The fact that Singapore is one of the world's greatest food capitals isn't news to anyone. A truly multicultural population, coupled with a modern, innovation-embracing environment, means that there is always something new to discover when it comes to food in this city-state.
Besides the hot new spots, there's also the oldies but goodies – places which have stood the test of time to consistently deliver unforgettable food. Wherever you end up, you know that in Singapore, it's hard to have a bad meal.
Whether it's fine dining venues or hidden gems where locals like to eat, these are some of the best places to dine out in Singapore.
Path
For all the fantastic dining on offer, local produce is something of a conundrum for Singapore chefs – as there just isn't enough of it to go around. Not letting that be a deterrent, chef Marvas Ng has made it his mission to keep sustainable sourcing and low carbon miles front and centre of his contemporary Asian restaurant's ethos.
Located in the swanky surrounds of the Marina Bay financial centre, the chic restaurant serves up food that reimagines traditional flavours in an elegant, understated fashion, focusing on ingredients from as close to home as possible – including Malaysia and Indonesia – coupled with French technique.
Ng regularly collaborates with other like-minded chefs to champion the case for sourcing local. For example, in March 2025, he hosted a Four Hands dinner with chef Raymond Tham of Michelin-starred Beta in Kuala Lumpur, as part of Kita Food Festival, a celebration of food across Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainability. The two chefs came together to showcase just what's possible with fresh, local ingredients and a dash of creativity – think wild-caught marble goby fish with collagen soy broth, pork skin and sarawak white peppercorn; and Perak single origin chocolate with roselle and cashew.
Shanghainese Hairy Crab Roe at Path restaurant Credit: John Heng
Indians make up the third largest ethnic group in Singapore's population, and when they flock to a restaurant that has been around seen 1892, you know it's worth a visit. This restaurant at the iconic Raffles Singapore serves up a roll call of the greatest hits of North Indian cuisine (think tandoori kebabs and biryani) with touches of pan-Indian specialties, from Bengali-style fish curry to Rajasthani lamb. Charming decor and service that pays homage to the nomenclature make for a special experience.
Tiffin Room is located at the iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore. Credit: TOOTEN
Peach Blossoms, Park Royal Collection Marina Bay
There's no dearth of gourmet Asian restaurants in Singapore, so why should this be one to try? This signature restaurant at the Park Royal Collection hotel is fine dining in the most classic sense of the word – a refined white linen space, hushed tones, and a procession of dishes each with a wow factor to rival the previous.
In an expansive menu, chef Edward Chong combines luxurious ingredients and classic Chinese flavours with innovative techniques to delicious effect. The tableside theatre of the smoked, caramelised jamon Iberico pork belly is not to be missed. Small wonder then the restaurant has racked up a host of awards including a coveted spot in the 2024 Asia's 50 Best long-list (of 100 restaurants), among others.
Tamba
It's one of the most unexpected experiences in Singapore, and that is what adds to the appeal of this West African restaurant. Housed in a converted shophouse in the trendy suburb of Duxton, Tamba offers more than just a taste of African food. The moodily lit interiors, carefully decorated with a curation of objets d'art from West Africa, sets the tone for a storytelling session, which is brought to life by the animated staff and tight, thoughtful food and drinks menu that faithfully captures the fire and essence of West African cuisine.
A West African spread at Tamba restaurant Credit: Nikko Pascua
Tiong Bahru Food Centre
Of course, no culinary experience of Singapore is complete without a hawker centre visit – but skip the better known markets where everyone else goes, and instead, make a beeline for this slightly off the beaten track market, located in the hip, residential suburb of Tiong Bahru, popular with locals. Housed in a 1950s Art Deco-style building, the market is quieter and less crowded than some others, but you get a dazzling array of food from over 200 stalls – including multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand awardees, such as Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice (arguably one of the best iterations of chicken rice you can find in the city), and Hong Heng fried sotong prawn mee. Run, don't walk!
Where to stay: The Park Royal Collection Marina Bay Singapore offers contemporary luxury in the heart of the city, with easy access to most of Singapore's attractions and food hubs. With eco innovation at its heart, the Green Globe certified hotel features biophilic design with greenery draping across all its public spaces, and is home to a rooftop urban farm which supplies produce to its restaurants.
The writer travelled to Singapore as a guest of Kita Food Festival, held in Singapore on March 12-17 2025, and was hosted at some of the venues featured in the article.
