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Welcome to Singapore, one of the world’s great food destinations, where eating—and eating well—is a time-honored national pastime.
Here you can splurge on haute cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs in some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Asia, or dig into fragrant bowls oflaksa (a spicy noodle soup) and heaping plates of char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodle strips) at one of the island’s famous hawker centers. The wide range of food and restaurants is what brings many travelers to Singapore in the first place, and few leave disappointed. In most cities the plan of attack is to map out must-see sights to pack in as much as possible; in Singapore it's often more about maximizing your meals and eating until it hurts—and then trying to fit in some more.
You hardly ever have to go far to find one of Singapore’s casual eating houses and hawker centers, which are fun, budget-friendly places to taste as many local specialties as your stomach can handle. The city-state’s indomitable megamalls are loaded with mid-range restaurants, sprawling food courts, and snack stands. Many of the island’s more upscale restaurants are tucked away in posh hotels, and many of the newer and trendier places are inside restored Chinese shophouses and once-abandoned colonial buildings. Note that upscale restaurants often close in the afternoon between lunch and dinner—from 2:30 to 6:30, for instance.
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.
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.
Coffee chicken, butter-oat soft-shell crab, and beef green curry are among the halal Thai–Indo fusion dishes at this homey shophouse. Salads, particularly the Thai-style pomelo, are great sides, and portions are generally small, so this is an easy place to taste a number of different dishes. There's also a buffet with more than 20 meat and vegetable selections. There are a few locations but this outlet, with its antiques and Peranakan-style decor, is the prettiest.
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.
Long-standing Rendezvous is known for its luxe, pricey rendition of nasi padang (Indonesian-style cooked dishes with rice), including beef rendang (beef curry), sayur lodeh (vegetable in spicy coconut milk), sambal sotong (chili squid), and sambal brinjal (spicy eggplant). Servings are small and meant to be shared like tapas; meat and seafood dishes are charged by the piece.
Bringing a bit of Bali’s beach swagger to Singapore, this beach club's Jimbaran seafood grill station (from 12 pm onwards) is a big draw for its smoky, charred dishes like ikan bakar (grilled whole fish) and lobster bakar (grilled whole lobster). The menu also has a selection of Indonesian dishes and an extensive selection of bar-friendly food and drinks to enjoy for something more casual. Make a day of it, as there's a trio of swimming pools, a beach-facing infinity pool, and chilled beanbag seating. A VIP area offers a private pool and family cabanas for more privacy.
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