Wish to stretch your culinary horizons? Singapore’s food scene is actually packed with hidden gems beyond the usual cafes, Korean BBQ, and hotpot spots. Here are 6 underrated cuisines that deserve a spot on your foodie bucket list.
1. African
African cuisine is far more diverse than many people realise. It is known for its bold spices, smoky grilled meats, rich stews, fragrant rice dishes, and comforting cassava staples. Maize and plantains. If you like spicy, tangy, robust flavours, African cuisine is one that you should not miss!
Phams African Kitchen (Home Delivery)
Phams African Kitchen offers an exciting dinner menu that lets you sample a wide range of African delights at affordable prices. All their food is Halal and home-cooked, so everyone can enjoy the comforting taste of African cuisine in Singapore!
One of their specialty is Okra Soup, served with Fufu (S$20). Fufu is a staple, dough-like dish made by pounding and cooking starchy root vegetables, a perfect dipping companion. Other than that, they also offer dishes like Peppered Goat with Smoky Jollof (S$30) that deliver a punch of flavours.
As they are a home-based business, they are only taking online delivery orders through their WhatsApp number +65 8595 4967.
Pham African Kitchen
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🕒 Delivery time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm (Mon, Wed to Sat), Closed on Tuesdays & Sundays
2. Slavic Cuisine
Slavic cuisine is comfort food at its finest. They centred around handmade dumplings, hearty soups, smoky meats, fresh breads, and rich stews that warm you up instantly. The flavours are simple but deeply satisfying. If you love comforting, home-style meals with plenty of character, Slavic food is definitely worth exploring!
Kapitan
Kapitan brings the comfort and character of Eastern Europe to your table, serving slow-cooked goulash, handmade dumplings, and house-made kompot. Try their signature Ukrainian Borscht (S$14), a traditional beetroot soup full of soul. Other must-try dishes are their Uzbek Plov (S$29), advertised as ‘Angmoh Briyani’, and a classic Siberian Pelmeni (S$12) that is served with a dollop of sour cream for that comforting contrast of flavours.
Pair your meal with Kvass (S$10) or Kompot (S$10) —traditional in-house drinks that complete the authentic Slavic dining experience.
Kapitan
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📍32 Maxwell Rd, #01-05 Maxwell Chambers, Singapore 069115
🕒 11am – 3pm (Tues to Sun), 5.30pm – 10.30pm (Tues to Sun), Closed on Mon
3. Lebanese Cuisine
Lebanese cuisine is all about bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and dishes made for sharing. Expect smoky grilled meats, creamy hummus, fluffy pita, tangy pickles, and plenty of herbs and spices that make every bite feel vibrant and comforting at the same time. Lebanese food strikes the perfect balance between hearty and refreshing.
Le Rida
Le Rida is one of those spots where you can order a bit of everything, and somehow it all works together. Their menu mixes Mediterranean, French, and Indian flavours, from smoky grilled meats and mezze to comforting curries and tandoori dishes.
Some standouts include the Shirazy Kebab (S$22), Palak Chicken (S$17), and fragrant Mutton Biryani (S$21). There are also vegetarian options like the Butter Paneer Masala (S$17), which is creamy, rich, and just as satisfying.
Le Rida
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📍 903 Bukit Timah Road Singapore 589620
🕒10.30am – 2.30pm (Mon to Fri), 5pm – 11pm (Mon to Fri), 11am – 11pm (Sat to Sun)
4. Filipino cuisine
Filipino food deserves more hype for its bold, comforting flavours and unique mix of sweet, savoury, tangy, and smoky elements all in one meal. From crispy lechon and savoury adobo to rich stews and iced desserts, Filipino food is hearty, flavourful, and built for sharing with family and friends.
Lola J Kusinang Pinoy
Lola J serves the kind of Filipino food that is hearty, comforting, and packed with bold flavours. Some must-tries include the sizzling Pork Sisig (S$12 for Small), crispy Lechon Kawali (S$12 for Small), comforting Bulalo (S$30 for Medium), and tangy Sinigang (S$12 for Small). If you want something extra filling, the Adobo Fried Rice (S$12 for Small) and classic Tapsilog (S$14) are solid comfort food choices.
End your meal on a sweet note with their Halo-Halo (S$5.50), a popular Filipino shaved-ice dessert loaded with sweet toppings and perfect for Singapore’s heat.
Lola J Kusinang Pinoy Restaurant
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📍50 E Coast Rd, #01-80 Roxy Square 1, Singapore 428769
🕒 10.30am – 2.30pm (Mon to Tues), 3.30pm – 9pm (Mon to Tues), 10.30am – 9.30pm (Wed to Sun)
5. Burmese cuisine
Expect flavour-packed noodles, hearty curries, pickled tea leaf salads, and soups that are tangily addictive. If you love bold Southeast Asian flavours but want to try something different from the usual Thai or Vietnamese food, Burmese cuisine is a hidden gem worth discovering.
Mandalay Style Restaurant
Mandalay Style Restaurant is a spot to visit when you want a proper taste of traditional Burmese food. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, their menu is packed with comforting noodle and rice staples, with a wide range of traditionally marinated proteins that are hard to find elsewhere in Singapore.
Go for the hearty Mandalay Style Kyay Oh Si Chat (S$10.50), rich Kachin Style Chicken Curry (S$13), or the tender Burmese Braised Pork Belly (S$18). If you want something lighter, the refreshing Nan Gyi Salad (S$7.50) brings a punchy mix of noodles, spices, and fresh ingredients that make Burmese cuisine so interestingly addictive.
Mandalay Style Myanmar Restaurant
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📍B1-01 Peninsula Plaza, Singapore
🕒 11am – 10pm (Mon to Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat), 9am-10pm (Sun)
6. South Latin cuisine
South American cuisine offers a vibrant culinary adventure that beautifully balances bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and rich comfort foods. Get ready to find heavily corn- and chilli-dominant foods with fresh herb seasoning.
Cudo
Cudo is a vibrant restaurant serving modern Latin soul food inspired by New York’s Latino communities and coastal journeys. They offer different menus, from a 2-course express lunch set and brunch menu to a sharing menu for dinner.
Some of their signatures include Cudo Cado (S$14) made with Cotijia cheese, Warm Crab Queso (S$18), Torched Truffadito (S$27), “Disco” Fries (S$16), and signature cocktails like the saffron-laced Noche Tropical (S$18) to go with your mains.
End off with their desserts such as the Coconut Tres Leches (S$14), which offers a velvety, tropical coconut flavour that is the perfect balance of sweetness.
Cudo
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📍13 Stanley St, Singapore 068732
🕒 11.30am – 10.30pm (Mon to Thurs), 11.30am – 11.30pm (Fri & Sat), Closed on Sunday
The next time you are stuck deciding what to eat, skip the usual fast food or cafe brunch and try something completely different instead. You might just discover your next comfort food in a plate of Filipino sisig or a hearty Slavic stew. After all, some of the best meals come from cuisines you never expected to fall in love with.
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