I used to always think that the only food spots at Tiong Bahru were at Tiong Bahru Market alongside a couple of quaint cafes scattered along the shophouses and boy was I wrong.
Little did I know, Tiong Bahru is actually the oldest housing estate in Singapore where both young and old flock for the food, shops and rich culture. This timeless district has lots to offer from wallet-friendly eateries and hawker gems to brunch cafes and atas restaurants.
As such, we’ve compiled 30 of the best food spots in Tiong Bahru that cater to all budgets so that you can embark on a gastronomic adventure.
1. Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
It’s no secret that Tiong Bahru Market is a vibrant food hub featuring a vast selection of Singaporean fare like wanton mee and prawn noodles.
What better way to start off this list than with Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice?
You may think that it looks just like every other plate of chicken rice but don’t let its appearance fool you. The Steamed Chicken with Fragrant Rice (S$4.80) comprises fragrant fluffy ginger and garlic rice, alongside tender chicken drenched in soy sauce with a side of tangy preserved vegetables.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍30 Seng Poh Rd, #02-82, Singapore 168898
🕐 10am–4pm (Wed to Sun), Closed on Mon and Tue
2. Kampong Chicken Eating House
Everyone knows that chicken rice is Singapore’s national dish (just look at the abundance of hawker stalls that we have islandwide).
What makes Kampong Chicken Eating House so special is that they actually use kampung chicken and cook it with tumeric, therefore resulting in a more tender and smooth meat with vibrant yellow skin in the Chicken Rice (S$5.30).
I like how this store also offers other side dishes like my favourite Sambal KangKong (S$8) and Homemade Barley (S$1.50) to wash it all down.
📍247 Outram Rd, Singapore 169047
🕐 10.45am–10pm (Sun to Fri), 10.45am–8pm (Sat)
3. Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice
Whenever I visit the cai fan store, I’d always ask for my rice to be drenched in curry sauce as it’s something that I simply can’t resist.
If you’re like me, Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice, a famous scissors cut curry eatery in Tiong Bahru Market is every curry lover’s dream.
The curry carries a fragrant aroma from the spices, coconut and ginger but is still light and creamy enough for those who are sensitive to spice. You have to eat it with a plate of Rice (S$0.80) and Pork Chop (S$2) or Braised Pork (S$2) to understand what the hype is all about.
📍 30 Seng Poh Rd, #02-67/68, Singapore 168898
🕐 8.30am–2.45pm (Daily)
4. Lor Mee 178
However, if you’re not feeling like rice that day, Lor Mee 178 also offers hefty servings of lor mee.
You know it’s legit when the storefront is decked out with accolades (it was listed “Michelin Plate” in Singapore’s Michelin Guide) featuring a simple menu selling Lor Mee (S$4) and Deep Fried Shark Nuggets (S$5).
Each nugget is fried to golden brown perfection and still retains a tender and fluffy interior. The gravy isn’t too starchy that you’d feel jelak but still rich and flavourful enough that it coats every noodle strand.
📍 30 Seng Poh Rd, #02-23, Singapore 168898
🕐 7am–1.45pm (Daily)
5. Skirt & Dirt
Did you know that you can get gourmet burgers using top quality beef cuts from Skirt & Dirt in Tiong Bahru Market?
You might notice that the Cheese Skirt Burger (starting from S$9.80) comes with a cheese “skirt” made with melted shaved cheddar. Top up an additional S$2 for the Dirt Fries comprising cajun powder, nacho cheese sauce, bacon bits, diced pickles and hot peppers that really brings on the heat.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍30 Seng Poh Rd, #02-66, Singapore 168898
🕐 11.30am–8pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon
6. Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries
I absolutely adore old school bakeries as they carry so many nostalgic memories from my childhood.
Luckily, Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries is one of those food spots in Tiong Bahru that sells handmade Hong Kong-style traditional pastries like the ones served at a cha chaan teng.
