Give the new and upcoming places a rest! As hip as they may be, they can’t hold a candle to these places that have been around for 6 centuries collectively.
PS. This is in no way an exhaustive list so feel free to let us know what else you think should make the list! Just comment below – our team of foodies would be thrilled for more reasons to eat on the job.
Tong Heng Confectionery
Come here for the best egg tarts you’ll ever taste. This humble bakery has been around since 1920 and is known for their traditional Chinese pastries and iconic egg tarts. Sink your teeth into wobbly but smooth egg custard in a buttery, crisp, and flaky base. Disclaimer: you can’t stop at just one.
Tong Heng Confectionery, 285 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058833, p. 6223 0398. Open daily 9am-10pm.
Spring Court Restaurant
As the oldest family-run Chinese restaurant in Singapore that dates back to 1929, this used to be THE place for Chinese weddings back in the day. They dedicate themselves to serving up traditional Singaporean Chinese food here, like braised shark’s fin soup, Buddha Jumps over the Wall, and Peking duck.
Spring Court, 52-56 Upper Cross Street, Singapore 058348, p. 6449 5030. Open daily 11am-3pm, 6-1030pm.
Tai Chong Kok
Tai Chong Kok
For some of Singapore’s best traditional mooncakes, head down to this famous bakery established in Singapore’s Chinatown more than 75 years ago. The mooncakes here are freshly baked daily and handmade from original recipes passed down from generation to generation. Make sure to also try their nian gao (Lunar New Year cakes).
Tai Chong Kok, 34 Sago Street, Singapore 059026, p. 6227 5701. Open daily 8am-9pm
Red Star Restaurant
Open since the 1970s, this is the place to go to for authentic Cantonese cuisine and traditional dim sum from a pushcart. It’s all about the old days here. We love it so much we even gave it an award!
Red Star Restaurant, 54 Chin Swee Rd, Singapore 160054, p. 6532 5266. Open daily 7am-3pm, 6-1030pm.
Samy’s Curry
Founded by the late Mr. M. Veerasamy back in the 1950s, this Indian restaurant serves up delicious and authentic South Indian cuisine. Try their signature dishes, the curry fish head, which comes with a tangy, not too spicy sauce that packs a punch, and the Masala chicken, moist and juicy meat covered with a spicy paste. Even Anthony Bourdain’s given this place his thumbs up.
Samy’s Curry, 25A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249670, p. 6472 2080. Open Mon 11am-3pm, 6-10pm, Wed-Sun 11am-3pm, 6-10pm.
Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
Everything about this place is original. Enjoy local coffee, traditional kaya toast, perfectly soft-boiled eggs, and handmade cakes at this old school coffee shop that’s been around for more than 80 years. It’s the atmosphere that makes this place a must-visit.
Chin Mee Chin Confectionery, 204 East Coast Road, Singapore 428903, p. 6345 0419. Open Tue-Sun 830am-4pm.
Zam Zam
This restaurant is one of Singapore’s best-known Muslim restaurants and has been open since 1908. Head here for the best murtabak (a flaky pancake stuffed with a savory filling) in town; try it with mutton or chicken.
Zam Zam, 697 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198675, p. 6298 6320. Open daily 8am-11pm.
Kim Choo
Kim Choo
These traditional Nyonya bak chang (rice dumplings with meat fillings) have been a mainstay in Singapore’s east coast area for over 60 years. Handmade daily, take your pick from over 7 different types of dumplings, each one with a different filling. Peel away the pandan leaves and tuck in! There is also a wide range of nyonya kuehs on offer.
Kim Choo dumplings, 109 East Coast Road, Singapore 428800, p. 6741 2125. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice
Chicken rice is no doubt one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes, and this family-owned business for over 2 decades serves up a mean plate. As a testament to its long legacy and reputation, Wee Nam Kee is constantly full house at lunchtime or dinnertime. People practically swarm the place to get a plate of their signature dish, the ever-popular roasted and steamed chicken rice.
Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice, #01-08/11 United Square, 101 Thomson Road, Singapore 307591, p. 6251 5885. Open daily 1030am-930pm.
Jumbo Seafood, Red House, & Long Beach at East Coast Seafood Centre
Chili crab is another iconic dish of Singapore, and you can get it at Jumbo Seafood, Red House, or Long Beach at the East Coast Seafood Centre. All three restaurants have been around for more than 30 years so get ready for some finger-licking goodness!
Jumbo Seafood, #01-07/08 Blk 1206 East Coast Parkway, East Coast Seafood Centre, Singapore 449883, p. 6442 3435. Open Mon-Sat 5-1145pm, Sun 12pm-12am.
Red House Seafood Restaurant, #01-05 Blk 1204 East Coast Parkway, East Coast Seafood Centre, Singapore 449882, p. 6442 3112. Open Mon-Fri 12-11pm, Sat-Sun 1130am-11pm.
Long Beach Seafood Restaurant, #01-04 East Coast Parkway, East Coast Seafood Centre, Singapore 449811, p. 6448 3636. Open Mon-Thu 2pm-1215am, Fri 130pm-1215pm, Sat 1130am-115pm, Sun & PH 1130am-1215am, Eve of PH 230pm-115am.
New Eastern Bak Kwa
There are a bunch of bak kwa (chinese roasted pork jerky) specialists out there but this rates as one of the best, by producing and maintaining the traditional ways of making thin and tender charcoal barbecue bak kwa. Established in 1968, they have a main factory and a few retail outlets all over Singapore. They even do free delivery!
New Eastern Bak Kwa, #03-27 Gourmet East Kitchen, 3017 Bedok North Street 5, Singapore 486121, p. 9787 4374.
Top Image: Tai Chong Kok