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Food writer and host Annette Tan brings Peranakan cuisine to life at this breezy, loft-like, home-dining experience through dishes made with her mother’s recipes and stories of her own experiences. Expect a modern take on classics, like Tan’s divine crispy mee siam (rice vermicelli married with piquant spices and pan-fried to a crisp), which is truly photo-worthy. The price is per head for an eight- to ten-course meal.
Upper East Coast Rd., South East, Singapore
9387–6399-For reservations; text only
Known For
- Private dining
- Modern Peranakan food
- Unique local experience
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: By appointment only
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$$ | Bedok |
Time seems to stand still at this nostalgic, convivial Chinese restaurant that’s the only survivor from an era when seafood restaurants used to line East Coast Road. Parked in a 1920s bungalow, the restaurant's menu, decor, and presentation touches—like the fresh purple orchids that top off delicious dishes—are old-school.
462 Upper East Coast Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 466508, Singapore
Known For
- Unique local experience
- Reasonable prices
- Chilli crab
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$ | East Coast Park |
This atmospheric East Coast Seafood Centre staple is the perfect place to crack into a chilli or black pepper Sri Lankan crab, a glorious, delicious mess of a dish that's a true Singaporean specialty—be sure to order it with sides of fried buns to sop up the sauce. Prices are by the kilogram; some crabs are large enough to feed up to four people, but smaller ones for two are also available.
Block 1206, East Coast Pkwy., Singapore, Singapore, 449883, Singapore
Known For
- Chilli crabs
- Live seafood cooked to order
- Seaside location
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Sat.
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$$ | CBD |
This restaurant has been serving Indonesian classics in the CBD for decades. Its focus on authentic recipes and Indonesian spice blends results in vibrant dishes loved by families and workers alike. Try such specialties as ikan ota kukus (fish in a rich sauce) and tahu telor (crispy tofu omelet) in the friendly, family-style restaurant.
88 Telok Ayer St., Singapore, Singapore, 048470, Singapore
Known For
- Ikan ota kukus (fish in a rich sauce) or tahu telor (crispy tofu omelet)
- Well-established CBD restuarant
- Family-style dining
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Mon.
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$ | Kampong Glam |
A second generation business that started out as a wooden stall, this authentic nasi padang (Padang steamed rice served with various pre-cooked dishes) serves a fork-tender beef rendang (Indonesian dry beef curry) slow cooked over charcoal. Other dishes include the ayam belado hijau (chicken in a secret green chilli marinade) and the crispy tahu telur (fried tofu mixed with blanched bean sprouts, peanuts, and a dark sweet soy sauce). Be sure to order a serving of the house-made sambal balado merah (hot and spicy chilli)—it packs a punch, so go easy.
18 & 18A Kandahar St., Singapore, Singapore, 198884, Singapore
Known For
- Its status as a Kampong Glam institution
- Traditional West Sumatra recipes
- Famous beef rendang cooked over charcoal
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$$ | Changi |
Located off the coast of Changi, this modern spin on the traditional kelong (floating fish farm) doles out meals to remember. You travel to it on an old-fashioned bumboat from Changi Ferry Terminal, then catch your own lunch or dinner in "sure-catch" ponds from the ship-like structure in the middle of the sea. The steamed sea bass and salted egg squid are must-tries. Tables are by reservation only, so book ahead (at least three days in advance).
Pulau Ubin Coastal Area, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Known For
- Novel dining experience
- Fresh seafood
- Catch-your-own meals
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$$ | Changi |
Mixing alfresco restaurant and seaside swimming pool, Stella is the first beachfront lounge along Tanah Merah Beach in the southeast of Changi, just a 10-minute drive from the airport. The brunch menu is big on sandwiches and toasts, grilled pork chops, and healthy breakfasts, while dinner is best for live seafood, charcoal grilled meats, and seafood-based pastas. The restaurant's sheltered alfresco dining area spills daybeds and sofa lounges over a cozy wooden seaside deck, where guests can lounge by the pool before or after their meals.