Get the signature Egg Tart (S$2.20) boasting over a hundred flaky layers along with a golden buttery crust. They also have other pastries such as the Polo Bun (S$2.20) and Roasted Chicken Pastry (S$2.20) with a sweet and savoury filling — totally up my alley.
Facebook | Instagram
📍18 Jln Membina, #01-06, Singapore 164018
🕐 7.30am–7.30pm (Daily)
7. Ah Chiang’s Porridge
This is one for the early birds — Ah Chiang’s Porridge is a breakfast spot that serves Cantonese-style congee porridge cooked over charcoal, giving it a smoky flavour.
Choose from the Century Egg Porridge (S$4) or Fish Porridge (S$4) reminiscent of home-cooked food. Or if you’re feeling extra peckish, get the Mixed Pork Porridge (S$4) jam-packed with minced meat, liver, intestine and more tasty goodness.
Facebook | Instagram
📍65 Tiong Poh Rd, Singapore 160065
🕐 6.15am–10pm (Daily)
8.Old Shifu Charcoal Porridge
If the queues at the previous stall are too long, Old Shifu Charcoal Porridge is just a four minutes walk away and uses a similar traditional charcoal cooking style.
Located right next to Tiong Bahru Market, you can get the Mixed Pork Porridge (S$5.50) or Century Egg Porridge (S$5.50). Although their dishes are simpler in taste as it carries milder seasoning, it still makes for a warm and comforting meal.
Every bowl of porridge has to come with a side of you tiao. Unlike other eateries, they offer the more substantial Stuffed You Tiao (S$4.80).
Facebook | Instagram
📍58 Seng Poh Rd, #01-17, Singapore 160058
🕐 7am–2.30pm (Daily), 5pm–9pm (Mon to Fri), 5pm–9.30pm (Sat & Sun)
9. Hong Kong Jin Tian Roast Meat
Nestled along Havelock Road, Hong Kong Jin Tian Roast Meat is a hawker stall that sells Cantonese-style roasted meats with the perfect ratio of crisp skin to glistening fat.
The Roasted Duck Noodle (S$4.50) isn’t gamey or dry but rather tender and succulent, especially when paired with the lemon or plum sauce that brings out the duck flavour even more.
However, we highly recommend taking it up a notch with the Roasted Duck Drumstick (S$10) — the best part of the duck.
📍22A Havelock Rd, #01-03, Singapore 161022
🕐 8am–6pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon
10. PastaGo
This is for anyone looking for a quick grab and go meal that’s also value-for-money.
PastaGo is a halal-certified takeaway kiosk serving housemade pasta with every dish cooked to order. You’ll get to DIY your own pasta bowl including the type of pasta, sauces and meat or veggies starting from just S$4.90.
There’s plenty of options to choose from. Think fettuccine or spaghetti, aglio olio and tomato marinara, grilled chicken or smoked salmon and more. I can foresee the hot pink (spicy tomato cream sauce) being my go-to for lunch whenever I’m looking for something tangy and spicy.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍 302 Tiong Bahru Rd, B1-123, Singapore 168732
🕐 11am–9pm (Daily)
11. Plain Vanilla
One of the artisanal bakeries that pops up whenever somebody mentions Tiong Bahru food spots is Plain Vanilla.
With a plethora of freshly baked sweet treats and beverages starting from just S$4, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
I’m talking about cinnamon brown cupcakes, croissants and muffins, blueberry and banana bread loaf, peanut butter brownie, and sliced cakes that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍1D Yong Siak St, Singapore 168641
🕐 7.30am–7pm (Daily)
12. Merci Marcel
Looking for brunch options?
Merci Marcel is a bohemian-style cafe with French Riviera and Balinese cafe inspired interiors featuring a lush garden glasshouse patio and alfresco terrace area — ideal for team luncheons or intimate gatherings.
