30 Ideas for Dinner in Singapore [2025 ]

Whether it’s to satisfy a grumbling tummy or for a romantic dinner, you can’t go wrong with going for a uniquely Singaporean meal.

For this post, let’s look at some dinner ideas that are unmistakably Singaporean in origin, taste, flavour, and presentation. There are dozens we can recommend—all of them filling, delicious, and affordable.

Contents show

What are some uniquely Singaporean dinners?

Singapore has many unique dishes, making it a literal cultural melting pot. Perhaps the best meal that underlines this is Peranakan food, which brings together Malaysian, Indonesian, and Chinese flavours.

As you can expect, it’s pretty imaginative and creative food. Think along the lines of rendang lasagna, fish in spicy tamarind gravy, and other flavourful, tasty dishes you can’t find elsewhere.

On that note, we’ll be featuring some Peranakan food in this list. But there are also other dishes that define the Singaporean tastebuds and palate.

So without further ado, let’s look at some distinctly Singaporean dinner ideas in the following sections.

1. Coffee Pork Ribs

Pork ribs are always a nice treat especially if there’s an occasion or achievement to be celebrated.

But imagine adding real coffee to marinate the ribs before it’s deep fried until crunchy! That’s what Singapore’s coffee pork ribs are all about.

They’re great for dinners and lunches and perfect with sides like rice, salads, or fries. This modern take on the classic slab of ribs has become a contemporary fave among local foodies.

The glaze is what makes this particular dish so delicious and one-of-a-kind. And if you’re a coffee lover, you really can’t pass up the aroma and taste of this one because you’ll get a lot of both.

Where to get it? We recommend

Hup Choon Eating House

794 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678133

2. Salted Egg Yolk Crab

Nearly everyone in Singapore has a fondness for chilli crabs, especially on cold rainy nights. And they aren’t hard to come by, as most seafood restaurants and speciality eateries have them on their menus.

But for a more contemporary culinary twist, try this crab dish alternative. It uses a salted egg yolk sauce instead of the usual sweet and savoury tomato gravy.

Paired with juicy crab meat, the salted egg yolk sauce adds a decadent flavour to an already sumptuous dish. To accompany it, take your pick between egg-fried rice or plain white fluffy rice.

(Or you can eat it on its own, using 10 fingers. There’s also an option to mop up the egg yolk sauce with flatbread.)

Where to get it? We recommend

8 Crabs

24-hour delivery

S$40.90 to $239.90

3. Indian Rojak

In spite of its name, this particular dish didn’t originate in an Indian restaurant (or anywhere in India for that matter). However, Indian immigrants in Singapore did have a hand in its popularity.

Indian rojak is an exciting and tasty take on boring salads. For starters, it spices it up with some chillies and some pepper in the dough for the fritters.

Prawns, fried tofu, fritters, cubed potatoes, fish cakes, and other ingredients are mixed with vegetables. It’s drenched with a piquant peanut sauce and tossed before eating.

It’s a great dish for those who want a little of everything in one bowl.

Where to get it? We recommend

Rojakline

44 Holland Drive, 02-13 Holland Drive Market and Food Centre

Accessible from Holland Village MRT

Thursday to Sunday, 1 PM to 7:30 PM (closed from Monday to Wednesday)

S$5 to S$25

4. Nasi Lemak

Whether you choose to dine in a cafe or halal buffet, nasi lemak is bound to be on the menu. It’s a Singaporean dish through and through that can be eaten any time of the day.

Though it’s Malaysian in origin, Singaporeans have added different variations to it over the years. But the same ingredients and cooking methods that have made it a favourite remain.

Nasi lemak is a complete dish consisting of coconut milk-cooked fragrant rice, crispy fried chicken, a fried egg, and some sambal or spicy anchovies on the side.

This dish is best served atop a broad banana leaf. It’s filling, flavourful, and very affordable, too!

Where to get it? We recommend

Changi Nasi Lemak

183 Upper Thomson Road

Accessible via Upper Thomson MRT

Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM

S$6 to S$9

5. Beef Rendang

Beef rendang may have its origins in Indonesia, but Singapore has definitely adopted it and made it a go-to dish for both special occasions and regular meals.

