20 must-try Muslim-friendly spots in Singapore

Searching for Muslim-friendly food in Singapore? Not to worry; there are plenty of such spots across our little lively island — from punchy, aromatic Malay-Muslim cuisine to a plethora of others such as Western, Thai, Indonesian and even Turkish.

If you’re having trouble choosing from so many options, we’re more than happy to help! Here, we present to you 20 must-try Muslim-friendly spots in Singapore so good you’ll definitely wow your friends with your knowledge the next time they jio you out to makan.

Be sure to check if a spot is MUIS-Halal certified via this website. Happy dining!

1. Jtown Cafe

Jtown Cafe is a Muslim-owned Indonesian eatery in Midpoint Orchard that serves up solid bowls of bakmie and bakso. Seriously, I have been frequenting this spot ever since I first tried their fare while working on an affordable Orchard eats listicle.

Jtown Cafe’s menu features 7 types of bakmie, each starring their handmade wheat-based noodles topped with choy sum, shallots and chicken cooked in different styles. My personal favourite is the Bakmie Ayam Crispy (S$7.50) — drizzled with kecap manis, the savoury-sweet, mildly spicy chicken cutlet pairs wonderfully with the chewy noodles.

Those looking to challenge their spice game can opt for the fiery Bakmie Ayam Ijo Jtown (S$7.50) or the Bakmie Ayam Balado Jtown (S$7.90), which are embellished with green chilli and balado respectively.

Complete your meal with a bowl of peppery Bakso Sapi (S$2.20 for 3 pieces, S$6.50 for 8 pieces) or end it on a sweet note with some Martabak Manis in flavours like Chocolate (S$7.90), Butter Sugar (S$7.90) and Cheese (S$8.50).

220 Orchard Road, Midpoint Orchard, #B1-04/05, Singapore 238852
+65 9230 5040
Tue to Thu & Sun: 11.45am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 11.45am – 8.15pm
Closed on Mon
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2. Al-Ameen

Westies should be familiar with the bustling Bukit Timah supper stretch along Cheong Chin Nam Road. Of the many eateries that sate those late-night hunger pangs, Al-Ameen is a crowd favourite.

The reason’s simple; this Muslim-owned establishment has a gargantuan menu of over 300 dishes that cater to your every craving. Indian, Malay, Thai, Western and local cuisines… Al-Ameen has them all.

Before you gravitate to their selection of (undoubtedly delicious) prata by default, you must give their naan a go. While you can’t go wrong with the classic Plain Naan (S$1.80) and Butter Naan (S$2.50), my personal favourites are the fragrant Garlic Naan (S$3.50) and especially the Cheese Naan (S$4.50), which is stuffed to the brim with stretchy mozzarella cheese. What’s more, each basket of fluffy, chewy naan comes in a huge portion.

Pair your naan with the creamy Butter Chicken (S$8), which sees a generous portion of tender chicken chunks doused in a fragrant, savoury-sweet sauce. Another infallible complement is the Palak Paneer (S$9), which lends a nutty contrast to the bread.  

4 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599729
+65 6465 1000
Daily: 8am – 3am
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3. Wooly’s Bagels

It’s never a bad day for a fresh bagel stuffed with ingredients, and that’s exactly what you can get at Wooly’s Bagels. This highly-raved bagel biz is Muslim-owned, and has 3 outlets at Arab Street, Joo Chiat and Rangoon Road.

The menu features 8 different bagelwiches, and you’ll get to choose the type of bagel you want: Plain, Cheese or Sesame.

Go for the GTFBagel (S$10.80) — short for Get The Freakin’ Bagel — which is stuffed with chicken ham slices, fluffy eggs, crispy hashbrowns and a creamy truffle mayo. If you’d like to shake up your bagel game a little, opt for the amusingly-named 5C’s of Singapore (S$15.50). No, not the 5C’s you’re familiar with; at Wooly’s, it represents charred chipotle chutney cajun chicken and it’s sandwiched with eggs in a bagel.

An infallible option is the good ol’ Bagel & Lox (S$16.80), which I got on a Sesame bagel. This classic creation is filled with savoury smoked salmon and fragrant house-made herb cream cheese along with red onions, capers and dill that lend contrast to the rich flavours. A simple, satisfying meal indeed.