You can look forward to equally aesthetic dishes like the Club Sandwich (S$21) or Tart Flambee #3 (S$27) which is a thin-crust pizza with comte cheese, truffle oil and artisanal Corsica coppa (salty, cured pork loin).
It’s the perfect place to wind down after a hectic week at work.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍56 Eng Hoon St, #01-68, Singapore 160056
🕐 8am–11pm (Sun to Wed), 8am–12am (Thu to Sat)
13. Caffe Pralet
Just a stone’s throw away from Merci Marcel, Caffe Pralet has flavour-packed sammies such as the Beef’in Cheese’in (S$15.50).
This sandwich is a literal mouthful as it is loaded with braised tender beef chuck, sharp cheddar and mozzarella, caramelised onions and baby spinach sandwiched in between a multigrain sourdough.
I’m actually more enticed by the Spam Bam (S$13) with paprika egg mayo salad, crisp spam, and jalapenos.
Don’t forget to get the Burnt Butter Honey Glaze Donut (S$3.80) with a fluffy interior and smoky glistening glaze sprinkled with sea salt.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍17 Eng Hoon St, #01-04 Eng Hoon Mansions, Singapore 169767
🕐 9am–6pm (Daily)
14. Prive
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian and always struggling to find good food spots in Tiong Bahru, you might want to read on.
Prive — just three minutes away from Caffe Pralet — has plenty of plant-based and vegetarian food options.
These include the Prive Sausage Muffin (S$15.50) with a plant-based sausage patty and vegan cheese and mayo in a muffin. You can even bring your fur babies along to dine (just make sure that you make a reservation to let them know beforehand).
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍57 Eng Hoon St, #01-88, Singapore 160057
🕐 8am–10.30pm (Daily)
15. Micro Bakery Kitchen
Decked out in terracotta red walls and wooden furnishings reminiscent of Mediterranean-style interior, Micro Bakery Kitchen is a rustic and cosy pet-friendly bakery.
They’re known for selling toasts like the Nut Butter Toast (S$8.50) comprising hazelnut, sunflower seed, almond and honey.
Alternatively, the popular Tomato Tartine (S$16) toast is presented with a generous spread of ricotta, tomato on vine and cherry tomatoes, topped with thai basil.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍78 Yong Siak St, #01-12, Singapore 163078
🕐8am–4pm (Wed to Sun), Closed on Mon and Tue
16. TIANN’S
I get it.
Sometimes you still want to feast without feeling guilty which is why you should consider TIANN’S for your next cafe haunt as they pride themselves on serving low sugar and gluten-free dishes.
This includes the Signature TIANN’S Waffles (S$24.50) where you can either go the savoury or sweet route. Choose from the Scottish smoked salmon, mash avocado, and dil yoghurt combo or the simple combination of organic maple syrup and French butter. They even have waffles and soft serve gelato with dairy free options for my lactose-intolerant pals.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍71 Seng Poh Rd, #01-35, Singapore 160071
🕐 8.30am–4.30pm (Tue to Sun), 8.30am–9.30pm (Fri), Closed on Mon
17. Drips Bakery
Established since 2010 in the heart of Tiong Bahru, Drips Bakery is a homegrown bakery that specialises in artisanal tarts using exotic fruits sourced from around the world.
Go for the signature Seasonal Fruit Tart (S$13.90) and taste the sweetness from the fresh fruits that perfectly compliments the subtle flavour of the Madagascar vanilla infused custard.
Personally, I’d choose the Fresh Yuzu (S$12) filled with tangy yuzu curd that’s balanced out with sweet meringue in a buttery tart.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍82 Tiong Poh Rd, #01-05, Singapore 160082
🕐 10am–10pm (Mon to Fri), 9am–10pm (Sat & Sun)
18. Little Elephant SG
I’m always up for some Thai food and Little Elephant SG is an authentic Thai restaurant offering plant-based meat dishes.
