Presenting our ultimate food guide to Bugis and its collection of amazing restaurants, cafes and bars.
Bugis is one of our favourite places to explore, and for good reason. The area is home to Haji Lane, Arab Street and Kampong Glam, where you’ll find plenty of cafes, indie boutiques, fabric shops, nail salons and street art. On your stroll, you’ll pass by familiar icons like the National Library Building, Malay Heritage Centre and National Design Centre. And if you’re a shopaholic, there’s always the bustling Bugis Street and its surrounding malls. But since we’re here to talk about food, behold: these are our go-to places in Bugis.
Bugis food guide: Best restaurants, cafes and bars
1. Cafe Margaret
Can’t afford a ticket to Seoul for your next trip? Get a taste of South Korea at Cafe Margaret. You’ll be fully immersed in the Korean cafe vibe without actually having to leave the country! Pastries are neatly displayed at the front for you to admire and select. After picking up your treats, head up to the second floor to grab a seat and enjoy them!
Cafe Margaret, 32 Bali Lane, Singapore 189868
2. Chix Hot Chicken
Nashville hot fried chicken here in Singapore? We like the sound of that. Made with organic spices from the United States, the dry rub on the chicken is what makes it so irresistible. You can get it in the form of chicken burgers or as tenders. Order up sides of dirty tater tots or fries for the full experience. Oh, and did we mention it’s halal? Which means everyone can enjoy it!
Chix Hot Chicken, 1 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199069
3. Mondays
With elegant decor and a well-lit space, we think Mondays is one of the most Instagrammable cafes around town. This picture perfect setting sets the tone for a relaxed catchup with friends on a bright sunny morning. It’s an idyllic spot for brunch with breakfast classics like eggs Benedict, pancakes, acai bowls, and more. End your meal off with a dainty canele in a variety of flavours.
Mondays, 8 Jalan Klapa, Singapore 199320
4. Eminami Halal Vietnam
Born and raised in Vietnam, founder Emina’s culinary journey began when she started selling food with her family. After she moved to Singapore, she brought along her skills and love of Vietnamese food with her. Since then, the business has grown, serving up an expanded menu of fresh springs rolls, Vietnamese snacks, banh mi, pho, and more!
Eminami Halal Vietnam, 46 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198898
5. Nutmeg & Clove
Elevated Singaporean cuisine is the name of the game at Nutmeg & Clove. Its dinner menu features innovative renditions of classic local dishes. Start with mala sweet potato fries, and then taste the rendang mac and cheese and fried “carrot” cake. Wash it all down with progressive or classic cocktails for its ever changing menu.
Nutmeg & Clove, 8 Purvis Street, Singapore 188587
6. Tipo Pizzeria E Trattoria
You may be familiar with Tipo’s pasta bar at Aliwal Street, but we want to shine a spotlight on its outlet on Waterloo Street. Over here, both pasta and pizza take centre stage on the menu. You can choose from the house pizzas on offer, or go ham and build your own pie. Nothing strikes your fancy? Stay safe and order the mains, which include lamb rack and chicken leg. Pick from the selection of mocktails and non-alcoholic wines to pair with your food.
Tipo Pizzeria E Trattoria, #01-08, Stamford Arts Centre, 155 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187962
7. Twenty Grammes
If coffee, ice cream and waffles are your dream trio, you’ve come to the right place. The cosy Bugis cafe serves gelato, house-made waffles, cakes, tarts and more. Pretty perfect for Sunday afternoon chillin’, if you ask us.
Twenty Grammes, #01-01, 753 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198721
8. Chikuyotei Singapore
Fancy quality Japanese cuisine? Reserve a seat at Chikuyotei. This fine dining place in Bugis is the first unagi restaurant in Japan to be awarded a Michelin star. Have an entire unagi don to yourself if you’d like, or splurge a little on the omakase experience and be surprised at every turn by the adept chefs behind the counter.
Chikuyotei Singapore, #01-01, Intercontinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966
9. Cicheti
A rustic chic shophouse space serving up small plates for communal dining, Cicheti is a fab hangout for fans of Italian cuisine. It’s beloved for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas that come in options like filetto (fior di latte, parmigiano, datterini, garlic, oregano, olives, basil) and romana (tomato, burratina, anchovies, basil). But don’t look past the equally fantastic pastas! Highlights include gnocchi and the seared carpaccio.
