Singapore may be small but sometimes halal eateries are in incognito and uncovering one that is hidden in plain view is like chancing upon a rare Pokemon (people do still play Pokemon, right?).
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These gems may not be the most accessible eateries but don’t let that stop you from getting to these dining places for some great chow. Here are our top picks for the best halal hidden eateries in SG!
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1. WORD.
You may have heard of WORD. and their gorgeous rainbow bagel burgers but this gem will sure make you work to find its exact spot! Hidden amongst a row of shops on Upper Thomson Road and further obscured by the major construction works for a new MRT station, the word is “persistence” is something you'll learn while finding this chic bistro.
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WORD. exudes charming warehouse vibes with retro decor recycled from container crates, barrels and tyres. Its menu stars clever wordplays like Cow’ch Potato (steak with potato puree and side of mesclun greens), Salmon Khan (pan-fried salmon served with seasonal vegetables and potato puree) and Cut the Crab (crabcakes served with a spicy mayo dip).
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Wash down all these glorious food with their signature WORD. concoction, a drink consisting of fizzy ice-cream soda, fragrant lemongrass, sour plum, lemon and refreshing mint, served in their iconic lightbulb-shaped container. It doesn’t get any fancier than this!
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Address: 906 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 787110
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm daily
Contact: 9699 4829 | Facebook
2. Hanna’s Fusion and Japanese Restaurant
For a taste of oishi Japanese-fusion food, head up to Level 4 of Sim Lim Square where Hanna’s Fusion and Japanese Restaurant is cozily located. Who would have thought a mall dedicated to electronic goods and services could be hiding this little gem of an eatery? Bringing wallet-friendly casual dining of Western, Japanese and a fusion of both cuisines, Hanna's diverse menu can please even the toughest crowd.
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Slurp up a bowl of comforting ramen, or dive right into a hearty Japanese rice bowl set. Have a plate of their Asian-influenced pastas if you feel like trying something different!
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A basket of chunky fries and a platter of calamari is also great for sharing with friends. After all, sharing is caring right? ?
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Address: 1 Rocher Canal Road, Sim Lim Square, #04-02F Singapore 188504
Opening hours: 11:30am - 8pm (Daily)
Contact: 6337 7540| Website | Facebook
3. NOOSH Noodle Bar & Grill
In the food cluster at Esplanade Annexe is where you will find this next eatery - NOOSH Noodle Bar & Grill! It may be surprising to some to know that there is a halal joint in a nook of the Esplanade.
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Apart from the usual fares of Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Mee Goreng (fried noodles), NOOSH offers an incredible array of fusion food that would tickle your tastebuds with both unexpected yet familiar flavours.
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Try their Creamy Smoked Duck Lemak Chili Padi Pasta or Chicken Satay Pasta! Expect familiar Malay flavours but with an Italian twist, you'd be surprised at how much the coconut-based or peanut sauce gravy complements the spaghetti.
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Note: The kitchen closes between 4–5pm, so do take note of the timing!
Address: 8 Raffles Avenue, #01-13B Esplanade Mall Singapore 039802
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (Tue-Thur, Sat-Sun), 3pm - 10pm (Fri), Closed on Mon
Contact: 6327 9396 | Facebook
4. Commonground
Disclaimer: Commonground is currently in the process of receiving its halal certification and it is stated on their official website that all their food products and ingredients are obtained from halal-certified sources.
East folks, there's a new lovely eatery for you to bring your whole family to! From the same people who brought you Pastamania, Commonground serves up hearty Western fare at affordable prices.
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Instead of heading down to one of the three malls crowding the Tampines MRT station, Commonground is comfortably located a short distance away at Tampines Hub.
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Commonground dishes out a wide assortment of pizzas, entrees, sandwiches, brunch items as well as sharing platters for those indecisive friends so you can sample everything the joint has to offer!
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Address: Our Tampines Hub, 51 Tampines Ave 4, #01-103 Singapore 529684
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (Mon-Thurs), 10am - 12am (Fri), 8am - 12am (Sat), 8am-10pm (Sun)
Contact: (+65) 6386 6917 | Website | Facebook
5. Open Crumb Cafe
From the bakers who gave you halal artisan European breads at The Bread Project at Joo Chiat Road, Open Crumb serves up a selection of pastas, sandwiches and waffles. You can also expect to see daily bakes of cookies, brownies and cakes on display. This little cafe is located amongst the old-school, void deck shops in the Ubi estate, so you might miss it if you’re not looking carefully.
Their signature dish is the Dutch baby pancakes - best described as a hybrid of a pancake and a crepe that is light with a crisp outer edge served in a hot skillet.
Toppings range from banana and caramel, gula melaka to coconut ice cream. If sweets aren't your thing, try the savoury version with chicken bacon and salsa!
Address: Block 342 Ubi Avenue 1, #01-931 Singapore 400342
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (Mon-Fri), 9am - 3pm (Sat), Closed on Sun
Contact: 6745 0649 | Website | Facebook
6. Brothers in Fine Food
In the heart of the Tampines West residential cluster, tucked away on the second floor of a community club, is where you’d find Brothers in Fine Food (or cheekily acronymed as BFF).
From the team that started Penny University at East Coast Road, BFF serves up Asian Fusion cuisine with decadent brunch offerings.
With names like Butcher’s Daughter (sous-vide seared beef served with eggs, salad and fries), Builder’s Breakfast (a platter of sausage, beef bacon, eggs, mushroom, tomatoes, salad and toasted sourdough), and Spiked Muddy Espresso (a shot of espresso with gula melaka), you’ll definitely be intrigued to try these dishes out!