It’s a delectable and flavourful dish that’s gotten different interpretations by creative chefs. There are now beef rendang nachos, beef rendang lasagne, and other Peranakan-inspired versions of this classic stew.

And what’s not to like about it, especially among those who love the piquant sauciness of coconut and lemongrass gravy? Those who like their rendang spicy add some chilli or sambal to the mix.

It’s basically a dish that’s aromatic, tender, and so rich that a cup of rice is recommended to be eaten with it.

Where to get it? We recommend

Hjh Maimunah Restaurant & Catering

11 Jalan Pisang

Accessible by Bugis MRT

Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM to 9 PM

S$13.50

6. Prawn Mee (Prawn Noodles)

Singaporeans love their seafood, so prawns are ever-present in a lot of dishes. They’re fried, steamed, stewed, grilled, and accompanied by everything from noodles to rice.

One good example is prawn mee, which is a hawker-style noodle dish that’s big on flavour. It uses egg noodles in a tasty broth and is garnished with prawns.

It’s a cheap (just around S$3 per bowl!) but filling meal that’s perfect, especially on rainy nights. Prawn mee has been around since the 1920s and has been a go-to meal for those craving seafood but are on a budget.

Where to get it? We recommend

545 Whampoa

01-326 Tekka Food Centre, 665 Buffalo Road

Accessible by Little India MRT

Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 2 PM

S$3

7. Fish Head Curry

There’s curry and there’s fish—what’s not to love about fish head curry for dinner? It also has Chinese and Indian influences, so it’s a cultural melting pot dish in the truest sense.

Along with dozens of spices and a variety of vegetables, this unusual-looking dish uses an entire steamed head of a large fish. The most popular fish to use for this dish is sea bass, though red snapper and grouper are also acceptable.

It does take some getting used to if you don’t regard the fish head as part of a good fishy meal. But when done with the right spices and ingredients, everything can be eaten in a fish head curry (right down to the eyes if you’re adventurous!).

Where to get it? We recommend

The Banana Leaf Apolo

54 Race Course Road

Accessible by Little India MRT

Daily, 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM

S$28

8. Chilli Crab

As previously mentioned, chilli crab is regarded by many to be one of Singapore’s national dishes. It ranks high on the list of what Singaporeans eat for dinner, especially during special occasions.

Chilli crab has become an iconic dish to the point of making it to a CNN poll of the World’s Best Foods back in 2011.

It can also get quite expensive, but the taste and flavours more than make up for its price.

So if you have the time and budget to try a chilli crab meal, go for it. And if you like spicy food, you’ll appreciate the chillies, sambal, eggs, and tomato paste gravy of this delectable dish.

Where to get it? We recommend

Red House Seafood Restaurant

392 Havelock Road Level 2 Grand Copthorne Waterfront

Accessible by Clarke Quay MRT

Monday to Sunday, 12 NN to 10 PM

Starts at S$128 per set menu (per person)

9. Ayam Penyet (“Smashed Fried Chicken”)

For fried chicken lovers, there are several chicken dishes on this list to satisfy your cravings. And ayam penyet is a good fried chicken dish to start with.

Ayam penyet is Javanese for “smashed fried chicken.” While the visuals that go with the name might not be entirely appealing, the taste of this chicken dish goes beyond deep fryer fare.

The smashed part is when a tenderising mallet is used to make the chicken softer before it’s deep fried. It’s usually served with a side of rice, soybean cake, sambal, or cucumber slices to add texture and flavour.

Where to get it? We recommend

Ayam Penyet Ria

Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Road

Accessible from Orchard MRT

Mall hours: Daily, 9 AM to 9 PM

S$9

10. Cereal Prawns

You can always eat prawns at steamboat buffets and other seafood restaurants. But for this particular dish, you might have to shell out (pun unintended) a bit more money in certain places that serve them.

The prawns are fried until crispy then topped liberally with a sauce made of butter, curry leaves, chillies, and fine toasted cereal. The result is a crunchy, flavourful, and spicy dish that’s always a hit among seafood lovers.

Some hawker centres might serve cereal prawns, but upscale restaurants have also elevated this tasty dish into a fine dining appetiser or main entree.