This includes the Stir Fried Impossible Minced Pork with Hot Basil (S$14.90) with the right balance of spices and seasoning that you won’t be able to tell apart from the real thing.
Besides that, I always have to get a bowl of creamy Tom Yum Kung (S$16.90) to accompany my carbs — it just hits different amongst the other Tiong Bahru food spots.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍57 Eng Hoon St, #01-72, Singapore 160057
🕐 11am–10.30pm (Sun to Thu), Fri & Sat (11am–11pm)
19. Breakfast Club
Ever wished that you could eat breakfast for dinner?
Breakfast Club is a retro diner featuring an all day breakfast menu with wallet-friendly prices. Start your day off with the Breakfast Plate (S$12.50) loaded with breakfast essentials like french toast, pork sausage, hash brown, scrambled eggs, sauteed mushrooms, and so much more. Otherwise, you can also top up an additional S$1 for pancakes.
Facebook | Instagram
📍302 Tiong Bahru Rd, #B1-135, Singapore 168732
🕐 9am–9pm (Daily)
20. House of Peranakan Petit
There’s no denying that traditional and authentic Peranakan cuisine is gradually becoming a rare gem over the years.
Fortunately for us, House of Peranakan Petit is a three generation business that serves homely Nyonya food.
Think: Ayam Buah Keluak (S$19), Babi Ponteh (S$18) and Assam Prawns (S$22). These dishes are especially hard-to-find as they use specific ingredients to elevate the taste like buah keluak nut, tangy tamarind and local aromatic spices.
Instagram | Website
📍42 Eng Hoon St, Estate 169785
🕐 12pm–3pm, 6pm–10pm (Mon, Wed to Sun), Closed on Tue
21. Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant
Up for supper?
Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant is a zi-char eatery that opens way past midnight everyday. They offer a variety of fresh seafood options from pomfret and cereal prawns to shellfish like crab, lobsters and clams.
Feast to your heart’s content with the many renditions of crab dishes including Fried Crab with Salted Egg (S$88.80), Black Pepper Crab (S$88.80), and Crab with Ginger and Onion (S$88.80).
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍55 Tiong Bahru Rd, #01-59, Singapore 160055
🕐 4pm–4am (Daily)
22. Long Ji Zi Char
Located just five minutes away from the previous eatery, Long Ji Zi Char is another zi-char eatery to consider especially if you’re looking to host big family celebrations like birthdays or corporate events.
Get the highly raved about signature Long Ji Bee Hoon Crab (S$159) with fresh crab and noodles packed with umami flavours.
Instagram | Website
📍253 Outram Rd, Singapore 169049
🕐 5.30pm–10.30pm (Daily)
23. Lucca’s Trattoria
Inspired by the Tuscan city, Lucca’s Trattoria serves authentic Tuscan cuisine with ingredients imported from Italy.
Take your palette on a journey with the Pappardelle Con Il Coniglio (S$35), a pasta dish served with rabbit stewed in red wine sauce or the classic Carbonara Guanciale (S$28).
I don’t find myself travelling to Italy anytime soon so hopefully this will satisfy all my pasta cravings in the meantime.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍77 Tiong Bahru Rd, Singapore 168727
🕐 12pm–11pm (Mon to Fri), 11.30am–11pm (Sat), 10.30am–9.30pm (Sun)
24. The Butcher’s Wife
It seems like Tiong Bahru has a number of restaurants with foods that cater to specific diets like The Butcher’s Wife.
They are a Brazilian inspired restaurant and natural wine bar with gluten-free options situated in the heart of Tiong Bahru.
Soak in a comforting and hearty bowl of Seafood Moqueca (S$40) — a Brazilian stew packed with seafood, bell peppers, and coconut milk that’s best enjoyed with garlic brown rice.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍19 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168650
🕐 12pm–3.30pm, 6pm–11pm (Tue to Fri), 11.30am–3.30pm, 6pm–11pm (Sat), 11.30am–3.30pm, 6pm–10.30pm (Sun)
25. Kelim Dakdoritang
You might have tried Kelim Dakdoritang, a popular Korean restaurant chain with over fifty outlets in South Korea.