11 Changi Coast Walk, Singapore, Singapore, 499740, Singapore
Known For
- Frequent parties and events
- Swimming pool
- Beachfront location
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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$$ | Changi |
Violet Oon is one of Singapore’s most celebrated Peranakan chefs, and her eponymous restaurant inside Changi International Airport is the only one with a terrace that offers a direct view of the airport’s Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. In addition to treats like her signature (and delightfully tangy) dry laksa, the restaurant has an open grill, a long bar, and a retail area where you can stock up on Oon’s beautifully packaged pineapple tarts and Peranakan cookies.
78 Airport Blvd., Singapore, Singapore, 819666, Singapore
Known For
- Local celebrity chef
- Dry laksa
- Food souvenirs
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$$$ | Changi |
Hotpot meals are a big part of modern local culture, as the communal dining experience is considered a convenient way to celebrate special occasions with family and friends. Homegrown chain Beauty In The Pot is one of the country’s most popular, serving up tasty collagen-infused broth into which you can dip gourmet cuts of meat, handmade noodles, and other ingredients.
78 Airport Blvd, Singapore, Singapore, 819666, Singapore
Known For
- Collagen broth with beauty benefits
- Top hotpot meals
- Excellent service
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The Peranakan-style cuisine here is delicious and fiery, so be sure to specify exactly how tongue tingling you'd like your order to be. Signature dishes include bakwan kepiting (minced crab and pork soup), assam fish head (in spicy gravy), ayam sio (chicken with coriander), and udang masak nenas (prawns cooked with tamarind and pineapple). Save room for dessert.
11 Joo Chiat Pl., South East, 427744, Singapore
Known For
- Peranakan cuisine
- Homey setting
- Catering
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$ | Sentosa Island |
At this kid-friendly hangout, adults can unwind over pizza and watch the little ones take a dip in the shallow water or play with the restaurant's sand toys. Expect a laid-back vibe here with sunbeds and deck chairs for customers. Families will like the diaper changing stations and high chairs. For a taste of local food, order the chilli crab dip with a baguette, or sticky, finger-licking Coastes chicken wings.
50 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore, Singapore, 099000, Singapore
Known For
- Laid-back beachfront setting
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Curry laska and chicken wings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No reservations on weekends
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$$ | |
Alongside the local chicken rice and laksa hawker stalls lining East Coast Road is this gem of a European cafe, which is as faithful to its roots as its neighbors. What you get here are hearty meals and artisanal bread baked in a full-scale, 37-ton wood-fired oven, all made with ingredients that are as natural and sustainable as possible.
237 East Coast Rd., South East, 428930, Singapore
Known For
- Brunch
- Prawn capellini aglio olio
- "cheesymite" sourdough roll
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.-Tues.
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$$ | Orchard |
There is always a very long line at this do-it-yourself Chinese hotpot restaurant, but in Hai Di Lao's case, that's not such a bad thing—while you wait, you can enjoy quirky (and free) services, treats, and swag like gel manicures, popcorn, ice cream, and iPhone screen-protector replacements. It can sometimes take several hours to reach the front of the line, but when you do, you'll realize what the wait was for: the dining experience is highly theatrical. Waiters do extravagant "noodle dances" as they spin dough around their heads, and they offer you free dishes in exchange for solving puzzles, like completing Rubik's cubes or origami challenges. No wonder people don't want to give up their seats.
313 Orchard Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 238895, Singapore
Known For
- DIY hotpot (cooking meats and veg in broth)
- Waiters who perform "noodle dances"
- Free dishes in exchange for completing challenges
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$$$ | | Seafood
Jumbo more than makes up for its lack of polish through competitive prices on some of the best fresh seafood on the island. This East Coast Seafood Centre staple is the perfect place to crack into a chili or black-pepper Sri Lankan crab, a glorious, delicious mess of a dish that's a true Singaporean specialty—be sure to order it with sides of fried buns to sop up the sauce. Prices are by the kilogram; some crabs are large enough to feed up to four people, but smaller ones for two are also available. Jumbo's spacious outdoor seating area is ideal for families. Jumbo's has several other branches, including one at Blk 11 #01-16 Dempsey Road.