Where to get it? We recommend

Si Chuan Dou Hua

60-01 UOB Plaza 1, 80 Raffles Place

Reservation required 6535 6006

S$28 to S$56

11. Char Siew Rice

If you’re craving a pork and rice dish, you can’t go wrong with char siew rice. It’s available in most hawker stalls and eateries and is a simple yet satisfying lunch or dinner fare.

Char shiew rice makes use of boneless barbecued pork, usually the shoulder part for a leaner and tender cut. The caramelised flavour of the pork pairs well with white rice smothered in the same marinade or braising sauce of the pork.

Other favourite kinds of cuts for this dish include the more sinful pork belly or the softer pork “underarm.” But it’s really the glaze and marinade that defines how delicious char shiew rice will be.

Where to get it? We recommend

Lee Hong Kee

30 Seng Poh Road, 02-60, Tiong Bahru Market

Accessible by Tiong Bahru MRT

Friday to Wednesday, 9 AM to 8 PM

S$3

12. Kecap Manis Fried Chicken

This particular chicken dish is a product of Singapore and Bali cultures, and it’s delicious as it looks. Kecap manis fried chicken may look grilled to many, but it’s actually fried and then coated in savoury dark sauce.

It also has a hint of sweetness, thanks to its kecap manis marinade. Kecap manis has the capacity to get deeper into the meat as a marinating sauce, so you can be sure that the chicken will turn out flavourful and juicy.

Of course, it’s best eaten with rice (plain white or egg-fried) and is a great lunchtime treat for many people. But kecap manis is also a rewarding go-to dinner after a long, hard workday.

Where to get it? We recommend

Bali Nasi Lemak

2 Lor 15 Geylang Road

Accessible from Aljunied MRT

Monday to Saturday, 5:30 PM to 4 AM

S$10

13. Sup Tulang

Sup tulang is a bone marrow dish that’s rich in flavour and needs to be eaten with either rice or bread. As an added bonus, most eateries will even give diners a straw to really suck up the marrow from the bones!

The beef goes into a slow cooker to be as tender and falling-off-the-bone as possible. Then it’s cooked with spices and tomato sauce until it looks like the marrow is begging to be slurped.

With a savoury sauce that has a hint of sweetness, people typically mop up every last drop of the sup tulang on their plates. It’s also a great protein source for those who need to justify eating this sinfully delicious dish.

Where to get it? We recommend

M.A. Deen Biasa

95/97 Jalan Sultan Road

Accessible from Nicoll Highway MRT

Open 24 hours

S$10

14. Roti Prata and Curry Sauce

For people who need to work “al desko” (at their desks while working or studying), something like the roti prata and curry sauce can fill the bill. And for most busy Singaporeans, this kind of dining convenience is always welcome.

Roti prata is a simple enough dish that can nevertheless pack a lot of flavours, thanks to the dipping curries that come with it. It’s also one of the cheapest dishes you can get when you need to calm a grumbling tummy.

A lot of people might regard the roti prata as a mere snack. But this thin pancake-like treat can be slathered with butter or sweet spreads or used to mop up other saucy breakfast, lunch, or dinner dishes.

Where to get it? We recommend

Prata Saga Sambal Berlada

665 Buffalo Road Zhujiao Centre (Tekka Market)

0.1 km from Little India

Monday to Sunday, 7 AM to 1 PM

S$2

15. Curry Puffs

Curry has become a ubiquitous flavour profile in Singapore that you can find in sauces, meats, noodles, rice dishes, and yes, even baked goods!

Curry puffs are fine examples of elevated street food snacks that have made it to even the display cases of the best cafes in Singapore. They’ve become favourite things to serve at parties and gatherings because they’re quite convenient to eat.

The best curry puffs are those that are crispy, crunchy, golden brown, and nearly bursting with your preferred fillings in curry sauce. Some popular fillings include chicken curry, egg, and beef rendang.

And here’s some good news for plant-based eaters: vegetarian curry puffs are also available. Curried potatoes and other vegetables fill up flaky pastry shells before they’re deep fried or baked.

Where to get it? We recommend

1A Crispy Puffs

53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3

Accessible by Ang Mo Kio MRT

Daily, 9 AM to 9 PM

S$1.90 each

16. Laksa

You can’t go to Singapore and not have at least one bowl of piping hot laksa. It’s considered a heritage dish by locals and tourists alike, after all.

