Once an ethnic enclave for the Malay community in the 1800s, Kampung Gelam or Kampong Glam has since evolved to become a vibrant hub of youth culture and gastronomic wonders today. Forget the usual tourist traps – here’s where age-old traditions and trendy vibes collide, and there’s no better place to experience this than at the food spots on Haji Lane and Arab Street.
Photo: Singapore Tourism Board
For those wondering, “Is Haji Lane the same as Arab Street?” The answer is: Nope! Arab Street is a broader, bustling thoroughfare, while Haji Lane is its narrow, quirky, and incredibly photogenic neighbour. Both, however, form the heart of Kampong Glam’s vibrant culture and delicious food scene.
Photo: Singapore Tourism Board
So whether you’re after authentic Turkish delights, fusion local eats, or the latest café trends, our list of must-visit eateries will steer you through the best dining experiences that these two iconic streets have to offer.
1. Pasha Mezza & Grill
14 Haji Lane
Open daily from 11am to 11pm
Satisfy your craving for Mediterranean flavours at Pasha Mezza & Grill which serves up authentic Turkish delights that will transport your taste buds straight to Istanbul.
Sink your teeth into succulent kebabs, that burst with rich flavours from perfectly marinated meats that have been grilled to perfection. The creamy hummus, with its smooth texture and subtle tahini notes, is the ideal accompaniment, best eaten with warm, fluffy pita bread or a steaming, savoury pide (Turkish flat bread).
Explore a variety of flavourful mezes (small dishes) – from tangy stuffed grape leaves to smoky eggplant dip. The restaurant’s warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with traditional Turkish décor, adds to the experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking genuine Turkish and Levantine cuisine.
2. Restaurant Aisyah
25 Arab Street
Open daily from 11.30am to 9pm
For a taste of authentic Xinjiang cuisine, make your way to Restaurant Aisyah. This Muslim-owned restaurant specialises in hand-pulled noodles, a true labour of love which results in noodles with a delightfully chewy texture that perfectly complements the flavourful sauces.
Its mutton dishes are legendary, with its meat boasting aromatic spices that fill the air with an enticing fragrance, and literally fall-off-the-bone tenderness. The dishes’ unique blend of Chinese and Central Asian flavours will satisfy meat and noodle lovers alike.
3. Banh Mi Khong
40 Arab Street
Open daily from 9am to midnight
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious bite, pop by Banh Mi Khong for authentic Vietnamese banh mi.
Picture this: a crispy, golden-brown baguette, its crust shattering with each bite to reveal a soft, airy interior. You then taste your choice of fillings like grilled pork, its savoury notes enhanced by a hint of char, or the classic Vietnamese xiu mai (meatballs), so tender and flavourful.
Pickled vegetables add a refreshing crunch and tangy counterpoint, while fresh herbs provide a burst of aroma. A smear of pate adds richness, and a touch of chilli provides a spicy kick.
4. Fatt Choy Eating House
10 Haji Lane
Open daily from 11am to 10.30pm
Modern eatery Fatt Choy Eating House offers a contemporary take on traditional Singaporean dishes.
Come here for familiar local dishes like Beef Noodle Soup, Hokkien Mee, and Laksa with a creative twist, all made with high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques.
Small plates like Iberico Pork Belly with Garlic Sauce and Chilli Oil Shrimp Wanton with Flying Fish Roe are sure to whet your appetite. Follow that up with mains like The Original Roxy Laksa (which comes in a sharing pot for 4 persons) and Not Your Singapore Hokkien Mee, which comes with baby abalone, pork tendon, and pork lard for a totally mouth-watering experience.
5. The Halal Corner
63 Haji Lane
Open daily from noon to 10pm
To savour Western dishes fused with flavours from Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, head to Muslim-owned eatery The Halal Corner.
The restaurant’s signature Carbonara features a creamy carbonara sauce slathered over Roti John which has tender beef slices and caramelised onions. Also not to be missed are the Samyang Carbonara pasta, infused with tongue-tingling spicy Samyang sauce, and THC Chicken Parmigiana where breaded chicken thigh is topped with homemade sambal balado and torched mozzarella cheese.
6. Wooly’s Bagels
27 Arab Street
Open daily from 10.30am to 8.30pm
Bagel lovers, you’ve gotta try the freshly made ones from Wooly’s Bagels.
This Muslim-owned casual joint reimagines the New York classic in new and intriguing ways. Its signature GTFBagel packs chicken ham, scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, and truffle mayo sauce into a bagel, while the Él Reuben adds a Mexican-inspired twist to the classic Reuben with its drizzle of zesty salsa verde.
If you’re craving something sweet, go for the Bagel SMORE’S which has roasted marshmallows on Nutella, and enjoy the sweet, smoky, and oh so delicious flavours.
7. The French American Bakery
49 Haji Lane
Open daily from 10am to 6pm
As its name suggests, this charming Muslim-owned spot combines the best of French and American pastry traditions.
Step inside and be greeted by the aroma of freshly baked goods and desserts which range from flaky croissants and crumbly muffins, to sweet, coffee-laced tiramisu. Enjoy the pastries with a cup of creamy hot chocolate topped with fluffy torched marshmallow – a perfect blend of bittersweet, creamy, and char that soothes you from the inside out with every sip.
8. Momolato
34 Haji Lane
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday – 2pm to 11pm; Friday & Saturday – 11am to 1am; Sunday – 11am to 11pm
Stay cool in Singapore’s hot weather by indulging in Momolato’s halal-certified artisanal gelato and iced treats.
Pick from unique flavours like Cotton Candy Bubble Gum, White Chrysanthemum Goji Berries, Korean Strawberry Chamomile, Keto Triple Cheese, Purple Sour Plum, Triple Blend Vegan Chocolate, Avocado Coconut Gula Melaka, Salted Caramel Popcorn and Young Coconut Mandarin Orange Popsicle.
Enjoy the award-winning gelato on its own or with some freshly made waffle for that full dessert experience. If you’re keen on Momolato’s savoury offerings, head to its other outlet nearby at 723 North Bridge Road (opposite Sultan Mosque).
As the seating space here is pretty limited, have your desserts to go and enjoy them as you wander through the rest of Kampong Glam.
This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “Haji Lane and Arab Street: A guide to food gems in Kampong Glam”
