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We ate really well in Singapore.
From hawker stalls that close once they run out to trendy sit-down spots I still dream about, I tried to eat as much as I could — and I still think about that bowl of laksa from 328 Katong Laksa, which I slurped up at 10am like it was my job, as well as the feast we ordered at Rempapa that blew me away.
And obviously it’s no trip to Singapore with the famous Hainanese Chicken rice, which I did try multiple times – of course.
This post is my no-fluff guide to the best Singapore restaurants, bars, and casual bites — from hawker legends to moody wine bars.
Let’s eat.
And if you want to skip the screenshots and save everything straight to your phone, I made a Google Map with all my picks for where to eat in Singapore. It’s organized, constantly updated, and way easier than scrolling back through your tabs.
Short on time to plan your Singapore trip?
Here’s a mini guide with my top recs!
Where to stay:
My favorite neighborhoods:
Can’t-miss experience:
Stay connected:
More on Singapore:
Delve into Singapore
Don’t forget to check out the rest of my Singapore posts and guides if you’re still planning your perfect trip!
17 of the Best Singapore Restaurants & Bars:
Where to Eat in Singapore For Any Occasion
Real Talk:
Singapore – while less affected than some of its Southeast Asian neighbors – is not immune to overtourism, gentrification, and environmental damage. So please: don’t be an asshole when you travel here (or anywhere).
If you’ve made it to my blog, I’d like to think you too care about preserving the integrity of the places you visit – but I’ve seen enough disrespectful behavior from Western tourists to know it’s worth saying out loud:
If you’re going to make locals’ lives harder, just stay home.
Best Bougie Singapore Restaurants to Treat Yourself
1. Le Bon Funk
Natural Wine Bar | Unpretentious Cool
Le Bon Funk is the kind of place that makes you feel cooler just by sitting there — but it’s also so wildly unpretentious that when I ate it (as in, fully wiped out on the pavement) walking up to the door, in full view of the staff and diners, no one so much as blinked (okay fine, one impossibly chic French woman did actually judge the hell out of me but you can’t win ’em all).
Both the Holland Village and Chinatown locations strike that perfect balance between low-key and high-quality, with cozy patio seating you can book at the Holland Village location that’s ideal if you’re looking for outdoor dining in Singapore.
Expect natural wine, excellent sourdough, and whatever seasonal small plates the chef’s into that week. Chic but chill — my favorite combo.
📍 Holland Village (my preferred location) & Chinatown
2. Candlenut
Michelin-Starred Peranakan | Fancy Vibes v Comfort Food
I’m not always one for fancy tasting menus, but Candlenut strikes a perfect balance – it’s elevated but still feels warm and familiar. Think rich curries, tender beef rendang, and gorgeous reworks of classic kueh. This restaurant is tucked away in leafy Dempsey, which gives it that extra special-occasion feel without being stuffy.
This was actually our final meal in Singapore and we waxed poetic about, well, everything while we enjoyed delicious cocktails on their fan-cooled terrace – a lovely spot for outdoor dining in Singapore that still feels tucked-away and elegant – before feasting on grandma-inspired Singaporean food. What more could you ask for to end a whirlwind long weekend of Singapore restaurants?!
📍 Dempsey Hill
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3. Rempapa
Modern Heritage Cuisine | Chef Damian D’Silva
Rempapa is unassumingly tucked into the commercial space in the ground floor of a huge condo complex just outside the city center – so you’d be forgiven for overlooking it! But if you did, I’d pity you!!
Our expat friends who were based in Singapore at the time took us here (they lived in the building!) and we could not have enjoyed our evening more.
Inventively combining flavors from Singapore’s Eurasian, Malay, Chinese, and Indian roots, Rempapa is a literal love letter to all of what makes Singaporean cuisine great. The flavors are bold, the plating’s sharp, and it’s the sort of place that makes you pause between bites just to appreciate what’s happening.
The roomy patio out front adds to its charm — one of our favorite Singapore outdoor dining spots, especially for a long, leisurely dinner.
📍 Geylang
Cook (and Eat) Like a Local in Singapore
If you’re as obsessed with Singaporean food as we are, this experience is 100% worth doing. You’ll visit a local market, then dive into a hands-on cooking class where you’ll prepare a Peranakan meal – laksa included!
4. Xiao Ya Tou
Playful Chinese Fusion | Retro Décor
Xiao Ya Tou doesn’t take itself too seriously – and I love that for it! Here you can expect cheeky names, neon lights, and dishes like truffle roast duck or wagyu hor fun.
