From Turkish to Japanese cuisine, vintage museums to stunning mosques, here’s everything worth checking out at Kampong Glam.
Kampong Glam was once an ethnic enclave for the Muslim community, including Arab and Bugis traders. But now, it’s a hip neighbourhood peppered with hole-in-the-wall boutiques, quaint restaurants and bars, and charming cultural spots. Here’s a little tour of this buzzy treasure trove that’s spilling with surprises (and plenty of incredible food) at every corner. Since it’s a massive list, we’ve created separate guides for Haji Lane and Arab Street for all your foodie adventures and beyond.
Eat & drink: North Bridge Road
1. Twenty Grammes Cafe
You can’t go wrong with ice cream and waffles, and Twenty Grammes Cafe delivers. This has got to be our fave item on the menu, but there are other sweet treats too – think molten chocolate or matcha lava cake, adorable tarts, or an ice cream sandwich burger with three mini gelato scoops. If a full meal is what you’re after, the compact selection of all-day savouries includes pulled chicken nachos and a quinoa bowl.
Twenty Grammes Cafe, 753 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198721
2. Finally Coffee
Coffee aficionados, make a pitstop at Finally Coffee for your caffeine fix. Crowd pleasers include the specialty Americano for a bold, clean brew; and the specialty latte that promises a smooth sip with notes of chocolate and caramel. Other brews include hazelnut, caramel and vanilla latte. Giving coffee a miss? Sip on a matcha latte or the signature chocolate instead.
Finally Coffee, 695A North Bridge Road, Level 2, Singapore 198674
3. Bana Bana Cafe
Pop into the homely Bana Bana Cafe for Asian and Western comfort food at wallet-friendly prices. Think chwee kueh (Teochew steamed rice cake with preserved radish), seafood tom yam, nasi ambeng (an Indonesian rice dish with chicken and sides), potato gratin, beef lasagna and more. Wash it all down with a cup of joe. Feeling bored or stuck on an awkward first date? Make a beeline for the shelf of games for something to break the ice.
Bana Bana Cafe, #01-01, 731 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198699
4. Whiskdom
If gooey cookies and brownies are up your street, make haste to Whiskdom. Its bakes are a delightful mess of deliciousness. From the chunky chocolate chip cookies to the Speculoos delight brownies, every bite is decadent and addictive. Don’t settle for one; grab a box of six bakes to share. While you’re there, try its photo-worthy drinks like the Whiskdom Galaxy or Dalgona coffee.
Whiskdom, 757 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198725
5. Afterwit
This colourful and rustic cafe is in a niche of its own, serving up halal Mexican fare and sporting an indie vibe. Don’t pass up the tacos, we say. These little pockets store a zesty and meaty punch like no other, especially when stuffed with the likes of pulled chicken, coffee braised beef cheeks or grilled barramundi. Round off your meal with a refreshing lime pina colada mocktail.
Afterwit, 778 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198746
Eat & drink: Baghdad Street
6. Istanbul Turkish Restaurant
Istanbul Turkish Restaurant offers traditional Turkish food with a view of the iconic Sultan Mosque. Check out its menu with mezze, mixed grills, steaks, lamb chop, shawarma and Western nosh. Don’t leave without trying the Turkish coffee and kunefe (an Arabic dessert with spun pastry soaked in syrup and layered with cheese and pistachio).
Istanbul Turkish Restaurant, 25 Baghdad Street, Singapore 199664
7. Mavi Turkish Restaurant and Grill
There’s no lack of Turkish food in Kampong Glam, and Mavi Turkish Restaurant and Grill has an extensive menu. Order classic starters like hummus, falafel and babaganoush, and add platters such as the Istanblue Kebab, with marinated lamb, grilled chicken, veggies and more. Mains like moussaka (or eggplant casserole), saj kavurma (pan fried lamb or chicken with rice or bread) are available too.
Mavi Turkish Restaurant and Grill, 17 Baghdad Street, Singapore 199656
8. Sanobar
For delicious Lebanese cuisine, snag a table at Sanobar. Must-tries include the house special shawarma, with thinly sliced chicken thigh on a bed of hummus as well as the hummus bil lahme, a hummus dish topped with marinated minced lamb. There are also grill platters, seafood, wraps, soups and more to feast on.
Sanobar, 20 Baghdad Street, Singapore 199659
9. Sushi Airways
Buckle up at Sushi Airways, an airplane-themed Japanese restaurant. Take to the skies with the freshest sushi and sashimi dishes, which you can pair with the finest Japanese sake and beer. Need more carbs? Load up on chirashi bowls or slurp down some udon and soba. Psst: there’s an omakase option and a rotating seasonal menu too.