89 Rangoon Road, #01-03, Singapore 218375
Daily: 10.30am – 8.30pm

162 Joo Chiat Road, #01-02, Singapore 427437
Daily: 9.30am – 7.30pm

27 Arab Street, Singapore 199726
Daily: 10.30am – 8.30pm
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4. Chopstix & Rice

Chopstix & Rice is a wildly popular halal-certified Indonesian restaurant in the basement of Suntec City that has been doling out hearty plates of nasi padang since their opening in 2002. They’ve got a pretty interesting dual menu concept that offers quick, fuss-free nasi padang sets in the day and a curated range of signature dishes perfect for family dinners at night.

At the restaurant’s helm is Madam Loij, who boasts decades of culinary prowess and the title of ‘Master of Rendang’. You know what that means: the Beef Rendang (S$15.90) must not be skipped.

Some other noteworthy signatures include the Ayam Lemak (S$10.90) — tender chicken simmered in an aromatic golden curry with chilli padi, makrut lime leaf and lemongrass, as well as the Ayam Goreng Belado (S$10.90), a dish of fried chicken complemented by a fiery belado sauce.

Must-tries for the seafood lovers include Ikan Steamed Halia (S$22.90), Fried Seabass with Belado (S$22.90) and the award-winning Assam Fish Head (S$29.90), which stars fresh red grouper head in a flavourful medley of tamarind, laksa leaves and a luscious house-made chilli paste. 

3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City, #B1-100/101, Singapore 038983
+65 6803 6021
Mon to Fri: 11am – 4pm & 5pm – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 9.30pm
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5. Ayasofya Turkish Restaurant

While the bustling Kampong Glam has no shortage of Turkish restaurants, Ayasofya Turkish Restaurant stands as the area’s most popular, with a steady stream of customers day in and day out.

The Muslim-owned establishment specialises in 100% authentic Turkish fare prepared by experienced Turkish chefs, boldly crowning itself as the best Turkish restaurant in Singapore. What better way to find out if that’s true than trying them out yourself?

Whet your appetite with some Falafel (S$14.90) or Hummus Lamb (S$21.90), which you can pair with some fluffy Balloon Bread (S$8.90) or Zaatar Bread (S$11.90).

If you’re dining out in a group of meat lovers, ball out on some Mixed Grill (S$64.90 for 2 pax, S$142.90 for 4 pax, $275 for 8 pax), a substantial platter of succulent lamb and chicken kebabs served with butter rice and a generous portion of vegetable salad. Those who want to keep it simple can opt for the humble Pita (S$22.90), which is stuffed with shawarma meat, sauce and vegetables then served with fries.

Of course, who could forget an order of Kunefe (S$14.90) for dessert? Served with some luscious cream or ice cream, this delightful creation of shredded phyllo pastry baked with cheese and syrup is a rite of passage for anyone trying out Turkish food for the first time.

51 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199467
+65 9134 0468
Daily: 11am – 11pm
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6. Puncak

Nestled high up on the fifth floor of Far East Plaza is Puncak, a halal-certified establishment that touts its noodles as, simply, the best. Well, they’ve made it to this list, and what you have our word on is that they serve what many regard as the most wonderful fried wantons and noodles.

Have you ever had wantons where the skin’s so thick you felt like you were simply eating deep-fried flour? That’s absolutely not the case for Puncak’s Fried Wanton (S$7/S$10). These addictive morsels are stuffed with prawn paste and fried to golden brown perfection, with a crunch so satisfying even the fussiest eaters will be pleased. Enjoy them on their own with some sweet sauce, or get the Fried Wanton Noodles (S$6).

Another popular item is the Honey Dew Chicken Noodles (S$7), which — interestingly — does not contain the fruit. Instead, the name comes from the sweet, honey-esque gravy that coats the noodles, and the chicken’s marinade.

That aside, Puncak also has a great variety of zi char-style dishes on their menu. Chicken/Seafood Hor Fun (S$7), Sweet n Sour Fish (S$8.50) and Claypot Rice (S$8) — you name it, they probably have it.

14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, #05-94, Singapore 228213
+65 6738 4348
Wed to Fri & Sun to Mon: 11.30am – 9pm
Sat: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Closed on Tue
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7. NaNa Thai Restaurant

If you’re in town and find yourself craving some solid Thai food, NaNa Thai Restaurant at Far East Plaza is the eatery to head to. This halal-certified restaurant on the 4th floor isn’t to be confused with the identically-named Nana Original Thai Food on the 1st floor.

Great news for those with big appetites, the servings here lean large and are extremely value-for-money.

