The 12 Best Foods in Paya Lebar That Will Keep You Coming Back
Paya Lebar is a key transportation hub, with the Paya Lebar MRT interchange station connecting the East-West Line and the Circle Line, making it easily accessible from various parts of Singapore. There’s no reason not to visit, especially on an empty stomach!
I’ve visited the area many times to enjoy everything from Peranakan cuisine to Middle Eastern delights, and I’m happy to share my favourites with you. Let’s dive into the best Paya Lebar food spots you absolutely must visit!
Ayam Geprek at Papa Ayam (PLQ Mall)
Address: Floor 1 PLQ Mall, B2-K3
Contact: +6597261300
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–4 PM and 5–9 PM
Price: $$
When I think of Indonesian food, it’s always fantastic, tasty, and full of choices for spice levels. Papa Ayam has this (and then some!) at prices that are very affordable for a standalone store.
I tried the Ayam Geprek Original with crispy fried chicken skin and salted egg sauce. It was perfect!
A noteworthy detail: the place has a Wall of Fame with photos of people who completed their spiciest chicken challenge, so go for it!
Pro-tip: Its sambal chilli spiciness scale goes from 1 to 15. Don’t be fooled; I ordered a #2, and it was plenty spicy!
Tomahawk at COLLIN’S
Address: #B1-01 PLQ Mall
Contact: +6569702195
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
COLLIN’S offers fantastic dry-aged beef tomahawk, which we tried for just S$98 (1kg) during a promo.
If you want to treat yourself, the place frequently has flash sales on delicious items like Black Angus sirloin and pasta dishes, so check its website or Instagram for updates.
But if you’re not craving a big slab of meat, COLLIN’s weekday lunch promo offers two free sides with a main course. I particularly love the generous chicken and waffles with sweet potato fries!
Pro-tip: Expect a bit of a queue, especially during weekday lunchtime.
The Hulk at Jimmy Monkey Cafe
Address: #01-10 Park Place Residences
Contact: +6569204749
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
Jimmy Monkey Cafe, a Melbourne-inspired al fresco spot, is famous for its coffee blends, using Singapore’s first Slayer Espresso Machine.
Its breakfast menu, featuring Australian brunch fare like The Hulk (smashed avocado on sourdough), runs from 8 AM to 5.30 PM daily (huzzah for late risers!). The generous avocado serving and tasty homemade sourdough make it a must-try.
You can also ask the staff to hold the feta cheese to make it vegan!
Pro-tip: There’s no air conditioning here, so prepare to sweat it out a bit on hot days.
Fish Tacos at Chimichanga
Address: #01-37 PLQ Mall
Contact: +6560150280
Hours: Monday to Thursday, noon–11 PM; Friday to Saturday, noon-midnight
Price: $$
Chimichanga’s fish tacos are perfect for those pescatarian days. The crispy fried fish paired with mango cuts through the richness beautifully and goes well with the spicy Mexican sauces.
Pair them with frozen margaritas for a refreshing meal. For those who want to go meat-free, just look for the vegetarian symbol on the menu.
Pro-tip: Prepare for around a 20-minute wait for food to arrive especially on weekends.
Roasted Suckling Pig at Don Lechon
Address: 511 Guillemard Rd, #01-52
Contact: +6597789737
Hours: Daily, noon–9.30 PM
Price: $$
I truly believe that the best introduction to Filipino food is the crispy, juicy lechon at Don Lechon. With its crispy skin and tender, fatty meat, it’s perfect with sauce and vinegar chilli.
While there, try the sisig (sizzling pig’s ears and face bits), pork coconut curry, and crispy roast belly with some rice, as they’re traditional Filipino dishes. Just be sure to have a cold drink to wash it all down, as it can get quite jelak!
Pro-tip: For a hearty meal, try the $12 set or share 500 g of lechon between two diners.
Kimchi Jjigae at The Boneless Kitchen
Address: 1 Irving Pl, #01-31 Commerze @ Irving
Contact: +6584576464
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
The kimchi jjigae (spicy stew) at The Boneless Kitchen is hot enough to cure a cold–it worked for me! The kimchi’s sourness was balanced, and the soup was incredibly flavourful, generously packed with mushrooms and other ingredients.