Sushi Airways, 20A Baghdad Street, Singapore 199659
Eat & drink: Bussorah Street
10. Kampong Glam Cafe
With its massive maroon banner, it’s hard to miss this street-side outdoor eatery. It’s known for dishing out authentic and affordable Malay food such as nasi goreng, mee rebus, lontong and roti kirai. Patrons gather here for a chill break from the surrounding pricey restos — and a good cup of hot teh tarik!
Kampong Glam Cafe, 17 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199438
11. Alaturka Restaurant
The colourful decor of Alaturka Restaurant features azure tiles, Turkish lamps and raw brick walls that will have you entranced by its space. Order all your favourite Turkish standards here, but make sure you don’t miss out on the signature charcoal-grilled kebabs. If you’re with a group, order the kebab sharing platter with a side of butter rice and salad!
Alaturka Restaurant, 15 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199436
12. Positano Risto
What can we say about this Italian restaurant? Its menu of authentic Italian favourites is highly raved about, and for good reason. Tuck into pasta plates like beef ragu, crab mac and cheese, soft shell crab linguine and more. Or order up pizzas and grilled meats before you end the meal with tiramisu.
Positano Risto, 66 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199479
13. Konditori
The glorious scent of baked dough and freshly brewed coffee will have you busting through its doors. Brought to you by the team behind Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro, Konditori serves artisan bakes alongside comforting cuppas. Take your pick from croissants and crusty loaves to cinnamon buns and delectable tarts.
Konditori, 33 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199451
14. Padi@Bussorah
Padi @ Bussorah is a quaint restaurant with homely ambience – step inside and you’ll see wooden furniture and old school ceiling fans. The menu’s nasi ambeng comes in five sizes, for one to five people. Expect classic dishes like chicken in spicy coconut gravy, beef rendang, sambal squid and salted fish. It’s honestly the perfect meal to tuck into after exploring the vibrant Kampong Glam.
Padi @ Bussorah, 53 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199469
15. Beirut Grill
This Lebanese restaurant offers a selection of delish platters. Try the mixed kebab platter that includes lamb chops, lamb kebab kofta, beef kebab and Arabic rice. If you’re after something a little different, go for the mixed seafood kebab platter for prawn, fish, calamari and more. To top it off, end your meal with a platter of crispy, rich baklava.
Beirut Grill, 72 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199485
16. Flying Monkey
Temporarily closed.
We’re all about fusion food, but get this: Flying Monkey offers contemporary Indian tapas and cocktails. Yes, cocktails! There aren’t many serious Indian restaurants in Singapore with focused bar programs, and that’s where Flying Monkey stands out. We’re talking about seriously good Indian food, plus refreshing Indian-influenced cocktails that aren’t merely an afterthought.
Flying Monkey, 67 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199480
Eat & drink: Beach Road, Jalan Pisang, Kandahar Street and more
17. Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro
Need your Swedish meatball fix? Give Ikea a pass and head over to the end of Arab Street for Fika. Here, you’ll find a small but serviceable menu of Swedish classics. With its whitewashed walls and light-filled interiors, the homey cafe is a breath of fresh air amidst the many Mediterranean eateries within the area. Don’t miss the desserts like apple crumble pie and chocolate balls!
Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro, 257 Beach Road, Singapore 199539
18. Earlybird
Fuel your weekend catch ups with brunch fare, delicious brews, smoothies and milkshakes at Earlybird. Nibble on bites like Sriracha tater tots or crispy garlic wings; chow down on chicken and pancakes or chilli scrambled eggs and savour flavoured sips like gingerbread latte or cold brewed sparkling lychee rose green tea.
Earlybird, 17 Jalan Pinang, Singapore 199149
19. Indobowl
Love Indomie? Then you’ll dig the menu at Indobowl. Homestyle Indonesian dishes feature on the menu, with comforting flavours that are easy on the purse strings. Here, you can spruce up the humble bowl of Indomie with fried chicken, skewered meat and more toppings.
Indobowl, 29 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198487
20. Uncle Lee Confectionary
Nostalgic bakes are the name of the game at Uncle Lee Confectionary, a heritage bakery that’s been around since 1986. We’re talking about bakes like kaya cake, buttercream cake, durian pandan cake, traditional banana cake, custard puffs, butter cookies and other old-school desserts.
Uncle Lee Confectionary, 4 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199071
21. Tipo Pasta Bar
Tipo Pasta Bar is famed for its freshly made pasta, so expect a queue on most days. Its selection of pastas changes regularly, which means return visits are warranted. Build your own pasta by choosing your choice of noodles and toppings, or take your pick from house specials like the tiger prawns aglio olio, classic carbonara, pesto pasta with smoked salmon and more. Whichever you choose, the pastas are bound to hit the spot.