Cicheti, 52 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198901
10. IndoBowl
So you love your Indomie? This halal cafe in Bugis specialises in homestyle Indonesian dishes, made using recipes passed down from generations. Fill up on hearty, flavourful rice plates such as nasi ayam sambal tomat and nasi goreng seafood petai. Or go straight for the Indomie section of the menu to enjoy those instant noodles paired with everything from ribeye steak to lamb chop. And don’t miss out on the homemade sambal for a kick!
IndoBowl, 29 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198487
11. Sawadee Thai Cuisine
Got a craving for Thai? The warm, elegant eatery has been around since 2001, serving fresh ingredients in a combination of sweet, spicy, salty and sour flavours. Tuck into your fave Thai dishes with classics like tom yum soup, green curry chicken, lemongrass fish, and seafood phad Thai on the menu.
Sawadee Thai Cuisine, #01-01, TQL Suites, 9 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188098
12. Madame Fan
Located at The NCO Club, a multi-concept space for dining and drinking, Madame Fan is known for its classic Cantonese cuisine that’s authentic and modern. While ensconced in the glamorous restaurant, you’ll enjoy signatures such as crispy duck, pan-fried wagyu beef with foie gras, and claypot tiger prawns. Want a post-dinner tipple? Head to the sleek bar for East-meets-West concoctions that dazzle. Psst: check out the boozy dim sum brunch if that’s your scene!
Madame Fan, 32 Beach Road, Singapore 189764
13. Joo Bar
In the mood for Korean? Joo Bar takes traditional dishes and gives them a whirl in the kitchen, plating up modern treats with a twist. The space is laidback, dark and edgy – great for casual date nights or drinks with friends. Try good grub like kimchi pancakes, fried rice, and tteokbokki, all washed down with jugs of makgeolli in lychee, mango, apple, and strawberry flavours.
Joo Bar, 5 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188094
14. King and the Pawn
Calling all board game enthusiasts! Round up your most competitive friends and have a ball at this cafe-bar. The ambience is cool, the food is served comfort-style, and the drinks feature beers on tap, cocktails and locally-roasted coffee. Oh, and the board games number more than 300, so you can get in on the fun with strategy games, party games and more.
King and the Pawn, Level 2, 24 Purvis Street, Singapore 188601
15. Earlybird
Yaas, another cafe that loves fried chicken – because why not? A casual dining spot for all-day brunch, Earlybird whips up a mean fried chicken with buttermilk pancakes, surrounded by a halo of chilli maple syrup. It’s the bomb, especially when paired with sriracha tater tots. Alternatively, go for plates of salmon and avo, steak and truffle mash, tom yum prawn pasta, or strawberries and cheese French toast. If you’re popping by for a drink, you’ve got coffees, teas, juices, smoothies and milkshakes to choose from.
Earlybird, 17 Jalan Pinang, Singapore 199149
16. Vatos Urban Tacos
Blending the best of Korean and Mexican food, this Bugis hangout is a great place for chill dinner and drinks. Ya gotta love the fusion creations, including stunners like kimchi pork quesadillas, galbi short rib tacos and Korean po’boy burritos. Oh, and don’t miss out on magkeolitas (tequila plus Korean rice alcohol) cocktails or massive Vatos’ Ritas (frozen margaritas with beer or cider)!
Vatos Urban Tacos, #01-03, South Beach Quarter, 36 Beach Road, Singapore 189766
17. Mother Dough Bakery
Let your search for freshly baked artisanal bread guide you to Mother Dough, where the scents of sourdough baguettes and croissants will warmly envelop you. And if your sweet tooth is calling out for satisfaction, take home goodies like danishes, tarts and puffs, depending on what’s the line-up for the day.
Mother Dough Bakery, 3 Jalan Kledek, Singapore 199259
18. En Sushi
Fans of Japanese cuisine, have you checked out En Sushi? Enjoy authentic delicacies made with fresh, quality ingredients in a tranquil and cosy modern restaurant. The menu is extensive, and if you’re here for lunch, be sure to check out the plethora of lunch sets available. And what’s a Japanese restaurant without sake? Choose from the curated selection and enjoy.
