A Delight for the Epicurean: Best Restaurants in Chinatown Singapore

As the sun sets over the Lion City, there's an extraordinary place where the air brims with a heady mix of fragrances—exotic spices, roasting chestnuts, and wok-seared noodles. Welcome, fellow food lovers, to the pulsating culinary heart of Singapore: Chinatown. This bustling neighbourhood is a veritable fiesta for the senses, offering some of the best food in Chinatown Singapore—a labyrinth of tantalising eateries that provide a gustatory odyssey as ardent and vibrant as the culture it brews within.

In Singapore's Chinatown, every narrow alley and shop house tells stories of yesteryears, but it's the fare on offer that truly narrates the neighbourhood's rich, cross-cultural heritage. Hidden amongst century-old temples and neon-bright street stalls, you'll find a smorgasbord of diverse tastes and textures that pay homage to the city-state's melting pot of cultures.

Whether you're craving traditional Hainan chicken rice, succulent roast duck, or the daring complexities of durian, the best food in Chinatown Singapore has a culinary experience lined up, waiting to play symphonies on your taste buds. Gear up, put on your adventurous palate, and come dine with us as we journey through the vibrant moods and flavours of Chinatown, one bite at a time.

Read more: Singapore Sling Cocktail: A Taste of History in a Glass

Table of Content

1. Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre
2. Nanyang Old Coffee
3. Pink Grapefruit Cold Pressed Juice
4. Smith Street Taps
5. Sago House
6. Nakey
7. The Wizard’s Brew
8. Cloudstreet

A Delight for the Epicurean: Best Restaurants in Chinatown Singapore

What to Eat in Chinatown, Singapore

Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre

Nestled at the heart of this vibrant district, this sprawling food centre houses over 260 hawker stalls, making it the largest of its kind in the nation. Each visit here is an adventure in itself, as you weave through the buzz of locals and tourists alike, all in pursuit of some of the island's most celebrated dishes. One cannot leave without sampling the legendary Hawker Chan’s soya sauce chicken rice, famously the world's cheapest Michelin-starred meal. The succulent slices of soya-sauce-infused chicken served atop fragrant rice promise an unforgettable taste experience that has captivated the hearts (and stomachs) of countless diners globally.

Further enriching your taste expedition, make your next stop at the stall of Ann Chin Handmade Popiah. Here, the magic lies in the tradition carried through generations, a roll of springy, paper-thin wrapper encasing a mixture of braised jicama, peanuts, and tiny shrimp. Each bite is a delight of textures and freshness, reflecting the ethnic diversity and culinary heritage of Singapore.

Address: 335 Smith St, Singapore 050335
Opening hours: 7 am–10 pm

Explore authentic Singaporean cuisine at Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre, home to over 260 food stalls offering a wide range of traditional dishes. | Photo by Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre

Nanyang Old Coffee

Venture forth at dawn and start your day the Singaporean way at Nanyang Old Coffee. Steeped in tradition, this spot serves more than just a morning brew; it serves a piece of Singapore's rich cultural heritage. Allow the rich aroma of traditional Kopi or Kopi-O to envelop you, a precursor to the symphony of flavours that awaits.

Paired with kaya butter toast and soft-boiled eggs, this classic local breakfast is not just a meal; it's an experience, one that sings of the simple pleasures and intricate history of this island nation. It's here, in the harmony of these modest dishes, that the soul of Singaporean breakfast traditions truly comes to life.

Address: 268 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058817
Opening hours: 7 am–6:30 pm

Step back in time at Nanyang Old Coffee, where you can enjoy traditional kopi and kaya toast, capturing the essence of Singapore’s coffee culture. | Photo by Nanyang Old Coffee

Pink Grapefruit Cold Pressed Juice

In the sweltering equatorial heat, find respite at the Cold Pressed Juice stall within the vibrant Chinatown Street Market. This popular stand, overflowing with colours and chilling out options, offers a testament to the modern Singaporean's quest for health and freshness.

Each glass of preservative-free fruit juice, vibrant with colour and bursting with natural sweetness, provides a refreshing contrast to the bustling energy of Chinatown. These aren't just drinks; they're a cool balm for the soul, a deliciously invigorating pause in the heart of the hustle and bustle.