Served with prawns and a slice of lime, NaNa Thai’s authentic take on Pad Thai (S$8/S$16/S$24) is sure to transport you to sunny Thailand on first taste. Of course, you must get a piping hot portion of their Tom Yam Seafood Soup (S$12/S$24/S$36) as well. The spicy shiok soup is served in sizable claypots and comes packed with generous amounts of fresh prawns and fish slices.

If you’re still torn on what to get, order off the Chef’s recommendations, which includes dishes like the hearty Curry Fish Head (S$28.80), Oat Prawn (S$18/S$28/S$38) and Pandan Cream Sauce Chicken (S$12/S$23/S$30). Personally, I’d totally order the latter out of sheer curiosity.

14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, #04-22/23/24, Singapore 228213
+65 6333 8263
Sun to Fri: 11am – 9.30pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
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8. Tang Tea House

Tang Tea House is a halal-certified restaurant chain that prides itself on serving up authentic Chinese food for Muslims to enjoy. With 5 outlets islandwide, it’s easy for you to make a trip down for a taste of their delicious dim sum and zi char fare.

All of Tang Tea House’s dim sum are expertly prepared by Shanghainese chefs and Muslim cooks, which explains why we’ve heard only great things about it.

Must-tries include the delicate Shanghai Chicken Xiao Long Bao (S$5 for 4 pieces), Chicken & Prawn Siew Mai (S$4.70 for 3 pieces), BBQ Chicken Bun (S$4.50 for 3 pieces), Deep Fried Shrimp Dumplings (S$5.20 for 3 pieces) and the Golden Sand Bun (S$5 for 3 pieces), which oozes luscious salted egg custard.

In the zi char arena, you can find delectable dishes like the Roasted Chicken Rice (S$5.10) and their signature Pan-fried Crispy Bee Hoon (S$13/S$19) — dishes that Tang Tea House promises ‘will leave you wanting more’.

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
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9. Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant

Dining experiences are made only better by magnificent views, and you can count on Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant to give you a feast for both your belly and your eyes. Situated right on a jetty at Woodlands Waterfront Park, the halal-certified restaurant offers you a picturesque view of the Johor skyline. You can even go on a leisurely stroll along the jetty after your meal.

You’ll be impressed by the sheer variety of items available on Rasa Istimewa’s menu. From noodle and rice dishes to poultry and seafood cooked in different styles, hotplates, soups and even Western delights, the restaurant really does offer everything. Good luck deciding on what to eat!

As someone who’s dined plenty at waterside seafood restaurants, I’ll tell you that the perfect thing to feast on is, well, seafood. You won’t go wrong with some Sambal Chilli Sotong (S$16/S$26), Cereal Prawn (S$30/S$42) and, of course, some Chilli or Black Pepper Crab (seasonal prices).

6A Admiralty Road West, Woodlands Waterfront Park, Singapore 757445
+65 6366 9339
Daily: 12pm – 11.30pm
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10. HJH Maimunah Restaurant

Serving up unpretentious halal-certified Malay cuisine that is delicious yet reasonably priced, HJH Maimunah Restaurant has often been described as a ‘must-try’ restaurant — even by the Michelin guide!

Their flagship restaurant can be found at Jalan Pisang, with another in Joo Chiat and numerous kopitiam offshoots islandwide. They even cater for big-scale events, such as weddings and other special occasions.

Enjoy your nasi padang with all the fixings piled onto a single plate, or have it as a hidang — where each dish is served to you on a smaller plate, just like a mini banquet!

Be sure to try their signature Beef Rendang (S$4.50 per piece) and their Ayam Bakar Sunda (S$5 per piece), which is chicken doused in a sweet-savoury kecap manis. Another must-get is the irresistible Sayur Lodeh (S$5/S$7), a concoction of vegetables simmered in a creamy, aromatic coconut broth.

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
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12 best halal buffets in Singapore to suit & satisfy every palate

11. Spize

Do you find yourself frequently wrestling those late-night hunger pangs? If so, Spize is an absolute godsend. This halal-certified spot nestled in Bedok serves up quality, value-for-money grub in a variety of cuisines — from local to Thai, Indian, Western and even Mediterranean — that will put those cravings to rest.

Dang, writing about this is making me wish I lived in the East!

You’re guaranteed to be torn for choice when you’re at Spize. If we could recommend one thing, it’d be the Spize “Star” Burger (S$15.90). A hefty 200g Angus beef patty is topped off with a glorious fried egg, caramelised onions, melted cheddar cheese and burger sauce, then sandwiched between a golden brioche bun — a real taste bud pleaser, to say the least.

