What to Eat at Arab Street: A Foodie's Guide
Arab Street in Singapore is a vibrant part of the historic Kampong Glam district. Once a buzzing home for diverse Muslim communities, its history dates back to the 1820s. It was a thriving trade centre but faced multiple fires, which caused great destruction. However, the street quickly bounced back each time, keeping its lively trade scene alive.
Today, Arab Street is a cultural melting pot welcoming folks from all walks of life. From soaking up the rich history and enjoying a unique souk-style retail experience to savouring ethnic cuisines, there's something for everyone. The best part? Middle-Eastern halal food, Swedish eats and fancy coffee on the same street! Beyond its famed textile stores, it's a foodie's paradise offering an extraordinary blend of flavours.
If you're wondering what to eat at Arab Street, we've got you covered! Here are some of the best restaurants on Arab Street for a guaranteed good time.
What to Eat on Arab Street: Savour Middle Eastern and Turkish food
1. Cantina
Can't decide what to eat on Arab Street? How about a mix of Asian and Middle Eastern flavours? Arab Street Cantina serves unique dishes with a farm-to-table concept, using fresh local ingredients to minimise waste. Must-tries include their roasted pesto barramundi with Mediterranean brown rice for S$24 and their Lebanese sweet potato fries for S$10. And don't forget their bottomless brunch - an experience you won't want to miss.
Opening hours: Open daily, Sat to Thurs, 9am to 6pm, Fri, 9am to 9:30pm
Address: 148 Arab St, Singapore 199831 (map)
2. House of Kebab
Heading to Arab Street without tasting Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisine is like hitting KFC for just a salad – a no-no! Swing by House of Kebab for some truly mouthwatering Turkish and Lebanese dishes.
You'll be in foodie heaven, from succulent lamb kofta (S$55.90) to their signature lamb chop (S$37.90). And if you're rolling with a big crew, their family platter (S$137.90) serves up their top dishes, giving everyone a taste of their best hits.
Opening hours: Open daily, 11am to 10pm
General price: S$50
Address: 21 Arab Street, Singapore 199844
3. Tabbouleh Lebanese Café and Restaurant
Stepping into this Lebanese restaurant feels like entering an Arabian wonderland, with its mosaic lamps and cosy red tablecloths. Its menu will leave you spoilt for choice with a blend of Middle Eastern and Western delights.
Try the lamb kofta (S$18.90) with hummus (S$15.90), halloumi cheese wrap (S$14.90), or charcoal-grilled shish tawouk. And if you're in a sharing mood, nothing beats their mezze platter (S$29.90) packed with hummus, babaganoush, labneh, and a refreshing fattoush salad.
Opening hours: Open daily, 11am to 11pm
General price: S$25
Address: 54 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199470
4. Beirut Grill
Fancy a trip to Beirut without leaving Singapore? Head over to Beirut Grill, one of the best Middle Eastern food joints on Arab Street.
This joint serves up lip-smacking Lebanese eats and throws in belly dance shows for that overseas vibe. Their authentic pastries, kebabs, and signature Beirut lamb chop (S$33.00) are crowd-pleasers.
Opening hours: Open daily, 11:30am to 3:30pm, 5:30 to 11pm
General price: S$30
Address: 72 Bussorah St, Singapore 199485
5. Cappadocia Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant
Craving Turkish food on Arab Street with a view? Drop by Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant. They've got an alfresco dining terrace and a modern-yet-retro decor vibe.
You must try their borek - feta and herb-filled Turkish pastries - for S$16.90 or their meat-topped lahmacun flatbread for S$26. If you're with friends, the mix Cappa Mandi for S$59.90 is a great bet.
Opening hours: Open daily, 11am to 11:30pm
General price: S$30
Address: 69 Bussorah St, Singapore 19948
Best Cafés on Arab Street
6. Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro
In the mood for Swedish cuisine but not near an IKEA? Swing by Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro for homestyle Swedish food beyond meatballs.