En Sushi, #01-00B, Midland House, 112 Middle Road, Singapore 188970
19. Aburi Kaisen Don Keisuke
Obsessed with donburi? Get your fix right here. Japanese rice straw is cooked Waraki-style, adding a nice smoky aroma to the bowl. The rice is then topped with fresh and raw seafood, and partially flamed ingredients. What happens if you can’t finish the rice? Order the Ochazuke Set, which mixes the leftovers into your soup of choice.
Aburi Kaisen Don Keisuke, #04-01, Bugis+, 201 Victoria Street, Singapore 188067
20. Overrun
Famed for its chendol soft serve, the family-owned dessert spot offers pocket-friendly ice cream cups stacked with toppings. You’ve probably seen these folks on social media, with cool, ever-changing flavours such as strawberry cheesecake, Snickers, bandung, ondeh ondeh, popcorn caramel and more. Pop by to beat the heat!
Overrun, 29 Arab Street, Singapore 199728
21. So France
For a cosy, warm bistro experience, head to So France and order up a storm. Its indoor seating is perfect for intimate gatherings, while the terrace hosts fuss-free alfresco lunches and after-dinner drinks. From breakfast to weekend brunch to dinner, the menu features familiar classics such as duck confit, cote de boeuf and coq au vin, and cold cuts and French cheese that you can nibble on. Best of all, you can step into the gourmet grocery after your meal to stock up on artisanal pantry products, ready-to-eat meals, sweets, teas and more.
So France, #01-51/56, Duo Galleria, 7 Fraser Street, Singapore 189356
22. Symmetry
A popular all-day dining restaurant and bar, this Aussie-inspired hotspot in Bugis is all about good vibes and good food. Whether you’re meeting with brunch buddies or going on your first date, you’ll have a fab time wolfing down the menu’s burgers, pasta, meats and brunch bites.
Symmetry, #01-01, 9 Jalan Kubor, Singapore 199206
23. Gunther’s
Fancy a French fine dining treat? Gunther’s is excellent at what it does, and its namesake chef has the chops to prove it, having spent time in the kitchens of well-known restaurants in Belgium. Every experience here is elegant and unique, with unconventional flavour combinations that are plated beautifully.
Gunther’s, #01-03, 36 Purvis Street, Singapore 188613
24. Atlas
It doesn’t get any more magnificent than this. The lavish lobby and bar, decked out in Art Deco trimmings, offers a sumptuous experience – no matter if you’re having dinner, drinks or light bites. You might think you’re already familiar with the tipples at Atlas, but this spot gives you a reason to come back time and again with refreshed menus.
Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778
25. Tom’s Palette
This is not your ordinary ice cream parlour. Tom’s Palette thinks way outside the box with its unusual gelato flavours that you won’t find elsewhere. Besides familiar favourites like chocolate sorbet, salted caramel cheesecake, and yuzu, the line-up includes wacky ones such as salted egg yolk, nasi lemak and mango sticky rice. Get yours in a cup or with a cone, waffle or affogato-style.
Tom’s Palette, #01-01, 51 Middle Road, Singapore 188959
26. Garibaldi
Want a Michelin-starred experience? Pop in your reservation for this sophisticated Italian restaurant and bar in Bugis to enjoy the indulgent experience. It’s perfect for a quiet dinner or romantic date night, thanks to the stellar service and authentic Italian dishes that take you from fresh seafood and beautiful pasta to impeccable meats and decadent desserts.
Garibaldi, #01-02, 36 Purvis Street, Singapore 188613
27. Hjh Maimunah
Temporarily closed
You can’t have a Bugis food guide and not mention this Michelin Bib Gourmand! This halal restaurant is most well-known for its nasi padang, which comes with over 40 dishes. There’s something for everyone: from staple selections such as beef rendang and ayam masak merah to the exquisite, like fresh snails in coconut gravy. Don’t forget the side dishes and desserts! If this is all too overwhelming for you, just order the premium ambeng platter to share with your friends.
Hjh Maimunah, 11 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199078
With these plentiful food options in Bugis, you’ll never go hungry again!
