Restaurant Reviews by Category
Budget-Friendly Gems
King Umar Teh Tarik Cafe
Location: The Adelphi, #01-08
Ambience: Casual, no-frills Indian Muslim eatery with a bustling local atmosphere. The setting is straightforward and functional, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal without pretense.
Menu Highlights:
- Roti prata (fluffy flatbread)
- Biryani (fragrant rice dish)
- Mee goreng (stir-fried noodles)
- Banana fritters (50 cents at 3pm!)
Signature Dish Analysis: Roti Prata A beloved South Indian staple, roti prata features layers of crispy, flaky bread with a soft interior. The dough is stretched thin, folded multiple times, and pan-fried until golden. Best enjoyed with curry dipping sauce.
Price Range: Under $10 per person
Cafe Ponggol Nasi Lemak
Location: Capitol Singapore, #B1-36/36A
Ambience: Nostalgic throwback to old-school Singapore with vintage details including tiled floors, wooden stools, and decorative grills. The compact space fills quickly during lunch hours, creating a lively, communal atmosphere.
Menu Highlights:
- Traditional nasi lemak sets with egg and anchovies
- Fish, chicken, or mackerel otah options
- Chicken curry with toast
Signature Dish Analysis: Nasi Lemak Singapore’s beloved breakfast dish features fragrant coconut rice cooked with pandan leaves, served with crispy fried anchovies, roasted peanuts, cucumber slices, sambal chili paste, and a fried egg. The combination of textures and flavors creates a perfect harmony.
Price Range: $5-$10 per set
Chic Cafe Culture
Dough
Location: Chijmes, #01-30
Ambience: Hidden oasis surrounded by lush greenery with minimalist Scandinavian-inspired design. The alfresco seating features plush cushions, creating an intimate retreat from the city bustle. Perfect for leisurely afternoons with a book or laptop.
Menu Highlights:
- Strawberry brioche
- Passion fruit black tea cake
- Matcha mochi
- Specialty coffee and tea
Signature Dish Analysis: Strawberry Brioche This French-style enriched bread features a tender, buttery crumb studded with fresh strawberries. The slightly sweet dough pairs beautifully with seasonal fruit for a delicate, indulgent treat.
Price Range: $8-$15 per item
PS.Cafe Raffles City
Location: Raffles City, #03-37
Ambience: Stunning two-storey glasshouse in the heart of the mall with European cafe vibes. The space feels airy and sophisticated, transporting diners away from typical shopping center dining.
Menu Highlights:
- Truffle fries (signature dish)
- Buttermilk fried chicken with jalapeno aioli
- Extensive brunch menu
Signature Dish Analysis: Truffle Fries Hand-cut fries fried to golden perfection, then tossed with truffle oil and parmesan. The earthiness of truffle elevates simple potato into a craveable indulgence. The key is using real truffle oil (not synthetic) for authentic flavor.
Price Range: $15-$35 per person
Modern Fusion Dining
The Masses
Location: Capitol Singapore, #01-84
Ambience: Contemporary and stylish with a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere. The modern interior design complements the innovative menu, creating a space perfect for business lunches or special occasions.
Menu Highlights:
- Rotating seasonal menu (changes every 4 months)
- Modern Singaporean fusion cuisine
- French-Asian crossover dishes
- Set lunch options
Dish Analysis: Mod-Sin Cuisine This restaurant pioneered the fusion of French techniques with Asian hawker flavors. Expect familiar local dishes reimagined with refined plating, premium ingredients, and European cooking methods. The result bridges tradition and innovation.
Price Range: $40-$80 per person
Tipsy Flamingo
Location: Raffles City, #01-17A
Ambience: Vibrant, colorful bar with a playful tropical theme. The energetic atmosphere makes it ideal for after-work drinks and casual dining. Open until 1am on weekdays and Saturdays.
Menu Highlights:
- Artisanal cocktails and cocktail towers
- Tapas selection
- Wok-fried beef cubes
- Carrot cake
Signature Item Analysis: Cocktail Tower Designed for groups of four or more, these towering drinks make a visual statement. Multiple cocktails are stacked in a tiered dispenser, creating an interactive drinking experience that encourages sharing and socializing.
Price Range: $20-$50 per person
Fine Dining Excellence
Odette
Location: National Gallery Singapore, #01-04
Ambience: Dreamy, elegant fine dining room featuring floating art installations and a glass-enclosed kitchen. The sophisticated space reflects the refined cuisine, with every detail carefully considered. This is destination dining at its finest.
Menu Style:
- Modern French cuisine
- Seasonal tasting menus
- Premium, artisanal ingredients
Culinary Approach: Chef Julien Royer’s philosophy centers on showcasing ingredient quality through precise French techniques. Dishes are meticulously plated as edible art, with each course building on the previous to create a complete narrative.
Price Range: $200-$400+ per person
Michelin Recognition: Multiple stars
Art di Daniele Sperindio
Location: National Gallery Singapore, #06-02 (Rooftop)
Ambience: Contemporary Italian restaurant with spectacular panoramic Marina Bay views. The rooftop terrace setting adds drama to the dining experience, especially during sunset. The space is both artistic and romantic.
Menu Style:
- Episodic tasting menus
- Contemporary Italian cuisine
- Artistic presentations
Culinary Philosophy: Chef Daniele Sperindio creates dishes that are visual masterpieces before they’re tasted. Each plate tells a story, blending Italian tradition with avant-garde techniques and plating.