Located in Duxton Hill, this place leans into the history of its surroundings… It’s on a street that used to be lined with brothels and opium dens, so it’s not afraid to be what it is: fun, a little chaotic, and a great spot for dinner with friends who appreciate an excellent craft cocktail.
📍 Duxton Hill
5. Kotuwa
Sri Lankan Comfort Food | Hidden Gem
Chef Rishi has been paying homage to his Sri Lankan roots for years – Kotuwa is his third venture into Sri Lankan cuisine – and his experience shows. I am always a lover of Sri Lankan food, where mutton rolls and kothu (chopped roti with meat and vegetables) are staples, but Kotuwa takes my faves to the next level.
Plus, with a few outdoor tables, Kotuwa is a solid pick for Singapore outdoor dining when you want bold flavors in a laid-back setting.
I didn’t get a chance to eat here on my last visit, but I’ve thought about the softshell crab kothu that I missed out on basically every day since then!!
📍 Robertson Quay
6. Abundance
Taiwanese Street Eats | Craft Beer
If you’re craving something a little greasy and a lot satisfying, Abundance is it. Gua bao, popcorn chicken, taro fries — the whole menu’s built for late-night cravings (or hangover recovery). There’s craft beer too, which is honestly exactly what I want with this type of food.
The original Redhill location has casual patio seating that makes this one of the best low-key spots for outdoor dining in Singapore — especially with a cold beer in your hand!
📍 Jalan Besar & Redhill
7. Thevar
Progressive Indian | Michelin-Starred
Thevar is the kind of place you plan a whole evening around. It’s bold, spicy, and genuinely exciting — South Indian flavors meet modern European plating for a set tasting menu that the whole table will be partaking in. It’s not cheap and it’s not what I’d call laid back, but it is a full-on dining experience.
Book ahead and come hungry.
📍 Tanjong Pagar
8. Birds of a Feather
Modern Sichuan Plates | Lush Interiors
Birds of a Feather has been featured all over the place – from Tatler Asia to TimeOut Singapore – so it’s not exactly a hidden gem! But it is one of those places that nails the vibe just as much as the food.
Sichuan peppercorn spaghetti, mapo tofu burgers, spicy cocktails — it’s Chengdu-inspired with a modern twist and a whole lot of leafy, indoor-jungle charm.
📍 Chinatown
The Best Foods in Singapore: 15 Unbelievably Delicious Dishes & Authentic Places to Get Them
The Best Foods in Singapore: 15 Unbelievably Delicious Dishes & Authentic Places to Get Them
Best Hawker Stalls & Casual Eats in Singapore
9. 328 Katong Laksa
Laksa Legend | Iconic Hawker Dish
This bowl of laksa was basically a rite of passage for me tbh.
Its thick rice noodles, prawns, cockles, and coconutty broth were literally life-changing for me… so much so that I didn’t even mind sweating my ass off while I slurped it up at 11am on a sidewalk in Katong – real-deal outdoor dining in Singapore at its most iconic.
📍 Katong
10. Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
Old-School Bakery | Kaya Toast Institution
This place feels frozen in time in the best way. You sit down, order a kopi and kaya toast, and suddenly you’re part of decades of breakfast history.
We really appreciated the local, neighborhood-y vibe at this place, which has literally been at the same location since the 1920s. The open-air setup was also a plus — perfect for a slow, nostalgic morning of outdoor dining in Singapore.
In addition to traditional kaya toast and soft boiled eggs, CMC also has a range of other innovative pastries that we didn’t get a chance to try… but 100% will on our next visit!
📍 Katong
11. Mr & Mrs Mohgan Super Crispy Roti Prata
Best Roti Prata | Local Favorite
It’s right there in the name — the prata is super crispy and frankly completely worth working your whole itinerary around. Go early before they sell out or you’ll be seriously disappointed. Bonus points if you follow it up with a teh tarik.
📍 Katong
Taste Singapore’s Heritage on a Private Food Tour
I did this tour myself and absolutely loved it — 10 tastings across Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, with a local guide who shares the cultural context behind every bite. It’s a delicious way to experience Singapore’s diversity and dig into stories you’d almost certainly miss on your own.
12. Swee Choon Dim Sum
Late-Night Dim Sum | Crowd Pleaser
It’s open till late and perfect for when the group can’t decide what to eat. Classic dim sum staples done well — get the salted egg custard bun and thank me later.