336 Bedok Road, Bedok Shopping Complex, Singapore 469512
+65 6337 7493
Sun to Thu: 11am – 2am
Fri & Sat: 11am – 3am
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12. Al-Azhar

Another one for the night owls! I’m sure Al-Azhar needs no introduction. Situated just a few stores down from Al-Ameen (#2 on this list) along Cheong Chin Nam Road, this halal-certified spot is perpetually packed with hungry customers, especially when supper time rolls around.

Don’t be deceived by its small kitchen size; the restaurant churns out dishes of many cuisines: Thai, Western, Malay and Indian. You’ll definitely find something that suits your palate here.

Al-Azhar is one of my favourite places to get Maggie Goreng (S$7.10) in Singapore, as the springy noodles are seasoned immaculately and accompanied by vegetables stir-fried so well there isn’t even a trace of that earthy rawness I hate. Another item that I enjoy (literally) tearing into is the crispy Cheese Prata (S$5.10), which is filled with gooey, savoury cheese.

That aside, I also recommend the Butter Chicken Masala (S$14.30), which is creamy and chock-full of juicy chicken chunks. Don’t forget some fragrant Egg Dum Briyani (S$11.90), too.

11 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599736
+65 6466 5052
Daily: 7am – 3am
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13. Peppermint

Located in the luxurious PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay is Peppermint (formerly AquaMarine), one of the most highly-regarded halal-certified buffets in Singapore. This all-day dining spot flaunts a lush garden theme, with plenty of greenery at every corner and a farm-to-table concept, courtesy of its in-house Urban Farm.

Peppermint’s buffet is priced at S$82++ for weekday lunch, S$98++ for weekday dinner, S$86++ for weekend lunch and S$112++ for weekend dinner. Come with an empty stomach and expect nothing short of a tantalising feast of both Asian and International favourites.

Treat yourself to a smorgasbord of fresh seafood such as Sustainable Tiger Prawns and Half-shell Scallops, or indulge in some homely yet mind-blowingly delicious fare like Lamb Rendang and Chilli Crab Prawn at the Asian counter.

6 Raffles Boulevard, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Level 4, Singapore 039594
+65 6845 1111
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
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14. Tipo Pasta Bar

You’re probably already familiar with Tipo. This Muslim-owned pasta bar is easily one of Singapore’s most popular. The main attraction? Fresh handmade pasta priced at a fraction of those at other Italian establishments. It’s no wonder that their 6 restaurants are booked and busy everyday.

New day, new pasta options — that’s how they roll. Step into the restaurant and you’ll see the day’s pasta options laid out on racks for your perusal.

Believe it or not, their ever-popular Build Your Own Pasta option is priced from an affordable S$9.90! Your choice of pasta (served al dente) is paired with your choice of sauce from the likes of Alfredo, Beef Ragu (S$5), Pesto (S$3) and my personal favourite Pink Sauce. Then, top it off with some free toppings like Chilli Flakes and Garlic Chips.

Of course, if you’d like, zhng up your plate with some tantalising fixings like Sous Vide Egg (S$2.50), Truffle Oil (S$3.50), Smoked Duck (S$5) or even some boujee Salmon Caviar (S$5.50).

For the indecisive, there are also fixed house specials such as the Classy Carbonara (S$19.90) and the rich and tangy Seafood Sensation (S$21.90) that’s bathed in a crimson Pomodoro sauce and topped with tiger prawns and white clams.

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
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15. Restaurant Aisyah

Restaurant Aisyah is a rather unique addition to the Muslim-friendly food scene in Singapore. This Muslim-owned Chinese restaurant situated at Arab Street brings a niche of Xinjiang cuisine. Think dishes like la mian, dumplings, mutton, brisket and seasoned skewers.

If you’ve been hankering for a piping hot bowl of noodles, opt for some hearty Tender Beef Shank Noodles (S$16.90) — hand-pulled la mian in a flavourful broth that will satiate you at an instant. The Melt-Off-The-Bone Mutton Noodles (S$16.90) offers the same robustness, except it’s accentuated with a gentle gamey whisper.

For those nursing a craving for dumplings, it’s a no-brainer to head for the Spicy Sauce Dumplings (S$15.90). Handmade in-house daily, these morsels shower your tastebuds with the most glorious spice-tinged flavour explosions.

25 Arab Street, Singapore 199724
+65 8900 0783
Daily: 11.30am – 9pm
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16. Working Title Cafe

A stalwart of the Muslim-friendly cafe scene, Working Title started off as a burger bar but has since begun to dish out brunch, pizza and coffee on top of their specialty burgers. While they used to have 2 outlets, the Muslim-owned establishment is now nestled comfortably in LASALLE College of the Arts.