Tipo Pasta Bar, #01-07, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
22. Cafe Margaret
Wanna give the popular Korean croissant cubes a go? Try them at Cafe Margaret, in flavours like tiramisu, pistachio and more. Have them alongside bakes like matcha cookie, strawberry cheesecake and various delightful treats.
Cafe Margaret, 32 Bali Lane, Singapore 189868
23. Chix Hot Chicken
Here’s a halal version of Nashville fried chicken for the masses. With multiple levels of spiciness (from mild to atomic) for wings, tenders and sandwiches, each dish on the menu packs a good lick of heat. Now you know where to indulge in one of fast food’s best inventions – in our opinion, at least.
Chix Hot Chicken, 1 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199069
24. Mother Dough
Smell that? It’s the aroma of freshly baked bread, and it’ll lead you straight to Mother Dough. What started as a one-woman project is now one of the most popular bakeries in Kampong Glam. Whether you’re in the mood for sourdough baguettes, lovely cakes or flaky croissants, this bakery has it all.
Mother Dough, 3 Jalan Kledek, Singapore 199259
25. Rich and Good Cake Shop
Satisfy your Swiss roll cravings at Rich and Good Cake Shop. This Swiss roll specialist has been around the block since 1997, serving up fluffy treats in flavours such as red velvet, green tea, durian and chocolate. You won’t be able to stop at just one slice!
Rich and Good Cake Shop, 24 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198887
26. Maison Ikkoku
This Japanese restaurant and bar will get you sorted out for sushi and sashimi, followed by killer cocktails. Pop by and tuck into baked oyster, cheese and cold cuts, seafood pasta, maki rolls and more – all washed down with cool cocktail concoctions.
Maison Ikkoku, #02-01, 20 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198885
27. Box n Sticks
This hidden spot is a small walk away from Bugis MRT, but we assure you that it’s all worth it. Box n Sticks is a cosy Japanese spot that serves up an izakaya style menu in a space that exudes old school charm. Indulge in a variety of donburis, fried snacks, and sushi. We love the warm egg omelette served with mentai mayo. To top it all off, the staff are incredibly attentive. You’ll have endless refills of green tea and attention all night long.
Box n Sticks, 28 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198889
Click the links to peep our guides for Haji Lane and Arab Street at Kampong Glam!
Shop & explore
28. Gelam Gallery
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The back alleys of Kampong Glam come to life with Gelam Gallery, Singapore’s first permanent outdoor art gallery. These art pieces feature a mix of contemporary art and reflect our rich culture and heritage. Plus, the framed artworks by local artists beautifully complement the murals and designs on the walls. Don’t be surprised if you find hordes of tourists and locals seeking that perfect Insta-worthy shot. The gallery is located at Muscat Street, right beside Masjid Sultan.
Gelam Gallery, Muscat Street, Singapore 198833
29. Sultan Mosque
Built in 1824 for the first sultan of Singapore, Sultan Hussein Shah, this magnificent mosque is the biggest on the island. The grand architecture of the national monument can easily be spotted as you stroll down Bussorah Street.
Sultan Mosque, 3 Muscat Street, Singapore 198833
30. Vintage Cameras Museum
Got a thing for cool cameras? This one-of-a-kind museum is easily recognisable from the street, thanks to its camera-shaped facade. Inside, you’ll find unique retro cameras, rare photographs, authentic replicas and more. Fun fact: this is the world’s largest camera-shaped building.
Vintage Cameras Museum, 8C & 8D Jalan Kledek, Singapore 199263
31. Aliwal Arts Centre
Get well acquainted with Singapore’s arts scene at Aliwal Arts Centre. Besides hosting art programmes, exhibitions and festivals, it’s also home to music, theatre and visual arts. And we recommend checking out the wall behind the building every now and then to find jaw-dropping mural art that’s ever-changing!
Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
32. Meomi Cat Cafe
If you’re a fan of our feline friends, spend an arvo at Meomi Cat Cafe for all their cuddly cuteness. The operating hours may vary, so keep an eye out on its Instagram and Facebook pages for updates, or give them a ring before your visit. Slide into the cafe’s Instagram DMs to make a reservation.
Meomi Cat Cafe, 668 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188801
33. Sultan Arts Village
Temporarily closed.
Here’s where you’ll find fascinating street art and graffiti by both local and international artists. Explore graffiti shop The Black Book for all your spray painting needs, as well as its practice walls for new sprays and tags. After a quick browse, chill out at the little garden situated on the opposite side of the road.
Sultan Arts Village, 71 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198496
34. Malay Heritage Centre
Temporarily closed.
The former palace of Sultan Hussein Shah is now known as the Malay Heritage Centre. With specially curated exhibitions, activities and programmes highlighting Malay culture in Singapore and the thriving port Kampong Glam was once known for, it’s definitely a must-visit when you’re in the area.
Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
Bookmark this guide for your next visit to Kampong Glam!
