Chinatown Food Deals Guide: Must-Visit Spots With Affordable Deals in the Area (Including Telok Ayer and Tanjong Pagar!)
The vibrant district that is Chinatown encompasses neighbourhoods including Tanjong Pagar, Bukit Pasoh, Kreta Ayer and Telok Ayer. Home to many hidden gems and local haunts, this area promises a memorable gastronomic experience no matter what time of the day you visit!
From fiery hotpot to rejuvenating beverages, we've compiled some of the best spots to visit when you're out exploring in the vicinity. Whether you're looking to grab a quick meal or on the hunt for a cozy spot to unwind for the weekend, our Chinatown food guide might just come in handy.
Browse dining deals by category:
Korean | Japanese | Chinese & Hotpot | Bars & Small Plates | Sweet Treats
Korean
Dosirak
6A Shenton Way #01-44 OUE Downtown Gallery Singapore (068815)
Telok Ayer
Reinventing traditional Korean food, Dosirak is literally shaking things up with their exciting bibimbap menu lineup. Perfect for a quick and healthy lunch stop, pick from their curated bibimbap options like Cured Salmon, Kimchi Tofu and Beef Bulgogi. Have a particular combination in your mind? Create your customised bowl and shake away to mix it all up! With options like Kimchi Tofu, Pumpkin Tofu, Cauliflower Rice and Doenjang (Soybean Paste) soup, Dosirak’s halal-friendly food is also a great option for vegetarian, vegan and low-carb diners.
SBCD Korean Tofu House
7 Wallich Street B1-01/02 Tanjong Pagar Centre Singapore (078884)
Tanjong Pagar
A familiar name among Korean food lovers, SBCD Korean Tofu House serves up hearty and authentic dishes that guarantee a satisfying meal. The main star at this spot is their soft tofu soup that’s handmade in the SBCD kitchen daily from specially imported soybeans from South Korea. With a flavourful broth chock full of nourishing ingredients forming the foundation of the soontofu, SBCD Korean Tofu House is a must-visit for a steaming bowl of comforting soup. Boasting a host of soontofu variations alongside combinations featuring their crowd favourites including Unagi and LA Galbi, there’s bound to be something for everyone here!
Hororok Soups & Stew
10 Anson Road #01-17 International Plaza Singapore (079903)
Tanjong Pagar
Fun fact: Hororok is a slurping sound one might make when enjoying stews and soups, and is the sound that the hearty dishes at Hororok Soups & Stew will have you making as you dig into them. Determined in serving up inexpensive yet mouthwatering homemade flavours, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable time here! Grab your pals and fuel up on comforting Korean flavours including the classics like Bean Paste Stew and Kimchi Stew. Don’t forget to opt for add-ons like Ramyeon and Glass Noodles that’ll soak up the broth and make for a wholesome meal.
Dae.Baps
138 Robinson Road #02-35 Oxley Tower Singapore (068906)
Tanjong Pagar
In the area with a craving for Korean food? Dae.Baps, located on the second level of Oxley Tower, might just be the stop for you. Cleverly combining ‘daebak’ and ‘kimbap’ into their store name, Dae.Baps promises nothing but the best- flavours, combinations, quality and experience. Pick from a host of kimbap flavours with the likes of Gochujang Pork, Crispy Tofu, Bulgogi Beef and more! A generous sprinkle of sesame seeds atop the glossy sheen of the outer seaweed layer makes for a wonderful added crispy sensation.
Japanese
Mitsu Sushi Bar
21 Duxton Road Singapore (089487)
Tanjong Pagar
Situated along Duxton Road, Mitsu Sushi Bar is dedicated to offering the freshest and highest quality assortment of sushi, sashimi, donburi, agemono and yakimono. Boasting premium ingredients flown from Japan, one can only expect the best from the skilful chefs stationed at the sushi bar counter seating. Treat yourself to an excellent meal starting off with appetisers like edamame and maguro nattou before moving on to tender and fresh sashimi as well as grilled delicacies. Alternatively, opt for the omakase and sit back as the chefs get in their element to present wonderfully curated dishes that pair perfectly with one another.
