Ever tried Nepalese, Caribbean, African or Russian cuisines? You can do so right here in Singapore.
In the flavour city that is Singapore, we’re spoilt with a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. We love our mix of local and international food – from local delights to Japanese, Mexican, Korean and even American. But by now, you’ve probably had countless bowls of ramen and plates of kimchi fried rice, so how about trying something a little more exotic?
These unique cuisines don’t have to be an elusive commodity – sample exotic food at these eateries in Singapore.
Exotic food in Singapore: Unique cuisines to try
1. Caribbean cuisine: Lime House Caribbean
Serving up Caribbean dishes with a fancy twist, Lime House hits it out of the park with flavour bombs, chill vibes and a fantastic menu. There’s more than jerk chicken here. Forks out for oxtail, goat curry, fried plantain, crab dumpling and guava cheesecake. Wash them down with cocktails named after the god, goddesses, spirits and ghosts from around the Caribbean. How cool!
Lime House Caribbean, 2 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089260
2. Israeli cuisine: Miznon Singapore
We love our pita bread with the usual suspects of hummus and the like. But at casual Israeli diner Miznon, you can expect it stuffed to the brim with grilled lamb, beef short ribs, roast cauliflower, portobello mushroom and beyond. Order Israeli street food like Jerusalem mezza, which is great for sharing. If you’re looking for a more intimate and upscale meal, chef-owner Eyal Shani has also opened North Miznon right down the street at Amoy.
Miznon Singapore, #01-01, 6 Stanley Street, Singapore 068725
3. Bangladeshi cuisine: Khana Basmati
It’s the real deal when even Bangladeshis residing in Singapore rave about the food at Khana Basmati. The halal restaurant is wallet-friendly and generous with its portions. Tuck into an array of fish, chicken, mutton and veggie picks along with authentic dishes like mughlai paratha (stuffed flatbread), haleem (a type of stew that includes wheat or barley, meat and lentils) and samosas.
Khana Basmati, 1 Rowell Road, Singapore 207955
4. Persian cuisine: Shabestan
Shabestan adds flavour to the prominent riverside spot that is Robertson Quay. The Persian restaurant brings you fine Middle Eastern cuisine that’ll floor everyone at the table. For a preview of Persian flavours, best-sellers lamb kubideh, shandiz (lamb chops), shah pasand chicken, ghormeh sabz and bahala polo machicheh (lamb shank) will leave you satisfied. Big eaters will enjoy the Shabestan platter for two or four, with generous portions of minced lamb, chicken, fish and prawn kebabs and a choice of lamb or beef fillet.
Shabestan, #01-13, 80 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 239013
5. African cuisine: Kafe Utu
Feel the warmth of African hospitality at Kafe Utu – and we’re not just talking about the dishes. From hand-carved wooden doors and mirrors to artworks by African American artist Janet Taylor Pickett, this vibrant spot celebrates all things Africa. Experience three different concepts under one roof: have a cup of Ubuntu blend coffee with special-grade single-origin coffees sourced from Uganda, Brazil and Mexico at the Kafe; gather the friends for a fun get-together at the lounge or bar terrace; or have an intimate meal at the nook. Must-try dishes include Swahili fish curry, lamu stingray stew and smokey cassava leaf with marinated chicken thigh.
Kafe Utu, 12 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089265
6. Nepalese cuisine: Everest Kitchen
The idea of opening Everest Kitchen came to life when an ex-British Gurkha officer wanted to share his adventures of Nepal and the Himalayas with the world from Singapore. The no-frills restaurant may not be the best looking but its earnest menu makes up for it. You can’t have a Nepalese meal without a plate of delish momos. And yes, you’ll find these chicken dumplings right here. The menu has a variety of classics such as chowmin noodles, thukpa (stew), wai wai noodles, bhatmas sandeko (soy bean salad), chicken pangra (gizzard), and chicken sekuw (Nepali skewers). The Nepalese also do a decadent dessert in the form of Kheer, a sweet, smooth rice pudding dish.
Everest Kitchen, 55 Chander Road, Singapore 219550
7. Greek cuisine: Blu Kouzina
Want a quick gateway to Greece minus the passport? Blu Kouzina is your best bet. Experience distinct Mediterranean flavours with ingredients air-flown directly from Greece. These folks even use their own extra virgin olive oil here. Don’t leave without trying the xtapodi (grilled octopus), paidakia (lamp chops) and, of course, the dips with pita. With the nautical decor and a sea of blues and whites, you may just feel like you’re in Greece for a hot minute.
Blu Kouzina, multiple locations including Dempsey and Siglap
8. Russian cuisine: Dumplings.Ru
Never underestimate the power of a mere dumpling. We surely don’t, thanks to our fair mix of xiao long baos, gyozas and pan-fried iterations. But do you know about Russian dumplings? Class is in session at Dumplings.Ru, which serves a variety of potato, meat, cheese dumplings and more! Psst: get the platter of 12 to try ‘em all. Save room for kholodets (chicken jelly terrine), salted herring and borscht (a sour soup made with beetroot).
Dumplings.Ru, #01-05, Maxwell Chambers, 32 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069115
9. Argentinian cuisine: BoChinChe
Bochinche celebrates a passion for food and the social custom of gathering to dine, at the same time, dispelling the notion that Argentinean cuisine is all about meat. Highlights include Ojo de Bif (rib-eye steak); a mind-blowingly good dulce de leche served with bunyols de vent (Catalan doughnuts) and banoffee ice cream. Prepare your palate for an explosion of bold yet delicate flavours.
Bochinche, 27 Club Street, Singapore 069413
10. Hawaiian cuisine: Aloha Poké
While Hawaiian sun, sand and surf might be an ocean away, traditional Hawaiian fare makes its way to Singapore at Aloha Poké. Founded by two Singaporean couples that were bitten by the Poké bug while vacationing in Hawaii, this casual, colourful eatery specialises in the traditional Hawaiian raw fish salad. Here, you’ll get to design your own tasty bowl by picking your choice of house-marinated poke (tuna, salmon and cooked options like tofu, shrimp and king oyster mushroom), complimentary add-ons and premium toppings.
Aloha Poké, multiple locations including Jewel Changi Airport, Marina Bay Link Mall and Westgate
Told you we’ve got our fair share of exotic food in Singapore! Take yourself and your taste buds for a ride around the world with unique cuisines.
