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We assume you already know about the legendary halal-friendly Malay restaurants. But from Kampong Glam to Changi to Toa Payoh, Singapore is studded with adorable cafes, international buffets, Swedish eateries and even taquerias that are also halal-certified. These are the ones to try.
Marina Mandarin’s daily lunch and dinner halal brunch buffet restaurant covers both Asian and international dishes. This 180-seater restaurant with nautical cues is where you can tuck in at halal-certified Chinese, Japanese and Indian food stations, with highlights like their roasted duck, chili crab and prawn tempura. 4/F Marina Mandarin Singapore, 6 Raffles Blvd.
Not a hipster cafe, not a nasi padang stall and not an international buffet, Afterwit by the people behind Working Title is an industrial-looking, Mexican-leaning, halal joint with some pretty unusual offerings: beef dendeng tacos, lime butter crab tacos, nasi lemak burritos and, for brunch, crab tortas and huevos rancheros. 778 North Bridge Rd.
This cafe has brightened things up with its new space right in the heart of Arab Street. Unlike many Instagrammable halal cafes, the menu here goes beyond the usual sandwiches and pastas and delivers some pretty exciting dishes: crab cakes with a soft-boiled egg, smashed avo on sourdough, soy-glazed salmon rice bowls and shakshouka on the weekends. #01-01 34 Arab St.
This cozy bistro in Bedok with an alfresco area has a loyal following. There are halal versions of Greek and Mediterranean dishes mixed with an Asian touch. Highlights include lamb ribs bamia served with spiced tomato rice, seafood aglio olio, beef ribs, crab pasta and Badoque lamb shank. Plus, it’s got iced drinks like salted caramel, and there’s a second outlet in Upper Thomson. Simpang Bedok, 298 Bedok Rd.
This Swedish bistro has the whole Scandinavian works, down to the minimalist Ikea-esque furniture. On the menu are favorites like Swedish meatballs, tunnbrodsrulle which involves classic Swedish thin bread rolls with mashed potatoes, grilled sausage and crispy shallots, as well as Swedish pancakes and crepes. 257 Beach Rd.
This alfresco, poolside cafe in Toa Payoh is halal-certified, super leafy and pretty and all items on their new menu are below $20. It has the whole industrial look with exposed ceilings and Edison bulbs, too, and on the menu are pastas, sandwiches and decadent starters like the must-have salted egg yolk fries. #01-06 Home Team NS-Jom Clubhouse, 31 Aha Hood Rd.
Cute, colorful, knick-knacky interiors aside, this cafe does all the simple pleasures: all-day breakfast, a wide selection of panini, burgers and sandwiches and lots more. There’s even a tea time set, where you can choose from pastries like banana bread, homemade scones and other Instagrammable delights. 25A Baghdad St.
While some of our favorite halal cafes are in Kampong Glam, this one out in Changi Village has quite a following, too, thanks in no small part to its extensive gelato selection, with interesting flavors like blood orange, bandung, Horlicks and more. The savory menu is simple, but extensive: pastas like turkey bacon aglio olio, fish and chips and teriyaki chicken. #01-2009 Blk 5 Changi Village Rd.
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When a hip and happening date night spot like Open Door Policy goes dairy- and gluten-free, you know that wholesome eating is no longer a niche thing just for dieters and vegetarians. Sexy salad options, grain bowl purveyors and the now-ubiquitous poke bowls are everywhere. These are the ones to try.
There are tons of poke places now, but we are in love with the perky and balanced bowls here. Choose a base like sushi rice and lemon herb quinoa, pile it with raw fish like shoyu tuna and jazz up your bowl with nori flakes, tobiko and other touches. 27 Boon Tat St.
Now with two branches, this grain bowls place serves signature bowls alongside a mix and match option, with a variety of proteins and veggies. Try the El Hibaro (striploin, salsa verde, wafu tomato). #01-01/02/03 CapitaGreen, 138 Market St.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean eating like an ascetic. Celeb chef Jamie Oliver has been famous for his simple, honest, unadulterated cooking and the new dishes at the two Singapore branches promise wholesome big flavors: Paris mushroom fritti with homemade garlic mayo, ethically sourced baked salmon with lemony ricotta and roasted veggies, to name a couple. #01-01/04 Forum Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd. Make a reservation via Chope.
This organic CBD spot offers lots of gluten- and dairy-free options among internationally influenced dishes like barramundi with Asian greens and the chili padi chicken sandwich. They do an organic French wine happy hour, too. 28 Stanley St.
With branches in the CBD, Orchard and Novena, this is a great spot for a bistro-style lunch. Try their hearty, healthy salads, like the spinach and kale with red pepper pesto, and the baked snapper. For a cheat day, don’t miss the minute steak sandwich and their exotic cupcakes such as chocolate cake with William pear. #03-22 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn
Dishes here are prepared from scratch, using preservative-free ingredients, many sourced directly from local producers. It’s a point-and-order system at lunch, and a la carte at dinner. The menu changes, but expect Thai-roasted chicken with red cabbage salad and vegetable dips. 9 Raffles Blvd. Make a reservation via Chope.
The vegan cafe at The Central now has an upscale outlet in Beach Road’s new hotel complex. Try the rosemary and garlic hash brown; pasta with oil of oregano, veggie balls made out of beet and chickpea, and the barley mushroom burger. #B1-19 South Beach Tower, 26 Beach Rd.
They serve droolsome salads and grain bowls with your choice of quinoa, mixed brown rice or soba noodles. Try the Moroccan chicken bowl with spinach, toasted almonds and more. Save room for the strawberry Earl Grey egglet waffle. 41 Duxton Rd.
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