#01–07/08 East Coast Seafood Centre, Block 1206, East Coast Parkway, Marine Parade, North West, 449883, Singapore
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Sat.
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$$ | Changi |
This laid-back, open-air microbrewery is a rare gem in the quiet Changi Village area, serving house brews with whimsical, psychedelic labels alongside hearty roasts and weekend brunches. Pour yourself a glass from the DIY draft counter and sit at a table under the fairy lights—it’s the perfect place to while an evening away.
6 Changi Village Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 509907, Singapore
Known For
- Tasty craft beers
- Laid-back vibe
- Good location
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$$ | East Coast Park |
This seaside branch of one of Singapore’s most long-standing seafood restaurant chains lets you pick your own fish, crab, lobsters, and more from tanks, then have it cooked the way you like. Whatever you choose, don’t miss the black pepper crabs; Long Beach is the creator of the now-iconic Singaporean dish, and its version is still tops.
1202 East Coast Pkwy., Singapore, Singapore, 449881, Singapore
Known For
- Live seafood
- Black pepper crab
- Seaside location
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | Little India |
You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to Indian food on Race Course Road, but this restaurant established in 1969), along with the similarly popular Banana Leaf Apolo a few blocks down, is widely considered the best of the lot. There's a full range of North and South Indian options here, but the fish-head curry with okra and pineapple, the milagu kozhi varuval (chicken with pepper and coriander seeds), and the masala prawns are some of the standouts. The contemporary space is decorated with mosaic tiles, polished black flooring, and tables that surround a central open kitchen. The chef uses no food coloring and practices eco-friendly dining policies.
138 Race Course Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 218591, Singapore
Known For
- Wide variety of Indian dishes
- Fish-head curry
- Contemporary space
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$$ | Joo Chiat |
Enter a delectable world of Nonya tastes at this acclaimed Peranakan-style restaurant, housed in the ground floor of a traditional shophouse with tables spilling onto the street. The signature beef rendang, ikan asam pedas (spicy tamarind fish), udang nenas masak (prawn and pineapple coconut curry), grilled sambal barramundi, and chinchalok (fermented shrimp) omelet are all affordable, authentic and flavorsome dishes.
328 Joo Chiat Rd., Singapore, Singapore, 427585, Singapore
Known For
- Homey dishes
- Old-school Peranakan atmosphere
- Attentive service
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$$ | Kampong Glam |
Tuck into a communal meal of nasi ambeng (a Javanese rice dish with meat and vegetables) at this popular Kampong Glam eatery. The celebratory dish, commonly served during festive occasions, can be customized to fit the size of your dining party (from one to five diners). It's served on a platter with a cone of rice and 14 different dishes like beef rendang, sambal balacan, salted fish, and tempe. For an authentic experience, opt to dine without formal utensils, just like some locals do.
53 Bussorah St., Singapore, Singapore, 199469, Singapore
Known For
- Full flavored nasi ambeng, a Javanese rice dish
- Group dining
- Tender beef rendang
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$$ | East Coast Park |
Part of the popular PS. Cafe chain, this stylish, sun-lit cafe by the sea is one for the Instagram, and a perfect spot for weekend brunch (although you’ll likely have to wait in line). The breezy Anglo-Chinese fare includes exclusive-to-this-branch creations like a scrumptious chorizo and calamari stew, as well as long-time chain favorites like the Parmesan-dusted truffle fries and chunky desserts.
1110 East Coast Pkwy., Singapore, Singapore, 449880, Singapore
Known For
- Photo-worthy setting
- Brunch
- Delicious desserts