This vegetarian restaurant is perfect for chilli lovers and plant-based eaters, offering satisfying Korean food without the heaviness of meat. The place offers eggs on certain dishes, but you can request to have it removed if you’re vegan.
Pro-tip: It’s located close to Tai Seng MRT station, about a 5-minute walk away.
Tom Yum at DongMama Thai Izakaya
Address: 2 Jln Lokam, #01-49 Kensington Square
Contact: +6594376858
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 11 AM–9 PM; Friday to Sunday, 11 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $$
The tom yum at DongMama Thai Izakaya is authentically sour, just like the ones I had in Thailand. I can take it as a soup on rainy days and as an accompaniment to Jasmine rice when I’m feeling extra peckish.
Another must-try is the basil pork, which is moist and has a pleasant spicy kick. And I suggest ending the meal with yummy mango sticky rice.
It’s a pet-friendly eatery with treats for your furbabies, too! Surprisingly, DongMama is impeccably clean, with no funky doggy smells.
Pro-tip: End your meal with the delicious mango sticky rice for sweet burps.
Mala Mentaiko Bowl at Salmon Warrior
Address: 10 Eunos Rd 8, #B1-165 SingPost Centre
Contact: +6569706568
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
When I crave salmon, I head to Salmon Warrior mainly because it flies in fresh, premium Norwegian salmon regularly. Its poke bowls are a must, especially on hot days.
I love the salmon mentaiko bowl set. The spicy mala (spicy peppercorn) and creamy mentaiko (seasoned cod roe) make a great combo and add a piquant layer to the dish.
Pro-tip: The mentaiko bowl set includes hot green tea, miso soup, and chuka wakame (seaweed salad).
Railway Bento at 5 Little Bears
Address: #B1-09 Paya Lebar Square
Contact: +6567021098
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM–8.30 PM
Price: $$
5 Little Bears at Paya Lebar Square serves delicious Taiwanese food. I ordered something called The Railway Bento which featured a fried pork chop cutlet bento and some honey chicken bento. Both were fantastic!
It was nostalgic eating from a bento with the meal laid out like that. The honey chicken chop was tender with a perfect sweet and savoury glaze. The portions are generous, and the bento includes rice, vegetables, and sides.
Pro-tip: There are plenty of seats at this outlet, so don’t worry about queueing any time of the day.
“Zalmon” Sushi at Saute Sushi
Address: #B1-19 Paya Lebar Square
Contact: +6588703565
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $$
I love Saute Sushi because, as an aspiring vegetarian, I can enjoy the taste of “raw fish” without compromising my plant-based diet (it’s still a work in progress, okay?). My fave is the “zalmon” sushi which looks and tastes like the real thing but is made from the konjac plant.
I’ve missed good Japanese food because I had to limit eating it due to its seafood and meat content. However, this restaurant serves all-vegetarian Japanese dishes that don’t compromise on flavour and aesthetics!
Pro-tip: Ask the staff for info on the ingredients and promos, as they’re very eager to help.
Ebi Burger at Coexist Coffee
Address: 11 Eunos Rd 8, #01-02 Lifelong Learning Institute
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Daily, 8.30 AM–5.30 PM
Price: $$
Coexist Coffee is a fantastic spot for great coffee and delicious brunch. It has a modern industrial vibe and is good for a spot of nomadic work on your laptop while eating delicious things.
My favourite here is the ebi (shrimp) burger which comes with a generous side of salad and perfectly cooked fries. The salad, topped with sesame oil, adds a fresh touch.
Pro-tip: Get the iced white coffee with your meal when it’s hot out. It’s refreshing and energising at the same time.
Fried Spring Rolls at Little Vietnam
— Media from foodumptruck
Address: 511 Guillemard Rd, #01-59 Grandlink Square
Contact: +6565478587
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
Little Vietnam’s authentic-tasting fried spring rolls are crunchy and savoury, with six satisfying rolls per serving (good value for money). It’s great paired with beef pho or just as a standalone snack.
The place is located near Paya Lebar MRT Exit D. It’s a cosy dinner spot with a breezy outdoor dining area.
There are no long queues, either. Simply order via QR code, pay at the cashier after the meal and pick up utensils and sauces from the counter.
Pro-tip: It also serves really good and strong drip coffee if you need an energy boost.