You should definitely go for what Working Title has perfected: their oh-so-juicy burgers. A popular choice is the Baconator (S$16, S$18 with fries), a hefty creation that features a succulent beef patty, smoky turkey bacon, lettuce, cheddar, BBQ sauce and caramelised onions.

If you’re not huge on beef, go for a Fit Bird (S$15, S$17 with fries) or Captain Jacked (S$16, S$18 with fries) — starring crispy fried chicken lathered in hot sauce and battered barramundi adorned with tartar sauce respectively.

1 McNally Street, LASALLE College of the Arts, Block D, #01-01, Singapore 187940
+65 9436 2482
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
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17. Cherry & Oak

The opening of Cherry & Oak in 2021 was a welcome surprise for fans of Muslim-owned steakhouse extraordinaire Asap & Co. Meat aficionados clamoured to see how the smoked meat experts expanded on their empire then, and continue to flock to the Farrer Park cafe today.

What better way to treat yourself and your friend group than with Cherry & Oak’s signature smoked meat platters? Get the Irish Duck (S$88) — 2kg of succulent, slow-cooked Silver Hill duck from Ireland well-suited for 3 to 4 pax. Each platter includes 4 portions of nasi lemak bakar, AKA burnt nasi lemak.

Another popular option is the Flanken Ribs Platter (S$90), which consists of Black Angus beef flanken ribs, smoked rainbow sausages, smoked chicken wings and smoked brisket, along with roti bakar and salad.

95 Owen Road, Singapore 218907
+65 9119 4074
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Closed on Mon
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18. Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak

If the title of ‘best nasi lemak’ was for me to award, Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak would win hands down. This Muslim-owned stall in Adam Road Food Centre is one of Singapore’s most popular, and you’ll know it the moment you face their snaking queues.

The star of the show at Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak is the nasi itself, prepared with premium basmati rice. Cooked in coconut milk till it’s wonderfully fragrant, it’s good enough to enjoy on its own or with their piquant sambal.

You can find 7 different nasi lemak sets on the menu. A sensible choice (and also my go-to) is the Full House (S$6), which includes a fried egg, a crispy chicken wing, otah, fried ikan bilis and peanuts. Or else, a simple Fish/Chicken Wing Meal (S$5) could satisfy you just right.

2 Adam Road, Adam Road Food Centre, #01-02, Singapore 289876
+65 9843 4509
Sat to Thu: 7am – 3pm
Closed on Fri

603 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, Singapore 560603
+65 9843 4509
Sat to Thu: 7.30am – 1pm
Closed on Fri

19. Ashes Burnnit

One of the most amazing things to have come out of the hawker scene over the past few years is the emergence of Western joints serving up quality grub for a younger audience. Ashes Burnnit is no exception, with its handcrafted gourmet burgers.

The Muslim-owned business saw humble beginnings in Golden Mile Food Centre, but has since grown to an impressive total of 6 outlets islandwide.

We recommend the Truffle Shroom Burger (S$10 for single patty, S$13.50 for double), a hefty handheld delight served with a side of crispy fries. It stars an earthy truffle cream sauce that wonderfully complements rustic savouriness of the sautéed mushrooms and a juicy, savoury homemade patty that is grilled beautifully.

Be warned, the indulgent Grilled Chicken Mac & Cheese (S$8) is also seriously addictive!

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
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20. MeatDrop

While we’re talking modern hawker developments, MeatDrop is a Muslim-owned one that specialises in premium grilled meats like chicken and steak. The stall, housed in a Joo Chiat coffeeshop, is an extension of a Muslim-owned meat supplier of the same name.

Enjoy the grilled meats on their own with a side of fries with an order of Chicken Chop (S$12.90) or some exquisite Australian Wagyu Steak (S$21.90) if you’re feeling boujee. Cooked to a perfect medium rare, the steak will have you awed and questioning if you’re dining at a hawker centre or a restaurant.

Now, how about some Charcoal Grilled Wagyu Nasi Lemak Hijau (S$19.90)? The dish sees your steak paired with some fragrant, pandan-laced nasi lemak. Of course, you can opt for the Fried Chicken Wing (S$5), Chicken Chop (S$6) and Ayam Berempah (S$8) variations instead if you’re not down for a splurge.

82 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427379
+65 9456 7004
Daily: 11.30am – 9pm
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