Best Halal Restaurants & Cafes in Central Singapore - from Shellout, Gelato, Steakhouse to Thai Cuisine

Finding Halal food around Singapore isn’t that hard. And, with a variety of restaurants popping up around the city, we’re constantly spoilt for choice. Don’t worry, we’ve done the work for you, especially if you're unsure where to break fast this Ramadan. From North, East, West, South, here’s the exclusive list of our favourite Halal restaurants and cafes in Central Singapore that’s worth adding to your foodie checklist.

1. Mother Dough Bakery

Source: Mother Dough Bakery

Previously located at North Bridge Road, this humble bakery has since moved into a bigger 2-storey concept home at Jalan Kledek. Founded by Naadhira Ismail who spent 4 years in New York City perfecting the art of baking, treats here are sold out almost daily. They are famous for their sourdough bread, baguettes and quiches and buttery croissant. A must-try is the Almond Croissant ($4.80) which promises a warm fuzzy feeling after each bite. They also have daily specials, follow them on Instagram for a visual treat.

Address: 3 Jln Kledek, S199259

Read: Best Halal Restaurants & Cafes in South Singapore - from Chinese Noodles, Japanese Udon to Mocktails

2. Momolato

Source: Momolato

Just a few minutes away from Mother Dough Bakery, you’ll spot Momolato at the bustling touristy spot of Haji Lane. Adding onto a slew of already yummy sweet treats shops, Momolato is a Halal-certified gelato parlour with keto-friendly options. Take your pick from 18 gelato flavours, where 6 are keto-friendly.

Source: Momolato

Founded by Sharon Tay, they also have dairy-free options for lactose-intolerant customers with flavours from Ecuador Chocolate Arabica Coffee to Watermelon Soursop. For the ultimate Instagram shot, we recommend getting them in a cone – Butter ($1.50), Pandan ($1.50) or Keto ($3). For the night owls, you’ll be glad to know they open till 2am!

Promo: For Ramadhan special, from 12 Apr – 12 May, enjoy a FREE beverage with every double scoop of gelato.

Address: 34 Haji Lane, S189227
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs & Sun 12pm – 11pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 2am

Read: Best Ice Cream & Gelato Shops You Must Try in Singapore

3. Jiak Modern Tze Char

Source: Jiak Modern Tze Char

Dine with a view at Jiak Modern Tze Char and taste authentic and home-cooked Chinese cuisine, perfect for family gatherings. Try the Signature Curry Fish Head ($26), Sambal Kangkong ($8), Oyster Omelette ($12) and more. If you work nearby, they also have Lunch Set Specials at $9.90 from Thai Style Chicken, Ginger Parsley Sliced Fish and more. Each set comes with white rice and soup of the day. We love a hearty lunch that doesn’t break the bank.

Address: The Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Ave, #02-14, S039802
Opening hours: Daily 11.30am – 9.30pm

Read: Best Donuts and Bomboloni in Singapore from Savoury to Sweet Flavours

4. The Coconut Club

Source: The Coconut Club

Nasi Lemak, a Singaporean staple breakfast dish, The Coconut Club elevates iconic local food with its deep-fried rempah (spiced) chicken – juicy, succulent chicken leg marinated with spices, kerisik (desiccated coconut) that are fried to perfection. Pick your favourite set from Chicken Leg Set ($14.80), Chicken Breast Set ($14.80), Otah Set ($13.20) or Fish Set ($13.20). Although the price is slightly steep than your average plate, the flavours and portion make it worth it.

Inclusive of their food options, they also have gluten-free sambal upon request. Complete your meal with a bowl of refreshing Cendol with Red Bean ($4.10/ $5.30) that’ll have you saying shiok after the first slurp. This establishment is not Halal-certified, but all ingredients are Halal sourced. Do dine at your discretion.

Address: 28 Ann Siang Rd, S069708
Opening hours: Mon to Sat 11am – 3pm & 6pm – 9.30pm, Sun 11am – 3pm

Read: Best Halal Restaurants & Cafes In West Singapore - from Prawn Noodles, Mexican to Japanese Cuisine

5. Picanhas’

Source: Picanhas'

Source: Picanhas

There are numerous quality Halal steakhouses in Singapore, but at Picanhas’, they’ve definitely raised the steaks higher (pun intended). Expect to dine in a dim, but cosy and friendly environment while you indulge in your meal because it’s always #SteaksforthePeople here at Picanhas’.

