The Raffles Place dining landscape has evolved dramatically, transforming from a lunch-hour scramble into a vibrant culinary destination. This comprehensive review explores 20 standout establishments that cater to every budget, craving, and dietary preference in Singapore’s bustling financial district.
The Best Budget Eats (Under $10)
Golden Nur – Market Street Hawker Centre
Rating: ★★★★½
This family-run stall exemplifies why hawker food remains Singapore’s greatest culinary treasure. The Crispy Chicken Biryani ($6.50) delivers exceptional value with a perfectly deep-fried chicken leg boasting a shattering crust and succulent interior. The basmati rice, fragrant with aromatics, arrives with curry that’s rich without being heavy. Open from 7am for breakfast prata ($1.70), it’s accessible for any meal.
Best for: Budget-conscious diners seeking authentic flavors
Address: Market Street Hawker Centre, #03-11/12
Kinber Kopi – Hidden Gem Alert
Rating: ★★★★
A five-minute walk from Raffles Place MRT reveals this under-the-radar spot where sandwiches start at $2.90. The unexpected star? Taro with Pork Floss ($4.90) – buttered toast embracing sweet orh nee paste and savory pork floss creates an addictive sweet-savory contrast. Rice sets under $8 make this ideal for daily lunches without financial guilt.
Best for: Daily regulars wanting variety without breaking the bank
Address: Hong Leong Building, #B1-33
Asian Comfort Food Excellence
Nong Geng Ji – Hunan Powerhouse
Rating: ★★★★½
Hunan cuisine’s bold, punchy character shines at this Collyer Quay specialist. The Stir-Fried Pork with Abalone and Chilli ($28.80++) showcases Hunan green peppers that provide legitimate heat, elevating tender pork and baby abalone beyond typical Chinese restaurant fare. The Signature Grass Fish Fillet with Chilli ($26.80++) warns you upfront about its numbing Sichuan-style spice – respect the heat level or face the consequences.
Best for: Groups wanting authentic Chinese regional cuisine
Address: Collyer Quay Centre, #01-01/02
88 Hong Kong Roast Meat Specialist
Rating: ★★★★★
The Far East Square expansion of this beloved chain maintains the quality that made it legendary. Run by an ex-restaurant chef, the roasted meats achieve that elusive balance of crispy skin and juicy meat. The triple combo – Roasted Pork, Char Siew, and Roasted Duck Rice ($11) – provides generous portions across 100 air-conditioned seats. The Premium Char Siew Wanton Noodle ($7.50) offers springy noodles and exemplary char siew for under $8.
Best for: Reliable, crowd-pleasing Cantonese roasts
Address: 19 China Street, Far East Square
Xiao Yu Hao – Viral Chinese Chain
Rating: ★★★★
This suan cai yu specialist from China brings authentic pickled vegetable fish soup to the CBD. The Sauerkraut Black Fish Five Grain Rice Noodles in Golden Broth ($12.80) impresses with firm, chewy noodles, tender fish slices, and broth marked by tangy complexity. The adventurous White Fish in Spicy Lemon Broth ($10.80) adds refreshing citrus notes that cut through spice brilliantly.
Best for: Adventurous eaters wanting trending Chinese flavors
Address: Collyer Quay Centre, #01-10
Japanese Excellence
Tsukimi Hamburg – Wagyu Value
Rating: ★★★★½
CapitaSpring’s first floor houses this remarkable find where Wagyu hamburg sets stay under $20. The signature Tsukimi Hamburg Don ($14.80) features a substantial 180g patty blending US beef, pork, and Miyazaki Wagyu. Grated radish and raw Japanese egg yolk add textural contrast and richness. The Bacon Hamburg Steak Teishoku ($18.80), served sizzling on a hotplate, provides an affordable splurge with its thick bacon crown.
Best for: Value-seekers wanting premium ingredients
Address: CapitaSpring, #01-05
Gochi-So Shokudo – Casual Izakaya Vibes
Rating: ★★★★
This approachable Japanese restaurant’s Charcoal Grill Iberico Don range demonstrates why Iberico pork commands premium prices. The Iberico Black Char Siew Don ($13.90++) features juicy, caramelized strips over rice with an onsen egg that enriches every bite. The extensive menu spanning rice bowls, steak, tonkatsu, and kaisendon means there’s something for everyone.
