There are many well-loved halal cafes and restaurants all around Singapore, but when you’re craving for something more unique—think halal Mexican cuisine, decadent beef ribs, traditional dim sum and creamy gelato—these are easily the best place to go to.
All Things Delicious
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. Best part? They only use naturally good ingredients with no artificial additives, trans fat or high-fructose corn syrup.
Badoque Cafe
This Simpang Bedok gem switches up their menu ever so often, but fusion fare incorporating Asian, Mediterranean and Malay cuisine can always be found. Try their signature Badoque beef ribs glazed in homemade barbeque sauce and served with mashed potato. Portions are generous, so head down on an empty stomach.
The Bravery
If you haven’t been to The Bravery since its relocation to Amoy Street, then seize this opportunity to try its new and expanded menu that goes beyond Lavender Latte and simple bakes. Here, tuck into some Steak & Eggs, or the Insta-worthy Nova Cheese Toast, for house-baked sourdough bread topped with cream cheese, lemon dill, smoked salmon, ikura and microgreens.
Chix Hot Chicken
Co-owned by Singapore Idol’s very own Taufik Batisah, this halal-friendly, Arab Street cafe serves up seriously crispy, Nashville-style fried chicken, seasoned with organic dry peppers (including ghost peppers) for an extra spicy kick. Other popular items are the sliders, as well as their chicken and waffles combo.
The Dim Sum Place
Halal dim sum spots are uncommon; ones that serve feast-worthy fare (as The Dim Sum Place does) are even more so. Tuck into mouth watering classics like xiao long bao and har gow, freshly served in steaming bamboo baskets. And try their authentic Cantonese and local offerings such as the Crispy Rice in Superior Soup and Assam fish.
The Halia
There’s no place else more unique to dine than within the one-hectare Ginger Garden of the Singapore Botanic Gardens which houses semi alfresco restaurant The Halia. You’ll want to grab everything from the Paperboy Oven-Baked Halibut Fillet to The Halia’s Chilli Crab Spaghettini; but be sure to leave room for sweets like the Sticky Toffee Pudding or Die Die Must Have Chocolate that sees a mix of fruits and chocolate.
The Malayan Council
This cosy eatery dishes out great Malay-Western fusion fare, but desserts are where they truly shine. Dig into indulgent cakes such as the Classic Ondeh-Ondeh layered with gula melaka bits and coconut drizzle, and chocolate-ganache-filled Ovomaltine. Their pies are worth trying too.
Penang Culture
The first Penang-inspired halal restaurant in Singapore, Penang Culture only dishes out value-for-money delights in homage to the Pearl of the Orient. From Penang Fried Kway Teow, Rojak, Assam Laksa to BBQ seafood and more, Penang Culture will bring the heartiest of Malaysian eats to you. No air travel necessary.
Royz Et Vous
Considered one of the best halal-certified restaurants in the city, Royz Et Vous is a 100 percent Muslim-owned diner that offers steak, pasta, desserts and speciality coffee. But if you prefer mocktails, go ahead and get anything from the Peach Bellini to the Three Bloody Merry to accompany mains such as the soft-shelled crab pasta and smoked duck breast.
So Pho
There aren’t many halal-certified restaurants serving Vietnamese cuisine, but So Pho at numerous accessible locations sure does. Feel free to order a feast with a variety of value set meals, or find a revolving range of new flavours and specials. But if you like keeping it classic, then order piping hot bowls of pho alongside traditional spring rolls.
StraitsKitchen
At StraitsKitchen, savour a repertoire of elevated local fare. From chicken murtabak to tandoori murgh and even chilli and pepper crab, these Singaporean staples prepared in halal-certified theatre kitchens are sure to satisfy. In fact, those with a penchant for afternoon tea delights should come by for kuehs, dips, popiahs and even BBQ and wok-fried dishes.
Tipo Pasta Bar
The emphasis at this Italian spot is on fresh, handcrafted pasta, made with premium artisanal produce. Diners can customise their meal—from the type of pasta to flavourful sauces like Pomodoro, Pink Sauce and Beef Ragu, and additional toppings such as sous vide egg, salmon caviar and sauteed prawns. Or opt for Tipo’s equally winning house specials if you can’t decide.
(Working Title) – Burger Bar
Located just beside Tipo, its sister establishment, (Working Title) – Burger Bar’s menu offers more gourmet burger flavours, as well as mean brunch and snack options. Try their home-ground lamb patty burger (Black Sheep), along with Ribena wings and truffle tater tots. Thirsty? Grab one of their milkshakes or a cup of artisanal coffee.