Hawker classics, restaurant hidden gems and café recommendations — all in one place.
Cuisine
Budget
Jalan Pisang / Kampong Glam
A Michelin Bib Gourmand nasi padang restaurant — arguably the best in Singapore. Dozens of curries, sambals and side dishes.
Must try
💡 Opens 7 am, best dishes sell out by 1 pm. Closed Sundays.
Get DirectionsGeylang / Paya Lebar
The heart of Malay food culture in Singapore. Especially vibrant during Ramadan with a massive pasar malam.
Must try
💡 Visit during Ramadan for the Bazaar Ramadan experience.
Get DirectionsBuona Vista / Holland
A beloved neighbourhood hawker with some of Singapore's most-awarded Malay stalls. The nasi lemak has a cult following.
Must try
💡 Weekday morning is best. Nasi lemak stall sells out by 11 am.
Get DirectionsBukit Timah / Newton
A late-night institution open 24 hours for nasi lemak. Generous portions, crispy fried chicken and flavourful sambal.
Must try
💡 24 hours — best late night for freshest batches.
Get DirectionsKampong Glam / Arab Street
A Kampong Glam landmark since 1908. One of Singapore's oldest murtabak spots — crispy, layered and stuffed with spiced meat.
Must try
💡 Watch the murtabak being made in the window. Takes ~10 min to cook fresh.
Get DirectionsBeach Road
An upscale nasi lemak experience — premium ingredients and freshly-grated coconut milk rice. Elevated Malay comfort food.
Must try
💡 Open for lunch only (until 3 pm) on weekdays. Arrive 15 min before opening.
Get DirectionsGeylang
A no-frills Malay food stall in Geylang that's been feeding locals for decades. The mee goreng and nasi padang are outstanding.
Must try
💡 Cash only. Very popular at lunch — arrive before 12:30 pm.
Get DirectionsKampong Glam / Arab Street
A legendary Minang-style nasi padang stall that has been feeding Singapore since 1948. The beef rendang here has an irreplaceable depth of flavour.
Must try
💡 Opens 7 am and sells out by 2 pm. The rendang needs slow time to develop — get there at opening.
Get DirectionsTampines / East
A beloved East Singapore Malay restaurant serving very affordable, generous nasi padang and murtabak to a loyal local crowd.
Must try
💡 Very popular for post-tarawih supper during Ramadan. Generous portions.
Get Directions