This hearty noodle dish combines the best ingredients that Singapore has to offer. Aside from rice noodles, it harmonises coconut milk, tamarind or other souring ingredients, and your choice of protein in the soup.

Depending on your preference, you can add chicken, prawns or shrimp, fish cakes, egg, tofu, and other vegetables and meat to your laksa. A dollop of sambal or chilli sauce and some fresh coriander can spice things up and add some freshness.

And yes, even halal restaurants will likely have laksa on their menu, so go ahead and get a bowl today.

Where to get it? We recommend

Sungei Road Laksa

01, 27 Jalan Berseh

Accessible by Lavender MRT

Thursday to Tuesday, 9:30 AM to 5 PM

S$3

17. Bak Kut Teh (Pork Rib Soup)

We previously did an entire post on where to find the best bak kut teh in Singapore. That’s why it would be almost criminal not to feature this favourite Singaporean dish in today’s list.

It literally translates to “meat bone tea” in Chinese. And yes, it’s a soup dish but not like anything you’ve ever had before.

Bak kut teh is made by slowly simmering pork ribs in a broth made of vegetables, herbs, and different spices. The result is a hearty and comforting dish with meat so tender you hardly need to chew it (we do recommend that you chew it, though).

You can eat bak kut teh on its own or with a side of plain white rice. It’s the perfect comfort dish during the rainy season, too.

Where to get it? We recommend

Ng Ah Sio

208 Rangoon Road, Hong Building

Accessible by Farrer Park MRT

Daily, 9 AM to 9 PM

S$7.80 to S$10.80

18. Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hainanese chicken rice is another meal that’s being touted as Singapore’s national dish. Arguments aside, one thing’s for sure: it’s a Singaporean dish through and through.

Its pale-looking chicken meat served on white rice may give off a bland impression. However, the flavours of the Hainanese chicken rice are anything but dull.

The chicken is poached until tender (and almost melts in your mouth). The stock that the chicken is boiled in is then used to cook the rice so that it’s fragrant and packed with flavour.

Ginger, garlic, scallions, and other aromatic ingredients are added to complete the dish.

Some cilantro and garlic chilli sauce rounds up the dish nicely and contributes a much-needed kick for those who want to spice up their Hainanese chicken rice experience.

Where to get it? We recommend

Five-Star Hainanese Cuisine

419 River Valley Road

Accessible by Orchard MRT

Daily, 11 AM to 2 PM

S$16

19. Bak Chor Mee (Pork Noodles)

Another noodle dish makes it to our recommended dinner list. This time around, it features pork lard to elevate the flavour of the entire dish.

Bak chor mee is an award-winning Singaporean noodle dish that’s served dry and with broth on the side. It comes with slices of pork, some dumplings, meatballs, and liver or minced pork.

The broth can be vinegary, peppery, or spicy (or all at once). To say that it’s a complete dish with soup, noodles, vegetables, and a variety of meats in one bowl would be an understatement.

Where to get it? We recommend

Hill Street Tai Hwa

66 Crawford Lane

Accessible by Lavender MRT

Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 9 PM

S$6

20. Hawker-Style BBQ Chicken Wings

We know what you’re probably thinking at this point: “BBQ wings in a Singapore dinner recommendation list?”

But hear us out when we say that this particular dish has a distinctly Singaporean twist. It’s not fried like kecap manis chicken or slow-broiled like Hainanese chicken, but its flavours are reminiscent of hawker BBQ fare.

For starters, it does away with the heavy coating and batter that’s typical of Western-style BBQ or Buffalo wings. The skin is intact and crispy, so you’ll get the perfect crunch with every bite.

And because these wings are typically cooked over charcoal, the smokiness is evident in the meat. Add to that the distinct lime and spice of a Singaporean palate, and you might just forget you’re eating ordinary wings.

Where to get it? We recommend

Huat Huat

Rasapura Masters food court, Marina Bay Sands

Accessible by Bayfront MRT

Daily, 10 AM to 10 PM

Around S$7 (three pieces)

21. Braised Duck Rice

Duck dishes are usually something you can only get at a fancy French restaurant. Duck à l’orange or even pâté de foie gras isn’t your everyday food because of the complicated way they’re prepared (thus the expensive prices).

