The five best restaurants in Singapore for local food are Candlenut, National Kitchen by Violet Oon, Keng Eng Kee Seafood, Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, and Restaurant Labyrinth. You can expect to spend between SGD 10 for hawker food and SGD 300 for fine dining.
Which one for you
- Michelin-starred Peranakan: Candlenut.
- Historic setting and high tea: National Kitchen by Violet Oon.
- Family seafood: Keng Eng Kee Seafood.
- Famous hawker stall: Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle.
- Modern fine dining: Restaurant Labyrinth.
Candlenut
Candlenut is a Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant. Chef Malcolm Lee serves a modern take on traditional Nyonya dishes. It sits in the COMO Dempsey area, offering a warm dining room with traditional lanterns.
The "Ah-Ma-Kase" tasting menu gives you a wide variety of signature dishes. The Wagyu beef rendang and the buah keluak dishes are excellent. The restaurant makes its spice pastes from scratch. A meal costs around SGD 150 per person. Book a table online before you go.
National Kitchen by Violet Oon
Located inside the National Gallery Singapore, this restaurant offers an elegant Peranakan dining experience. The dining room features Peranakan tiles, big chandeliers, and leather seats. It is a good place to bring guests.
Order the Beef Rendang, Ayam Buah Keluak, and Kuay Pie Tee. The food reflects traditional recipes, though portions are small and meant for sharing. Expect to pay about SGD 100 per person. They also offer a unique Peranakan afternoon tea. The restaurant fills up quickly, so a reservation is required. Find it near the Coleman Street entrance.
Keng Eng Kee Seafood
Keng Eng Kee (KEK) Seafood is a Michelin-recognized spot in Bukit Merah. It has a casual, busy street-food atmosphere. Regular customers love its fast service.
The Moonlight Hor Fun is a dish you have to try. It has a strong smoky wok flavor and a runny egg yolk. The Coffee Pork Ribs and the made-from-scratch Chilli Crab are also popular. A meal here offers good value for money, costing around SGD 40 per person. The staff are fast, but you pay at the counter rather than at the table. Book ahead for large family groups.
Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle
This legendary hawker stall holds a Michelin star for its minced pork noodles. You will find it in a coffee shop at Crawford Lane. The dish costs between SGD 6 and SGD 10.
The noodles are tossed in a mix of black vinegar, chili paste, and soy sauce. The bowl comes with pork slices, liver, minced pork, dumplings, and fried fish. The wait time can exceed one hour during peak lunch times. Go early in the morning or mid-afternoon to avoid the longest queues. Bring cash, as they do not accept cards.
Restaurant Labyrinth
Restaurant Labyrinth in the Esplanade Mall serves modern Singaporean food. Chef LG Han uses premium ingredients to rethink local flavors. The restaurant holds a Michelin star and features a dark interior.
The tasting menu relies on local concepts like yu sheng and mee rebus, but made with ingredients like Oscietra caviar and abalone. The dinner tasting menu costs SGD 298 per person. The full experience takes about three hours. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Candlenut is the safest pick for a smart dinner, while Keng Eng Kee Seafood offers the best casual group meal.