A list of uniquely Singaporean places to eat

Favourite Places to Eat in Singapore

There is a lot of good food in Singapore - from hawkers to fine dining. Because our trips tend to be quite short, we always hit the food that we can’t get in Melbourne. So here’s a list of uniquely Singaporean food recommendations.

1) Keng Eng Kee - Michelin Rated Zhi Char

 A good spot to dine as a family and hit all the zhi char favourites under one roof. Read more about them here.
Our order : Moonlight Hor Fun, Coffee Pork Ribs, Salted Egg Crab, Maramite Chicken, Claypot Pig Liver.
Tip : Book a spot early if you want to get an air-conditioned spot.

2) Tai Hwa Bar Chor Mee - the only Michelin Starred Hawker in the World

 Bar Chor Mee is a uniquely Singaporean dish. So definitely try it if you can. There are many different versions of Bar Chor Mee around, but this one is our favourite. If you like black vinegar, you would love this. For those who don’t eat vinegar, my kids just order the kway teow soup and they love it. Read more about them here.
Our Order : Mee Kia, less chilli, extra vinegar
Tip :  Order from the one on the right, it will save you the long queue which minimum is an hour long - it’s the same stall but the one on the right is where the takeaway orders get made. You can also order through What’s App in advance to takeaway.

3) Rendezvous Restaurant - A Chinese Nasi Padang

You can find Nasi Padang in Malaysia and Indonesia, but this particular Nasi Padang is uniquely Singaporean because it’s a chinese version of Nasi Padang. I grew up eating this so the food here has a special place in my heart. The curries aren’t super spicy so it’s a great way to introduce curry to kids who have been avoiding it. My son who is opposed to anything spicy loves the Opor Ayam. Keep in mind, it’s not cheap like the Nasi Padang you would find at a hawker centre. Read more about them here.
Our order :  Opor Ayam, Bergeidl, Sambal Eggplant, Cabbage Stew, Sambal Sotong, Beef Rendang
Tip :  Go early on weekends, all the good stuff get sold out quickly

4) Treasure Toast - Go for the Hokkien Mee, not the Kaya Toast!

Another uniquely Singaporean dish - this is the Singaporean version, not the black KL version.
I don’t particularly like the kaya toast here, but others really enjoy it. You can find lots of hokkien mee stalls in Singapore, and many with lengthy queues. If you want a comfortable air conditioned spot to grab a plate of hokkien mee, this is a good choice. Read more about them here.
Our order :  Hokkien Mee

5) Sin Ming Prata - Prata in the shape of coins

The unique coin prata is something we would travel for. Think a cross between a crossiant and prata. It comes with fish curry which is complements it superbly. Read more about them here.
Our order :  Coin Prata, and any other prata you want to try. The Kaya Toast from the same coffee shop is worth an order as well as it’s made on Charcoal. Remember to eat it immediately for the best flavour.
Tip :  Go on a weekday or early on a weekend to avoid a lengthy queue.

6) Pek Kio Market - A local’s hawker centre

There are are a lot of hawker centres in Singapore but this is more of a local’s favourite. Braised Duck is something you can’t find in Melbourne, so whenever we are back in Singapore, it’s a must. My son loves braised duck - my daughter would opt for the Kway Chap (thick rice noodles) instead of the rice - again, something you can’t find in Melbourne.
Besides the Braised Duck, the Cheong Fun is excellent (Michelin rated) and you can watch them  make the Cheong Fun from scratch. Wah Kee Prawn Noodles is also excellent but the owner is known for being grumpy and is always trying to upsell you to the most expensive option, so proceed with caution. Read more about Pek Kio Market here.
Our order :  Braised Duck Noodle with Yam Rice & Kway Chap Noodles. Prawn, Scallop & Char Siew Cheong Fun. Dry Prawn Noodles.
Tip :  Avoid weekday lunch crowd if possible.

7) Laifaba Authentic Wood-Fired Roast & Noodles

Not unqiuely Singaporean but so good that it would make the list. Everything is made with precision - a modern take with traditional methods. The only thing is that the location is a bit obscure. I would say this is my favourite Char Siew Noodles in the world. Read more about them here.
Our order :  Char Siew Noodles
Tip : Make a reservation. Avoid their new outlet at New Bahru - the quality doesn’t stack the same as the original.

8) Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon (Dover)

Originally at Holland Village (hence the name), this stall is notorious for a grumpy owner (which contributes to the mixed reviews) but excellent food. Make sure you have the right address, there a stall at Holland Village with the exact same name but it’s nowhere as good. Read more about them here.
Our Order : The Fish Bee Hoon Soup (without XO - there will be enough XO taste already), San Lor Hor Fun, Stir fried Potato Leaves, Oyster Sauce Garlic Kai Lan
Tip : Don’t worry about ordering the Fish Bee Hoon Soup with XO, we usually order it without XO and it already has XO flavour inside. The XO version costs a lot more, so unless you are very curious and have spare change, go for it. The coffee shop isn’t exactly the nicest - our family usually does takeaway and eats it at home. 

9) Violet Oon - Elevated Pernakan Cuisine

Most Pernakans will say their favourite one would be their grandma’s, so there isn’t really one spot that everyone agrees on. Prices aren’t cheap but given the setting and the standard, it’s a great spot to try Pernakan food for those visiting Singapore. Read more about them here.
What to order : Ngoh Hiang, Ayam Buah Keluak, Chap Chye, Dry Laksa, Kuay Pie Tee, Kueh Beng Kah, Gula Melaka Tea Cake, Sugee Cake
Tip : The things I want to order are things my kids would struggle with, so we usually feed them first nearby. The National Gallery outlet is the best looking one, but the Ion outlet is very convenient if you are doing some shopping in Orchard. Book early to get a spot as reservations tend to book our fast.

10) Kai Garden - Unique Dim Sum

A great place for Dim Sum - variety that you don’t normally see around. Marina Square is also a very family friendly mall. Read more about them here.
What to order : Crackling Pork Belly, Steamed Cheong Fun with Honey Kurobuta Pork, Steamed Xiao Long Bao, Steamed Scallop Dumpling with Water Chestnut, Pan Fried Charcoal Pork Bun, Steamed Custard Bun,
Tip : The things I want to order are things my kids would struggle with, so we usually feed them first nearby. The National Gallery outlet is the best looking one, but the Ion outlet is very convenient if you are doing some shopping in Orchard.

10) Ng Ah Sio - Bak Ku Teh Singaporean Style

Another unqiuely Singaporean dish - Bak Ku Teh but the Singaporean version, which is peppery clear soup compared to the herbal darker soup of Malaysia. There are many different brands of Singapore Bak Ku Teh but this one so far is our favourite. Read more about them here.
What to order : Superior Pork Bone Soup, Braised Small Intestine, Braised Beancurd, Braised Peanuts, Preserved Vegetables, Fried You Tiao,
Tip : The soup is peppery and can be spicy to some, so we just order the kids the other items like the Braised Pig Trotter Rice.

11)  Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice

A glorious mess of curry, rice and vegetables. Legend has it that the scissors makes it more delicious. Great for supper too. Read more about them here.
What to order : Braised Pork, Crispy Pork Chop, Fried Cabbage, Prawn Roll, Fried Egg
Tip : Don’t forget to add the sambal. It completes the dish. Go for supper after the kids are asleep. Or head to the Vivo City outlet for an air conditioned experience.