Shukuu Izakaya
8 Stanley Street Singapore (068727)
Tanjong Pagar
A sake bar, Shukuu Izakaya is no stranger to the sake scene. Run by a group of friends passionate about all things Japanese, the bar is situated in a cosy nook and decorated in true Japanese fashion. An extraordinary amount of attention is paid to not only the interior but the curated menu as well. Offering dishes paired with artisanal sake, the certified in-house sommeliers are experienced and always open to offer advice. Enjoy classic delicacies like marinated chicken liver in soy sauce and fresh sashimi as you bask in the atmosphere and soak in the good vibes.
MARUKYU
116 Telok Ayer Street Singapore (068585)
Telok Ayer
If you’re hankering after sushi or simply a good Japanese meal, Marukyu might be right up your alley. Air-flown ingredients from Japan coupled with the skillful and experienced chefs make for the freshest and finest meal. A cosy and warm interior adds on to the atmosphere as you indulge in the assortment of fresh sashimi slices or simmered dishes. Opting for omakase? You and your taste buds are in good hands. Boasting a variety of catches straight from Japan and based on seasonal availability, the omakase offerings are often refreshed, promising a promising and refreshing range every time you visit.
Chinese and Hotpot
Si Wei Xiao Hot Pot
31 Mosque Street Singapore (059509)
Chinatown
Some days call for a gathering around the table with piping hot soup in front of you. Si Wei Xiao Hot Pot takes it up a notch with their authentic Sichuan hotpot featuring a host of skewers. Marinated to perfection and waiting to be dipped into the soups, the skewers range from pork belly to vegetables such as lady fingers and beancurd skin. For mala enthusiasts craving a spicy kick, look forward to their Sichuan Spicy Soup (Butter Oil) or Local Favourite Spicy Soup. Alternatively, turn the heat down a little with their Tomato Soup, Matsutake Soup or Pork Rib Vegetable Soup all equally flavourful and rich.
Chengdu 成都
74 Amoy Street Singapore (069893)
Telok Ayer
Dishing out fiery flavours, Chengdu brings authentic and traditional Sichuan flavours with a modern twist to the table. Incorporating fresh and quality ingredients all handpicked with the intention of enhancing the flavours, one can look forward to a colourful and vibrant meal with dishes like Szechuan Style Spicy Pot, Secret Recipe Spring Frog and classic Chengdu cold dishes such as Spicy Pepper Chicken. Not a fan of too much spice? Go for their hearty Health care soups packed with nutrition that’ll warm you right up.
Old Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant
80 Pagoda Street Singapore (059239)
Chinatown
A popular spot frequented by locals and tourists, Old Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant stays true to their roots, with Sichuan chilli peppers at the heart of it all. Be initiated into a world full of piquant, vivid and zesty tastes that have been curated and combined to bring out the best flavour profiles. Crowd favourite dishes that are must-tries include their Double Boiled fish, Kham Cow Innards, Cold Pot Fish, Spicy Frog and Pig Intestine in a Pot. With the kitchen helmed by skillful and passionate chefs, you can be assured that you and your taste buds are in great hands.
Taikoo Lane Hotpot 太古里火锅
133 New Bridge Rd #B1-16 Chinatown Point Singapore (059413)
Chinatown
Nestled in the basement of Chinatown Point is Taikoo Lane Hotpot 太古里火锅, where you can expect nothing less than authentic Cantonese and Sichuan flavours. Dedicated to redefining and enhancing the hotpot experience, grab your friends and treat yourselves to a customised hotpot session! Pick from a variety of soup bases like the traditional Sichuan Spicy Soup, Spicy Pickled Baby Lobster Soup, Huadiao Collagen Soup, Collagen Nourishing Pork Bone Soup and more. That’s not all- amp up the flavours and your meal with their plethora of vegetables, premium meat, seafood and handmade meatballs.
