Top 10 non-Chinese restaurants around Chinatown

For Indian food: Zaffran Restaurant and Tea Room

Injected with an energetic yet casual vibe, Zaffran specializes in palatable Indian fusion cuisine prepared with the freshest of ingredients. Order the Javan chicken masala and squid curry.

For Italian food: Senso Ristorante & Bar

After 10 years, Senso still delivers a pleasant dining experience. They’ve got their own version of the Sunday brunch, and on weekends for dinner they’re still packed both inside and in the courtyard. The service is impeccable and the food is also a joy.

For French food: Restaurant Andre

Expect an intimate space in a three-storey shophouse that seats 30 in chef André Chiang’s highly-anticipated restaurant. With two prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner, chef Chiang’s focus on fresh artisanal produce is showcased in exquisite dishes that reflect his roots in Southern French nouvelle cuisine.

For Korean food: Manbok Korean Seafood Restaurant

A great little Korean restaurant with friendly service (all too rare here). We fancy their seafood soup and their seafood pancake with leeks, prawns and octopus. This is one of the best and most interesting options for Korean food in the city.

For Spanish food: Sabio Tapas Bar & Restaurant

Open since April, this Spanish restaurant is fast becoming one of Duxton’s busiest. Striking décor aside, Sabio is an ideal spot for some sangrias and a mix of delicious tapas (be sure to have some jamón ibérico de bellota).

For American food: Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House

Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House is classy yet relaxed, with the ambiance channeling a chic brasserie, while the food is inspired by comforting American classics. Don’t miss the clam chowder.

For Russian food: Buyan Russian Haute Cuisine & Caviar Bar

There aren’t many Russian establishments in town, and this is a stellar example. While the food isn’t for everyone, the bar is impressive and armed with over 50 different types of vodka.

For Peranakan food: The Blue Ginger

Around for 15 years, this is undisputedly one of Singapore’s best Peranakan restaurants. While the menu here is reworked every six months, popular standards such as beef rending, ikan assam gulai (fish tamarind curry), ngo hiang (spring rolls) and kueh pie tee (popiah vol-au-vents) keep the crowds coming back.

For German food: Magma German Wine Bistro

Decorated in red and white, this casual open-kitchen restaurant serves up traditional hearty German food and is one of the few places in town where you can get authentic Berlin-style pork knuckles, not to mention hand minced beef tartare, and flammkuchen (crispy German pizza with sour cream and various toppings). There’s also an attached deli and shop selling German goodies.

For Thai food: Thanying Restaurant

This excellent dining institution might not be the cheapest for Thai food but it’s certainly one of the best. The décor is charmingly dated and the service is quick. We recommend the sweet and spicy mango salad, panang chicken curry, pad Thai and kangkong with chili paste.


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