Note: The kitchen closes between 5pm-6pm.
Address: Tampines West Community Club, 5 Tampines Ave 3, #02-07 Singapore 529705
Opening hours: 12pm-10:30pm (Tue-Fri), 9am - 10:30pm (Sat-Sun), Closed on Mon
Contact: 9008 9314 | Facebook
7. Royz et Vous
This French-inspired bistro cafe sticks out from the lineup of fancy wine bars along the same street. Its cosy ambience and innovative menu makes Royz et Vous a stellar choice for your next lunch meeting. Especially so when it is conveniently located along the Central Business District area of Telok Ayer!
Some of their popular dishes include the smoked duck with roasted herb potatoes, brazen beef and their dinner options of Wagyu Beef Burger and Short Ribs.
Royz et Vous is also known for their specialty coffee so order a cuppa for that much needed afternoon pick me up!
Note: The kitchen closes between 4pm-5pm daily.
Address: 137 Telok Ayer Street, #01-01, Singapore 068602
Opening hours:Varies by days
Contact: 6293 0270 | Website
8. The Malayan Council
If you’re looking for a fantastic fusion of western fare and Malayan spices, this hidden gem on Dunlop Street in the Little India area is a must-stop for you!
Think burgers topped with spicy sambal ikan bilis (anchovies drenched in chili sauce), Fish and Chips fried in Asam Pedas (sour and spicy stew), chicken wings marinated in kicap cili padi, Kacang Pool with Angus Ribeye Steak (spiced fava beans stew) and the quintessential Singaporean fusion dessert Ondeh-ondeh cake!
Remember to leave room for their crowd-pleasing Ondeh-ondeh cake, served with a side of vanilla ice-cream. Fluffy pandan cake with layers freshly whipped coconut-infused cream and a generous sprinkling of crunchy palm sugar bits?
Address: 22 Dunlop St Singapore 209350
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (Mon - Sat), 11am - 10pm (Sun)
Contact: 9002 4414 | Facebook
9. GREAThai
There is more to Thai cuisine than just Phat Thai and Tom Yum Soup (as delicious as they are)! Over at GREAThai, you’ll be spoilt for choice, given the huge spread of authentic halal Thai dishes they have to offer. From homemade Spring Rolls to specialty Green Curry dishes, you’ll be keen to try almost everything because the dishes all sound and look so appetising!
If you know where Simpang Bedok is, you’ll be able to find GREAThai which is located in the mixed-development mall of East Village that is nestled within the exclusive private landed estate along the Simpang Bedok area.
The assortment of bountiful dishes like Steamed Fish in Hot Lemon Sauce, Tom Yum Red Soup, Thai Fishcakes and Basil Beef makes for a great meal to share (and a pretty picture for your Instagram flatlay!).
Address: East Village, 430 Upper Changi Road, #01-06 Singapore 487048
Opening hours: 11:30am - 10:30 am (Daily)
Contact: 6702 7707 | Website
10. Zulos Dessert Place
Churros, waffles, and milkshakes - these wonderfully sinful offerings over at Zulos on Syed Alwi Road is for all our sweet tooth friends who enjoy a good dessert. Some of their unique waffle selection include S’mores, Milo Malt, Thai Iced Tea and Ondeh-ondeh!
Their vibrant red velvet waffles with white chocolate chips is generously drizzled with their housemade hazelnut sauce and topped with white Kinder Bueno bars. You might not want to be counting calories with this one!
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While you may have come for the desserts, Zulos also serves baked pastas, lasagnas and pizzas if you still have any room left in your tummy.
Address: 2001 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207733
Opening hours: 3pm - 9:45pm (Mon-Thur, Sun), 3pm - 10:30pm (Fri - Sat)
Contact: 9480 7609 | Facebook
11. Mat Noh & Rose Ginger Fried Chicken Rice
For those craving for fantastic chicken rice, this is where you’ll find them! Having to move a few times over these past couple of years, this chicken rice stall has been pretty elusive to its hordes of fans before finally moving back in Whampoa.
This huge plate of goodness comes with crispy, succulent chicken meat and fragrant ginger rice. The best part is the heap of crispy fried bits they’ve generously top the fried chicken with. If you’re a true chicken rice fanatic, the stall also offers fried chicken skin, gizzards, liver, bishop's nose and neck.
Address: Stall No. #01-27, Blk 91 Whampoa Drive Food Centre
Opening hours: 11am - 4pm, or until sold out (Mon - Sat), closed on Sun
12. Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant
It does not get any more hidden than having the view of the neighbouring country as you feast on local seafood. Located at the far-flung location of Woodlands Waterfront Park, Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant serves up excellent halal barbecued seafood dishes.
Rasa Istimewa cooks up a storm in a myriad of styles ranging from Malay to Chinese, Western to Thai. The BBQ Seafood Combo is the most popular dish followed by Salted Egg Crayfish and the Tri-flavoured Fish.
Address: 6A Admiralty Road, S757445
Opening hours: 2pm - 12am (Mon - Fri), 12pm - 12am (Sat - Sun, Public Holidays)
Contact: 6366 9339 | Website
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And there you go - 12 eateries for you to find and indulge in the scrumptious food they have to offer. Get your tummies ready because truly, there is no better way to explore Singapore than to go on a food hunt around this island nation!