Mouth Restaurant
38 Maxwell Road #01-01 Air View Building Singapore (069116)
Tanjong Pagar
Having been in the dim sum and Cantonese fare for over three decades, Mouth Restaurant has established themselves today as a family-friendly spot while staying true to their aim of serving authentic Cantonese flavours. Dishes that remain crowd favourites include their legendary Liu Sha Bao, Squid Ink Char Siew Bun, Peking Duck and Phoenix Fish. With an extensive selection of options like BBQ Meats, claypot dishes, nutritional soups packed with flavourful premium ingredients and a host of classic must-try dim sum, everyone’s sure to find something to suit their palates at Mouth Restaurant!
Janggut Laksa
133 New Bridge Road #B1-49A Chinatown Point Singapore (059413)
Chinatown
“Janggut” which means “beard” in Malay, was named after its founder Mr Ng, who started out selling his laksa back in the 1940s. Having been around in the scene since then, Janggut Laksa might be familiar to regulars as The Original Katong Laksa, with their first stall being located at 49 East Coast Road. Diners can look forward to flavourful dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients, with the star of the show being their Laksa. Sometimes a comforting bowl of piping hot, creamy Laksa with a side of sambal chilli for that spicy kick makes everything better. Wash it all down with a cup of refreshing drink alongside a peanut-laden Muah Chee for that chewy, sticky goodness.
Chengdu Bowl 成都碗
133 New Bridge Road #B1-16 Chinatown Point Singapore (059413)
Chinatown
Chengdu Bowl 成都碗 brings a refreshing twist to poke bowls, offering a variety of appealing options including Braised Beef Rice Noodle Bowl, Chicken with Chilli Mala Bowl, Beef with Oyster Mushroom Bowl and more. Here, you get to eat the rainbow with their abundant combinations available! Incorporating a mixture of ingredients and flavours often found in Chinese cuisine, pair your choice of regular bowl with a mini bowl for a delectable and robust meal.
Meat & Seafood Lovers
MeatSmith
167 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore (068618)
Telok Ayer
Up for an authentic smokehouse barbecue experience? MeatSmith offers that and more, with their wood-fired food barbecued to smoky perfection. Look forward to sinking your teeth into tender and juicy Beef Brisket, accompanied by classic sides like Corn Bread with Smoked Butter and Mac & Cheese. Pair your chosen dishes with drinks and pick from their carefully curated selection of beers, cocktails and other refreshing beverages. If you’re headed here with friends, scale up and go for their platters featuring a range of starters, meats and sides so you’ll get to try a bit of everything!
Chicken Up
48 Tanjong Pagar Road #01-01 Singapore (088469)
Tanjong Pagar
Fried chicken lovers can flock to Chicken Up for your fix of Korean fried chicken! This chain has cemented its spot as one of the most famous spots in town, bringing to the table some of the juiciest meats around. Serving up a plethora of options, spicy food enthusiasts might be drawn to their signature Spicy Yangnyum Up that’s marinated for a minimum of 12 hours for the best flavours! Boasting other Korean delicacies including Topokki with Cheese and Seafood, Fish Cake Soup and Jabchae, you’re in for a poppin’ good time!
Niku Katsumata
47 Duxton Road Singapore (089511)
Tanjong Pagar
Niku Katsumata offers patrons a gateway to beef-centric haven with their premium quality beef produced in Japan. Boasting lean cuts of meticulously picked and moderately-marbled beef grilled over crystal, the Wagyu beef remains tender and juicy, promising a burst of rich flavours in your mouth. Treat yourself to one of their curated courses featuring Wagyu Beef Tendon, A4 Wagyu Tatare or go a la carte and pick your own combination of dishes ranging from Yakiniku to Sashimi and Donburis! Rich in sweetness and umami, you might find yourself planning the next visit!