Best for: Groups with varied Japanese food preferences
Address: One Raffles Place Tower 2, #B1-30
Gyoza-San – Halal Japanese
Rating: ★★★★
Finding quality halal Japanese food in the CBD once posed challenges. Not anymore. This specialist offers eight handmade gyoza flavors ($6.50-$7.50) pan-fried on traditional cast iron. The Tom Yam Kung ($7.50) dumplings surprise with their fusion approach – pink wrappers, chicken filling, and accompanying tom yum sauce create an unexpected but successful cross-cultural marriage.
Best for: Muslim diners craving Japanese flavors
Address: 30 Raffles Place, #B1-29
Fresh & Healthy Options
Salmon Samurai – Build-Your-Own Bowls
Rating: ★★★★
Sister restaurant to Tanuki Raw, this customizable donburi concept targets time-pressed workers. The Sockeye Bowl ($15.90) lets you craft your ideal combination: one base, one deluxe topping, two standard toppings, and your choice of salmon preparation. The daily-sliced sashimi option remains the crowd favorite, delivering freshness and value.
Best for: Salmon lovers wanting control over their bowl
Address: Ocean Financial Centre, #B1-08
Soup Cup – MSG-Free Comfort
Rating: ★★★★½
Started by an ex-MasterChef Singapore finalist, this kiosk proves that fast food needn’t compromise flavor. The Signature Seafood Soup ($14) packs in grouper, clams, pork, prawns, and squid swimming in umami-rich broth achieved through eight hours of slow cooking. The sweet undertones and depth come from technique, not MSG. The adorable Piccolo ($4) size served in a coffee cup makes a perfect light meal.
Best for: Health-conscious diners wanting genuine flavor
Address: Hong Leong Building, #B1-26
The Daily Cut – Silent Salad Service
Rating: ★★★★
Minimalist by design with no signboard or verbal ordering, this salad joint requires customers to tick boxes on paper menus. Bowls start at $10.50 with impressive customization spanning proteins like Roast Beef (+$1.80), vegetables, grains, and housemade dressings. The Caramelised Mushrooms and Sichuan Tofu showcase that vegetable-forward eating needn’t be boring.
Best for: Low-carb diners and salad enthusiasts
Address: One Raffles Place Tower 1, #B1-31
Souperstar – Fusion Popiah Innovation
Rating: ★★★★
Building on their family popiah business, these sister-owners expanded into soups, salads, and sandwiches while keeping handmade daily popiah wraps as stars. The Sesame Chicken ($5.50) popiah balances traditional elements with contemporary twists. Low-carb seekers appreciate hearty soups like Creamy Tomato Basil and Souper Shroomy (from $5).
Best for: Lighter lunch options with local flair
Address: One Raffles Place, #B1-11
International Flavors
Sol & Luna – European Elegance
Rating: ★★★★½
Perched on CapitaSpring’s 17th floor, this pretty European restaurant offers well-priced lunch sets ($42++ for two courses, $48++ for three) with stunning views. The Porcini Raviolini with roasted chestnuts and saffron cream showcases refined technique, while the Greek Style Oven Baked Sea Bass provides lighter Mediterranean options. The setting alone elevates any business lunch.
Best for: Client lunches and special occasions
Address: CapitaSpring, #17-01
Gado & Grill – Indonesian Hawker Fare
Rating: ★★★★
This halal-certified spot delivers authentic Indonesian flavors at hawker prices. The GadoMie ($7.50+) creatively merges Indomie-style noodles with gado gado elements – meat, sunny egg, prawn chips, and vegetables. With only six menu items including Ayam Penyet ($8.50+), the focus remains tight. Limited seating makes takeaway the smart choice.
Best for: Indonesian food cravings on a budget
Address: One Raffles Place, #B1-20
The Sandwich Guys – American Indulgence
Rating: ★★★★½
Relocated from NTU to serve the office crowd, these “meatwiches” embrace American excess gloriously. The Pastrami ($14) overflows with smoked beef brisket, while the Philly Cheesesteak ($9.50) drowns ribeye, cheddar, and mozzarella in nacho cheese. Breakfast offerings (8am-11am) include Breakfast Burrito Wraps ($4.90) and Egg Sandwiches (from $4).
Best for: Cheat day indulgence and hearty appetites
Address: One Raffles Place, #B1-36
Bakeries & Desserts
The Backyard Bakers – Instagram Brownie Fame
Rating: ★★★★½
With nearly 40K Instagram followers, this bakery’s blackout brownies justify the hype. Unique flavors like Peanut Butter & Himalayan Pink Salt ($7.50), Valrhona Dulcey & Maldon Sea Salt Flakes ($7.80), and Whisky Orange & Dark Chocolate ($7.95) showcase creative sophistication. Each brownie balances fudgy richness with distinctive flavor profiles.