But if you’re craving duck, you’ll be happy to know that you can get it for cheap in Singapore. In fact, you can get a braised duck and rice meal for under S$10 in certain hawker stalls and eateries.

The duck is usually braised in a rich dark sauce, which pairs well with fluffy white rice. Some combine duck and goose on one platter for added texture and flavour.

A lot of goose and duck rice sellers have been perfecting their dishes for decades, so you know you’ll get something truly delectable when you order one.

Where to get it? We recommend

Heng Gi Goose and Duck Rice

Tekka Food Centre, 665 Buffalo Road

Accessible by Little India MRT

Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM to 3 PM (closed on Mondays)

S$6

22. Pau

Handmade paus are very much a part of the Singaporean food landscape. The convenient (yet soulless) machine-made versions will never hold a candle to these soft and fluffy buns with delectable BBQ pork fillings.

The char siew filling is a crowd favourite especially when the balance of smokiness and sweetness is done right. Generous fillings are always welcome, though the ratio of the bread and meat should also be considered.

But if you’re extra hungry, consider getting a jumbo pau that’s as big as an entire dinner plate. These are typically stuffed with a salted hardboiled egg, chicken, Chinese sausages, pork bits, and other savoury ingredients.

Where to get it? We recommend

Nam Kee Pau

200 Turf Club Road, The Grandstand

Accessible by Sixth Avenue MRT

Daily, 10 AM to 10 PM

S$0.90 to $4

23. Otak Otak (Steamed Fish Cakes)

Fish dishes figure quite prominently in authentic Singaporean cuisine. But don’t expect the preparations to be bland, boring, or unexciting here.

One good example is otak otak, which is Malaysian for “brains.” Don’t fret though, as there aren’t brains of any sort involved in this steamed fish cake.

Instead, it’s made of filleted fish coated with tapioca flour and then deep fried to a golden crisp before being wrapped in banana leaves.

Otak otak is usually served as an appetizer or snack. But it can become a main dish in a pinch, with a side of noodles, salad, or rice.

Where to get it? We recommend

Guan Hoe Soon

40 Joo Chiat Pl

Accessible by Eunos MRT

Daily, 11 AM to 9:30 PM

S$8

24. Murtabak (Omelette Pancakes)

Murtabak is a simple yet filling dish that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s uncomplicated enough to prepare yet many Singaporeans still flock to places like Zam Zam for this yummy street food.

It’s a savoury pancake stuffed with ingredients like spiced mutton, beef, or chicken (and even sardines if your tastes run that way). This Arabian-inspired dish is best served with a curry sauce or even ketchup.

It can be eaten on its own or with rice if you prefer, at any time of the day when you feel like scarfing one down.

Don’t be fooled by its simple ingredients because a murtabak can be quite thick and hefty in size. Some are big enough to be shared between two people.

Where to get it? We recommend

Singapore Zam Zam

679 North Bridge Road

Accessibly by Nicoll Highway MRT

Daily, 7 AM to 11 PM

S$6 to S$17

25. Satay

Though most regard satay as Thai food, Singapore’s pork satay is something unique in terms of taste and accompaniments. It’s become a classic dish that can be eaten any time of the day.

A lot of hawker stalls sell satay. Pork is the usual in-demand meat for this particular street food, but chicken, beef, mutton, and prawns are also available.

Because it’s served on bamboo skewers, it’s pretty convenient to eat even when you’re wandering around and enjoying the sights. It can also be topped with the traditional peanut sauce or dipped in soy sauce with chillies or cucumbers and onions.

Where to get it? We recommend

Gardens by the Bay food stalls

18 Marina Gardens Dr

Accessible by Bayfront MRT

Weekdays, 8 AM to 11 PM; weekends, 8 AM to 2 AM

S$0.70 per skewer

26. Hokkien Mee (Fujian Noodles)

As its name implies, this noodle dish originated in Hokkien, a Southern Chinese province. It’s stir-fried and typically combines egg and rice noodles for a nice texture and mouth feel.