Address: F&B12, Trengganu Street Singapore 058950
Opening hours: 9 am–10 pm

Pink Grapefruit Cold Pressed Juice | Photo by chinatown.sg

Smith Street Taps

As evening falls and the day's adventures settle, there's no better oasis than Smith Street Taps within the Chinatown Complex. This hidden gem, with over 20 premium local and international craft beers on tap, is perfect for winding down. Imagine clinking glasses with friends, new and old, in this unassuming spot, as you wash down the day's feast of hawker delights with a pint of something truly special. Here, in the casual camaraderie and the rich, hop-infused air, lies the essence of Singapore’s laid-back yet vibrant nightlife.

Address: 335 Smith Street #02-062, Level 2 Chinatown Food Complex, Singapore 050335
Opening hours: 6–10:30 pm (Tuesday to Friday), 2–11 pm (Saturday)

Enjoy a curated selection of craft beers at Smith Street Taps, a hidden gem in Chinatown offering a unique pairing with local hawker fare. | Photo by Smith Street Taps

Sago House

let the allure of the innovative pull you towards Sago House, nestled away yet proudly standing as the 32nd jewel in the crown of the World’s 50 Best Bars for 2023. Each week, this acclaimed bar welcomes you with a new ingredient starring in their offbeat cocktails, promising a unique tale of flavour with every visit.

Sipping on a meticulously crafted drink here isn't just an indulgence—it's a voyage into the creative minds of some of the world's most talented mixologists. Sit back, savour the ambience, and let every sip of their inventive concoctions tell you a story as vibrant and spirited as Singapore itself.

Address: 37 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089615
Opening hours: 6 pm–12 am

Visit Sago House, a popular speakeasy in Chinatown known for its rotating menu of inventive cocktails crafted with locally inspired ingredients. | Photo by Sago House

Nakey

At Nakey, a charming café that’s a hotspot for artisanal sourdough aficionados, you’ll find yourself delightfully surprised by the array of exquisite baked goodies. The menu boasts chewy bagels and fluffy doughnuts, capturing the perfection of sourdough artistry with every bite—perfect for a nibble or a hearty start to your day.

While nestled in this quaint retreat, don’t miss out on trying a pistachio latte. This unique concoction pairs splendidly with your chosen treat, enriching your taste buds and adding a refined twist to your coffee experience.

Address: 10 Trengganu St, Singapore 058464
Opening hours: 10 am–8 pm

Photo by Nakey Singapore

The Wizard’s Brew

Step over the threshold of The Wizard’s Brew and feel an instant surge of excitement—a mystical café where each item on the menu brings a touch of enchantment to your table. As you settle into the whimsical ambiance, why not start with one of their signature magical potions? These vibrant drinks are not only a feast for the eyes but also packed with flavours that tantalize the palate. For a truly spectacular treat, order the flaming cauldron; it's not just food, but a spellbinding spectacle that combines taste with theatrical flair.

The charm of The Wizard’s Brew extends beyond its menu. The décor itself is a curious collection of vintage books and mysterious artefacts, each piece contributing to the illusion of a wizards' den. This café doesn’t just serve food, it immerses you in a fantasy, making you part of a world where every sip and bite keeps you spellbound.

Address: Trengganu St, 10B, Singapore 058464

Opening hours: 3 pm–12 am, Closed on Monday

Photo by The Wizard’s Brew Singapore

Cloudstreet

Imagine sitting at a table where each course is choreographed like an exquisite ballet of taste and texture, where the complexity of aromas meet the simplicity of top-notch ingredients. Cloudstreet is a place where connoisseurs come to indulge in the bold, where every plating is a canvas and every bite, a masterpiece.

Savour this rare opportunity to taste creations from a chef who dares to challenge the status quo, marrying the unexpected with the familiar in a dance of culinary excellence.

Address: 84 Amoy street , Singapore, Singapore

Opening hours: 6:30–10:30 pm, Closed on Sunday & Monday

Photo by Cloudstreet Singapore

As the sun dips below the skyline, painting the Singapore sky with hues of pink and orange, we salaam to the bustling hive that Chinatown has proven to be. It’s a place where food tells tales, and the rich tapestry of cultures weaves together a gustatory spectacle worth raking miles for. The next time you find yourself in the Lion City, a culinary treasure trove is waiting for you in the enchanting maze of Chinatown.

Come hungry, indulge in the cornucopia of flavours, and leave with cherished memories. Because at the end of the day, travel isn’t just marking off countries on a world map—it’s about the irresistible scents wafting from a food stall, the explosion of spices in a new dish, and the stories shared over a communal meal.

Capture and share your travel and dining highlights! Tag @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace on Instagram. Happy adventures!