The Quarters
16 Enggor Street #01-09 Icon Village Singapore (079717)
Tanjong Pagar
Dedicated to sharing Modern Singapore cuisine and heritage through food, a meal at The Quarters promises a memorable gastronomic journey full of vibrant flavours. Aside from their cosy interior and fitted wooden furnishings, menu options that diners can look forward to digging into include Truffle Wagyu Beef Rice Bowl, Salted Egg Fries, Wagyu Beef Buah Keluak Pasta and Nasi Lemak Burger. Their talent of dishing up traditional straits cuisine with a dash of modernity extends to their dessert menu as well! Round off your meal on a sweet note with their Duriancanboleh, a Signature Mao Shan Wang infused creme brulee.
Pince & Pints Restaurant and Bar
33 Duxton Road Singapore (089496)
Tanjong Pagar
Lobsters are the main stars of the menu at Pince & Pints. Imported straight from fisheries that practice sustainable fishing methods, you can look forward to sinking your teeth into succulent and flavourful lobster meat! Whether you’re into grilled or steamed lobsters, lobster noodles or a classic lobster roll, they’ve got it all. Pair your lobster chunks with some sides from their Bar Menu such as live oysters, Truffle Mushroom Soup and their Lobster Bisque for an absolute lip-smacking meal.
Bars and Small Plates
Anouska's Restaurant and Bar
83 Duxton Road Singapore (089540)
Tanjong Pagar
Paying homage to Bond girl turned interior designer Anouska Hempel, Anouska’s Restaurant and Bar is a time capsule that whisks one back to the disco era of the 70s and 80s with a dash of Eastern influences. Look forward to shelf spirits, premium wines, local craft beers, artisanal Chinese teas and cocktails accompanied by a curated selection of bar bites. Boasting meticulously crafted cocktails that smoothly incorporate Chinese herbal flavours and botanical elements, unwind with natural and refreshing tonics like The Kaifeng for a truly balanced infusion.
Chug Chug
114 Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore (088529)
Tanjong Pagar
A gastrobar guaranteed to be one of the best spots for unwinding and chilling, Chug Chug has cemented itself as a popular destination for good food, drinks and company. Bask in the laid-back atmosphere accompanied by your choice of finger food ranging from Fried Calamari to succulent Karaage Chicken, then go to town on their main dishes including Black Angus Ribeye with Truffle Mash and Red Wine Brown Sauce. For a fiery and zesty option, opt for their signature Chug’s Tom Yam featuring linguine, coriander, tom yam cream fried sakura shrimps, prawns and squid for all you seafood lovers!
Moosehead Kitchen & Bar
110 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore (068579)
Telok Ayer
Standing at the corner in a cosy nook along Telok Ayer street, Moosehead Kitchen & Bar’s menu revolves around street food with a dash of Mediterranean flavours and a sprinkle of influences from other cuisines. The eclectic menu offerings that span across appetisers, small and big plates promise to dazzle you and your tastebuds. With INKA charcoal grill at hand, don’t miss out on their dishes grilled to smoky goodness including Grilled Brinjal, Grilled Squid and more. The open bar, fitted wooden furnishings and soundtrack all contribute to the welcoming atmosphere that makes for a good time.
Lime House Caribbean Restaurant & Bar
2 Jiak Chuan Road Singapore (089260)
Chinatown
Proudly holding the title of the very first Caribbean restaurant in SIngapore, Lim House Caribbean Restaurant & Bar is situated in a heritage four-storey shophouse along Chinatown’s Keong Siak belt and boasts over 7 years of experience in the food scene. Having worked at some of the lushest resorts in the Caribbean, the head chef boasts extensive experience under his belt and remains dedicated to whipping up the most authentic and flavourful dishes that evoke the Caribbean. From classic tapas like Jerk Chicken Skewers to big plates like Tribajam Curry Goat and Baby Back Ribs, invite your friends over to share food and drinks over a good meal- or as Caribbean lingo would go, a ‘limin’ good time!
Leopold
96 Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore (088517)
Tanjong Pagar
Leopold brings to the table a remarkable and unique dining experience with their AGS (Austrian, German and Swiss menu). Served in family style providing opportunities for diners to try familiar cuisines of german speaking countries in the form of tapas and platters, there’s bound to be something for everyone! Give their 4 hours slow cooked beef goulash stew a go, or if you and your friends are fans of meat and cheese, go for Leopold’s Jausenplatten complete with an assortment of cured meats, cheese, mild peppers and more. Wash it all down with an array of select wines and spirits that’ll round off the meal on a perfect note.
