Must-see restaurants in Chinatown & the CBD

  • Burnt Ends

    Burnt Ends

    Chinatown & the CBD

    The best seats at this mod-Oz hotspot are at the counter, which offers a prime view of chef Dave Pynt and his 4-tonne, wood-fired ovens and custom grills…

  • A Noodle Story

    Chinatown & the CBD

    With a snaking line and proffered apology that 'we may sell out earlier than stipulated timing' on the facade, this one-dish-only stall is a magnet for…

  • Chinatown Complex

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Leave Smith St's revamped 'Chinatown Food Street' to the out-of-towners and join old-timers and foodies at this nearby labyrinth, now home to Michelin…

  • Maxwell Food Centre, internal

    Maxwell Food Centre

    Chinatown & the CBD

    One of Chinatown's most accessible hawker centres, Maxwell is a solid spot to savour some of the city's street-food staples. While stalls slip in and out…

  • Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice

    Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice

    Chinatown & the CBD

    The most popular claypot rice stall in Chinatown Complex, and the only one cooking over charcoal stoves. Get the mixed claypot rice, which comes with…

  • Ah Chiang's, facade

    Ah Chiang’s

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Join gossiping uncles and Gen-Y hipsters for a little Cantonese soul food at Ah Chiang’s. The star turn at this retro corner kopitiam (coffeeshop) is…

  • Butcher Boy

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Meat lovers will love the Asian-inspired creations by chef-owner Andrew Walsh, formerly of tapas haven Esquina, in this dimly lit shophouse grill and bar…

  • Meta

    Chinatown & the CBD

    It's all about French food with a delicate Asian twist at this sleek, one Michelin star restaurant in trendy Keong Saik Rd. The open kitchen runs nearly…

  • Momma Kong's, external

    Momma Kong's

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Small, funky Momma Kong's is run by two young brothers and a cousin obsessed with crab. While the compact menu features numerous finger-licking, MSG-free…

  • Fat Prince

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Slip into this dimly lit shophouse and be seduced by its golden glinting opulence. Book ahead and smugly sink into your velvet seat, and start your meal…

  • Ding Dong

    Chinatown & the CBD

    From the kitschy vintage posters to the meticulous cocktails to the wow-oh-wow modern takes on Southeast Asian flavours, it's all about attention to…

  • Sarnies, external

    Sarnies

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Luscious, epic sarnies (Australian slang for sandwiches) bust the jaws of suits and hipsters at this new-school Aussie cafe. Farm-to-table produce shows…

  • Latteria Mozzarella Bar

    Latteria Mozzarella Bar

    Chinatown & the CBD

    While we adore the leafy al fresco deck, the draw is the silky, straight-from-Italy mozzarella, showcased in starter-sized specialità (specialties) like…

  • Ya Kun Kaya Toast, external

    Ya Kun Kaya Toast

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Though it's now part of a chain, this airy, retro coffeeshop is an institution, and the best way to start the day the Singaporean way. The speciality is…

  • Blue Ginger, external

    Blue Ginger

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Elegant Blue Ginger is one of the few places in Singapore showcasing the spicy, sour flavours of Peranakan food; a unique fusion of Chinese and Malay…

  • Lucha Loco, garden

    Lucha Loco

    Chinatown & the CBD

    On pumping Duxton Hill, Lucha Loco keeps the crowds purring with its flirtatious barkeeps, effortlessly cool vibe and finger-licking Mexican street food…

  • Cumi Bali, external

    Cumi Bali

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Authentic Indonesian cuisine served in unpretentious surroundings. Cumi Bali is named after its speciality squid dish, and it's as melt in your mouth as…

  • Tiong Bahru Bakery, external

    Tiong Bahru Bakery

    Chinatown & the CBD

    The quintessential Frenchman, baker Gontran Cherrier has everyone at his door, itching for a little French lovin'. At Cherrier's light-filled,…

  • Esquina

    Esquina

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Intimate, buzzing Esquina has tongues wagging with its classic-with-a-twist Spanish morsels. Scan the paper placemat menu for standouts like the palate…

  • Ci Yan Organic Vegetarian Health Food

    Ci Yan Organic Vegetarian Health Food

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Excellent food, a very friendly manager and an informal atmosphere make this a fine choice for a no-fuss vegetarian meal in the heart of Chinatown. It…

  • Lau Pa Sat.

