By Rania Risqilla Raiqa Pramantika
Whether you’re a non-Muslim who’s unsure of where to take your Muslim friends for dinner, or you’re a Muslim and tired of eating at the same place over and over again, this roundup will be a super-handy resource. We’ve compiled a list of restaurants and cafés that aren’t just halal or Muslim-owned, but that cover a wide range of cuisines – from burgers and buffets to Italian, Chinese and more!
A Poke Theory
Whether you’re a health freak, a sashimi lover or just up to date with food trends, you’ll be very familiar with poke, a tasty Hawaiian concoction of fresh fish and nutritious veggies. A Poke Theory is one of just two halal-certified poke brands on the island, and definitely worth a visit to any of its handful of locations. There’s plenty of Instagrammable and wholesome goodness here, so get your whole crew ready!
Status: Halal-certified
Telok Ayer | Marina One | Somerset | Novena | Bugis | Kent Ridge
Mukshidonna
Fans of all things Korean, or even just of good food, your prayers have been answered by the gods of budae jjigae (Korea’s famous “army stew”). We finally have a halal-certified restaurant serving this delicious dish. Mukshidonna, a franchise of the original well-known restaurants of the same name in Korea, is located in Downtown East, so there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy (Wild Wild Wet, for starters!) before or after you fill your belly.
Status: Halal-certified
1 Pasir Ris Close, E!Avenue #02-324 Market Square @ Downtown East
6386 8562 | mukshidonna.com.sg
Wanderlost Lounge
The Muslim owner of Wanderlost opened this rooftop bar with a spectacular view of Singapore’s business towers because he was inspired by the childhood fairy tales he grew up with. If you make it here just after 7pm, you might be lucky enough to catch an evening of halal-drinking before a beautiful sunset. Hang on: a Muslim bar and drinking? Well, the owner is a professional mixologist and this non-alcoholic bar serves unique, sustainable and healthy mocktails that will have you going back for more. (If you’re familiar with Atap Bar, this gem was started by the same team.) It’s a must for a romantic date or just a fun girls’ night out!
Status: Muslim-owned
15 Enggor Road, #12-01 Realty Centre
6909 7701 | wanderlostlounge.com
Fika Swedish Cafe & Restaurant
Fika not only serves amazing Swedish food but it’s incredibly Instagram-friendly – you won’t need much effort to come up with a food hashtag here. That could help explain why it’s such a loved place for Muslims in Singapore. Located in the heart of one of the island’s most photogenic districts, it’s an ideal place for a photoshoot, for a corporate meeting or any other event of note.
Status: Halal-certified
257 Beach Road
Yi Zun Beef Noodle
With two locations now, this traditional Chinese and halal restaurant is the first of its kind in Singapore, and boasts full-house crowds – especially during Ramadan season for those breaking their fast. Yi Zun is owned by Madam Aishah, a Muslim Chinese from the mainland, and with every bite you can really feel and taste her passion. There’s a prayer corner here too, so you can take your time over the amazing hand-pulled noodles without a worry!
Status: Muslim-owned, halal certification in progress
45 Sam Leong Road | 60 Joo Chiat Road
6291 6616 | 6909 9287 | facebook.com/Yi-Zun-Beef-Noodle
The Black Hole Group
The mastermind behind so many halal and Muslim-owned hipster cafes in Singapore, The Black Hole Group just keeps expanding its horizons, enticing customers into its foodie black hole! You’ll never get bored of the food at these venues; whether it’s burgers, tacos or truffle fries, or something else from the group’s travels around our planet. This is definitely a jackpot for families, couples and friends alike to enjoy.
Status: all muslim-owned, afterwit halal-certified
Working Title | Tipo Pasta Bar | Afterwit | The Mad Sailors | Stack
@theblackholegroup | theblackhole.sg
Isuramuya
Fancy a filling Japanese curry or some elegant tuna sashimi after an energy-expending session day of ice skating? While most Japanese stalls in Singapore are non-halal, Isuramuya located right above the ice skating rink, is an exception. Watch skaters on the cold arena below while slurping on hot green tea or a nice plate of soba. This restaurant also has its very own small halal Japanese supermarket for taking produce home.
Status: halal-certified
2 Jurong East Central, #04-19 JCube
Positano Risto
Ever walked past those mouth-watering Italian bistros in Orchard, but had to contain yourself because they don’t serve halal food? With the rise of Muslim-friendly takes on many cuisines in Singapore, there are new halal-certified Italian diners popping up, including Positano Risto. Awed by the extraordinary beauty of Positano, Italy, during a trip with his wife, one of the co-owners of this restaurant vowed to instil the same enchantment they felt into the dining experience. As a bonus, Positano Risto is just a short walk from Sultan Mosque!
Status: halal-certified
66 Bussorah Street
The Halia
Paying homage to its location in the Botanical Gardens, this restaurant’s contours and ambience embody its natural surrounds. Built to complement the ginger garden nearby (halia means “ginger” in Malay), it also pays tribute to the warmth and earthy nature of ginger in its menu. This is a must-try for nature lovers, wholesome food lovers … or even just lovers!
