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Jalan Besar, located near the heart of Singapore, is a vibrant food hub that offers a mix of traditional and modern culinary experiences. The food culture here is diverse, reflecting Singapore’s multicultural heritage, with a strong presence of local delights and international flavors. You’ll find popular local dishes like Curry rice, Laksa, and porridge, alongside a variety of cafes and eateries offering regional specialties from neighboring countries, such as Middle Eastern, Indian, and Japanese cuisines. Whether you’re into casual hawker fare or more refined dining, Jalan Besar has something to satisfy every palate.
1) Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice
I stopped eating chap cai png with any kind of sauce to avoid the calories, and I even cut out soft drinks and reduced my chip intake. However, I don’t mind indulging in all the curry sauce on this plate of rice! While walking around, I stumbled upon this spot, which I learned is quite popular for their curry rice. I ordered chicken cutlet, long beans, and an egg, if I remember correctly. Anyway, affordable and tasty chap cai png smothered in delicious curry sauce is always a winner! It’s definitely a must-try if you're in the Jalan Besar area.
Address: 229 Jln Besar, Singapore 208905
Opening Hours: 11am - 3.30am daily
Johor Road Boon Kee Pork Porridge is one of Singapore's oldest pork porridge stalls, dating back to the 1950s when it started as a simple push cart along Johore Road. Now operated by second-generation owners, the stall opens as early as 6:45 am, making it a great breakfast option. Located on Veerasamy Road, they specialize in Hainanese porridge, which is thicker and grainier than Cantonese or Teochew porridge.
Although there wasn’t a visible queue during my visit, customers are given a number, and I waited about 20-30 minutes for my order. The stall offers four options: Pork, Chicken, Sliced Fish, and Cuttlefish. I ordered the pork and sliced fish porridge, which was filled with ingredients like you tiao, spring onions, chye poh, pork lard, minced pork, and sliced fish. The sweet-savory flavors were impressive!
Address: Yi He Eating House, 638 Veerasamy Rd, Singapore 200638
Opening Hours: 6:45 am - 2 pm (Closed on Monday)
Sungei Road Laksa should be a familiar name to many people. I ordered the $3 portion and it comes in a small bowl with short strands of bee hoon and generous ingredients in an orange aromatic broth. The sambal chili really elevates the broth so add more! It gets quite spicy though. Their broth is cooked using charcoal fire but I am not sure whether it affects the taste not.
Address: 27 Jln Berseh, #01-100, Singapore 200027
Opening Hours: 9.30asm - 4pm
Closed on Wednesday
Ipoh Tuck Kee is renowned for its moonlight hor fun, and we waited nearly an hour for our plate to arrive. The stall is run by the third generation of the Tuck Kee family, and the original location in Ipoh is famous, appearing on many must-visit lists.
The moonlight hor fun comes topped with a raw egg, tossed in a savory black sauce, and pork lard. While we could taste the wok hei, we felt the raw egg didn't adequately coat the large portion. Each plate is fried individually, which contributes to the wait time but ensures quality. This dish gives KEK Keng Eng Kee Seafood a run for its money.
The name "moonlight hor fun" derives from the egg yolk, which symbolizes the brightly lit full moon, while the noodles represent a shimmering river.
Address: 31 Kelantan Ln, #01-12, Singapore 200031
Opening Hours: 11 am–10 pm
5) Seiwaa Okonomiyaki & Teppanyaki Restaurant
During my staycation at The Great Madras, I noticed Seiwaa Okonomiyaki & Teppanyaki Restaurant nearby and decided to dine there for dinner. They have a fantastic rooftop outdoor seating area. I ordered a Seafood Okonomiyaki 🥞 with ramen noodles 🍜, which included chunks of squid, prawns, dried shrimp, cabbage, and ramen noodles. It was topped with mayo, dried bonito flakes, and aonori powder, creating a sweet and savory flavor! The dish was thicker than usual due to the ramen, making it heartier and more filling than your typical okonomiyaki.
Address: 72 Dunlop St, Singapore 209400
Opening Hours: 11 am–3 pm, 5–11 pm
Closed on Sunday
6) Dim Sum Haus
Dim Sum Haus is a well-known spot in Singapore for fresh, affordable, and delicious dim sum, popular with locals and visitors alike. Located along Jalan Besar, Dim Sum Haus has a cozy, no-frills ambiance and specializes in traditional dim sum with a contemporary twist. Some of the highlights include the Chee Cheong Fun (Rice Rolls), Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings), and Siew Mai.
