Book now, enjoy later
Chinese: • Bonding Kitchen • Char Restaurant • Lai Huat Signatures • Sum Kee • Swatow Seafood Restaurant • Wan He Lou • Yun Nans
Korean, Japanese, Malay & Indian: • HJH Maimunah • Shahi Maharani • Saute-san • SBCD Korean Tofu House • Tsukada Nojo
Western: • Burger & Lobster • PizzaExpress • The Living Cafe • Tomahawk King by Stuffedwing Lab
After what has felt like an eternity, dining in groups of five is finally possible again! And what better way to catch up with your friends and family than over some good food and drinks? Here’re 16 food spots where you can make a restaurant reservation to celebrate the easing of restrictions or other special occasions with your loved ones.
1. Bonding Kitchen
Quality Peranakan restaurants are hard to come by these days. Fortunately, Bonding Kitchen offers a Peranakan foodie respite from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road. There’s no going wrong with classic Peranakan favourites such as their Ayam Buah Keluak ($24.20) and Babi Pongteh ($24.20). For something more unique, try their tender Wagyu Beef Rendang ($35.20) or Hei Bi Hiam Shimeiji Mushroom ($13.20). With their cosy environment and prime location right outside Somerset MRT station, good Peranakan food isn’t really all that inaccessible!
Address: Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road, 02-18, Singapore 238858
2. Burger & Lobster
Located in the grand and historic Raffles Hotel, Burger & Lobster is an easy choice if you’re looking to treat yourself. Immerse in the hotel’s old-school opulence while savouring on fresh Atlantic lobsters in signature dishes like the 1.5LB Whole Lobster ($57), which you can have steamed, grilled, or both. Or if you’re craving some hearty burgers, the B&L Beast Burger ($27.82) will surely satiate those cravings. They’ve also got outlet-exclusive dishes like the Lobster Mac and Cheese ($21.40), perfect for those of you who’re B&L fans but haven’t visited this charming, rustic outlet. Be sure to make a reservation before you head down to the restaurant so you don’t have to worry about seats!
Address: 328 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 188719
3. Char Restaurant
You probably wouldn’t have guessed it, but Char Restaurant is a Chinese restaurant opened by two British brothers in 2014. They’re located along the ever-bustling street of Jalan Besar, just a five-minute walk away from Bendemeer MRT station. Over here, expect classic Cantonese roast meats like Signature Char Siew ($29), Crispy Roast Pork Belly ($29) and Jasmine Roast Duck ($16), but that’s not all. Using a mix of Asian and Western techniques, you can also expect a unique twist to these dishes. I’d definitely count on it given their multiple Michelin accolades from the yesteryears.
Address: 363 Jln Besar, Singapore 208994
4. HJH Maimunah
Established in the 90s, HJH Maimunah Restaurant is a name synonymous with authentic traditional Malay and Indonesian cuisine. With two restaurant outlets, both a short walk away from Bugis and Paya Lebar MRT stations, the long-established caterer serves up world-class kampong favourites like their signature Original Ambeng Platter ($33) and Premium Ambeng Platter ($38). They also offer incredibly affordable set meals for one, such as the Beef Rendang Set ($8) and Asam Pedas Stingray Set ($8).
Address: 11 Jln Pisang, Singapore 199078
5. Lai Huat Signatures
Lai Huat Signatures has been Singapore’s leading zi char and buffet establishment since 1951. To put things into perspective, that’s 70 years! Their Chinatown outlet is just a stone’s throw away from both Chinatown and Telok Ayer MRT stations. Hence, you can get there pretty easily either through the Downtown or North East MRT lines. The Lai Huat Sambal Fish ($43.70) is their signature dish here. Other zi char delights that they offer include Fragrant Pork Ribs with Garlic (from $17.25), Chicken with Prawn Paste (from $17.25) and Claypot Curry Fish Head ($37.95).
Address: 23 China St, #01-01, Singapore 049565
6. PizzaExpress
Hailing all the way from the United Kingdom, PizzaExpress has been serving up gourmet Italian pizzas for over 50 years. Their Holland Village outlet features two storeys and plenty of seats for a cosy pizza get-together. Some of their best-sellers include the Margherita (from $17) and American (from $21.50) which contain savoury mozzarella cheese and passata. For thin-based pizzas, try the vegan Impossible Teriyaki (from $30) for an interesting Japanese twist. With two other restaurant outlets available, you can simply make a reservation for the one closest to you.
Address: 251 Holland Avenue, Holland Village, Singapore 278981
7. Saute-san
Saute-san is Singapore’s first halal-certified Japanese and Korean plant-based restaurant, located in City Square Mall right beside Farrer Park MRT station. They pride themselves on serving up nutritious, natural and wholesome food for the masses, regardless of your diet. All their dishes, like the Bibimbap ($12.90), Mala Orh Luak (from $17.90) and Udon – Shoyu Soup ($13.90), are meat-free and without onion or garlic. Hence, everyone can enjoy their food, whether you have certain dietary requirements or are into healthy-eating or an environmental advocate!
Address: City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, #03-23, Singapore 208539
8. SBCD Korean Tofu House
With a total of three outlets islandwide (Labrador Park, Tanjong Pagar and Promenade), SBCD Korean Tofu House is the place to go for hearty Korean food. Apart from their warm and comforting Original Beef Soontofu ($23), you can also expect your usual Korean fares. Think Bulgogi ($32), Kimchi Pancake ($29) and Spicy Baby Octopus ($32). For a fuss-free experience, be sure to make an advanced reservation at your preferred restaurant outlet. It’s a blessing that all of them are accessible by both bus and train.