    Lau Pa Sat

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Lau Pa Sat means 'Old Market' in Hokkien, which is appropriate since the handsome iron structure shipped out from Glasgow in 1894 remains intact. It's a…

  • Lim Chee Guan

    Lim Chee Guan

    Chinatown & the CBD

    When food snobs hanker for bak kwa (barbecued preserved pork), they snack at this veteran. Around since 1938, Lim Chee Guan grills like no other, turning…

  • Bincho, food

    Bincho

    Chinatown & the CBD

    In heritage heavyweight Tiong Bahru, the last thing you'd think you'd find is a sleek yakatori joint serving some of the best Japanese fare in town. The…

  • Coconut Club, external

    Coconut Club

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Not just any old nasi lemak joint, here they're nuts about coconuts and only a certain Malaysian West African (MAWA) hybrid will do. Chicken is super…

  • Mustard Incident

    Mustard Incident

    Chinatown & the CBD

    What started off as a hole-in-the-wall hot-dog stall in the basement of Tangs department store on Orchard Rd has now morphed into a proper restaurant on…

  • Noodle Man

    Noodle Man

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Noodle Man does rice dishes and dumplings here too, but this place is all about the authentic noodles, hand-pulled to perfection (sometimes at your table…

  • Tong Heng, food cabinets.

    Tong Heng

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Hit the spot at this veteran pastry shop, specialising in pastries, tarts and cakes from the southern Chinese province of Guangdong. While locals…

  • Flying Squirrel

    Flying Squirrel

    Chinatown & the CBD

    This sneaky squirrel lurks down a laneway off Amoy St. Find it and your reward is fresh, delicious Japanese in a cool but cosy combo of brickwork,…

  • L'Entrecote

    L'Entrecote

    Chinatown & the CBD

    This place only does one dish – steak and chips – but it does it very well, so if you're pining for a slice of French bistro action, trek up to this…

  • Red Star, food

    Red Star

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Armed with trolley-clutching aunties who swoop like fighter jets, classic Red Star is perfect for a Hong Kong–style yum cha. Keep your ears pricked for…

  • Grain Traders

    Chinatown & the CBD

    This bustling eatery dishes up filling comfort food to busy city workers craving fresh, nutrient-packed meals. Start your day with oatmeal, acai smoothie…

  • J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff

    Chinatown & the CBD

    These golden parcels of curried goodness are a favourite Singaporean snack, and this hawker stall serves some of the best puffs around. Our pick is the…

  • L'Angelus

    L'Angelus

    Chinatown & the CBD

    At this cosy, friendly, traditional French restaurant run by a couple of attentive French expats, the escargot (snails) are a speciality, but we like the…

  • Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teo shop.

    Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow

    Chinatown & the CBD

    The daily queue attests to the popularity of this unassuming hawker stall, where an elderly uncle cooks up fragrant, moreish kway teow (fried noodles with…

  • Pantler

    Chinatown & the CBD

    You're practically guaranteed to love whichever brightly coloured goodie you choose at Pantler, helmed by a baker and an award-winning pastry chef who…

  • Chop Tai Chong Kok takeaway food shop.

    Chop Tai Chong Kok

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Pick up something sweet at Chop Tai Chong Kok, a super-traditional pastry shop in business since 1938. If you’re undecided, opt for the speciality lotus…

  • Seafood at Chinatown Wet Markets

    Chinatown Wet Market

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Elbow aunties at the famous Chinatown Wet Market, located in the basement of the Chinatown Complex. At its best early in the morning, it’s a gut-rumbling…

  • Zhong Yu Yuan Wei Wanton Noodle restaurant

    Zhong Yu Yuan Wei Wanton Noodle

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Best get here early to join the queue. This stall's famous bu jian tian char siew (no daylight roasted meat) is made with pork from a pig's armpit, hence…

  • Hiong Kee Dumplings

    Hiong Kee Dumplings

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Dumplings at this stall are stuffed full of tasty fillings, hence the line of people raring to get their hands on these tiny bamboo-leaf-wrapped parcels…