A lot of Singaporeans prefer seafood like prawns, fish, and squid with their Hokkien mee. However, there have also been vegetarian and plant-based versions of this dish lately.

It’s topped with lime and spring onions after being mixed with an aromatic sauce that’s thick enough to coat every noodle. These noodles often find themselves served up during family gatherings or other special occasions.

Others might also add soy sauce or sambal to it, but it’s a pretty tasty dish even without them.

Where to get it? We recommend

Kim’s Hokkien Mee

62B Jalan Eunos

Accessible by Eunos MRT

Daily, 11 AM to 1 PM

S$8 to S$12

27. Peranakan Food

We mentioned Peranakan food at the beginning of this article. It’s an unmistakable fusion of Malaysian, Indonesian, and Chinese flavours, making it Singaporean cuisine through and through.

In fact, there’s a Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant in Singapore called Candlenut (more details below). But for those on a strict budget, there are more affordable options and a more casual ambience available, too.

Dishes like rendang lasagne, seafood Hokkien mee, and desserts like pineapple tarts are just some examples of this crazily creative fusion cuisine.

We believe this is one of the best ways to appreciate Peranakan culture—by way of happy tastebuds and satisfied bellies.

Where to get it? We recommend

Candlenut

Block 17A Dempsey Road

Accessible by Farrer Road MRT

Daily, 12 NN to 10 PM

Reservation required

Starts at S$88 per person

28. Chwee Kueh (Steamed Rice Cakes)

If you want rice in another form for dinner, consider getting some chwee kueh instead. It’s a savoury rice cake that looks simple yet tastes quite yummy.

What makes it different from dessert-type rice cakes is its toppings of radish preserves and pairing them with spicy chilli sauce. It’s a fuss-free dish that’s versatile and convenient to serve at any hour of the day, with any other meal.

People like eating chwee kueh for snacks or breakfast, but they’re tasty enough to make it to dinner, too. And you can get as many as 10 pieces for under S$10, so you can eat them as small meals throughout the day.

Where to get it? We recommend

Jian Bo Shui Kueh

Tiong Bahru Market, Seng Poh Road

Accessible by Tiong Bahru MRT

Daily, 6:30 AM to 9 PM

S$8 (10 pieces)

29. Kaya toast

We know this is a list of dinner options, and kaya toast has had the reputation for being the ideal Singapore breakfast. But there’s no solid reason not to have this yummy treat any time of the day.

Kaya toast is basically toasted bread slathered with butter and kaya, which is made up of coconut milk, sugar, and eggs. For those who find this too sweet, an optional soft-boiled egg can become part of breakfast.

Most Singaporeans regard kaya toast as incomplete without a matching kopi sweetened with condensed milk. So if you need to be up all night to work on something, this unconventional dinner pairing might just help.

Where to get it? We recommend

Toast Box

Esplanade Mall 8 Raffles Avenue Esplanade Mall Floor 01 Unit 03 01

0.2 miles from Merlion Park

Daily, 8 AM to 10:30 PM

S$2 to S$4

30. Biryani

Biryani might be recognisably Indian, but its presence on Singaporean dinner tables can attest to how this aromatic dish has found a home in the small island nation.

Remember, the rice in this dish isn’t just a side but is the main ingredient. Biryani is usually made with long-grained basmati rice to assure that the flavours and spices are properly absorbed.

Some popular protein ingredients that go well with this dish include mutton, fish, and chicken. Others go for an all-vegetarian biryani and use bay leaves, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices to level up the aroma and flavour.

You can choose to have it with curry sauce or other accompaniments, but it’s a perfect dish all on its own.

Where to get it? We recommend

Allaudin’s Biryani, Tekka Food Centre

665 Buffalo Rd, 01-229, Tekka Food Centre

Accessible by Little India MRT

Daily, 9 AM to 8 PM

S$4.50 to S$6.50

Other Dining Options in Singapore

There you have it: 30 of the most delicious, affordable, and uniquely Singaporean dinners that we can recommend! We hope you have a great time sampling or scarfing down any (or all) of them during your Singapore stay.

But if you’re craving other dishes, we reviewed other dining options. Hopefully, they can come in handy once a particular craving hits.

Check out these food reviews: