Hankering for authentic Malaysian food in Singapore? We've sussed out the best places to enjoy dishes like Penang char kway teow and assam laksa.
To the uninitiated, Malaysian and Singaporean cuisines may seem rather similar. But, the devil is in the details – from the light and tangy Assam-style laksa, to the subtly salty and spicier Penang-style char kway teow, and even the herbal, less-peppery broth found in bak kut teh. But really, the best way to understand these nuances is to try each dish yourself. We’ve highlighted the most authentic restaurants in Singapore for Malaysian food. Go forth and feast!
Best Malaysian food in Singapore
1. Princess Terrace Authentic Penang Food
For more than 50 years, Princess Terrace has been the place to go for lovers of authentic Peranakan cuisine. The restaurant’s Penang-Peranakan buffet offers traditional treasures like Penang laksa, Hokkien mee soup, popiah, cuttlefish salad and rojak. But before you pick up that third helping of laksa, save space for desserts. The buffet boasts all-time faves like homemade Nyonya kueh, crispy ban chang kueh pancake and bubur cha cha (a coconut milk dessert).
Princess Terrace Authentic Penang Food, Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore, 403 Havelock Road, Singapore 169632
2. Malaysian Food Street
If crossing the causeway is a little too much trouble for you, cross the link bridge to Sentosa. This hawker spot boasts a smorgasbord of Malaysian dishes. Now, the real challenge is choosing between mouthwatering dishes like KL claypot rice, Penang Hokkien mee, klang bak kut teh and Malacca-style chicken rice ball. Come hungry!
Malaysian Food Street, Level 1, Waterfront, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
3. EatAlley Singapore
Want to savour some legendary Malaysian dishes? Make your way to this casual and cosy air-conditioned food court located in the heart of town. With its Peranakan-themed green decor, terrazzo marble tables and cushy rattan chairs, it’ll feel like you’ve crossed the Causeway. From Soong Kee Beef Noodles with over 80 years of history to the famed Kam Heong Braised Duck, get ready to devour time-honoured dishes passed down through generations. It doesn’t get more authentic than this.
EatAlley Singapore, #B2-12, Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road, Singapore 238858
4. Malaysia Boleh
Get your Malaysian food fix all under one roof at this bustling food atrium! Featuring big-name specialties like Penang Jalan Cheong Fatt Tze prawn noodle soup and the renowned claypot rice from Petaling Street, you’ll be eating some of the best street hawker fare Malaysia has to offer. Plus, we’re giving brownie points to the nostalgic interiors that take us back to the 1960s. Think vintage pushcarts, old-school signboards, and storefronts that mimic traditional shophouses.
Malaysia Boleh, multiple locations including Bugis Junction and Jurong Point
5. Shan Cheng
Forget about the seven-hour drive from Singapore to Ipoh; what if we told you that authentic Ipoh delicacies can be found on our sunny island? Since 2011, sisters Elaine and Cheryl Tioh have been whipping up Ipoh specialties here. Every dish is made using their mum’s decades-old recipes – with ingredients sourced directly from the Malaysian city, no less. Be sure to order signatures such as the shredded chicken hor fun, char siew hor fun and curry noodles.
Shan Cheng, multiple locations including Ang Mo Kio and Midview City
6. Penang Seafood Restaurant
Malaysian zi char-style dining is your best bet if you want to sample the breadth of the cuisine. Head here with a couple of mates and order several bowls of sambal clams, Penang char kway teow and, of course, the restaurant’s much-lauded Penang assam laksa. You’ll also get to try other regional zi char favourites like assam steamed red grouper, prawn paste chicken, and sweet and sour pork. But if you’re up for something on the wild side, the volcano chicken fits the bill. It’s served with a moat of soup, and flambéed right in front of you for a little razzle-dazzle.
Penang Seafood Restaurant, 32 Aljunied Road, Singapore 389817
7. Malaysian Local Delights
If you’re after a Malaysian feast with the whole family, head down to this Katong stalwart. The lok lok (think Malaysian satay) buffet lets diners choose from an array of skewered meats and seafood that’s dunked in a pot of boiling broth, then dipped in a variety of sauces. While ostensibly a Malaysian style of dining, the broth selection includes some non-Malaysian options like Sichuan mala, spicy kimchi and tom yum. Feel free to mix things up a little!
Malaysian Local Delights, 224 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437014
8. Sin Heng Claypot Bak Kut Teh
Sin Heng serves its creations in a claypot. When you tuck into a bowl of piping hot BKT, you’ll notice the broth is surprisingly lighter than usual. Other noteworthy dishes include sesame oil chicken, pork trotters and prawns with vermicelli. The restaurant stays open till midnight, so if you’re looking to fill your bellies, Sin Heng’s your best bet for a late dinner.
Sin Heng Claypot Bak Kut Teh, 439 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427652
9. Penang Culture
The name says it all, doesn’t it? With a more upscale setting than the aforementioned places, Penang Culture is a casual halal establishment. The menu runs the gamut of Penang hawker dishes from assam fish head curry and Penang char kway teow to Hokkien prawn noodles and oyster omelette. Dining with a big group? Dive straight into the GeorgeTown’s BBQ seafood platters. Each comes with barbecue squid, king prawns and satay chicken.
Penang Culture, available at multiple locations including VivoCity and Compass One
Now you know where to hit up for authentic Malaysian food in Singapore.
