SINGAPORE:
Kampong Glam is an area known as the Muslim Quarter. On one end, is Ophir Road. On the other end, is Crawford Street. It is bordered by the Rochor River up north. Its 19th-century shophouses have been turned into stores selling textiles and casual restaurants. It is also where the famous Sultan Mosque, built for the first sultan of Singapore in 1824.
Besides Haji Lane, there are many places of interest and restaurants to explore. Here are 15 places we have been to.
Alaturka Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant
It was awarded the Michelin Guide Singapore Bib Gourmand in 2016, serving authentic Turkish cuisine. Alaturka has been located in the enclave of iconic Arab Street since it opened its doors in May 2005.
Website: https://www.alaturka.com.sg
Address: 15 Bussorah St, Singapore 199436
New Happy Crab Seafood Restaurant
Happy Crab serves succulent Barbecued Deep Sea Sand Crabs, rich in yellow roe. The original Teochew crab recipes inspired the special crab recipe, and they have honed and improved upon it over the years since they opened in 2004. The crabs are seasoned with sea salt, crushed black pepper, and a special light unagi sauce.
Website: https://www.happycrab.com.sg
Singapore Zam Zam
Established in 1908, Singapore Zam Zam is one of the most popular Indian-Muslim restaurants in Singapore. This place has been famous for perfecting Nasi biryani, Murtabak, Roti prata and many other dishes for over a century! Zam Zam will be on the list if you ask any local where to have the best murtabak.
Website: https://zamzamsingapore.com
Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat
Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat is the oldest Fish Head Steamboat Restaurant in Singapore. Every charcoal steamboat is prepared with the freshest fish using the original recipe passed on since 1927.
Website: https://nanhwachong.com.sg/home/
Bakes by NY
Bakes by NY was first opened in 2018, and now it has four outlets around Singapore. It specialises in stuffed doughnuts with popular flavours such as Nutella, Biscoff and Salted Caramel. It is a treat for both adults and children alike.
Website: https://www.bakesbyny.com
Address: 41 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198489
Aloha Avenue
Aloha Avenue opened at Haji Lane a few months back and serves food and drinks from Hawaii. The whole cafe is covered with a piece of Hawaii. Hawaiian Flower Leis slung sleepily over the backs of every chair. It is a welcoming change of pace in this busy life of Singapore.
Website: Home | Aloha Avenue (wixsite.com)
Address: 51 Haji Lane, Singapore 189244
Seow Choon Hua
Seow Choon Hua specialises in Fuzhou cuisine and specifically Fuzhou fish balls. The fish balls are larger than normal ones and contain a minced meat filling. It is also doughy and not bouncy. They have been serving their speciality for more than 70 years.
Address: 33 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198481
Islamic Restaurant
Islamic Restaurant opened its doors in 1921, a century ago. The third generation now manages it, and it serves what might be Singapore's best Briyani. There are six types of Briyani to choose from, together with different bread and curries. It is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike.
Website: https://islamic.sg
Bhai Sarbat Singapore
Bhai Sarbat might be the most popular Teh Tarik stalls in the area. Bhai Sarbat. It appears in many guide books, and you can see lots of locals and tourists (before the pandemic) queuing up for their cup of pull milk tea. There is nothing fancy here, just no-frills milk tea and other drinks that people will get during their break before heading out to their daily routine.
Address: 73 Bussorah St, Singapore 199486
Sa Tae Bak
The 2nd best skewer bar in Singapore as proclaimed by themselves! After a hot day at Kampong Glam, you just want to have meat on a stick and a nice cold beer. Sa Tae Bak can satisfy you with Japanese Yakitori, Oysters and other Japanese cuisines.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/sataebak/
Address: 31 Bali Lane, Singapore 189867
Blanco Court Prawn Mee
Blanco Court Prawn Mee has been serving traditional Prawn Noodles since 1928. Prices start from S$5.9, or to get the large bowl with giant prawn at S$10.9. You can have the options with pork ribs too. To complete the meal, order the fried fritters from the next stall too.
Hajjah Mariam Cafe
Hajjah Mariam Cafe made Nasi Ambeng popular in Singapore. You can get Nasi Ambeng for one, for two, for three or for four. Besides Nasi Ambeng, Hajjah Mariam Cafe also have other Nasi Padang dishes and Nasi Lemak.
Nasi Ambeng is a popular Javanese-Malay rice dish served on a large tray with a portion size meant for four to six people. It usually consists of meat, vegetables, fried coconut flesh, Sambal Goreng as well as other dishes. It is common to see Nasi Ambeng during festivals celebrated by Singapore's Malay community.
Website: https://hajjahmariamcafe.com.sg
Warong Nasi Pariaman
Warong Nasi Pariaman has been serving Nasi Padang since 1948, currently helmed by the second generation. They serve authentic Nasi Padang dishes from the humble kampong of Pariaman, Indonesia such as Ayam Bakar, Rendang, Gulai and Belado. We ordered a lot of dishes and all of them are good. This is simply amazing.
IndoBowl Singapore
Indomie Lovers look no further! IndoBowl is the first halal Indomie café in Singapore that serves authentic homestyle Indonesian dishes. To ensure authenticity, IndoBowl uses recipes passed down to the family of the founder's wife 60 years ago from Sumatra, Indonesia.
Website: https://indobowlsg.com
Address: 39 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198487
Chix Hot Chicken
CHIX Hot Chicken is Singapore's first Nashville hot Chicken joint using the world's hottest peppers in their secret spicy rub. This is fried chicken with a kick. They are painful to eat yet addictive to a point you don't want to stop. Then again, you might want to stop immediately with a large cup of milkshake.
Website: https://chixhotchicken.com
Address: 1 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199069
There are many more places to eat in Kampong Glam that is not on this list. Take your time and explore the area. I can guarantee it is worth your time.