11 must-try Halal-certified spots in Singapore

Searching for Halal-certified 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 11 must-try Halal-certified spots in Singapore so good you’ll definitely wow your friends with your knowledge the next time they jio you out to makan.

Do note that all these restaurants have been MUIS halal-certified, as per this website. Happy dining!

1. Charr’d 

Let’s start with a bang. Charr’d really is an experience like nothing else. Some lore for you: They import their A5 Kuroge Wagyu beef directly from Japan itself. Specifically from Mie and Tokushima prefectures. For those of you who aren’t aware, Wagyu doesn’t always come from Japan. In fact, many of the slightly cheaper varieties labelled wagyu come from Australia. The beef at Charr’d is definitely from Japan. They even have receipts (literally).

Here are some dish recommendations to try at Charr’d. For starters, the A5 Wagyu Cubes (S$32). Now, you might think this is crazy for a first purchase, but it gives you a taste of true and proper wagyu. Honestly, a taste is enough for most people.

For the mains, the Butcher’s Secret (S$44). This main is a grilled hanger steak, said to be a cut of steak butchers kept for themselves for years. While it is no wagyu, it is still a premium cut and grade of Australian beef. Another dish I’d suggest is the Charr’d Octopus (S$38). It comes with some fresh salsa, a punchy sauce, and of course, the charred octopus.

As you can see, they take their name very seriously and literally. Almost every dish, including the starters, had been kissed by flames. This restaurant is quite pricey, so this is definitely meant for a special occasion.

Price: S$32 – S$80

Key highlights: Butcher’s Secret

Changi Road, #324F, Singapore 419799
+65 8031 4122
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Closed on Mon
Facebook | Instagram | Website

2. The White Label

Maybe you want something familiar, yet completely different. An experience you likely would never associate with one another. Malay and French fusion. I know you’re already doubting, but trust me: The White Label is worth your attention. French techniques meet the powerhouse that is Malay flavours. Together, they make a devastating duo that is sure to scintillate your taste buds.

Here are a few of the many dishes worth tasting. Firstly, we start with a staple in any French brasserie. Their Cherrywood Filet Mignon (S$52) is definitely a showstopper. A classic cut of high-quality beef, blanketed by a bouncy cloud of fragrant cherrywood smoke – all while being encased in a glass dome. The waiter brings forth this dish to you and reveals the steak beneath all of the aromatic fog. As the smoke dissipates, the steak is revealed to you in all its glory.

Now for my personal favourite, Squid Ink Spaghetti (S$35). I can hear you roll your eyes, and I don’t blame you! But this is much different from the dish you’ll find at almost every restaurant. Mainly, they use Sambal Sotong Hitam instead of normal squid. It’s literally a dish within a dish. You get notes of lemongrass, that deep fermented taste of shrimp paste, and the bouncy yet firm squid.

You will find many dishes like this that amalgamate with traditional European dishes to elevate them beyond their limits. I know you can’t beat a classic, but these dishes certainly come close.

Price: S$35 – S$52

Key highlights: Squid Ink Spaghetti, Cherrywood Filet Mignon

101 Jln Sultan, #01-02 The Sultan
+65 8202 2358
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

3. Mutiara Seafood by JUMBO Group

This spot sits at the heart of Malay culture in Singapore. At Wisma Geylang Serai, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better elevated, halal-certified restaurant than Mutiara Seafood. They serve traditional Chinese dishes, cooking a variety of meats on their charcoal grill. If you love a good barbecue but hate the mess and effort, this is the spot to get your grill on. While you’re there, why not do some shopping? Wisma Geylang Serai has some of the oldest, most traditional shops that have stood for years. Bask in Malay heritage while you enjoy your meal.

Here are some staples recommended by many customers. Their Signature Chilli Crab (S$78++). The pricing depends largely on the size and type of crab, with more premium options costing more. This is a quintessential pick for any seafood establishment. Or for a lighter, more wallet-friendly choice, you can try their Crispy Fried Baby Squid (S$19.20). These are just some of the very popular items at Mutiara Seafood.

Do note that most of these prices are subject to change based on season and availability. Expect a surcharge should the selected dish be out of season.

Price: S$20 – S$100

Key highlights: Squid Ink Spaghetti, Cherrywood Filet Mignon

1 Engku Aman Turn #01-02, 03 Wisma
+65 6816 3030
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

4. 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.

Price: S$6 – S$8.50

Key highlights: Fried Wanton, Fried Wanton Noodles

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
Facebook

5. 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 clay pots and comes packed with generous amounts of fresh prawns and fish slices.

If you’re still torn on what to get, order from the Chef’s recommendations, which include 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.

Price: S$8 – S$38

Key highlights: Pad Thai, Curry Fish Head

14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, #04-22/23/24, Singapore 228213
+65 6333 8263
Sun to Fri: 11am – 9.30pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
Facebook | Website

6. 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 is 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’.

Price: S$4.50 – S$19

Key highlights: Shanghai Chicken Xiao Long Bao, Pan-fried crispy Bee Hoon

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
Facebook | Instagram | Website

7. 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 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).

Price: S$16 – S$42

Key highlights: Sambal Chilli Sotong, Cereal Prawn

6A Admiralty Road West, Woodlands Waterfront Park, Singapore 757445
+65 6366 9339
Daily: 12pm – 11.30pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

8. 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.

Price: S$4.50 – S$20

Key highlights: Shanghai Chicken Xiao Long Bao, Pan-fried crispy Bee Hoon

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
Facebook | Instagram | Website

12 best halal buffets in Singapore to suit & satisfy every palate

9. 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.

Price: S$15.90 – S$46.90

Key highlights: Spize “Star” Burger

336 Bedok Road, Bedok Shopping Complex, Singapore 469512
+65 6337 7493
Sun to Thu: 11am – 2am
Fri & Sat: 11am – 3am
Facebook | Instagram | Website

10. 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.

Price: S$7.10 – S$14.30

Key highlights: Maggie Goreng, Butter Chicken Masala

11 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599736
+65 6466 5052
Daily: 7am – 3am
Facebook | Instagram | Website

11. 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.

Price: S$82 – S$98

Key highlights: Sustainable Tiger Prawns, Chilli Crab Prawn

6 Raffles Boulevard, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Level 4, Singapore 039594
+65 6845 1111
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

How to choose between the best Halal-certified restaurants in Singapore?

This all entirely depends on your budget, the occasion and the overall vibe. In this list, we’ve made sure to include a cheap, simple meal you can have with your friends or a luxurious experience to celebrate something. For example, for a more affordable option, I suggest trying out Puncak. They have a variety of affordable yet delectable dishes that you can enjoy almost daily. However, if you’re feeling like splurging or just wanting to celebrate that special someone, you have to go to Charr’d. Nothing says ‘love’ like a thick, juicy steak from the prefectures of Japan. Regardless of your choices, however, you can’t go wrong with any of the choices in this list.

People also read:

Where to find the best western food in Singapore?

Which nasi padang stalls in Singapore are worth a try?