Source: Picanhas'

Try the Queen of Steak ($21) – 200gm signature PICANHA Steak cooked with Binchotan Butter. Pair your steak with sides ($7) such as Sriracha Mayo Potatoes, Spinach, Mushroom, Couscous and mouth-watering sauces ($2) like Wasabi Cream, Sze Chuan and Chimichurri. Request a spot by the bar and watch the barista create a concoction of mocktails that almost feels like a magic show, each at $12.

Address: 90 Club St, S068458
Opening hours: Tues to Fri 12 – 3pm & 5.30pm – 10pm, Sat & Sun 11am – 3.30pm & 5.30pm – 10pm, closed on Mon

Read: Singapore Hawker Culture Listed at UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

6. Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice

Source: Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice

Source: Go-Ang Pratnuam Chicken Rice

Although travelling overseas is still prohibited, you can get a taste of Bangkok at Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice. Recently Halal certified, they serve a delicious plate of Hainanese Chicken Rice with a Thai twist. Featured as one of Bangkok’s Michelin Bib Gourmand, their chicken rice is best eaten with the homemade chilli sauce that uses ginger, garlic and chilli padi. They also have dishes such as Thai-Style Curry Fish Head, Fried Tofu Cubes with Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce ($9) and Stir-Fried Basil Chicken with Kai Lan ($9). Their other outlets are at JEM, NEX, and Vivo City.

Address: Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd, #03-24, S238839
Opening hours: Daily 11am – 10pm

7. Colonial Club Signatures

Source: Colonial Club Signatures

If you want local comfort food (with a twist) and in an atas setting, Colonial Club Signatures is your best bet. Nestled at Paragon’s basement level, the interior screams fancy with its stylish rattan chairs and marble tables, with an overall modern black and white concept.

Browse their extensive menu of Asian fusion dishes from Softshell Crab Nyonya Laksa ($18.90), Hainanese Chicken Chop ($15.90) and Signature Nasi Lemak Tower ($16.90). The coconut rice is cooked with blue pea flower making it highly Instagram worthy! Served with tender short rib Beef Rendang, homemade Otak-Otak, vegetable achar and sambal.

Address: Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd, #B1-43, S238859
Opening hours: Daily 11am – 8.30pm

8. Cajun on Wheels

Source: Cajun on Wheels

Head to Cajun on Wheels for the freshest seafood in a bucket, Louisiana style! Order your preferred Cajun Boil Buckets from prawns, crabs and even lobsters. We recommend trying their assorted seafood buckets if you can’t make up your mind. The Poseidon Bucket (98) serves 2 to 3 pax and includes Sri Lankan crab, prawns, white clams, blue mussels, sweet corn, potatoes and a choice of sauce. Select from Herb & Butter, Black Pepper, Cheesy Soil, Singapore Chilli Crab and many more.

For smaller portions, they also offer the Asian Charcoal Grilled Platters such as Grilled Giant Squid Platter ($15) and Grilled Tiger Prawns Platter ($17).

Address: Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd, #03-92, S238839
Opening hours: Daily 11am – 10pm

Address: Pasarbella, Suntec, 3 Temasek Boulevard, S038983
Opening hours: Daily 11am – 10pm, closed on Mondays

9. Javier’s Rotisserie & Salad Bar

Source: Javier's Rotisserie & Salad Bar

From the same dining group as Astons, Javier’s Rotisserie & Salad Bar is a true value-for-money that will leaf (pun intended) you a lasting impression. Set in a cosy ambience with a spread of options from ready-mix salads to cooked items and fruits. The main course includes Spice Marinated Spit Roast Chicken - Quarter ($8.90), Soft Roasted Beef ($16.90), Butter Poached Salmon Fillet ($13.90) and Lamb Short Rib ($15.90). All main courses include two salads or sides.