📍 Jalan Besar
13. Satay Street @ Lau Pa Sat
Outdoor Grilling | Street Food Atmosphere
As the sun goes down, the grills fire up. This whole stretch of road becomes a smoky, satay-sizzling food fest. It’s touristy but still fun, and honestly, the peanut sauce is 1000% worth it.
📍 CBD
14. Bhai Sarbat
Teh Tarik Stall | Heritage Beverage
You’ll probably miss it if you’re not looking, but this little drinks stall serves the frothiest, sweetest pulled tea in town. Perfect on its own or with a prata from one of the nearby shops.
📍 Kampong Glam
Your Ultimate Guide to 8 of Singapore’s Best Hawker Centres
Your Ultimate Guide to 8 of Singapore’s Best Hawker Centres
Coolest Singapore Bars for Every Kind of Night Out
15. ATLAS
Art Deco Cocktail Bar | Gin Library
Dripping in glamour and gin, ATLAS is hands down the most jaw-dropping bar in Singapore. It’s worth dressing up for — even if you’re just getting a G&T. We weren’t able to come for drinks but we did do a casual walk through during the day and I swear it felt like I had been transported to 1930s New York or Chicago.
The space is unreal and the aesthetic is one that I literally think about on a weekly basis.
📍 Kampong Glam
Craft Your Own Cocktails in Singapore
If you’re into cocktails and curious about what goes into crafting the perfect one, this interactive workshop is a fun way to spend a couple of hours in Singapore! You’ll get behind the bar to mix, shake, and stir with guidance from a pro, learning the basics of cocktail technique along the way. A great way to get up close and personal with Singapore’s bar scene!
16. Smith Street Taps
Craft Beer Stall | Laid-Back Local Feel | Central Singapore
A hawker centre beer bar is peak Singapore — and this one’s a gem. Rotating taps of local and global brews, plus the option to chase your IPA with chicken rice. Casual perfection.
📍 Chinatown
17. Junior The Pocket Bar
Tiny Bar | Global Rotating Menus | Central Singapore
Junior is always doing something fun — one month it’s Mexico, the next it’s Sri Lanka. It’s teeny tiny (so book ahead), but the drinks are creative and the concept’s always fresh.
📍 Ann Siang Hill
15 Must-Visit Singapore Cafes for Any Visitor Who Wants to Caffeinate Like a Local: Indie Hidden Gems with the Best Speciality Singapore Coffee
15 Must-Visit Singapore Cafes for Any Visitor Who Wants to Caffeinate Like a Local: Indie Hidden Gems with the Best Speciality Singapore Coffee
FAQs about Singapore Restaurants
What is a must to eat in Singapore?
If you’re wondering where to eat in Singapore or just looking to dive into the country’s iconic dishes, there are a few absolute musts. Start with Hainanese chicken rice — tender poached chicken, fragrant rice, and a punchy chilli-ginger sauce.
Laksa is another essential, especially the spicy, coconut-rich kind you’ll find at places like 328 Katong Laksa. Don’t miss roti prata (a crispy, pan-fried flatbread best dipped in curry), char kway teow (smoky stir-fried noodles), and chilli crab, which you’ll need a whole stack of napkins to fully enjoy.
One of the best things about eating in Singapore is how these dishes are just as easy to find at humble hawker stalls as they are at top-rated Singapore restaurants.
Whether you’re eating street food at Maxwell Food Centre or booking a table at a fine dining spot, the flavors are unforgettable. And yes — there’s always room for dessert. Try kaya toast, tang yuan, or a scoop of gula melaka gelato after your meal.
Where do most Singaporeans eat?
While Singapore is home to world-class fine dining and stylish restaurants, most Singaporeans still eat at hawker centres — open-air food courts that serve everything from laksa to roti prata, usually for under $5 a dish. These spots are the heart of everyday dining in the city, and they’re where you’ll find the best local flavors at unbeatable prices.
That said, Singaporeans are also incredibly food-savvy and love exploring both new openings and old-school hidden gems. So whether it’s queuing up for chicken rice at Maxwell, grabbing a casual bite at a kopitiam, or heading to a buzzy new Singapore restaurant on Keong Saik or Joo Chiat, locals are always on the hunt for good food. If you’re wondering where to eat in Singapore like a local, start with the nearest hawker centre — and bring an appetite.
Can you eat cheaply in Singapore?
Yes — and honestly, some of the best food in Singapore is also the most affordable. You can easily eat well on under $10 a day if you stick to hawker centres, which are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Dishes like char kway teow, chicken rice, mee rebus, and laksa typically cost between $3 and $6, and they’re often better than what you’d find at fancier spots.