Price Range: $200-$350+ per person
Michelin Recognition: Starred restaurant
Recipe: Nasi Lemak (Inspired by Cafe Ponggol)
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 2 pandan leaves, tied into a knot
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 slice ginger
For the Sambal:
- 15 dried chilies, soaked
- 5 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 inch belacan (shrimp paste)
- 3 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Salt to taste
Accompaniments:
- Fried eggs
- Fried anchovies (ikan bilis)
- Roasted peanuts
- Cucumber slices
- Fried chicken or fish (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Rice
- Rinse jasmine rice until water runs clear
- In a rice cooker, combine rice, coconut milk, water, pandan leaves, salt, and ginger
- Cook as you would regular rice
- Once done, fluff with a fork and remove pandan leaves
- Keep warm until serving
Step 2: Make the Sambal
- Blend soaked chilies, shallots, garlic, and belacan into a smooth paste
- Heat oil in a wok over medium heat
- Fry the paste until fragrant and oil separates (about 10 minutes)
- Add tamarind paste, sugar, and salt
- Continue cooking until sambal darkens and becomes thick
- Adjust seasoning to taste
Step 3: Prepare Accompaniments
- Fry eggs sunny-side up with crispy edges
- Deep-fry dried anchovies until crispy (1-2 minutes)
- Roast peanuts in a dry pan until golden
- Slice cucumber into thin rounds
Step 4: Plate and Serve
- Place a generous scoop of coconut rice on a plate
- Add fried egg on top or beside rice
- Arrange anchovies, peanuts, and cucumber around the rice
- Serve sambal on the side or drizzled over
- Add fried chicken or fish if desired
Cooking Time: 45 minutes Serves: 4 people
Recipe: Truffle Fries (Inspired by PS.Cafe)
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tbsp truffle oil (high quality)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Sea salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Potatoes
- Wash and peel potatoes
- Cut into 1/4-inch thick fries
- Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch
- Drain and pat completely dry with paper towels
Step 2: Double-Fry Method
- Heat oil to 325°F (160°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot
- Fry potatoes in batches for 5-6 minutes (first fry – they should be soft but not brown)
- Remove and drain on paper towels
- Let rest for 10 minutes
- Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C)
- Fry again for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy
Step 3: Season and Serve
- Transfer hot fries to a large bowl
- Drizzle with truffle oil
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
- Add salt, pepper, and parsley
- Toss gently to coat evenly
- Serve immediately while hot
Cooking Time: 50 minutes (including resting) Serves: 4 as a side dish
Dish Analysis: Modern Singaporean Fusion
What Makes Mod-Sin Cuisine Unique?
Cultural Foundation: Singapore’s food culture draws from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan traditions. Modern Singaporean cuisine takes these foundations and applies contemporary techniques.
Key Characteristics:
- Familiar Flavors, New Forms – Classic hawker dishes reimagined with refined presentations
- Premium Ingredients – Upgrading traditional recipes with high-quality produce
- French Techniques – Incorporating sous vide, emulsification, and precise plating
- Seasonal Rotation – Menus that change to reflect ingredient availability
Examples from The Masses:
- Laksa foam instead of traditional curry soup
- Deconstructed char kway teow with premium seafood
- Bak kut teh essence transformed into a refined consommé
The Evolution of Singapore’s Dining Scene
The City Hall district exemplifies Singapore’s culinary evolution. From traditional hawker fare at King Umar to Michelin-starred excellence at Odette, the area offers the complete spectrum. This diversity reflects Singapore’s identity as a global food capital.
Delivery Options & Practical Information
Restaurants with Delivery Services
Budget Options:
- Sukiya – Available on GrabFood, Deliveroo, foodpanda
- Shiok Burger – Available on GrabFood, Deliveroo
Cafe Delivery:
- Surrey Hills Grocer – Self-delivery available
- PS.Cafe – Available on major delivery platforms
Fine Dining Takeaway:
- The Masses – Limited delivery/takeaway menu available
- Odette – Special takeaway menu during selected periods
Delivery Apps Operating in Singapore:
- GrabFood – Largest selection, frequent promotions
- Deliveroo – Good for premium restaurants
- foodpanda – Wide coverage, budget-friendly options
Dining Tips for City Hall
Best Times to Visit:
- Weekday lunches: 11am-12pm (beat the crowd)
- Weekend brunches: 10am-11am
- Happy hours: 3pm-6pm (check Brasserie Astoria)
Reservation Recommendations:
- Fine dining (Odette, Art): Book 2-4 weeks ahead
- Popular cafes (PS.Cafe): Weekends fill up quickly
- Budget eateries: Walk-ins usually available
Getting There:
- MRT: City Hall Station (NS25/EW13)
- Nearby stations: Bras Basah, Esplanade
- Parking: Available at Raffles City, Capitol Singapore, Funan
Conclusion
The City Hall dining scene offers something for every palate and budget. Whether you’re grabbing a $5 nasi lemak at Cafe Ponggol, sipping artisanal coffee at Dough, or experiencing world-class cuisine at Odette, this historic district has evolved into a food lover’s paradise. The blend of traditional eateries, contemporary cafes, and Michelin-starred restaurants reflects Singapore’s dynamic culinary landscape.
Final Recommendations:
- Best Budget Meal: King Umar Teh Tarik Cafe
- Best Cafe Ambience: Dough at Chijmes
- Best Fusion Experience: The Masses
- Best Special Occasion: Odette or Art di Daniele Sperindio
- Best Views: Art di Daniele Sperindio (rooftop terrace)