Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants In Kampong Glam (Including Arab Street, Haji Lane And Bali Lane)

30th Dec 2025
Written by:
Gracie Stewart
Editor | Urban List Singapore
Stephanie Zheng
Contributor | Urban List, Singapore

Once an ethnic enclave and now one of Singapore’s most characterful neighbourhoods, Kampong Glam continues to punch well above its weight when it comes to eating out. Spanning Arab Street, Haji Lane and Bali Lane, this is where heritage shophouses, independent operators and late-night energy collide, often over very good food.

You’ll find everything from iconic nasi lemak and Indian-Muslim classics to modern Singaporean comfort dishes, buzzy casual restaurants and unfussy spots perfect for post-bar refuelling. Although you can visit Kampong Glam at any time of the day, the area really comes alive after dark, with lively late-night dining and drinks, crooning street buskers, and the occasional night bazaar.

Whether you’re here with a reservation in mind or just following your appetite, these are the best restaurants, cafes and bars to bookmark before your next Kampong Glam wander.

Fatt Choy Eating House

10 Haji Lane

Image credit: Fatt Choy Eating House | Facebook

Tucked right into the thick of Haji Lane’s controlled chaos, Fatt Choy Eating House does modern Singaporean comfort food with enough personality to stand out in a neighbourhood packed with options.

This is where familiar flavours get a confident remix – think chilli crab pasta, laksa-leaning creations, and plates designed for people who like their local food bold, saucy, and unapologetically indulgent. The space strikes a balance between casual and polished, making it just as suitable for a laid-back lunch as it is for a buzzy dinner before a night out. Portions are generous, flavours are punchy, and the menu leans into crowd-pleasers without feeling lazy about it. If you’re wandering Haji Lane hungry and want something that feels distinctly Singaporean, but just slightly elevated without feeling stiffy, this is a solid stop. Come with friends, order widely, and don’t overthink it.

Éla

33 Jalan Sultan, #01-09/10

Image credit: Éla | Instagram

Éla brings a slice of modern Greek dining to Jalan Sultan, and does it with enough confidence to feel right at home in Kampong Glam. Expect a menu built around hearty, comforting Mediterranean flavours with char-grilled meats, fresh seafood, and share-friendly plates. It's halal to boot! 

The space is warm and stylish without tipping into try-hard territory, making it an easy pick for long dinners or low-key celebrations. What works particularly well here is the balance: dishes feel generous and satisfying, but still polished enough to suit the neighbourhood’s more design-led crowd. It’s the kind of place you book when you want something reliable, sociable, and unfussy, but still a little special. Ideal for groups, date nights, or anyone who wants a break from the usual Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian staples that dominate the area.

PerghChicks

23 Bali Lane

Image credit: PerghChicks | Facebook

PerghChicks is proof that sometimes, all you really want is excellent food in a casual setting. This compact, no-nonsense spot has built a loyal following thanks to its crispy, well-seasoned chicken and sides that don’t feel like afterthoughts. It’s casual, fast-moving, and ideal for refuelling between shopping, bar-hopping, or just wandering Kampong Glam without a plan.

The energy here is relaxed and unfussy, with food that hits the spot whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for something indulgent. It’s not trying to be fancy, and that’s exactly the point. Come hungry, expect bold flavours, and don’t be surprised if you leave already planning your next visit.

Kampong Glam Cafe

17 Bussorah Street

Image credit: Kampong Glam Cafe | Instagram

A true neighbourhood staple, Kampong Glam Cafe is the kind of place that keeps the area ticking along at all hours. This is where you’ll find comforting, familiar dishes served quickly and without ceremony, perfect for breakfast, late lunches, or post-midnight refuelling. The menu leans local and approachable, with crowd favourites that have earned the café a steady stream of regulars over the years. It’s not about trends or theatrics here, but reliability, value, and food that does exactly what it’s meant to do. If you want a fuss-free meal while soaking up the everyday rhythm of Bussorah Street, this is an easy, dependable choice that locals swear by.

The Secret Garden by Zeekri

19 Baghdad Street

Image credit: The Secret Garden by Zeekri | Facebook

Hidden just off the main drag, The Secret Garden by Zeekri lives up to its name with a cosy, slightly tucked-away feel that makes it a refreshing change from the busier streets nearby. The space leans warm and inviting, with an atmosphere that works equally well for relaxed dinners or longer catch-ups that stretch into the night. The menu is eclectic without being confusing, offering a mix of comforting dishes designed for sharing and easy enjoyment. Ideal if you want something a little calmer, a little greener, and still very much in the Kampong Glam spirit.

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Piedra Negra

241 Beach Road (on the corner of Haji Lane)

Piedra Negra
Image credit: Piedra Negra | Facebook

Piedra Negra serves up hearty Mexican fare alongside oversized frozen margaritas and live music. The best tables, on a non-rainy night, are the ones lined up outside along the colourful Haji Lane.

Their guacamole, which is freshly prepared at your table, is one of the best we have tried and it comes served with plenty of tortilla chips. The beef nachos and mango ceviche are also worth ordering. All in all, it’s a fun and lively spot for those looking to have a drink and casual bite to eat without leaving a gaping hole in your wallet.

The Coconut Club

269 Beach Road

Nasi lemak from The Coconut Club
Image credit: The Coconut Club | Supplied

The team at The Coconut Club have spent many years researching and uncovering a huge range of regional recipes with a particular focus on understanding how nasi lemak is served across Southeast Asia. “In Singapore, we count ourselves privileged to be able to draw from a melting pot of cultures and acknowledge the origin where our recipes are rooted. Ultimately, we want to bring our love for coconut milk to the world, through the lens of comforting, unassuming dishes that best represent our favourite lemak food,” explains Daniel Sia, Managing Partner of The Coconut Club.