Best for: Gifting colleagues or personal treats
Address: Republic Plaza, #01-07
Whiskdom – Lava Cookie Specialists
Rating: ★★★★
The One Raffles Place outlet brings this homegrown bakery’s molten-centered treats to the CBD. Lava cookies and muffins ($6.50 each) include favorites like Matcha Lava Cookie and Salted Dark Chocolate Brownie. Loaded bagels ($7-$15) handle savory cravings, with the Classic Beef ($12) offering reliable satisfaction.
Best for: Afternoon pick-me-ups and coffee companions
Address: One Raffles Place, #B1-06
DESEM Dessert – Hidden Bakery Gem
Rating: ★★★★
Tucked in Republic Plaza, this kiosk serves trendy bakes and viennoiseries beyond typical offerings. One pastry costs $2.20, three for $5.80, or ten for $18.80. The Scallion Cheddar Cheese Scone, Garlic Butter Scone, and Matcha White Chocolate Scone demonstrate range. Experimental items like shio pan and sourdough croissants reward adventurous palates.
Best for: Office sharing and breakfast grab-and-go
Address: Republic Plaza, #B1-16
Beverages & Cafes
Kebuke – Taiwan Bubble Tea
Rating: ★★★★
This Taiwan-famous chain’s second Singapore outlet features cozy dine-in space at Raffles Place. The Brown Sugar Pearl Black Tea Latte ($5.70) delivers classic creamy satisfaction, but the Singapore-exclusive Biscoff Black Tea ($5.60) with swirls of cookie butter deserves attention. Quality ingredients and generous toppings justify the prices.
Best for: Bubble tea enthusiasts and afternoon breaks
Address: CIMB Plaza, #B1-01
The Providore – Glasshouse Cafe
Rating: ★★★★½
This flagship café-cum-retail outlet occupies a unique glasshouse space. The Eggs Benedict ($23.50++) with double-smoked ham represents brunch done right, while Ricotta Pancakes ($22.50++) topped with caramelized bananas and candied walnuts satisfy sweet cravings. Premium pricing reflects the ambiance and quality ingredients.
Best for: Leisurely weekend brunches and retail browsing
Address: 7 Raffles Place
The Verdict
Raffles Place’s dining scene has matured beyond rushed lunch counters into a legitimate food destination. Budget warriors find exceptional value at Golden Nur and Kinber Kopi. Mid-range diners discover quality at Tsukimi Hamburg and 88 Hong Kong Roast Meat Specialist. Those seeking elevated experiences have Sol & Luna and The Providore.
The inclusion of halal options (Gyoza-San, Gado & Grill), health-conscious choices (The Daily Cut, Salmon Samurai), and dietary accommodations demonstrates the area’s evolution. Weekend accessibility varies, with many spots operating Monday-Friday only, though several maintain Saturday hours.
Top Picks by Category:
- Best Value: Golden Nur’s Crispy Chicken Biryani
- Best Splurge: Sol & Luna lunch sets with views
- Most Unique: The Backyard Bakers’ creative brownies
- Best for Groups: 88 Hong Kong Roast Meat Specialist
- Hidden Gem: Kinber Kopi
- Healthiest: The Daily Cut customizable salads
- Best Quick Lunch: Tsukimi Hamburg
The CBD’s transformation from monotonous lunch options to diverse culinary landscape means workers and visitors alike can explore new cuisines daily without repetition. Whether you’re seeking a $6 biryani or a $48 European lunch set, Raffles Place delivers quality across every price point.
- Limited Information: Most establishments appear to be dine-in focused
- Takeaway Available: Several hawker stalls and coffee shops
- No Delivery Mentioned: For most locations
Tourist Accessibility:
- Highest Value: Maxwell Food Centre, Tong Ah Eating House, Original Katong Laksa, Atlas Bar
- Moderate Accessibility: Most hawker centres and established restaurants
- Advance Planning Required: The Ampang Kitchen, Burnt Ends reservations
Cultural Significance:
- Historical: Tong Ah (1939), Singapore Zam Zam (1908), Song Fa (1969)
- Heritage Preservation : Kim Choo Kueh Chang, Tan’s Tu Tu Coconut Cake
- Modern Innovation: Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet, % Arabica
Cooking Techniques Highlighted:
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