Travelling to your favourite destinations around the world seems out of question for now. If you’d like to satisfy your wanderlust and be transported to various parts of the world while in Singapore, then why not pay a visit to any of these Muslim-friendly cafe and restaurants that will make you feel like you’re overseas? There’s no need to bring your passports along! From exploring a green sanctuary that doesn’t feel like home, to cafes that’ll bring you to the quaint alleys of Turkey and Morocco, here are 11 Muslim-friendly eateries that I’ve compiled to help you get you through till your next vacation!
1 The Halia: For A Green Sanctuary Getaway
Set amongst a backdrop of lush greenery, nestled in the UNESCO Heritage Site of Singapore Botanic Gardens, this is as tranquil as it gets. Soak in the ambience cafe while you treat yourself to some delectable modern European cuisine with touches of Asian flavours at The Halia. If it is your first time here, the recommended main dishes to enjoy are Singapore-Style Chili Crab Spaghettini and Paperbag Oven-Baked Halibut Fillet. Complete your meal with The Halia’s signature dessert called The Ginger Garden, which features orange blossom vanilla mousse, Galangal poached apples, blood orange coulis and ginger flower sorbet!
Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Ginger Garden Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569
2 Poulet: For Your French Culinary Experience Away From France
While we can’t fly to the city of love right now, Poulet (pronounced Poo-lay, meaning chicken) is the next closest way to enjoy a halal French culinary journey right here at home! This chain of French casual spot has various locations around Singapore from Orchard, Bugis, Raffles City, Kallang to Harbourfront, and Westgate. For first timers, their signature dish is, of course, the French Roast Chicken. You can get whole chicken ($30.90), half ($16.90) quarter ($14.90), and choose their sauce be it Mushroom Cream, Cranberry Sauce or the pan gravy called sauce Diane. Featuring a number of highlights of their starters like French Onion Soup and Salad de Paris, I recommend heading to the Orchard outlet (Poulet + Brasserie) for a wider menu and more cafe-like vibes. Umm and you can even enjoy a little French flavour home by their specialty food delivered to your doorstep.
Poulet is gaining popularity fast and the restaurants are often full. They take reservations over phone – so you can reserve a space.
Click here for all outlet contact details
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3 Picanha: Taste A Slice Of Brazilian Cut Steak
Dreaming of trying out halal South American cut steaks? We’ve got a little slice of that right here in Singapore… and it just opened just in December 2020! Time to book a date to Picanhas Steakhouse in the CBD. Picanha is a cut first made popular in Brazil, and today it is becoming more popular with local meat-lovers. There are only 2 mains on the menu! Choose from Queen of Steak (S$21): 200g signature Picanha Steak Binchutan Butter or the Picanha Don (S$16): 100g Picanha Steak, Caramelised Onion, Pickled Cabbage, Fried Garlic Bits, Onsen Egg. Paired your delicious steak dish with one of their interesting mocktail concoctions or a soda.
Address: 90 Club St, Singapore 069458
4 Kintamani: Cure Your Indonesian Food Cravings
Be transported to Indonesia as you step inside Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant Buffet. If you’ve been thinking of getting some authentic Indonesian fare but can’t choose what kind? Then choose their buffet experience! Take your tastebuds on an adventure with a series of authentic traditional Balinese and well-loved Indonesian cuisine including Gulai Tunjang (beef curry), Ayam Panggang (charcoal-grilled chicken) and Sop Buntut Toraja (oxtail soup)! On top of that, there is also a comfortable musollah if you need to complete your prayers in Kintamani, which is located inside The Furama Hotel.
Address: 405 Havelock Road Level 3 169633
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5 Sultan Turkish Restaurant: To Transport You To Turkey
Can’t get away to Turkey? Reminiscing about your trips to those Turkish food spots in the Middle East? Well, get one step closer and treat yourself to some authentic Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine such as their well-marinated mixed grill or appetising lamb shank mandi rice.
Their kitchen is helmed by one of Singapore’s top Turkish chefs, so you’re in good hands! For a complete dining trip, sip on a cup of Turkish tea and coffee, with sides of kunefe and baklava as you enjoy your meal at their alfresco dining area. Yum, their kunefe is hands down my favourite in Singapore! Their signature Turkish tiles and decor, elaborated interiors, smells of fresh flatbread and stews, music and hospitality (hahaha) will make you feel like you’re transported somewhere else.
Address: 30 Bussorah St, Singapore 199448
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The Bugis precinct is also home to several hotels with halal buffet breakfast, if you are planning for a staycay!
6 Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro: Scandinavian Decor and Cuisine
Would you have guessed that this is actually in a restaurant?
This time, I’m inviting you to experience a bit of Scandinavian decor and cuisine! While many head to IKEA for their Swedish cuisine cravings, bring your friends and family to Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro instead. You’ll fall in love with their homemade halal Swedish dishes that contain absolutely no MSG, with vegetarian and gluten-free options as well.
Enjoy including their signature homemade Swedish meatballs, Räksmörgås (shrimp and egg sandwich) or the Smörgåsbord for large platter hot and cold dishes for sharing. For a refreshing ending, order one of Fika’s imported traditional Swedish sodas like their pear cider! With such a cosy ambience, furnitures and walls that are reminiscent of IKEA and Swedish houses, you’ll feel like staying here for hours.
