We assume you already know about the legendary halal-friendly Malay restaurants. But from Kampong Glam to Changi to Toa Payoh, Singapore is studded with adorable cafes, international buffets, Swedish eateries and even taquerias that are also halal-certified. These are the ones to try.
Aquamarine
Marina Mandarin’s daily lunch and dinner halal brunch buffet restaurant covers both Asian and international dishes. This 180-seater restaurant with nautical cues is where you can tuck in at halal-certified Chinese, Japanese and Indian food stations, with highlights like their roasted duck, chili crab and prawn tempura. 4/F Marina Mandarin Singapore, 6 Raffles Blvd.
Afterwit SG
Not a hipster cafe, not a nasi padang stall and not an international buffet, Afterwit by the people behind Working Title is an industrial-looking, Mexican-leaning, halal joint with some pretty unusual offerings: beef dendeng tacos, lime butter crab tacos, nasi lemak burritos and, for brunch, crab tortas and huevos rancheros. 778 North Bridge Rd.
All Things Delicious
This cafe has brightened things up with its new space right in the heart of Arab Street. Unlike many Instagrammable halal cafes, the menu here goes beyond the usual sandwiches and pastas and delivers some pretty exciting dishes: crab cakes with a soft-boiled egg, smashed avo on sourdough, soy-glazed salmon rice bowls and shakshouka on the weekends. #01-01 34 Arab St.
Badoque
This cozy bistro in Bedok with an alfresco area has a loyal following. There are halal versions of Greek and Mediterranean dishes mixed with an Asian touch. Highlights include lamb ribs bamia served with spiced tomato rice, seafood aglio olio, beef ribs, crab pasta and Badoque lamb shank. Plus, it’s got iced drinks like salted caramel, and there’s a second outlet in Upper Thomson. Simpang Bedok, 298 Bedok Rd.
Fika Cafe
This Swedish bistro has the whole Scandinavian works, down to the minimalist Ikea-esque furniture. On the menu are favorites like Swedish meatballs, tunnbrodsrulle which involves classic Swedish thin bread rolls with mashed potatoes, grilled sausage and crispy shallots, as well as Swedish pancakes and crepes. 257 Beach Rd.
Fix
This alfresco, poolside cafe in Toa Payoh is halal-certified, super leafy and pretty and all items on their new menu are below $20. It has the whole industrial look with exposed ceilings and Edison bulbs, too, and on the menu are pastas, sandwiches and decadent starters like the must-have salted egg yolk fries. #01-06 Home Team NS-Jom Clubhouse, 31 Aha Hood Rd.
La Marelle
Cute, colorful, knick-knacky interiors aside, this cafe does all the simple pleasures: all-day breakfast, a wide selection of panini, burgers and sandwiches and lots more. There’s even a tea time set, where you can choose from pastries like banana bread, homemade scones and other Instagrammable delights. 25A Baghdad St.
Olivye Cafe
While some of our favorite halal cafes are in Kampong Glam, this one out in Changi Village has quite a following, too, thanks in no small part to its extensive gelato selection, with interesting flavors like blood orange, bandung, Horlicks and more. The savory menu is simple, but extensive: pastas like turkey bacon aglio olio, fish and chips and teriyaki chicken. #01-2009 Blk 5 Changi Village Rd.