Status: Halal-certified
1 Cluny Road, Ginger Garden, Singapore Botanic Garden
FatPapas
Owner and local celebrity Sheikh Haikel fell in love with Fatboy’s country-fried steak and was inspired to start his own burger joint. After eight years of trying to get Fatboy’s co-founder and creator Bernie Tay on board, Haikel finally convinced him to open a Fatboy’s halal counterpart: thus, FatPapas was born. Known for its country-fried steak and Wimpy Burger, the joint is not only a hit amongst the Islamic crowd but with people from all walks of life.
Status: Halal-certified
17 Bali Lane | 922 Yishun Avenue 2, #01-150 |2 Tampines Central 5 #03-05/31
The Dim Sum Place
Envious when your non-Muslim friends brag about their Din Tai Fung dinners on social media? Craving some dim sum but don’t feel like going all the way to a halal hawker or eating house? Fret no more. This restaurant, within walking distance of Sultan Mosque, specialises in dim sum and other Chinese food that is rarely halal-certified. It’s also very family-friendly, as you’ll see when looking around at kids laughing and enjoying themselves and the food.
Status: Halal-certified
791 North Bridge Road
Royz Et Vous
With non-alcoholic wine and some of the best steaks you can get in Singapore at such a reasonable price, this is an adored local gem. Be it as a break from an afternoon of shopping at Decathlon, a cute date night out or for some family fun, you can always crack open a cold one with the loved ones the halal way at Royz Et Vous!
Status: Muslim-owned
137 Telok Ayer Street, #01-01 | 750 Chai Chee Road, #01-16 Viva Business Park,
6293 0270 | 6636 3537 | royzetvous.com.sg
The Ramen Stall
Got a sudden ramen craving? Don’t worry, The Ramen Stall has you covered. With its 5pm to 5am hours on weekdays, you won’t have to worry about suppressing your late-night munchies ever again. Even at the most nefarious timings, you’ll notice how this place is never empty. Yet the restaurant is just as accommodating if you want to pay a visit with family or friends for a weekend lunch, thanks to new Saturday and Sunday opening hours of midday to 5am.
Status: Halal-certified
787 North Bridge Road
Tok Tok
Tok Tok is about the most Indonesian spot you’ll find in Singapore, not only for the food, but for the fact that no stone is left unturned in recreating the ambience of our wonderful neighbour – yet without an overdose of Balinese décor. Surrounded by rustic street art, it’s great place to hang, and has a more affordable price range than most Indonesian restaurants here.
Status: Halal-certified
Ann Siang Road | 313@Somerset | Paya Lebar Square
6221 1760 | 6334 1501 | 6904 3171 | toktok.com.sg
Sofra
You don’t have to travel far to get a taste of the magnificent land of the Turks, with Sofra, Singapore’s very own “Little Turkey”. The place is drenched in authentic décor and artefacts from the country, and the staff are all Turkish. There’s plenty of good food here, mixed with great cultural elements.
Status: Halal-certified
100 Beach Road, #02-42/44 Shaw Tower, Shaw Leisure Gallery,
Katong Kitchen
Travel back in time and experience Singapore’s diverse heritage at Katong Kitchen, where you can taste a range of different cuisines, enjoy the Peranakan ambience and try out a series of harmonious fusion dishes. It’s undoubtedly a great dinner spot for family or friends to appreciate all that our unique country has to offer.
Status: Halal-certified
25 Marine Parade, Village Hotel Katong, Level 4
6551 2141 | katongkitchen.com.sg
IndoChili
Not for the penny-pinchers, IndoChili has one of the best Indonesian eateries in Singapore, and is absolutely worth every cent of its higher prices. Unlike many eateries in Indonesia itself, you won’t have to be concerned about added MSG here, as the team is committed to their pledge of providing a healthy, fresh, homemade escape into the heart of Indonesian cuisine.
Status: Halal-certified
54 Zion Road | 7 Wallich Street, #B1-03| 2 Science Park Drive, #01-09
6445 1766 | 6386 6427 | 6909 0177 | indochili.com
665ºF
Who says you can’t have a halal fine-dining experience in a hotel in Singapore? Andaz, a boutique hotel by Hyatt, boasts a steakhouse, 665ºF, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Singapore’s skyscrapers and the Bugis area, and where non-Muslim diners can choose from a vast collection of wine or other alcoholic beverages – so, a little something for everyone. There’s a halal kitchen led by Chef Josephine Loke, who has cooked in Singapore’s Michelin-starred restaurants.
Status: Halal kitchen
5 Fraser Street, Andaz, Level 38
Carousel
With such an internationally diversified buffet, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Carousel. This is among the best-known halal buffets in Singapore, so you can expect quite a crowd – don’t forget to book beforehand! Bring your Muslim and non-Muslim friends alike for a celebration, or get together here with your work team or for a corporate gathering.
Status: Halal-certified buffet
100 Beach Road, #02-42/44 Shaw Tower, Shaw Leisure Gallery
6219 3780 | carouselbuffet.com.sg
Aquamarine
Like Carousel, Aquamarine is an international buffet that serves alcohol but has MUIS halal certification for its kitchen and food stations. The central location – it’s in the Marina Mandarin hotel – and plush interiors make it a perfect place for lavish family dinners, dates and other big occasions. The buffet is popular for its delicious seafood – so fresh that it feels like it’s just been scooped from the sea – and also has a special focus on Asian cuisine.
Status: Halal-certified buffet
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Mandarin, Level 4
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