Address: 57 Jln Besar, Singapore 208809
Opening Hours: 9.30am - 10.30pm
7. Swee Choon
Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant, located in the Jalan Besar/Little India area, is a popular dim sum destination in Singapore known for its late-night hours and authentic Hong Kong and Shanghai dim sum since 1962. The Plain La Mien in Onion and Oil features hand-pulled noodles with a chewy texture and a fragrant aroma. Classic dim sum dishes like the Xiao Long Bao, Har Gow, and Siew Mai stood out, with the XLB offering delicate skin and sweet broth, the siew mai generously filled with meat and topped with fish roe, and the har gow showcasing juicy shrimp with a stretchy, translucent wrapper.
Address: 183/185/187/189, Jln Besar, 191/193, 208882
Opening Hours: 7am - 4am
Closed on Tuesday
8. Al-Bismi Restaurant
Al-Bismi Restaurant in Singapore is a popular 24-hour spot offering budget-friendly Indian and Halal cuisine. Known for its extensive menu, it includes dishes like mutton and claypot chicken biryani, pudina paratha, and South Indian options like idli and vada, alongside Thai and local Singaporean dishes.
I tried the chicken biryani, served with boiled egg, crispy papadum, and condiments. The basmati rice was light and fluffy, and the marinated chicken was tender. The dish also came with curry or dal and a tangy pickled salad, adding a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the biryani.
Address: 41 Dickson Rd, Singapore 209513
Opening Hours: 24/7
9. Bismillah Biryani Restaurant
Bismillah Biryani Restaurant is a renowned Singaporean restaurant, recognized with the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award eight times from 2016 to 2024. It's famous for its authentic biryani, which is made with traditional methods and no artificial ingredients. Their Dum Biryani, especially the mutton version, is praised for its tender meat and aromatic spices. I tried the Chicken Dum Biryani, featuring perfectly cooked basmati rice with a fragrant and balanced spice mix. The tender chicken was served with a hard-boiled egg, making the dish flavorful and satisfying.
Address: 50 Dunlop St, Singapore 209379
Opening Hours: 11.30am - 8.30pm
10. Sum Dim Sum
Sum Dim Sum is a popular, affordable spot on Jalan Besar offering a variety of classic dim sum dishes like har gow, siew mai, and char siew bao. A unique highlight is their Instagram-worthy Fresh Prawn Tiffany Blue XL Har Gow, though it’s standard in size. The siew mai, topped with fish roe and wolfberry, has a tasty pork and mushroom filling. The Hong Kong-style dry wanton noodles, served with prawn-filled wontons, are garlicky and slightly sweet, though the sauce may not suit everyone’s taste.
Address: 161 Jln Besar, Singapore 208876
Opening Hours: Monday and Thursday, 11:30 am–3 pm, 5 pm–12 am
Tuesday and Friday, 11:30 am–1 am
Wednesday, 11:30 am–4 pm, 5 pm–12 am
Saturday, 10:30 am–1 am
Sunday, 10:30 am–12 am
11. Thien Long Vietnamese Food
Thien Long in Jalan Besar is known for its authentic Vietnamese flavors, offering classics like pho, banh mi, spring rolls, and vermicelli bowls. The menu highlights fresh ingredients and balanced seasonings. Their chicken pho is particularly noteworthy, with a clear, savory broth, tender chicken slices, fragrant herbs, and soft noodles that absorb the rich flavors.
Address: 53 Jln Besar, Singapore 208807
Opening Hours: 24/7
12. Marmaris Restaurant
Marmaris Restaurant is a Middle Eastern spot on Dunlop Street near Jalan Besar MRT, offering authentic Arabic, Mediterranean, and Western dishes. During your visit, you tried the Grilled Chicken Biryani, served in a clay pot with yogurt and puli inji pickle, which included two pieces of grilled chicken, a hard-boiled egg, and fluffy rice with cashews. While flavorful, the chicken was slightly tough. The cream chicken soup was creamy but lacked a strong chicken flavor.
You also explored other dishes like the Mixed Shawarma platter, featuring mutton and chicken; Hummus and Pita, creamy hummus served with warm pita bread; Lamb Shawarma, tender lamb with vegetables; and Falafel, crispy fried chickpea balls with tahini or yogurt sauce. These dishes added a range of flavors to your experience!
