The aromatic spices of Asia blend with flavours of the West in this cosmopolitan City-State. Similar to next-door neighbour Malaysia, Singapore is a multiracial country with a diverse heritage including delicious food from many different backgrounds. Despite the fact that Singapore is not a Muslim country, it has a large population of Muslims, female Muslim president and halal food in abundance; although depending on which part of the country you look, it may take a little effort to locate. If you’re in the market for some good halal food, here’s a list of halal restaurants in Singapore you may want to check out.
Singapore has tons of great food options: make sure you check out our list of the best 5-star hotels with halal food in Singapore, and best halal buffets under 100 Singaporean dollars.
1. Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak
So popular and well-known that it is just called ‘Adam Road Nasi Lemak’ by many Singaporeans, Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak is located at Adam Road Food Centre. It has a star-studded reputation: the Sultan of Brunei requests it for breakfast when he visits Singapore and it won The Straits Times Readers’ Choice award (2008) for favourite nasi lemak, among other awards.
The founder of Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak learned the special recipe from his grandmother who is the daughter of a Japanese soldier and Malay mother. Her nasi lemak came with special sambal made of Japanese seafood ingredients and chillies imported from India, crispy fried chicken or fish, as well as basmati rice that absorbs the coconut milk better than the regular Jasmine rice.
Be forewarned though, long queues at their stall are not uncommon, however, the restaurant also has an online delivery system for you to get your nasi lemak fix in the comfort of your own home.
Must-Try in their menu: The Royal Rumble
Facebook Page: Selera Nasi Lemak
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/diUiEjBGiun (Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens MRT)
Opening Hours: 7am to 5pm, closed on Fridays
2. Hajah Maimunah Restaurant
Established in the early 90’s, this spot has even been featured on celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain’s TV show and was one of 3 Halal establishments to be listed in the first Singapore Michelin Gourmand Guide 2016.
Known for kampung-style Nasi Padang cuisine (a nice mix of Indonesian and Malay food in Singapore), Hjh Maimunah serves more than 40 dishes. Check out the Lemak Siput (needle snails in spicy, coconut gravy), Beef Rendang (braised beef cooked in coconut milk and spices), Sotong Hitam (squid cooked in squid ink) and old favourite Ayam Bakar Padang (grilled chicken). Remember to ask for a dollop of sambal. For dessert, Odeh Odeh (Pandan dessert filled with palm sugar) and Bubur Cha Cha should round off the meal perfectly.
Note that queues here can build up even before lunchtime, even though it has an upstairs area. Prices are affordable, and catering for large-scale events such as weddings can be arranged.
Must-Try in their menu: Sundanese Grilled Chicken
Facebook Page: Hjh Maimunah Restaurant & Catering
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JxvdGimvwGu (Nearest Station: Paya Lebar MRT)
Opening Hours: 8am to 9.30pm, closed on Mondays
3. AquaMarine
With a show kitchen encased in glass and an ocean-like colour scheme set against wood tones, this 260-seat international halal buffet restaurant in Singapore is best known for its fresh seafood such as Black Mussels from France, Steamed Live Prawns, Spanner Crabs, Stone Crabs and more. Or grab a plate of mixed sashimi with fine cuts of tuna, swordfish and salmon at the Japanese station.
When you’re done with the main course, head over to the dessert section to get their buttery and crisp shelled Coconut Tart and the Pecan Pie filled with a dense, nutty filling. It is recommended to make a reservation here and note that tables are only held for 15 minutes before being released to walk-ins.
Must-Try in their menu: AquaMarine Jumbo Laksa
Facebook Page: Aquamarine
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fYFWxCGmdAu (Nearest Station: Esplanade MRT)
Opening Hours: Breakfast 6.30am – 10am, Lunch 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm, everyday
4. Spize
Night owls rejoice! With an extensive menu, this spot’s River Valley Outlet operates through the wee hours – it’s open until at least 5am. Whether it’s a good ol’ burger and fries or a classic Maggi Goreng Pattaya that you’re craving, you name it!
Choose from Western, Asian, Mediterranean styles and more: grills, vegetables, seafood and the Mama Mia Murtabak filled with keema, cheese and mushroom (don’t forget to order some fries and fish curry to dip). There are also Classic Fish And Chips and the Maggi Goreng Thai (fried egg noodles with savoury sauce, chicken, veg and fishcakes). The Spice Star Burger features a generous slice of handmade beef patty with a sunny side egg. For dessert, indulge in the Massive Ice Cream Tissue Banana Prata (whipped cream, tissue prata, banana and ice cream). Thumbs up to these guys for creativity!
Must-Try in their menu: Spize “Star” Burger
Facebook Page: Spize River Valley
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/cfWeVCMFd9y (Nearest Station: Orchard MRT or City Hall MRT)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 6am on Fridays and Saturdays, 12pm – 5am otherwise
5. Chef Wan’s Kitchen at Esplanade Mall
The celebrity Chef’s first proper sit-down restaurant in Singapore overlooks the Marina and the Esplanade waterfront.
Enjoy some of the best Southeast Asian flavours: Lontong in Vegetable Curry with Coconut Milk, Javanese Fried Chicken (crispy chicken with slightly sweet dipping sauce), Grilled Chicken in Spicy Gravy (Ayam Percik), Chef Wan’s Oxtail Soup (tender meat in a savory broth with carrots and potatoes) and more! For dessert, try the kueh jongkong which is coconutty and creamy with an amazing, gula melaka taste.
