living. They believe life is better when enjoying simple pleasures. So, they focus on making life's simple pleasures aspirational and available to everyone. Their story began in 2011 at a small takeaway spot in Singapore Holland Village. Since then, they've grown to five stores (including an outlet in Chinatown Singapore) and a 100-person team. Today, they sell bread, cakes, cookies, pies, muffins, scones, biscuits, jams, chutneys, preserves, coffee, teas, juices, smoothies, salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, pasta, rice dishes, stir-fries, curries, noodles, desserts, drinks, coffees, beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, and more.
Plain Vanilla - Cupcakes, image credit: plainvanilla.com.sg
Michelin Rated Food
Restaurants with a Michelin Star Award meet specific criteria outlined by the Michelin Guide. These include high standards of quality, creativity, presentation, and service. The Michelin star is the most prestigious accolade available to chefs worldwide. Only 1% of restaurants in the world have this honour. In 2022, there was an increase in the number of Michelin-rated food restaurants in Chinatown Singapore. These restaurants include french cuisine, Irish cuisine, fusion food, Chinese food, etc. Below are some of the Michelin-rated restaurants.Nouri
Nouri believes that food does not exist in isolation. All great cuisines are the product of intersecting cultures across time; no food culture would have developed without centuries of movement and collaboration. At Nouri, they study ingredients, techniques, and flavours to identify moments of connection between global food traditions. Nouri innovates from these historical standpoints to produce food rooted in familiar flavours no matter where you are from. That is where crossroads cooking begins. Beyond concepts or philosophy, or types of cuisines, Nouri is a place that celebrates people in all our differences and similarities. A restaurant that nourishes not just body and mind but the liminal bond between the "you" and the "I"."Reve
Rêve is a restaurant located in Singapore's Chinatown district. It was opened in 2016 by Chef Kawano Masahiro, who won the prestigious TAKI HISAO Prize in 2015. He is known for his innovative approach to Japanese cuisine, using fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft bold, complex, unexpected dishes. At Rêve, diners enjoy a unique dining experience focused on tasting and savouring. The restaurant serves modern interpretations of classic French and Japanese cuisines, featuring a range of small plates, sushi rolls and desserts.Hawker Chan
Hawker Chan is famous for Chef Chan's Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle Restaurant. Those looking to try out this renowned place can find it in the Chinatown Complex Food Centre. Chef Chan serves authentic hawker dishes made using only fresh ingredients. His signature dish is soya sauce chicken rice or noodles. There are options for crispy pork belly and smokey char siew add-ons too. His restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star, making him the world's first-ever hawker to achieve this feat. Chef Chan's humble soya sauce receipt was recognised by the most prestigious guide in the world - the Michelin Guide. He received the title of "The World First Hawker MICHELIN-starred meal" and "The Cheapest Michelin-starred meal in the world".
Hawker Chan - Soya Chicken Noodles, image credit: liaofanhawkerchan.com
