Food Journeys
Sharing one of Singapore’s favourite past times
A really great way to know a country is through its food and drinks scene. In Singapore, there are many options ranging from everyday common fare to elaborate fine dining experiences. Here are some spots in the vicinity of Kallang that you shouldn’t miss.
Everyday fare - bring cash
Old Airport Road Food Centre
This food centre was built in 1972 to resettle street hawkers found around Kallang Estate, which was created after the closure of Kallang Airport. From the start, it became a haunt for both locals and travellers in search of the best local food at wallet-friendly prices. It was upgraded in 2006-2007 but the wide selection of local fare remains. From roasted meats to rojak, prawn mee, chicken rice, char kway teow, chee cheong fun, herbal soup, satay, oyster omelette and more, you can find them among the more than 150 stalls here. Check out Sethluis food guide here https://sethlui.com/old-airport-road-food-centre-guide-singapore/
Berseh Food Centre
A short 10-minute walk away at Jalan Besar Road is this food centre built in 1975. Although not as famous or big as other food centres, it has several local bites that were popular in the 1980s but aren’t commonly available now. These include exotic soups such as turtle and crocodile, shark jelly, pig trotter jelly and Fuzhou style oyster cake. Other eats that are highly recommended include fried oyster, kaya toast with local coffee or tea, chicken curry noodles and beef kway teow.
Kampong Glam
This was once the ethnic enclave of Muslim community in Singapore, including Arab and Bugis traders, and the Sultan Mosque has been a national monument since 8 March 1975. Although the neighbourhood has transformed into a hip destination with restaurants and bars, the quintessential dining experience here is nasi padang. This is a dish consisting of steamed rice with your choice of pre-cooked dishes. It is named after the city of Padang in West Sumatra, Indonesia, where it originated from.
While there are many places to have this flavourful meal, Sabar Menanti and Warong Nasi Pariaman on North Bridge Road and Hajjah Ratna Nasi Padang on Beach Road are the oldest three.
After your meal, wash it down with a cup of teh sarbat (pulled black tea with milk, flavoured with ginger) at Bhai Sarbat. Opened in 1977 on Bussorah street by two good friends, it’s now owned by Mohammad Asgar, nephew of one of the co-owners. Asgar is there daily, pulling the tea for every order.
Little India
The Indian community of Singapore continues to frequent the ethnic district. It’s a colourful and vibrant neighbourhood with many dining options in its many streets. Two of the most well-known eateries here are Komala Vilas and Ananda Bhavan. The latter is a no-frills vegetarian Indian restaurant established in Singapore in 1924 and serves North Indian, South Indian, and Indian Chinese cuisines. The former opened in 1947 and continues to dish up the original South and Indian vegetarian recipes of the founder.
Over at Tekka Centre, take your pick from a great selection including briyani (rice dish served with chicken or mutton gravy), Indian rokak, roti prata and Indian desserts such as laddu, putu mayam and gulab jamun. All at affordable prices.
Also check out MTR 1924 and The Banan Leaf Apollo a MUST TRY!
Al Capone’s Kallang
Well known in Singapore as a friendly neighbourhood bar, every visit promises good food, strong drinks and fast cheerful service. They’re know for their signature Mafia wings served served with homemade mafia hot sauce, Guinness braised lamb shank and of course, the wide selection of tipples including Guinness, Heineken, premium wines, single malt and blended whiskeys, and spirits.
Good Cheer 2
Locals and expats living in the area like to come here for a casual night out. There’s cold beer on tap, electronic dart machines and you can even sing karaoke.
For Special celebrations
CHIJMES
The buildings here were once used as a Catholic convent, orphanage and school.
Since 1996, they now house dining, shopping and entertainment outlets. The collection of F&B tenants offer global cuisine including Spanish at Lumbre, classical French with Japanese touches at Whitegrass, contemporary Asian at Coriander Leaf as well as sushi and teppanyaki at Tatsu.
One of its longest F&B tenants is Lei Garden, which has made it into the Michelin Guide Singapore for four years, not to mention numerous other culinary awards and accolades. It features a unique range of Chinese, Asian and international cuisine and the menu changes frequently so each visit is always different. The collection of bars here will keep you busy late into the night.
Head to bespoke whiskies at The Single Cask, specialty cocktails at Analogue, natural and organic wines at The Winery and craft beer at Almost Famous. There’s also live music at Simply Retro and Simply Jazz bars.
Marina Bay Sands
Take your pick of fine dining restaurants or those opened by celebrity chefs – Wolfgang Puck, Gordon Ramsay, Daniel Boulud, Tetsuya Wakuda – for an unforgettable dining experience.
Make it even more spectacular by dining on the rooftop at the 57th level; you can see different parts of downtown Singapore from LAVO, Spago Dining Room and Ce La Vi Restaurant. Even the bars here will leave a lasting impression for their decor, ambiance and service.
Notable establishments here include Spago Bar & Lounge, Ce La Vi Skybar & Club Lounge, The Club at Renku, Wakuda and Koma.