Address: Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard, S038983
Opening hours: Daily 11.30am – 10pm

10. IndoBowl

Source: Indobowl

If there’s one thing we all love, it’s gotta be instant noodles. But at IndoBowl, they take it to the next level. Their Sambal Belado and Ijo are made fresh with no added colouring or preservatives, so you’ll be assured authentic Indonesian flavour. For platters, try their IndoMie Mumbo Jumbo ($49.90) which includes ribeye steak, chicken satay, grilled chicken, Sambal Belado, Sambal Ijo on a bed of Indomie noodles.

Address: 39 Sultan Gate, S198487
Opening hours: Daily 12pm – 4pm (last order 3.15pm) & 5pm – 10pm (last order 9.15pm)

11. Padi @ Bussorah

Source: Padi @ Bussorah

If there’s a restaurant that takes Malay cuisine seriously, it’s Padi @ Bussorah. The restaurant serves Nasi Ambeng, a traditional Malay sharing dish that comprises rice, with different meats and vegetable dishes, served on a giant plate. It’s usually shared between four to six people, promoting a culture of bonding through food and rekindling memories of the past. A true testament to their finger-lickin’ dishes, the restaurant sells up to 70 platters daily and up to 600 platters a month! If you are feeling ravenous, do try their Tulang in Dulang, bone marrow cooked in spicy gravy served with fresh bread.

Address: 53 Bussorah Street, S199469
Opening hours: Daily 11am – 10pm

12. Noosh Noodle Bar & Grill

Source: Noosh Noodle Bar & Grill

Specialising in fusion food of Asian and Western cuisines, Noosh Noodle Bar & Grill opened in 2016. They are famous for their signature dish, Smoked Duck Lemak Chilli Padi Pasta ($18.90), a clever combination of traditional Malay dish that uses duck instead of chicken, and pasta instead of rice. It is served with arugula leaves and cherry tomatoes, to help alleviate the spiciness of the gravy.

Situated at The Esplanade, their other signature dish is the Noosh Noodle Sizzling Plate ($22.90), a Korean inspired stir-fried noodles with sweet sauce, and you can pick between chicken and beef. Served on a hotplate, it elevates the dish with a slightly charred flavour. All eyes on it as it arrives sizzlin’ to you! Or if you’d like something sweet and spicy, order The Chicken Satay Pasta ($14.90).

Address: 8 Raffles Ave, Esplanade Mall, #01-13B, S039802
Opening hours: Daily 12pm – 10pm

13. StraitsKitchen

Source: StraitsKitchen

Located in Grand Hyatt Singapore, StraitsKitchen is one of the top Halal-certified buffets in Singapore. Offering a range of cuisine options from Chinese, Indian, Malay and Peranakan dishes and desserts. If you’re up for a culturally gastronomical experience, you must try StraitsKitchen.

With its open concept, it’s interesting to see the chefs at work mastering their culinary craft. The interior is also beautifully decorated with luxe furniture in an elegant and comfortable setting.

We highly recommend the Indian cuisine, which serves both Northern and Southern Indian food. Devour the Keema Mattar, Mutton Tandoori or Prawn Tandoori, accompanied with freshly made garlic naan, which is a match made in heaven for spiced lovers. Do remember to indulge in an assortment of colourful kuihs, from Kuih Lapis, Kuih Lopes, Muah Chee and even Iced Kachang for dessert, smothered in generous gula Melaka. Also go bananas for their Goreng Pisang! Here’s a tip, add a dollop of vanilla ice cream, the combination will blow you away.

Address: 10 Scotts Road, Grand Hyatt Singapore, S228211
Opening hours: Daily Breakfast from 7.30am – 10.30am, Lunch from 12pm – 2.30pm & Dinner from 6pm – 10pm. Weekend Afternoon Tea from 3pm – 5pm

14. NaNa Original Thai Food @ Far East Plaza
Famous for dishing out mouth-watering Thai cuisine, NaNa Original Thai Food restaurant, is located in the heart of Orchard Road at Far East Plaza. Indulge in authentic Halal Thai dishes and order some of their best signature fares such as Thai Red Curry, Hotplate Black Pepper Beef and Salted Egg Crab. Known for their generous portions and affordable prices, Nana Thai Restaurant does not disappoint.

Address: 14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, #04-022, S228213
Opening hours: Daily 11.30am – 9.45pm