Address: 257 Beach Rd, Singapore 199539
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7 Ichikokudo Hokkaido Ramen: For Authentic Tatami-Style Dining
Now that you can’t fly for six hours to Japan, you’re alternative due to travel restrictions is to enjoy a slice of halal ramen right here in Singapore. I guess you can’t go wrong with Japanese food if you’re thinking of a hot comforting bowl of ramen or your favourite donburis at Ichikokudo Hokkaido Ramen. Indulge in their signature rich flavourful soup that is made with simmered chicken bones with subtle umami from 100% Hokkaido kelp! My favourites from this restaurant are the Ichi-Smoked Duck Ramen ($12.90) for a unique twist to ramen, and Ichi-Ramen Gifts from the Sea ($18.90) for seafood lovers! Uhhh, now they have Lobster Ramen as well! To have that authentic, traditional way of the Japanese enjoying their meal, choose the Tatami corners where you sit on the Tatami mats on the floor, rather than the typical dining table or ramen bar counters.
Address:
– Bugis – 45 Bussorah St
– Bukit Panjang – Hillion Mall #01-01/02
– Chinatown – Cross St Exchange #01-02/K1
– Marina Bay – Suntec City North Wing #B1-135
– Orchard Road – 313@Somerset #B3-35/36
– Paya Lebar – Paya Lebar Quarter #B1-15/16
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8 Wanderlost Lounge: Hip Rooftop Bar By The Halal Mixologist
Dinner and mocktails inspired by Harry Potter, with a view from the rooftop bar? Sign me up please! Muslim-owned rooftop bar situated in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, and even going here requires a bit of ‘wandering’ as it features a hidden bar concept. Try to follow the directions on their website or Facebook page closely – all part of the fun. Here they have board games, their neon-lighted quote on the wall, fairy lights and cosy chillout spaces.
They have a range of Western menu, but I want to highlight their creative mocktail creations that are based on classic fictional stories such as Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Snow White and Harry Potter! Indulge in creations like The Alchemist, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and The Little Prince. Prepared with fancy props and even mist coming out of the drinks, the drinks and the setting that looks like a page taken right out of a fairytale, you will feel like you aren’t quite in Singapore!
Address: 15 Enggor Street #12-01 12th floor, 079716
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9 Poison Ivy Bistro (at Bollywood Veggies): Away From The Concrete Jungle
A green sanctuary tucked away from the hustle of stifling city life, Poison Ivy Bistro is a farm-to-table concept eatery featuring wholesome plates and locally sourced food that’s good for you. Located inside Bollywood Veggies at Kranji countryside, here is where you can take a moment to breathe, reconnect with nature, and appreciate a rustic, farm-fresh meal. While it is not halal-certified, you can try their vegetarian options like sayur lodeh and banana curry (!), and their Nasi Lemak Platter, which gets chicken from a halal source. Just request to see their certification if in doubt. Bring a slice of fresh organic fruit or veggies home from their shop! After a heart meal, I’d highly suggest a leisure stroll around their organic farm. With no concrete high rise buildings at any way you turn, you’ll instantly be transported away from the city life that sure doesn’t feel like our country!
Address: 100 Neo Tiew Rd, Singapore 719026
10 Bacha Coffee: Designed to Resemble Dar el Bacha Palace in Marrakech
Every so often, when you catch yourself dreaming of a break from the routines of daily life, consider this cafe. Be swept away to the palaces in Marrakech as you sip on your cuppa and helping yourself to their bakes. Bacha Coffee is a gorgeous Morrocan-themed coffee boutique that presents a luxurious interior with marble floors and brass chandeliers, as well as attentive staff decked all in classic European-style uniforms. Designed to resemble the Dar el Bacha palace, the vibes will definitely make you want to stay all afternoon. Well.. maybe you can and indulge in one of their array of more than 200 types of coffee! For me, defo a top-notch experience.
Not all their pastries and food are halal so please dine at your own discretion. Otherwise, you could just try their bespoke coffee or tea. Oh, and they have really long queues and you can only reserve a spot on weekdays. When I was there on a weekend morning at 10.30AM, we had to queue for 45 minutes. That just shows how popular Bacha Coffee is!
Address: 2 Orchard Turn #01-15/16 ION Orchard Mall, 238801, and two other locations.
11 Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari: For those with a knack for the outback
Always had a keen interest for the outback and safari but no reason to make a travel itinerary to Africa? This one will for sure make you feel like you’re not in Singapore at all. Plus, it is ulu and you will feel like you’ve actually gone overseas. Thoughtfully decorated to mimic a safari setting, they set up this amazing canvas facade complete with vintage textiles. The founders of Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari hope to bring the best of Botswana after their visit to the region. No need to worry about our humid weather while you soak in the atmosphere there though! There are enough super large air coolers to cool the temperature down. Not all their pastries and food are halal so please dine at your own discretion, or just have a drink.
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Other Cafe Spots To Drink Coffee That Make You Feel Like You’re Overseas
(Go at your own discretion as they are not halal-certified)
Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafè
Wheelers Estate
Quayside Isle
Prive Keppel Bay
Whisk & Paddle
Sugarfin
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