The 10 Best Restaurants in Bugis, Singapore

This is a secret that Singaporeans tend to be hesitant to share partly out of fear that this restaurant located in a vintage shophouse might become too crowded. Murtabaks (stuffed pan-fried bread normally filled with meat), known for the signature crispy layer, is what makes this store famous and one of the more popular dining stops in Singapore for fuss-free Indian food.

As its name suggests, QQ Noodle House specialises in noodles, although that’s not the only option on the menu. What’s particularly intriguing here is the type of dishes they offer, which ranges from local staples such as mee pok and laksa all the way to more exquisite offerings such as Martell Chicken Broth Vermicelli. You can easily get overwhelmed here with such a wide variety of noodle dishes all cooked to perfection, as expected, and the syncretic blends that allow it to stand out from other stalls in Singapore.

Probably one of the most unique dining experiences you can have in Singapore can be done at NOX, where you literally dine in complete darkness. To add to this whole surreal experience, the staff that serves you are visually impaired. What you basically have to do is taste the food and drinks in its most primal state without any visual or decorative elements and rely solely on taste and smell. The concept is taken further as you get to state your preferences and dietary restrictions but you will have no clue what is on the menu. Overall, this is one for the adventurous and those curious to see if their tastebuds and noses are up to the test in guessing the dishes.

Awarded the Bib Gourmand in 2016 by the Michelin Guide, Alaturka has been a popular stop in the historical Kampong Glam area for anyone wanting the best of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. The charming interiors are a perfect match to the feast you will be served, making this a perfect place to bring a close friend or loved one. Note that they also cater to vegetarians.

Reputed to be Singapore’s and Asia’s first genuine Peruvian cevicheria, TONO Cevicheria has been making waves here by offering exquisite Peruvian specialties in a friendly, homely manner. TONO Cevicheria, as the name implies, specialises in what is considered Peru’s national dish of ceviche. Ceviche is basically raw fish that has been cured in lime or lemon with added spices and seasonings. TONO Cevicheria has painstakingly maintained that authenticity with trained chefs from Lima preparing the dish fresh and with utmost effort, making it a delight to dine here.

Another rare delight from Bugis is Aryaa, which is touted as focusing on the culinary delights from the routes of Alexander the Great’s vaunted conquests. So expect everything from Greek to Punjabi to Persian and Mediterranean. This is definitely for the history buff as you stuff yourself with historical fervour and overdose your sensory experiences with a burst of flavours from various regions.

An old establishment with a celebrated history around the Bugis area, Wing Seong is a very popular restaurants for both locals and visitors. Crack open a couple of beers and dig in to their generous spreads of traditional Malay dishes.

Pondok Jawa Timur started off as a humble store at the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore but gradually shifted and became a full-fledged restaurant in its own right. The smell is immediately overwhelming, with the ever-popular Javanese cuisine bringing in throngs of customers. A lot of the items are similar to what you will find in local stores but with a very unique twist. That means this is a fantastic chance to taste some mouth-watering and authentic regional delicacies.

Considering that nearby Arab street was a popular spot for Arab immigrants to settle, it’s no wonder that Byblos Grill, focusing on Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, is constantly raved about when you get a craving for hummus, lamb chops or moussaka. The vibe here replicates the atmosphere you might find in Lebanon and it certainly is worth checking out for some cosy yet frenetic and fun times while munching on some grilled specialties, which so happens to be their most popular option.