Test your adventurous side with dishes like korvstroganoff (S$15), panbiff (S$19), or Swedish lamb stew (S$24). Still craving meatballs? Fika's Swedish meatballs (S$19) come with all the traditional accompaniments - lingonberry jam, potatoes and cream sauce.
Opening hours: Open daily, Sun to Thurs, 11am to 10pm, Fri to Sat, 11am to 11pm
General price: S$25
Address: 257 Beach Rd, Singapore 199539
7. % Arabica
Looking for a high-end coffee experience? % Arabica on Arab Street, hailing from Kyoto, is a minimalist's dream with its clean white walls and sleek decor.
Try a classic cafe latte (from S$7) or indulge in a Spanish latte with condensed milk, either hot (from S$7.80) or iced (from S$9). And don't forget to peep their roasting process at the back, maybe even snag a bag of beans to take home!
Opening hours: Open daily, Sun to Thurs, 8am to 6pm, Fri to Sat, 8am to 8pm
General price: S$10
Address: 56 Arab St, Singapore 19975
8. Kampong Glam Café
Need a tasty pit stop before exploring Kampong Glam? Stop by this snack joint, mixing modern and traditional vibes with colourful art and cosy seats. They've got a variety of lemper (Indonesian sticky rice snacks), from beef rendang to plant-based options, and even classic Malay sweets like ondeh ondeh for dessert. It is also where you can find some of the cheapest food on Arab Street, with plates averaging S$5-S$7.
Opening hours: Fri to Wed, 8am to 2am, Thurs, 12pm to 2am, Mon, closed
General price: S$7
Address: 17 Bussorah St, Singapore 199438
9. Nirvana Dessert Cafe
Craving a sugar high? Nirvana Dessert Cafe is your ticket to sweet tooth paradise. Dive into their Japanese soufflé pancake (S$9) with three fluffy stacks and a burst of fresh fruits and whipped cream. Their waffles with ice cream (from S$8.50) will charm you with its satisfyingly dense texture. It's the perfect spot for a tasty indulgence after exploring Arab Street!
Opening hours: Wed to Mon, 11am to 9pm, Tue, closed
General price: S$10
Address: 37 Haji Ln, Singapore 189230
10. All Things Delicious
This cosy bakery cafe lives up to its name by offering an array of scrumptious treats. Their breakfast menu features hearty shakshouka (S$18.90) and a nourishing breakfast (S$20.90) with delightful crab cakes and soft-boiled eggs. Don't skip their desserts! From little madeleines (S$9.90) to Earl Grey creme brulee (S$12.90), your sweet tooth will thank you.
Opening hours: Open daily, 8am to 7pm
General price: S$25
Address: 34 Arab St, #01-01, Singapore 199733
11. 麥吉 Machi Machi
Calling all bubble tea fanatics! Even the King of Mandopop, Jay Chou, swears by this place. Try the exquisite oolong tea with cream cheese foam & mochi (S$8) – it's a dessert that doubles as a drink. If you prefer classics, the black milk tea with creme brûlée (S$6.50) won't let you down. Get ready for a next-level bubble tea experience at this joint!
Opening hours: Open daily, 11am to 7:30pm
General price: S$10
Address: 25 Arab St, Singapore 199724
Best Malay and Indonesian restaurants on Arab Street
12. Hjh Maimunah
Step into the world of traditional nasi padang at Hjh Maimunah on Arab Street, recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand Award. This spot serves some of the best Malay food on Arab Street. Don't miss out on their ayam bakar sunda (S$4.50) – a sweet and savoury chicken treat – and the veggie-packed sayur lodeh (S$5/S$7), simmered to perfection in a coconut broth.
Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 7:30am to 6:30pm, Sunday, closed
General price: S$10
Address: 11 Jln Pisang, Singapore 199078
13. The Malayan Council
Unwind at The Malayan Council, one of the best restaurants on Arab Street with a 'Talk, Makan, Chill' mantra. They seamlessly blend classic Malay dishes with Western touches. Kick off your culinary adventure with cheesy kupang (S$15) – oven-baked mussels with a sprinkle of herbs and spices. Follow that up with the smoked duck lemak chili padi (S$28) and round off your meal with the classic ondeh-ondeh cake (S$8.50).