Their signature chicken nasi lemak comes with a serving of coconut rice, fried egg, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber and sambal. They also do an equally delicious rendang nasi lemak which features a dry curry of Australian beef cheek braised in spices and coconut milk.

Although The Coconut Club has numerous locations across Singapore, their Beach Road venue is their flagship and is located in a restored shophouse. You can pop by their communal space at Level 1 or experience the peak of their cuisine at the Level 2 Dining Room.

Birds of Paradise

263 Beach Road

Image credit: Birds of Paradise | Instagram

Homegrown gelato boutique Birds of Paradise is known for its unique botanical flavours and thyme cones, and has become so popular that there’s often queues out the door. If that wasn’t enough to entice you, the brand is also listed as a Michelin Plate establishment, an accolade given out by the Michelin Guide to recognise good quality food.

Using real, natural ingredients and a range of fruits, flowers, pods, herbs and spices you can expect to see flavours like white chrysanthemum, lychee raspberry, sea salt hojicha, strawberry basil and spiced pear—all of which come served in house-made thyme cones.

Even if you're not a fan of ice cream, you'll want to check out Birds of Paradise just so you can take some snaps inside their dreamy, totally designed for Instagram stores. 

Afterwit

778 North Bridge Road

Image credit: Afterwit | Instagram

Whether you're in the mood for a gooey melted cheese and beef quesadilla or something a little more adventurous like their Prawnstar taco, Afterwit has got you covered. Taking advantage of the relatively untouched area of Mexican Halal restaurants in Singapore, this halal-certified venue has established itself as a cult favourite among those with a penchant for spicy flavours.

For something a bit different, we recommend ordering their whole chicken leg topped with mole sauce and served with apple cider slaw and your choice of Mexican rice or tortilla. For dessert, the empanadas (caramelised bananas stuffed in house-made pastry turnovers served with vanilla bean gelato and dulce de leche) are an excellent choice. Definitely put the virgin berry mint mojito on your list!

Overrice

41 Sultan Gate

Overrice
Image credit: Overrice | Supplied

Founded by four men with a passion for travelling and a penchant for discovering different cuisines, Overrice was inspired by a Mediterranean style bowl the lads tasted during one of their trips to New York. Overrice’s version is an all-in-one bowl with a choice of slow cooked pulled beef, grilled chicken or fried falafel balls. It is served over seasoned basmati rice, with freshly baked pita bread and mixed salad tucked neatly on the side.

Aside from their delicious rice bowls, Overrice’s expanded menu includes pita pockets and fancy New York inspired mocktails. In the spirit of supporting local, Overrice has also partnered with up-and-coming talented dessert chefs so you can get your sugar fix.

Zam Zam

697-699 North Bridge Road

Zam Zam
Image credit: Zam Zam | Facebook

Established in 1908, Zam Zam (its name refers to holy water in Arabic) is a popular restaurant serving up classic Indian-Muslim dishes like biryani, murtabak, roti prata, fish head curry and mee goreng. The no-frills venue has two floors with the kitchen and a small seating area located on the ground floor and a larger, air-conditioned dining area upstairs.

Zam Zam is famous for its biryani and murtabak, so do yourself a favour and order the chicken version of both. If you’re after something a little more exotic, the venison is also a popular choice. There’s a long drinks list offering everything from tea and coffee to iced calamansi, but we recommend the bandung dinosaur, which is a rose syrup drink with condensed milk and a heaping of Milo powder on top.

Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro

257 Beach Road

Fika
Image credit: Fika | Facebook

When you think of Swedish food in Singapore, IKEA is probably the first place that springs to mind, but thankfully, that’s not the only place to get your Swedish fix. Situated along Beach Road, Fika first opened its doors back in 2009 and is known for its traditional Swedish meatballs, served alongside other authentic Swedish dishes such as pickled herring, shrimp toast and Swedish lamb stew.

The halal-certified restaurant was founded by Tasneem Noor, together with her husband, Joakim Smidhagen. The couple also own Konditori, an artisanal bakery serving European pastries and desserts, located just a stone’s throw away from Fika on Bussorah Street.

Beirut Grill

72 Bussorah Street

Image credit: Beirut Grill | Instagram

With the majestic Sultan Mosque as a backdrop, Beirut Grill is known for serving up some of the most delicious Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine in Singapore.

Some of our favourite dishes include the Falafel Salad (a mixture of tabbouleh, onions, chickpeas and bulgur topped with lemon juice, olive oil and falafel), the Beirut Mezza Platter (hummus, baba ghanoush, moutabal, cheese roll and falafel), Sizzling Kefalotyri Cheese with Caramelised Onion (Kefalotyri cheese pan-seared and topped with caramelised onion which is served sizzling on a hot plate with bread) and the Kebab Kofta (char-grilled minced meat with Arabic herbs and spices, served with grilled vegetables and Arabic rice).

Pita Bakery

29 Bali Lane

Pita Bakery
Image credit: Pita Bakery | Facebook

Baked daily using only the best ingredients, Pita Bakery is an unassuming hole-in-the-wall eatery serving up a range of soft, pillowy pita breads along with a selection of spreads like hummus, babaganoush and falafel.

Available for dine in or takeaway, we recommend ordering the Taste It All platter which includes a choice of two pitas, hummus, babaganush, salad, turshi (pickled vegetables), falafel balls and three dips (tahini, harissa and a tangy mango pickle called amba). Word to the wise, this place sells out fast so make sure you get in early.

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Main image credit: Fatt Choy Eating House | Instagram

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