From kare-kare and lechon, to tapa and adobo, you'll find appetising Filipino food in Singapore at these restaurants.
Here in Singapore, you can hardly be bored of food. From Thai and Korean to Mexican and French, our sunny island offers a smorgasbord of delectable cuisines from all over the world. And this time around, allow us to introduce you to the flavoursome world of Filipino food. From fancy restaurants to casual eateries, here are our fave spots for authentic Filipino food in Singapore like kare-kare (stew with peanut sauce), inasal (barbecued chicken) and tapa (dried or cured beef preserved in salt and spices).
Best restaurants for Filipino food in Singapore
1. Hayop
Could this be the fanciest spot for Filipino food in Singapore yet? Located within the hip and happening Amoy Street is Hayop, a restaurant founded by The Moment Group in Manila. This Singapore outpost serves classic and reinventing takes on Filipino comfort foods. Flavours are nostalgic and recognisable while embracing the use of the freshest ingredients from around the world.
Hayop, 104 Amoy Street, Singapore 069924
2. Lechon Republic
If you can’t get enough of crispy and succulent pork, we’re told that Lechon Republic probably does it the best. Cooked over charcoal, each piece of pork is treated delicately, ensuring the skin is crisp but the lechon still stays moist. Other popular dishes include the sisig, and the fried lumpiang which is great for sharing.
Lechon Republic, #01-09, Novena Regency, 275 Thomson Road, Singapore 307645
3. Esquinita
Taking the best of both Western and Filipino cuisines, Esquinita is here to tantalise your tastebuds with modern twists on traditional classics. It’s a great spot within Orchard that’s perfect for casual get togethers. The bangus sisig is a crowd favourite. Made with flaked fish, citrus, and peppers, it’s tangy, spicy, and so savoury.
Esquinita, The Centrepoint, Cuppage Terrace, 29 Cuppage Road, Singapore 229456
4. Max’s Restaurant
Located in Far East Plaza, Max’s Restaurant, aka “The House That Fried Chicken Built”, serves its signature tender, juicy sarap-to-the-bone fried chicken. We’d order a whole bird for the family to share. Be sure to dip it into the banana ketchup and Worcestershire sauce too! It even offers a grilled chicken marinated in a special citrus and soy based sauce. Yum!
Max’s Restaurant, #01-07, Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
5. Kuya’s Kusinang Pinoy
This little family-run Filipino diner might steal your heart the moment you visit it. This cosy spot along North Bridge Road is known for its home-cooked Filipino food. No frills here, just good ol’ family recipes. The menu is refreshed constantly depending on the ingredients available. Wanna know what you can get for dinner? Simply visit its Facebook page to get the latest updates.
Kuya’s Kusinang Pinoy, #01-06, 420 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188727
6. Don Lechon
Indulge in the aromatic, succulent meat and crispy skin of lechon (roasted suckling pig) at Don Lechon. You can enjoy this Filipino classic on its own, but if you want to try some variety the kitchen also serves lechon paksiw (pork in vinegar), lechon sisig, lechon kare-kare, and lechon sinigang (pork in sour tamarind soup).
Don Lechon, multiple locations including Grandlink Square and East Village
7. Tapa King
The authentic Filipino chain is well-known for its best-tasting beef tapa, as well as an assortment of signature rice dishes. We suggest you try the palate-pleasing Tapa King (marinated beef jerky), as well as other delicious favourites like cornsilog (corned beef) and smoked bangus (milkfish).
Tapa King, B1-038, Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Road, Singapore 238863
8. Iskina Cebu
Iskina Cebu is taking over Singapore, one Cebuano dish at a time. This open-air food truck restaurant at the hip Timbre+ serves mouthwatering barbecued pork. The crispy and crunchy exterior skin contrasts the uber tender meat and creates the best bite ever. You can pick between a spicy and non-spicy version, or go for the grilled pork for something hearty.
Iskina Cebu, #01-27, 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, Singapore 139957
9. El Mesa
Nestled within the rustic Octapas settings, modern bar and restaurant El Mesa has become known for serving some mean Filipino dishes in the middle of a very bustling Clarke Quay. If you’re planning to come by during the weekend, we recommend making a reservation cause it can get packed. And for good reason! We hear the dishes here are as authentic as it gets when it comes to Filipino restaurants in Singapore.
El Mesa, #01-07, 3E River Valley Road, Singapore 179024
10. Kabayan Filipino Restaurant
Frequented by Pinoys especially during the weekends, Kabayan is a laidback, economical Filipino restaurant where you can get a myriad of Filipino food including appetisers such as lumpiang Shanghai, mains like pork sinigang, and leche flan (caramel pudding) for dessert. A set meal here costs about $5 to $10.
Kabayan Filipino Restaurant, #03-25, Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Road, Singapore 238863
11. Gerry’s Grill
Gerry’s Grill is popular for its inihaw (grilled) dishes. While the items are typically grilled on charcoal, the meat here is cooked on a gas grill. You can expect an assortment of Pinoy favourites on the menu such as sisig, inihaw na pusit (grilled squid) and tokwa’t baboy (boiled pork pieces served with deep-fried tofu cubes).
Gerry’s Grill, #01-12, Starhub Centre, 51 Cuppage Road, Singapore 229469
12. Inasal
Hop on a culinary adventure at this resto and feast on the best chicken inasal from Bacolod, Philippines. If you’re feeling adventurous, try its rendition of sisig served on a sizzling pan. What’s more, these folks will cook the food upon receiving your orders, so you’ll surely get your dishes hot and fresh!
Inasal, #04-49/50/51, Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Road, Singapore 238863
Bonus: Jollibee
Okay, we admit Jollibee is more of a fast food eatery than a restaurant, but we can’t not mention this popular brand. Jollibee has given Pinoys, not just in Singapore but all over the world, a taste of home. Must-tries include ChickenJoy and the oh-so-sweet Jolly spaghetti. Plus point: All Jollibee branches in Singapore are halal-certified.
Jollibee, multiple locations including Lucky Plaza, Square 2 at Novena, and Changi City Point.
And there you have it, all the best spots for Filipino food in Singapore.
