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7 culinary journeys in Singapore that will whisk you around the world

Content by: Mary Wu | Photo credits: Fei Siong Group, Joo Chiat Mi Ca Phe, RE&S, Xiao Mu Deng, Cheese Story Mookata Buffet, Karu's Indian Banana Leaf, Fuji Izakaya Bar, Shutterstock

Discover the global flavours of our city’s diverse food scene.

Discover the global flavours of our city’s diverse food scene.

Singapore’s storied past as a bustling international trading port has cultivated its rich tapestry of cultures and cuisines. Today, our vibrant island nation is a gastronomic melting pot, boasting an eclectic array of cuisine that reflect its multicultural heritage.

Embark on a gastronomic journey to these seven destinations — from bustling food streets to quaint neighbourhood corners — each promising a mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Discover our neighbour’s finest at Malaysia Boleh!

Craving Malaysian street food but not keen on the cross-border traffic? At Malaysia Boleh!, you don’t need to leave Singapore to indulge in authentic Malaysian flavours. Styled to evoke the nostalgic charm of 1960s Peninsular Malaysia with vintage signboards and pushcart decor, this food atrium serves up a feast for the senses.

Savor specialties like the Penang Jalan Cheong Fatt Tze prawn noodle soup, Petaling Street’s renowned claypot rice (above), the Klang bak kut teh, and the Penang chendol (below) all in air-conditioned comfort. These dishes are prepared from secret recipes passed down by top-rated Malaysian street hawkers, ensuring an authentic culinary experience.

For those seeking a wider variety, Malaysia Boleh!’s sister brand, Boleh Boleh!, offers Halal-certified delights, including Penang char kway teow and Ramly burger.

Join the K-food wave at Tanjong Pagar

Notable among these culinary gems is Guiga Korean BBQ Restaurant, renowned for its extensive menu that features quality meats and comforting homemade soups and stews. True to Korean hospitality, banchan (side dishes) are served in generous, free-flowing portions, enhancing your dining experience.

Another standout is Jeju Sanghoe, which specialises in traditional recipes from the Korean island province of Jeju. Dig into Moum-Guk, a lunchtime-only seaweed and pork broth that’s viscous and nourishing, and Jeju Style Gogi-Guksu, a time-honoured noodle dish.

Savour the charm of Switzerland at Marché Mövenpick

Swiss food market Marché Mövenpick has been delighting diners here for over 35 years.

Upon entering, you’re greeted by the iconic Marché cow and an atmosphere exuding rustic European charm. Switzerland’s rich cultural tapestry, influenced by its neighbouring countries — Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein — inspires Marché Mövenpick’s diverse menu. You can enjoy a wide array of European dishes, from hearty German bratwurst and succulent pork knuckles to authentic Italian pizzas, Mediterranean delights, and the all-time favourite, the signature Swiss rosti.

Taste a slice of Vietnam in Joo Chiat

Immerse yourself in the light, aromatic flavours of Vietnamese cuisine right in Joo Chiat, an area also celebrated for its Peranakan architecture and Nyonya food. More understated than Vietnam’s hectic streets, this enclave houses close to 10 Vietnamese restaurants. Expect simple, down-to-earth set-ups, where the focus is squarely on delivering authentic, flavourful dishes.

Long Phung, started in 2009 by a Vietnamese owner from Ho Chi Minh City, is particularly popular. Despite its compact space, it offers a broad menu including classics like pho, fresh spring rolls, and Vietnamese coffee, with the convenience of a large parking area close by.

You should also not miss Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe (above), which only uses ingredients from Halal sources. This spot puts a local spin on traditional Vietnamese banh mi, introducing versions like the otah banh mi. It is also well-known for its coffee.

Navigate Nippon at &JOY Japanese Food Street

&JOY Japanese Food Street is a vibrant thematic concept developed by Japanese restaurant veteran RE&S, featuring locations at Jurong Point and NEX. This unique dining enclave seamlessly integrates modern technology like LED screens and neon lights with traditional Japanese aesthetic elements, including lanterns, sloping tiled roofs, and wooden finishings, accented by cute and quirky figures and mascots throughout.

At &JOY, RE&S showcases a dynamic range of Japanese dining options, constantly refreshing the experience with new offerings such as Mister Donut and Tsukimi Hamburg. Diners can indulge in a wide array of Japanese culinary delights, from udon and “shinkansen” sushi, delivered directly to your table via a bullet train system, to sumptuous hotpots, grilled meats, and even freshly baked goods from a bakery.

Munch on the rich flavours of the Middle East at Arab Street

Once a thriving hub for Arab merchants known for their trade prowess and philanthropy in education and community projects, Arab Street now hosts a lively culinary scene that mirrors its rich heritage.

At Pita Bakery, its flatbreads are baked following a traditional 700-year-old recipe free from preservatives. Its menu also features smooth, freshly blended hummus (chickpea-based dip) and baba ganoush (eggplant-based dip), as well as crispy falafel (chickpea fritters), each promising a burst of authentic flavours.

House of Kebab is another haven for Middle Eastern food aficionados. Noted for its shawarma, where the meat is sliced off a vertical grill, the eatery also serves kunafa — a buttery dessert made of finely spun pastry filled with cheese and topped with pistachios.

Pay tribute to Hong Kong's neon glory at Mongkok, Jurong Point

While Hong Kong’s iconic neon signs are slowly fading from its cityscape, you can relive the vibrant era — plus enjoy the rich culinary tradition — right here at Mongkok, a themed dining and shopping street located in Jurong Point.

There is a cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style café) here aptly named Legendary Hong Kong. Tuck into warm and still-crispy custard crust buns stuffed with a slab of ice-cold butter, (“bolo yau” in Cantonese), a classic comfort food enjoyed throughout the streets of Hong Kong. There are also dim sum, steamed rice rolls, congee, wanton noodles, roast meats, and the quintessential Hong Kong milk tea.

Take your taste buds on an Asian tour at HomeTeamNS

Beyond the bustling food streets and charming enclaves, HomeTeamNS clubhouses offer a unique opportunity to enjoy Asia’s diverse culinary delights — all without leaving the comfort of our recreational facilities.

Enjoy a tummy-warming hotpot dinner at Xiao Mu Deng, which pays tribute to the rich food culture of Chong Qing. This south-west region of China is known for mala with its spicy and numbing Sichuan peppercorns, and other hometown specialities, such as pig’s ear in red oil and green pepper fat intestines.

HomeTeamNS members enjoy 15% OFF total bill.

Say sawadeekap to Cheese Story Mookata Buffet previously located at the now-defunct Golden Mile Complex. In addition to an all-you-can-eat menu, it also serves a la cart items such as lala (clam) and prawn claypot, flambéed tableside in a signature wine broth (starting from $19.90 nett per pot) — perfect for sharing with friends and family.

 HomeTeamNS members enjoy 10% OFF total bill.

With over two decades of heritage, Karu’s Indian Banana Leaf Restaurant has become an establishment for traditional fish head curry, redolent with quality spices sourced from India. Other delectable dishes include chicken masala and mutton mysore, all to be enjoyed with fragrant rice served on banana leaf — and best eaten by hand.

HomeTeamNS members enjoy 15% OFF total bill.

After an active day conquering obstacles at HomeTeamNS Khatib’s four-storey Adventure HQ, fill your stomach with Japanese pub grub at Fuji Izakaya Bar. As you dive into mentaiko fries, yakitori and gyoza, continue the fun with darts and karaoke facilities within this casual eatery.

HomeTeamNS members enjoy 10% OFF total bill.

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