Address: 111 Dunlop St, Singapore 209430
Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11:30 am–10:30 pm
Friday - Saturday 11:30 am–11 pm
13. Grandpa Western Food
Grandpa Western Food is a traditional Western food stall at Berseh Food Centre, offering classic comfort dishes with a homestyle feel. It's run solely by an elderly gentleman who manages both the cooking and taking orders. The chicken chop is the most popular choice on Google, so I decided to try it, accompanied by two sides: pasta and mashed potatoes. It also came with a slice of toasted bread. The chicken chop had a nicely charred, crispy skin with juicy, tender meat underneath. The black pepper sauce added a tasty kick of heat. The pasta seemed like aglio olio, though I wasn't a fan, while the mashed potatoes, covered in an orangey mushroom sauce, were smooth and tasty.
Address: 166 Jln Besar, Singapore 208877
Opening Hours: 12–3 pm, 6:30–9 pm
14. Northern Thai Tom Yam
If you're seeking authentic Northern Thai tom yum in Singapore, "Northern Thai Tom Yam" at Berseh Food Centre is a must-visit. This stall is renowned for its flavorful and creamy tom yum soup, a unique take on the traditional Thai dish. Given the stall's popularity and the fact that it's run by a solo owner-chef, it's advisable to visit early to avoid long queues and potential sell-outs. The stall has been praised for maintaining consistent quality over the years, making it a favorite among tom yum enthusiasts in Singapore.
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #01-25, Singapore 208877
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Closed on Sunday
15. Làng Nướng Exclusive - 1st Authentic Vietnamese Charcoal BBQ & Hotpot
Làng Nướng Exclusive is Singapore's first authentic Vietnamese charcoal BBQ and hotpot restaurant, offering a genuine Vietnamese dining experience. Enjoy a variety of meats and seafood marinated in traditional Vietnamese sauces, grilled over authentic clay stoves imported from Vietnam. Experience rich and flavorful broths accompanied by fresh ingredients, providing a hearty meal option.
Address: 271 Jalan Besar Road, Singapore 208941
Opening Hours: 24/7
16. Butter Studio
Butter Studio, located Jalan Besar, is a renowned halal-certified artisanal bakery celebrated for its handcrafted cupcakes, cakes, and pastries. Butter Studio offers island-wide delivery, allowing customers to enjoy their treats from the comfort of their homes. Butter Studio is not just about delectable baked goods but also offers an engaging and creative experience through its Cake Painting workshops. This unique activity combines the joy of art with the love of desserts, making it a perfect choice for special celebrations, bonding sessions, or just indulging in creativity.
Address: 147 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208865Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
17. Locanda
Locanda is a cozy Italian restaurant located at Rowell Road. They offer a variety of traditional Italian dishes, including wood-fired Neapolitan Margherita pizza, a daily selection of mixed appetizers, and hearty pasta classics. Experience the warmth and flavors of Italy at Locanda, where every meal is a taste of la dolce vita.
Address: 109 Rowell Road, Singapore 208033Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM; 3:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Closed on Sunday
18. The Beer People Co. (啤酒大叔)
The Beer People Co. (啤酒大叔) is a popular bistro located in Singapore, known for its vast selection of craft beers from across Asia, paired with delicious Thai-inspired dishes. The Beer People Co. offers over 150 varieties of craft beers from over 20 different breweries in Asia, including selections from China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. This makes it a go-to spot for beer enthusiasts looking to explore unique and lesser-known Asian brews.
Address: 21 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208793Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Closed on Monday
19. Old Reunion Chinese Restaurant (老地方川菜小馆)
Old Reunion Chinese Restaurant (老地方川菜小馆) is a Sichuan-style dining establishment located at Jalan Besar. The restaurant offers authentic Chinese cuisine in a cozy setting, complete with private rooms equipped with karaoke facilities. Given the restaurant's popularity, especially for its private rooms, it's advisable to make reservations in advance.
Address: 106 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208828Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
20. So Sweet Dessert 甜甜屋
So Sweet Dessert 甜甜屋 is a vegetarian dessert shop located at Jalan Besar. The establishment offers a variety of local, Hong Kong, and Korean-style desserts, as well as an extensive savory menu. Notably, the restaurant is allium-free, catering to those with specific dietary preferences.
Address: 134 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208852
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
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