Even if you’re exploring neighborhoods known for trendy Singapore restaurants, you’ll usually find a budget-friendly gem tucked nearby. Many Singapore bars also offer happy hour bites or small plates if you want to combine drinks with something light. So yes, if you’re wondering where to eat in Singapore without blowing your budget — you’re in luck. It’s one of the best cities in the world for cheap, delicious food.
Is Singapore expensive to eat out?
It can be — especially if you’re dining at one of the city’s many acclaimed fine dining spots. Singapore is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, luxe hotel dining rooms, and high-end Singapore bars that serve crafted cocktails in glamorous settings (like the iconic ATLAS bar, for example).
Tasting menus at places like Odette, Burnt Ends, or Thevar can run $200–400+ per person, and even trendy modern Singapore restaurants in areas like Dempsey or Marina Bay often start around $100 per head with drinks.
That said, the beauty of eating in Singapore is range. You could have kaya toast and kopi for $3 in the morning, and blow out at a fine dining spot at night. So while eating out can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be — and many locals mix both into their routine. Whether you’re on a budget or splurging, you’ll never run out of options when deciding where to eat in Singapore.
What does Singapore eat for breakfast?
Breakfast in Singapore reflects the city’s cultural diversity — it’s anything but boring. The most classic local option is kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs and kopi (local coffee), which you’ll find at heritage cafés like Chin Mee Chin or chains like Ya Kun Kaya Toast. The toast is slathered with coconut-pandan jam and butter, and the eggs are eaten with a dash of soy sauce and white pepper.
Other everyday favorites include roti prata (often served with curry), nasi lemak, or a bowl of fishball noodles from your neighborhood hawker stall. Dim sum and congee are common too — especially in Chinese households — while Indian-Muslim spots might serve up thosai or appam in the morning hours.
Whether you’re grabbing something quick or sitting down at a bustling kopi shop, breakfast is a great entry point if you’re just starting to explore Singapore restaurants or figuring out where to eat in Singapore.
Where to go out for drinks in Singapore?
Singapore’s nightlife is as diverse as its food scene — and whether you’re into swanky cocktails, craft beer, or natural wine, there’s something for every kind of night out.
If you’re after serious glamour, ATLAS is a must — it’s one of the most beautiful bars in Singapore, with a jaw-dropping gin collection and Art Deco opulence. For something more intimate, try The Other Room, a hidden speakeasy behind an unmarked door near Orchard Road, known for barrel-aged cocktails and dimly lit vibes.
If you’re into craft beer, Smith Street Taps inside the Chinatown Complex hawker centre offers local and international brews in a very casual, very Singapore setting. For creative cocktails, Junior The Pocket Bar near Ann Siang Hill rotates its menu seasonally, often highlighting global flavors in inventive ways.
So whether you’re dressing up or just grabbing a cold one after dinner, you’ll find plenty of Singapore bars to fit your vibe. Many are located near top dining neighborhoods too — perfect if you’re planning a full night of eating and drinking in Singapore.
What is the famous drink in Singapore?
The most iconic drink in Singapore is the Singapore Sling, a gin-based cocktail originally created at the historic Raffles Hotel in the early 1900s. It’s fruity, slightly fizzy, and served with a cherry on top — a tourist favorite that still holds nostalgic value. You can order a classic version at Raffles, or find modern reinterpretations at cocktail-focused Singapore bars like ATLAS or Manhattan.
But locals don’t sip Slings on the regular. For everyday favorites, it’s all about kopi (local-style coffee), teh tarik (pulled milk tea), and refreshing drinks like lime juice, sugarcane, or iced barley, especially at hawker centres. And if you’re wondering where to eat in Singapore and want something boozy on the side, look out for bars that feature local ingredients — pandan, calamansi, or even laksa leaves often make appearances in craft cocktails across the city.
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Are you ready to eat your way through Singapore?
I hope this guide to Singapore’s best restaurants, cafes, and heritage eats has helped you plan your own culinary deep dive into the city. Singapore is stacked with good food — from famous hawker centres to low-key neighborhood gems — and honestly, I think it deserves way more attention from travelers who usually only come through on a stopover.
If you’ve been here before, you’ll know my ideal city day always includes something cultural, a bit of wandering, and a solid meal (or three). And every single one of these spots can play a crucial part in those perfect days for me.
Tried any of these yourself? Got a favorite I missed? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
As always you can always find me on Instagram (tag me in your travel content!), Youtube, or Pinterest.
Happy traveling!
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