Opening hours: Open daily, 11am to 11pm
General price: S$35
Address: 71 Bussorah St, Singapore 199484
14. Warong Nasi Pariaman
Want to have a meal at Singapore's oldest nasi padang spot? This gem started serving up mouthwatering nasi padang way before Singapore was even a republic! Fast forward 74 years, and they're still dishing up some of the best Indonesian food on Arab Street to their multi-generation fans. Once there, you've gotta try the nasi padang campur style, featuring gulai nangka, sambal goreng, and the must-have beef rendang.
Opening hours: Tue to Sun, 7:30am to 3pm, Mon, closed
General price: S$10
Address: 738 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198706
15. Rumah Makan Minang
Rumah Makan Minang is your gateway to more than 20 varieties of nasi padang and incredible Indonesian food on Arab street. The asam pedas (S$3.50) offer fresh fish with a zesty twist, and the sotong masak hitam (S$2) gives you a whole squid in rich black ink sauce. But the real star? The Indonesian tahu telur (S$6), a large fried tofu mixed with eggs, peanuts, and sweet soy sauce.
Opening hours: Open daily, 9am to 7pm
General price: S$10
Address: 18 & 18A Kandahar Street, Singapore 198884
How to reach Arab Street
MRT
Head to Bugis Station (EW12/DT14). It's just a quick 5-minute walk from Exit B. Look for the Exit E sign, and follow Victoria Street until you reach the 2nd Junction. Keep walking north for about 7-10 minutes, and you'll see the golden domes of Sultan Mosque. Take a left there and you've reached your destination.
Bus
If riding a bus is more your speed, then buses 12, 2, 33, 133, and NR7 are your best bet for getting to Arab Street. The closest bus stop is only a minute away from Arab Street.
Other great things to do in Arab Street, Singapore
After stuffing yourself in the delicious grub of Arab Street, here are some exciting things to do while exploring the surrounding area.
Hop on a vintage Vespa and explore SG in style
Swap your usual mode of transportation for a day and take a spin on a vintage Vespa! Zip around Kampong Glam and the Civic District. There are tons of cool photo ops around every corner.
Explore the ethnic enclaves of Singapore
While in the area, why not get a taste of Singapore's different cultures? You've got the city tour of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Each one's a mixed bag of traditions, and it's amazing to learn how they all come together.
Look beyond the lens at a camera museum
At the Vintage Camera Museum, you're in for some surprises. This camera-shaped building has over a thousand retro cameras and cool old photos.
Surround yourself with furry cuddles
Who can resist a good dose of pug love? Meet the resident pugs at What The Pug Cafe waiting to shower you with affection. Just a heads up, they're super friendly and'll be vying for your attention.
Craft your own style with leather
Ever fancied making your own wallet? Well, now's your chance! At Crafune's Melanie Bag workshop, you can learn leather crafting and walk away with a unique, self-made piece.
Commonly asked questions
1. What can I do at Arab Street?
At Arab Street, you can shop for textiles, carpets, and perfumes, explore boutique stores, enjoy local and Middle Eastern cuisines, admire street art, and visit the Sultan Mosque.
2. What is the history of Arab Street?
Arab Street was named after Syed Ali bin Mohamed Al Junied, an Arab merchant who owned the land. It was part of Singapore's designated Muslim area in the 1822 Town Plan by Sir Stamford Raffles.
3. Are there any notable landmarks on Arab Street?
Yes, the most notable landmark on Arab Street is the Sultan Mosque (also known as Masjid Sultan), an iconic mosque in Singapore and a centre for Islamic culture and history.
4. Are reservations necessary for dining at Arab Street restaurants?
Reservations might not be necessary for most restaurants, but it's usually a good idea if you're dining in a large group.