Address: 9 Raffles Blvd, #01-114, Singapore 039596
9. Shahi Maharani
If you’re ever craving exquisite Indian food, Shahi Maharani can definitely fulfil those wishes of yours. Located in the heart of the CBD area in Raffles City, the restaurant offers tantalising North Indian cuisine. Indulge in flavoursome dishes like Lahsuni Jheenga ($38) and Tawa Jheenga ($40) which are full of aromatics and spices. Or stick to the classics, such as the Chicken Makhanwala ($34) or butter chicken, and spicy Vindaloo (from $32). Whatever it is, you’ll definitely want to make a reservation before heading down so as to secure seats in this grand restaurant.
Address: 252 North Bridge Rd, #03–21B, Singapore 179103
10. Sum Kee
Sum Kee is a well-known zi char establishment with two outlets in Singapore. Their original Telok Blangah restaurant is still in operation, drawing loyal and old customers from all over the country. On the other hand, their Jurong outlet is newer and boasts a fully air-conditioned interior — much needed in this Singapore heat if you ask me. Their Curry Fish Head ($40) is a must-try signature dish here. Worth trying are also the salted egg Ultraman Chicken (from $17) and Braised London Duck (from $38), which you can pair with just a warm bowl of rice. So if you’re ever craving for zi char, make a reservation for either restaurant and be on your way!
Address: 19 Yung Ho Rd, Singapore 618592
11. Swatow Seafood Restaurant
Swatow Seafood Restaurant needs no introduction. The Chinese restaurant is famous for not only its dim sum selection but also authentic Teochew delicacies. Think Teochew Braised Sliced Duck ($18), Signature Roasted Duck with Black Truffle (from $18) and many other traditional dishes. For dim sum, there’s the usual Siew Mai with Fish Roe ($6.80), BBQ Honey Pork Bun ($4.80) as well as Golden Custard Bun ($4.80). Located within HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok, their Swatow City outlet is surrounded by a variety of other food, beverage and recreational amenities. So if you’re thinking of bringing your family to dine at this restaurant, it’s definitely recommended to make a reservation instead of walking in.
Address: 2 Bukit Batok West Ave 7, HomeTeamNS, #02-05, Singapore 659003
12. The Living Cafe
Since its opening in 2011, The Living Cafe has been at the forefront of plant-based cuisine in Singapore. The cafe sits right beside Sixth Avenue MRT, offering a snuggly dining environment with plenty of sunlight shining into its vast space, enabled by high ceilings. There’s also an upper deck where you can dine in a secluded area with a good overview of the cafe. Food-wise, some of their popular items include the Coconut Curry Dahl ($20) and Tempeh Buddha Bowl ($23.55). There’s the vegan, zucchini-based Pesto Zoodles ($21.20) too, or nutritious salads like Cauliflower, Almond & Herb Salad ($25.90).
Address: 779 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269758
13. Tomahawk King by Stuffedwing Lab
Tomahawk King by Stuffedwing Lab is a halal restaurant in the East specialising in, well, tomahawk steaks. They pride themselves on serving up this prime cut of ribeye at affordable prices for the enjoyment of the masses. Their legendary Tomahawk Steak (from $138.90) is able to feed up to 4 pax, or perhaps 3 hardcore carnivores. Nevertheless, it’s the perfect dish to get and share be it for someone’s birthday, graduation or any other special occasion that calls for nothing but the best food. With other highly addictive dishes like their signature Cheesy StuffedWings ($12.90), it’s definitely recommended that you make a restaurant reservation lest you show up to a hungry queue.
Address: 324F Changi Road, Singapore 419799
14. Tsukada Nojo
Tsukada Nojo is a unique Japanese hotpot concept that specialises in Binjin Nabe, a ‘Jitokko’ collagen beauty pot. With an outlet in Chinatown Point, Westgate and Thomson Plaza, you can indulge in heartwarming Japanese food when you visit these malls. Their Chicken Set ($65) and Beef Set ($110) come with other seafood and vegetable dishes to create a well-balanced meal. Both feature their signature collagen soup which is made out of chicken bones that are stewed for over eight hours. Remember to make a reservation so you don’t have to wait too long for the restaurant’s delicious hotpots.
Address: 3 Gateway Drive, Westgate, #03-04/04A, Singapore 608532
15. Wan He Lou
Conveniently situated right across Beauty World MRT station, Wan He Lou offers the best of Chinese cuisine at affordable prices. Their Signature Lobster Porridge ($42) is an award-winning dish and an absolute must-try for its rich, umami flavour. Other mouthwatering nostalgic creations by Chef Lau Siaw Dee include Wan He Lou Golden Seafood “Pot Sticker” ($13), Pan Fried Kurobuta Pork (from $15.90) and Crispy Lotus with Salted Egg ($12.90). They’ve also got an outlet in the heart of Jalan Besar, so just choose the restaurant closer to you and make a reservation ahead!
Address: 9 Yuk Tong Ave, Singapore 596314
16. Yun Nans
Located in the picturesque Jewel Changi Airport, Yun Nans is the perfect place to bring your elders for a wholesome Chinese meal. They specialise in Yunnan cuisine which is famous for dishes that are robust in flavour yet nourishing. For instance, their Steam Pot Chicken Soup ($30.95) boasts a special waterless preparation method for its soup, and a pressure-steamed chicken that has no greasy aftertaste. The Golden Poached Rice with Seafood in Prawn Broth ($21.90) features fresh prawns and clams cooked in their signature prawn broth, delivering a light natural sweetness. Be sure to make a restaurant reservation in advance so that your elders won’t have to stand around and wait too long. Then, after your meal, go for a scenic walk in the mall and behold the majesty of the world’s largest indoor waterfall!
Address: 78 Airport Blvd, #02 – 217, Singapore, Singapore 819666