But, did you know that there is an outlet in Tiong Bahru that also serves authentic Korean BBQ?
Regardless, you must order the signature Korean Spicy Garlic Chicken Stew (from S$39.90), which comes chock full of bone-in chicken pieces, vegetables, and a garlic “bomb” perfect for garlic lovers.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍55 Tiong Bahru Rd, #01-37, Singapore 160055
🕐 11.30am–3pm (Daily), 5.30pm–2am (Daily)
26. Bigmama Korean Restaurant
If you’ve been to every Korean BBQ restaurant in town, go for something new at Bigmama Korean Restaurant which specialises in Suyuk dishes.
It is essentially thinly sliced pork that has been steamed, resulting in a rich and deliciously moist meat.
The Suyuk comes in either a small set for S$30 or large set for S$55 (a pretty decent price if you ask me). Enjoy it like how you would a regular KBBQ — wrapped in lettuce with thin cloves of garlic and a heaping spoon of ssamjang.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍 2 Kim Tian Rd, Singapore 169244
🕐 11.30am–3pm, 5.30pm–10.30pm (Daily)
27. Torio
I’ll leave it up to you — there’s just something so thrilling about omakase that we can’t seem to get enough of.
Torio has value-for-money omakase starting from S$98 boasting three kinds of appetisers, cold entree, sashimi, hot entree and more.
The restaurant also uses creative cooking techniques and luxe ingredients like uni, fresh Sawara mackerel and Hotaru Ika — a Japanese delicacy with savoury, briny flavour.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍50 Tiong Bahru Rd, #01-01 Link Hotel, Singapore 168733
🕐 11.45am–2.30pm, 6pm–10pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon
28. Kyoten Japanese Cuisine
Are you ready for a gastronomic adventure?
Kyoten Japanese Cuisine features an omakase menu using high end produce from Japanese seafood markets.
The omakase starts from S$90 comprising a seasonal appetiser, Chef’s Nigiri sushi, Chef’s finishing dish and much more.
However, if you’re there only for lunch, they do have lunch sets like the Aburi Don (S$34) that comes with salmon sashimi with premium salmon roe on Miyagi steamed rice.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍 5 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168643
🕐 11.30am–2.30pm, 5.30pm–10pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon
29. Canjob Taproom
Wash it all down with some drinks at Canjob Taproom — a homely bar offering local and international craft beers, cocktails and quality liquor.
Get this: they have takeaway options starting from S$10 like The 1925 Black Rabbit Milk Stout. Albeit a smaller venue compared to the other Tiong Bahru food spots, it still makes for a nice hangout spot with a chill ambience.
Facebook | Instagram
📍50 Tiong Bahru Rd, #01-03 – 168733 Link Hotel, Singapore 168733
🕐 5pm–10.30pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon
30. Tiong Bahru Bakery
We can’t end this Tiong Bahru food listicle without mentioning the most famous French artisanal bakery in Singapore, Tiong Bahru Bakery.
This bakery needs no introduction having garnered a cult following over the years.
We’re all familiar with their croissants including the Almond Croissant (S$5.80) and Green Tea Croissant (S$6.50). They also offer savoury options like the Brie and Roasted Mushroom Croissants (S$12.60) — a great way to get your day going.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍56 Eng Hoon St, #01-70, Singapore 160056
🕐 7.30am–8pm (Daily)
Even though Tiong Bahru isn’t a place I travel to often, the plethora of eateries it has to offer does seem enticing enough for me to make a trip down.
Which of these food spots in Tiong Bahru do you plan to frequent first?
For more lifestyle updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @confirmgood.
Sugar, spice, and everything nice 😼