From piping hot bowls of pho (rice noodles in a savoury broth), to classic Peranakan* delights, Singapore is home to a wealth of dishes for travellers in search of halal eats from all across Southeast Asia. Embark on a mouth-watering exploration of our region’s diverse flavours, with our guide to halal Southeast Asian cuisine in the Lion City.
*The term is an Indonesian/Malay word that means “local born”, which generally refers to people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage.
Vietnamese
So Pho
Regardless of where your exploration of our city takes you, you’re never too far from scrumptious Vietnamese cuisine in Singapore.
With outlets located across the island, So Pho is the perfect pitstop for hankering for classic dishes like pho Gỏi cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls), or mango salad with softshell crab.
We suggest opting for the So Pho Special, which comprises of silky noodles in a hearty broth, topped with flame-seared sirloin strips and beef balls.
So Pho at Paragon. 290 Orchard Road #B1-20, Singapore 238859. +65 6235 0414. Daily 11am-10pm.
For a full list of So Pho outlets, click here.
Thai
Koh Nangkam
Travellers looking to tickle their taste buds with Southern Thai flavours should consider having a meal at Koh Nangkam.
This cosy, family-owned restaurant has been serving up Thai classics for over a decade, and is famous for its hearty pad thai (stir-fried rice noodle dish) and Thai Yellow Curry—a seafood-based curry with a helping of squid and prawns.
If you’re a fan of fried chicken, the Hatyai Chicken with a chilli dipping sauce is bound to give Colonel Sanders a run for his money. For a unique blend of Thai and Singaporean flavours, indulge in Durian with Sticky Rice—which replaces the traditional mango with the king of fruits.
Koh Nangkam. 4 & 6 Jalan Kledek, Singapore 199261. +65 6392 2172.
Daily 11.30am-9.30pm. Closed on second Tuesday of every month.
Omar’s Thai Beef Noodle & Rice
To indulge in comfort food perfectly suited for a rainy afternoon, make a beeline for Omar’s Thai Beef Noodle & Rice. With its aromatic dishes, you’ll be able to follow your nose to find this gem of a hawker stall.
Located at the bustling Circuit Road Food Centre, the signature dish here comprises savoury broth, silky rice noodles and a heap of delicious beef balls, slices and shank. The dish comes with a chilli paste dipping sauce, and you can ask for free refills of broth if you’d like to slurp up a second helping.
If you’re visiting in a group and crave some variety, the stall also serves dishes like green curry and chicken tom yum (hot and sour Thai soup), which are perfect for sharing.
Omar’s Thai Beef Noodle & Rice. Block 79 Circuit Road #01-54, Singapore 370079. +65 8754 1056.
Tue-Sun noon-8pm.
Indonesian
Kulon
Oodles of noodles take front and centre stage at Kulon, a Muslim-owned restaurant that specialises in mie ayam (yellow wheat noodles topped with diced meat).
Also known as bak mi, this Chinese Indonesian dish comes in a variety of different styles. Opt for the classic Bakmi Bangka—topped with chicken braised in soya sauce—or add some spice to your meal with variations served with a dollop spicy sambal.
If you’re craving for beef, order the Bakmi Special—which comes with meat balls—or the Bakmi Empal, topped with a generous helping of fried beef slices.
KULON. 30 Bali Lane, Singapore 189866.
Tue-Thu 11.30am-3.15pm, 5.15-9.30pm; Fri 11.30am-1pm, 2.30-9.30pm; Sat & Sun 11.30am-9.30pm.
Warong Nasi Pariaman
With a history that dates back to the 1940s, Warong Nasi Pariaman has a reputation as one of Singapore’s most famed halal eateries. The establishment counts local celebrities like football legend Fandi Ahmad amongst its legions of fans.
Dig into hearty helpings of opor ayam (braised chicken in coconut milk) or delight your palate with their signature beef rendang (braised meat cooked in coconut milk and spices). Remember to save belly space for side dishes like bergedil (deep fried potatoes) and acar (pickled vegetables).
Warong Nasi Pariaman. 738 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198704. +65 6292 2374.
Mon & Tue, Thu-Sun 7.30am-3pm.
Peranakan
Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen
To immerse yourself in Peranakan culture, take a stroll around the colourful district of Katong-Joo Chiat, stopping for a meal at Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen.
With its old-school ambience and cosy vibes, this diner will have you feeling like you’re having a meal in the dining room of an old friend. Dig into Peranakan classics like ayam buah keluak (braised chicken in a spicy tamarind gravy), Nonya*-style chicken curry or itek tim (duck soup with mustard greens and peppercorn), and don’t forget to try their chinchalok omelette—a crispy, deep-fried delight that’ll have you hungry for more.
If you’d like to bring the flavours of Peranakan cuisine back home, the restaurant also sells jars of its fiery sambal belacan (dried shrimp chilli paste).
*Nonya cuisine is also known as Peranakan (meaning "local born") cuisine. The cuisine comes from people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage.
Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen. 328 Joo Chiat Road #01-02, Singapore 427585. +65 8450 7996.
Daily 11.30am-9.30pm.