Cafes
Plain Vanilla
134 Telok Ayer Street Singapore (068600)
Telok Ayer
Whether you’re looking to grab breakfast or simply craving some sweet treats to unwind after a long day, with Plain Vanilla in the area you’ll never have to agonise over where to go! Offering an extensive selection of cakes, pastries, salads and pastas, fuel up with only the freshest produce and ingredients without any added preservatives. Get your caffeine fix with their Browns Mill Organic coffee, a seasonal triple-origin blend of medium roast beans or cool down with their iced teas and lemonades all shaken in-house.
The Rebel Bar
28 Stanley Street Singapore (068737)
Telok Ayer
The Rebel Bar, a cosy spot located along Stanley Street is a Gastropub serving up an appealing assortment of Western dishes. From juicy burgers to creamy pastas and charcoal grilled premium meats, they’ve got it all covered. Too many mouth-watering options to choose from? Grab your pals, go for their sharing platters and feast on! Crowd favourites include the Beer Battered Fish and Chips, featuring a deep fried dory fish covered in a rich coating of homemade beer batter and served with fries, mixed greens and delightfully tangy tartar sauce.
The Providore
6A Shenton Way #B1-07 Downtown Gallery Singapore (068809)
Tanjong Pagar
The flagship outlet in Singapore, The Providore’s outlet at Tanjong Pagar is home to a café, deli, bakery, and grocery space all with the sole intention of sharing good food. Having successfully created a comfortable and warm environment in which people can enjoy wholesome and nourishing food, diners can look forward to an array of lovingly crafted dishes. Grab a morning Club Sandwich bite featuring grilled chicken breast, fried egg, avocado, grilled Shulz bacon, lettuce and aioli on sourdough. On the hunt for something a little more filling? Their Crab Linguini Pasta is also worth a try, with sundried tomato, bird's eye chili, fresh basil and a generous dressing of Alto extra virgin olive oil. Boasting coffee roasted and blended exclusively by Melbourne coffee roaster Brother Basil & Co., don’t leave without getting your cuppa joe!
Huggs-Epigram
45 Maxwell Road #01-01 The Ura Centre Singapore (069118)
Tanjong Pagar
Book and coffee enthusiasts, your worlds just merged. A concept store by Epigram Books and Huggs Coffee, Huggs-Epigram is the only bookstore selling all-Singapore books. Boasting over 500 titles, this includes books about Singapore, books written by Singaporean authors or books published by Singaporean publishers, and the most eye-catching bit of the store has to be the 11-metres long bookshelf that spans all the way from the ceiling to the floor. With the store’s tagline being ‘Hold Singapore in Your Hands’, grab a book and a cuppa before settling down to read. Alternatively, have a go at their desserts like the Signature Almond Brittle Vanilla Ice Cream Waffle or Signature Fluffy Maple Butter Waffle for a treat to satiate your sweet tooth!
Sweet Treats
Singwishes
133 New Bridge Road #B1-46 Chinatown Point Singapore (059413)
Chinatown
Bubble tea enthusiasts rejoice, for if you’re in the Chinatown area and craving a sweet treat, Singwishes and their beverages will quench your thirst! Featuring an extensive selection of drinks ranging from classic milk teas to floral cold brew tea and even cheese fruit teas, whether you’re feeling like having a milky drink or a light refreshing one as a respite from the sweltering heat, you can find them all here.
Partea
6A Shenton Way #03-29 OUE Downtown Gallery Singapore 068815
Tanjong Pagar
Partea prides themselves on their meticulous and quality use of raw, healthy materials such as fresh fruits and tea leaves sans preservatives or additives. Indeed, they have carved out a niche for themselves in the local fruit bubble tea scene, serving cup after cup of refreshing and flavourful drinks. Seeking an icy relief from Singapore’s perpetual summer heat? Go for their fruit teas that’s sure to revitalise you!