A tidbit of trivia: the menu features a dish called Cik Aini’s Mee Rebus with Prawn Fritters named after Cik Aini – Chef Wan’s mum who sold mee rebus for 31 years to support the family.
Must-Try in their menu: Chef Wan’s Oxtail Soup
Facebook Page: Chef Wan’s Kitchen
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UoqUxdYoTJT2 (Nearest Station: Esplanade MRT)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm, everyday
6. Blue Jasmine
Featuring outdoor and indoor seating, the restaurant is led by Malaysian Chef Bright and two chefs from Thailand. Diners get to choose between the semi-buffet (a main with buffet spread) or à la carte menu. You’ll love the Tiger Cry Beef Salad (grilled beef slices in Thai herbs and smoked chilli dressing), Prawn Tom Yum Soup (clear and red paste options), Larb Chicken Balls (minced chicken balls coated in ground rice).
If you’re into fish, there’s the Larb Salmon Salad with lemongrass, crushed tomatoes and red shallots. And if you’re looking for noodles, try the Glass Noodles with sea acacia, black fungus mushrooms, asparagus and prawns. Be ready to snap Instagram-worthy shots!
Must-Try in their menu: Tiger Cry Beef Salad
Facebook Page: Blue Jasmine
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6QZL4Mmswvk (Nearest Station: Farrer Park MRT (NE8) Exit A)
Opening Hours: 11:30am to 10pm, every day
7. Islamic Restaurant
In Kampong Glam with the Sultan Mosque across the road, you’ll find one of the more well-known halal restaurants in Bugis, founded by the former head chef of the wealthy Alsagoff family.
More than 90 years old, this biryani shop has a legendary clientele which includes former presidents of Singapore (SR Nathan and Yusoff Ishak) and Sultans of Perak, Johor and Brunei; their photographs adorn the walls of the restaurant.
Patrons can grab prawn, chicken, mutton or vegetable biryani prepared with fragrant basmati rice. Using traditional cooking methods, the succulent flavour of the mutton is achieved through quality lamb cooked until moist and tender. Don’t forget the side dishes such as the creamy brinjal to add a little extra to your meal.
Must-Try in their menu: Mutton Biryani
Facebook Page: Islamic restaurant
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BsNyrkMT1282 (Nearest Station: Bugis MRT)
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm, on Fridays closed between 1pm – 2pm
8. The Halia
In case you didn’t know, the word ‘halia’ means ginger in Malay and in keeping with the comfort and healing brought about by this spice, The Halia is a great place to relax and unwind. Set in the Singapore Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the restaurant’s menu features Asian influenced European cuisine. Of course, ginger plays into much of the menu.
If you’re in the brunch mode, try the Chilli Crab & Eggs (crostinis, chilli crab dip and two 62.5 degrees poached eggs). Did you know that 62.5 degrees is the precise temperature where the whites of an egg will cook but not the yolk? These piece-of-science eggs can also be found on the menu with toast, smoked capsicum & truffle salsa and sautéed spinach. Alternatively go for the Lemongrass & Ginger Prawn Salad with Raw Yellowfin Tuna entree and wash it down with a super healthy Banana & Almond Drink with real honey.
We just love the atmosphere in the verandahs amidst lush foliage!
Must-Try in their menu: Raw Yellowfin Tuna
Facebook Page: The Halia
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/XUiJNnRvyTo (Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens MRT)
Opening Hours: 9am – 9.30pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 9am – 10pm on Fridays, 10am – 10pm on Saturdays, 10am – 9.30pm on Sundays
9. Hararu Izakaya
Meet the first halal izakaya spot in Singapore. It’s all what you’d expect: traditional Japanese-style interior elements, digital menu on an Ipad attached to your table for ordering and finger-lickin’-amazing food.
This restaurant specializes in donburi sets and charcoal-grilled items. The Hotate Turkey Bacon (grilled scallop wrapped in turkey bacon) and Negima chicken thigh and leek skewers are among some of guests’ recommended skewers. Other than skewers, there’s the Zaru Soba (a chilled noodle dish) and Tori Karaage (crunchy chicken chunks garnished with nori flakes).
If you’re in the mood for some halal Japanese food in Singapore, you may want to make a reservation before dropping by as the queues can be quite long.
Must-Try in their menu: Hotate Turkey Bacon with Scallop
Facebook Page: Hararu Izakaya
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GZFFQBffkAz (Nearest Station: Bugis MRT)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm, everyday
10. Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant
Catch a glimpse of the sunset and take in lovely scenic views of the Straits of Johor and the Johor skyline. Rasa Istimewa (which means ‘special taste’ or ‘special feeling’ in Malay), brings Chinese-style Halal cuisine with a kampong (village) twist.
The windows often remain open so you can enjoy the sea breeze, and the dishes, commonly known as Zi Char in Singapore, are served in this family-oriented restaurant are enjoyed by Muslims and non-Muslims alike from both countries. Try their satay, tom yam soup, fried rice and BBQ seafood! Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant is the chain’s second outlet; the first one is located somewhat closer to the downtown in Choa Chu Kang Park.
Must-Try in their menu: Tigarasa Fried Fish
Facebook Page: Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/D3PCAuLbVhp (Nearest Station: Woodlands MRT)
Opening Hours: Daily: 12pm to 12 midnight
What do you think about these halal restaurants in Singapore?
Let us know in the comments! If you’re in Singapore, make sure you check out our list of the best 5-star hotels with halal food in Singapore and best halal buffets under 100 Singaporean dollars. If it’s your first trip there, we suggest to check our 48 hours halal Singapore itinerary and book a Muslim-friendly hotel via our website below.